I am split between a 4.5" and a 6.5" lift. Looking at long arm kits. I want to do it right the first time. I will probably be doing mostly mild wheeling, but I do want options of doing more. As a newbie I just want to be informed. I would like to be able to take it on trips and back and forth to work if I wanted to, although it will be essentially a third vehicle. Let me here your opinions. Specs: 1999 Cherokee D30 in front, 35 in back, NP242 and AW4. I have been reading up plenty on all things I need to do whether it be 4.5" or 6.5" and I am sure I will have more questions, but right now I am stuck on what size and brand. I wouldn't say price is an object, but I am not a cheap skate either. Thanks in advance for your help!

Josh

 

i would go 4.5" RE. i think 6.5 on an xj is too much. 4.5 is good for 35s, and the max i'd run on that d35 is open 33s.

but even better than a 4.5 RE, i'd go with a hybrid 3.5 from DPG/OME kit. 3.5 and lockers will take you a lot of places, and drive better way better than a 6.5

 

If you want to do it right the first time, then go with a RE 5.5 lift kit. I have no experience with the 4.5 or 6.5 lift kits, but i hear the bushings go out pretty quick. RE will last forever, and it is not that much more. Serious offroad has fair prices for RE products.

 

I put 6.5 bds long arm I was trying to do it right first time. If your thinking of stiffeners and long arm make sure you do the stiffeners first. My bad.

 

the bushings go out because why? and RE doesnt last forever anymore. not made in america
"trans america bought rubicon express. 4 wheel parts is their store. now rubicon express will be made with the same chinese junk quality as the rest of there parts. another usa company down the drain."
it's still a decent kit. but I would not buy it brand new. second hand through craigslist would be great. or mix and match their coils/springs with other companies etc.

I vote 4.5" mix and match. you can get decent flex out of short arms too.
but for you, the place to start reading is right here https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/xj...68/#post857133

 

Wow, wrong on so many levels.

Yes RE is now owned by T/A, no it's not "Chinese Junk".

True some parts are from off-shore manufacturers, but most certainly not all of them.

RE bushings don't last forever anymore? Never did, neither does any other brand. All bushings wear out.

If you have that much of a problem with foreign made products, better start returning your electronics to Wal-Mart.
Your tools to Harbor Freight.
Your close to K-Mart/Wal-mart/Target/JCP

As for the quality...

I've had 1 or 2 small items returned for warranty replacement since RE became available again. In my book that's a helluva good track record.

RE has an outstanding warranty, read it for yourself:
Page 84
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/info/catalog.aspx

 

lol I was waiting for you to chime in. Never said it was terrible just that it's not the same as it used to be. I have a 4.5" kit from before the company changed. I bought some new parts and my old ones are BEEF in comparison. It's not Chinese junk that quote is an obvious exaggeration.