Since I have so far narrowed the search down to specific kits from Iron Rock, Rough Country, and Rubicon Express, I contacted them via the listed e-mail addresses or provided contact forms on their websites.

I provided a brief description advising my XJ is bone stock, the t-case, gear, axle details, etc. I advised this will remain my DD but will become a WW, used for light trials, camping, hunting, etc.

I told each company the three specific kits I am considering, and I asked two questions...

1. Why should I buy your product instead of one of the others?

2. What would you suggest I purchase that is not already included in your kit?

These were sent at 0300 Thursday, 08-04-11. I'll post the responses when and if I get any

I figure yes, they're big, yes the have a lot of customers, but they are asking me to spend a few grand on their products and some of the details can be vague, especially for someone new at this - so hopefully someone can fire off a quick answer to two short questions.

How they respond before the sale might be indicative of how they might respond after they have my money.

YOu left out two other companies that make better products. Rock Krawler, and BDS.

I think I heard Rubicon express was shut down for a bit and then sold. It'll be interesting to hear what the new owners have to say. Keep us updated.

Man I wish I had the cash for a bds lift! They're no joke plus the lifetime warranty.

Haven't heard about BDS before

BDS=awesome i got there parts on my truck. JKS is out there too. you should check out the sticky about lift companies

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/xj...mpanies-76868/

lots of my questions answered in that.

One of the reasons BDS is so great is their lifetime warranty. You break it they replace it. Doesn't matter if you crush it on some unforgiving rock. Take pics email them they send you a new part. (Might actually be more in depth than that but you get the point)

Now that being said. I still went rough country. I just can't afford 1200 bucks on a 3 inch lift right now.

I looked at BDS and wow, they do look nice!

Sadly, I think that is way out of my budget! I'm aiming for 4.5 - 6.5 of lift and will still need to get an SYE, the cv shaft, better shocks, wheels, and tires, and the BDS kit price is sitting at the very top of my budget to cover everything.

But man..... sure is tempting

I wonder... I guess I could just run little 28" BFG on stock alloys for a year or so

Look at the RK 3 link setup... killer flex nice ride.. and moderate price.


Here is a pic of my rig on 6.5" coils


My brake line is limiting my down travel.. and notice how far my coil is off the upper mount

i went with rough country. outside of their joints....they make great products and you cant beat the price or the customer service. they will also replace stuff if you break it also i believe

SO does RK... they have you break it.. we replace it warranty too. I really dont see anyone breaking this kit...As hard as I am on my junk... all I have been able to do is scar it.

Who is RK? For some reason its just not ringing a bell.

Rock Krawler

RE is back up this month.

I am in the middle of installing IRO's 5.5" Short arm kit. I spent a little extra and got the brake lines and adjustable arms.

Most of their kit comes from Rough Country (worries me a bit seen bad ju-ju with some RC stuff).

Shock kit is incorrect they give you 9170 Front /9114 Rear. Bushings and hardware on the front don't fit, not made/recommended for an XJ (I called RC.)

Instructions are way light and if I did this mess again wouldn't really follow them. We shall see about the trail worthiness of it.