Hi all, I've been lurking for a while, bought my 99 xj a month ago, and now I've come to the first huge decision that hasn't been answered by searches.

I was rather disappointed with the selection of lifts in my price range, so I have decided to piece together a RE lift and want to know what you all think of this so far:

RE 3.5" full leaf springs - $187.28
RE 3.5" front springs - $101.79
U bolts - Advance Auto - $24 Link
Bilstein 5100's - $299

And if needed:
RE superflex LCA's - $145.21
Bumpstops - $22.79
Extended brake lines - YJ lines from junkyard $30?
PORC SYE - $167
JY front axle from auto xj - $75?
DIY quick disconnects - $50?

So for about $600 I can get the basics. My questions are: Do I need the LCA's right now? What about bumpstops? Will that generic U bolt from advance auto work? Are there any alternatives to these parts you would recommend? Any shocks I should consider other than the bilsteins? Thanks for the help!

 

Technically you don't NEED the LCA's, but you probably will to get your axle back in the right spot, and the stockers are weak anyways. You will need longer bumpstops if you are going to a bigger tire (which I'm guessing you will) and don't like smashed fenders. And I'm guessing you probably have an 8.25 so you will need 3" diameter U-bolts. If you have a 35 then you will need different ones, but I can't remember the diameter right now.

 

Dana 35 uses 2.75 axle tube

 

at 3.5 LCA are highly reccomended. i would strongly suggest getting them, they will change the way your jeep rides, flexs and give you much better angles. for brake lines again highly reccomended you get longer ones. YJ will work for the front, for the rear your gonna want dodge dekota lines, not sure of the years. not sure on ubolts as i went with D44 ubolts for my 8.25 when i redid my lift.

 

Right, I have the C8.25. I was wondering more about the quality of the autozone bolts, and if they are long enough.

 

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length is why i went with the D44 ones, they ended up being extremely long and i had to trim them, but stock 8.25 ubolts are barely long enough. im not familar with auto zone ubolts so cant help you there.. search forums and craigslist im sure youll be able to find everything your looking for at a better price.

 

Sounds like LCA's are the way to go. Just wanted to start out without spending a fortune then upgrade as needed. I was reading you can straighten out the brake hardlines in the front and use YJ lines in the back? Am I on track here? Either way I should be able to find those or the dakota lines at a pick n pull.

I found a U bolt kit for the 8.25 axle for around $36, I will just go with that.

 

You'll be fine on short arms but i do recommend new adj lowers. You can straighten the front lines and remount and i would get rc's rear brake line. Its like $25 i think.