Basics
99 Cherokee, AW4, NP231, Chrysler 8.25, D30
142,xxx miles
Rear leafs are inverting, need shocks too.

Daily driver back and forth to work, Emergency response to the scene (Assistant Chief of Volunteer Fire Dept) mostly road driving with occasional off road trips, hauling my gear and some tools.

I have decided to piece together a kit. I was originally going to buy a Zone kit but, I think I can piece something together a little better for close to the same money. I can get the Zone 3" for $485 to my door.

So far looking at the following:
RE 3.5" Full rear leaf packs $100 each
RE 3.5" Front Coils $100 set

Where I am getting stuck is,

Shocks Which shocks? Rubicon takeoffs? Monroe somethings?
Trackbar (Required or nice to have)
LCA (Required or nice to have)

I know I need Ubolts, RE $40 or ?
I know I need a longer brake line for the rear (YJ right?)
relocate the front or Longer there too?

I have been researching but, it is all starting to run together.

Sorry for beating a dead horse.

 

You already are Lanning on mostly RE so why not just get their kit?

If not get some quality shocks like Bilstein. You'll need a tractor bar at 3.5, but RE gives close to an inch more then advertised so your looking at close to 4.5 inches of lift so you will need a trac and probably adjustable arms. To have the lift done right essentially. Longer brake lines I'd say. One last thing. You will more then likely experience drive line vibrations. You should get amy sye and need rear driveshaft and avoid the transfer case drop altogether.

You could get away without one or 2 of these items, but if you want your lift done right, which you should haha, you need them.

 

Sounds like I might need to back down tip a Zone 3" kit.

My main goal is tip to replace the rear leafs, get a little bit of lift, and have decent components without spending a fortune.

2-3" would suffice if I can find decent components.

 

Zone is good. Rustys 3 inch ad well. If you really want quality check out old man emu. That's some good stuff

 

I have almost the same XJ as you except I have the NP 242. I just installed the Zone 4.5 lift and I have been quite happy with it. I put 33x12.5r15 MTZP3 tires on it. I had rubbing and I ended up trimming the fenders. The kit was easy to install and seems to cover all the bases.

It's not exactly what you are looking at but should give you an idea of what to expect from a Zone kit. I have also done some other upgrades to the steering etc, but that is after this picture was taken.

I was in a similar situation. I kept trying to decide whether to piece together something or buy a kit. I'm glad i bought a kit. It's easier. That's not to say that you can't get better by piecing something together but you can also end up spending a lot more if you aren't careful. Hope this helps.

 

Take a look at https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/nk...-chart-211878/ it will show you everything you do need for whatever size lift and will show things you could upgrade but don't have to.

 

Thanks everyone so far, what is the current thought on the Red/Black JK shocks? Would they work on what I'm putting together till I could buy better shocks?

 

On the 3.5 inch RE components? I don't think they'll be long enough?

 

I bought the zone 3in lift and i like it. I also got a track bar and replaced the steering stabilizer while i was at it.

Did not need longer brake lines and also got some quality u joints especially on the rear as it would wear out dont have a sye.

Other than that it drives nice no vibes or death wobble.

Il add some pics later today so you can see

 

I'm in the same boat as you...overwhelmed lol

 

I went the simple route and got a very very complete kit:
http://www.metalcloak.com/XJ-Cheroke...ion-p/7180.htm

it rides far better than any other lifted jeep I've been in (important in a DD), and is just all around awesome! Highly recommended.

 

The Rustys 3"lift full leaf/coil/shock/hardware pkg. is under $500 and the leafs and coils are high quality. Only other must have is an adj. track bar, then you can add things to if you wish later on like high quality shocks, U/LCA's.


I ran that same setup for over a year as is then using the same leafs and coils upgraded to a 4 1/2" lift with all other items needed.

 

No need to get overwhelmed gents. Take your time, do your research, and go from there.

I do agree with aroundincircles! The metalcloak kit is pretty much everything you need in a lift kit with the exception of a SYE and double cardan rear driveshaft.

IRO (Iron Rock Offroad) has a pretty complete 3" lift as well. You can even upgrade to full leaf packs, jks quick disco's, and bilstein shocks. Definitely recommend full leaf packs. AAL don't cut it.

Another member just posted something similar to this on another thread... "Do you want to do it right now, or do you want to do it right?"

 

I added a 1" tcase drop to mine, and did not need to install a SYE or a double cardan rear drive shaft. I don't do any thing too crazy off road, so I don't feel its necessary... yet.