Hey guys, I want some advice on parts I'm about to pick up for my XJ. So a little back story, I got my rig with a short arm 6.5" Rusty's lift running 35's geared 3.07. I got a heck of a deal on it, but I knew I would need to put some money into it to get it where I wanted. Bought a set of axles from a wrecked XJ geared 4.56 with a spartan locker in the rear 8.25 and GC disc conversion. The new Dana 30 needs spring perches welded on, but is ready to bolt on otherwise. I don't have any driveline vibes at this point, but it came with a TC drop installed and I want my ground clearance back. The ride quality is also horrible due to the short arms with 6.5" lift and the severe angles on the control arms. You feel every bump in the road go into the unibody instead of the springs. The motor leaks oil, but runs real strong and only has 176K miles. So I convinced the wife to let me buy some new goodies to make the old girl more capable and comfortable. Here is the short list of what I plan to pick up:

- Advanced Adapters SYE with Adam's Driveshaft
- Spring perches from Artec inc.
- Control Arm Drop Kit from Rocky Road Outfitters
- I also realize I'll need shims for my rear axle after the SYE and extended e-brake lines for my new set up.

Let me know what you guys think, if this is good stuff or if I should look at different companies. Thanks in advance guys!

 

What type of environment will you be wheeling this thing on? Logs/fallen trees? Large rocks? Sharp ledges? If so, you may want to consider looking at a set of long-arms and forgo the CAD's. CAD's will solve one of your issues (ride-quality), but, with CAD's you run a risk of getting hung up on large objects.

I have the RRO CAD's and they're solid and do exactly what they're supposed to, it's just that there's a trade-off. Something to think about since you want your ground clearance back.

 

If you are staying with 6.5 lift go with a long arm system it would be better then using Control Arm Drop Kit , I don't think you would be happy staying with short arms , the long arms will ride much better . I have a 4.5 lift and my friends XJ has a 5.5 lift and it rides better then mine and he has a long arm system I have short arm .

 

I plan on sticking mainly to old fire roads and maybe some moderate trails, but I don't plan on getting in the rocks at all. That just doesn't appeal to me. The main reason I want to stay away from long arms is that the upgrade is so expensive. I realize that I will lose some clearance with the CAD but it is already a taller lift than I need. I didn't actually want an xj that had as much lift as mine does, but the price was to good to pass on it.

 

Understood. The RRO CAD's are a great choice and I have no regrets with them.

 

Awesome! Thanks alot, 4WD4EVER

 

You're quite welcome and maybe consider consider getting your driveshaft made locally, pocket the difference and replace the UCA and LCA bushings while you're under there. That will make a significant difference in the ride quality along with corrected suspension geometry.