Hi guys so here's the question. I'm a newbie to this sport and I could use some advice. I recently bought a 99 XJ that came with the Up Country suspension and I would like to lift it a bit. So I've been looking at the Rancho 2.5" and the BDS 2 or 3" kits. Just wondering if anyone has used these kits and had any issues. Also if the up country package is like a 1" lift will I actually be gaining 1.5 to 2 inches? Thanks

 

I run BDS 4.5" short arm, havent had a problem in 10k miles of towing, wheeling and daily driving. a bit stiff, but good if you add extra weight she wont bottom out.

rancho isnt as good as they used to be IMO.

as for actual lift it depends on the type, with a spacer/shackle lift you'll have a total of lift height + 1" up country. (2" lift = 3" total) if you get new springs you'll be gaining over what a stock XJ had...so you get 3" springs, you'll only be getting a 2" actual lift since you're already 1" higher.

 

I'd go with the BDS 3" over Rancho. And I'd get it with the full replacement springs instead of the block and AAL it comes with standard. That will give you 2" lift over what you have now, 3" over a standard XJ.
However, a 3" BDS with replacement springs will cost you $1000+, and imo that's way too much money for just a 3" kit. You can piece together your own 3" kit for a lot less than that. Just to throw it out there, RE 3.5" springs, some 2" shackles, Bilstein shocks, and an adjustable track bar (if needed) won't cost you that much, and will give you the same amount of lift.

 

Bds is awesome. Everything they sell is backed up by a lifetime warranty so you cant beat that. RE leafs last a loooong time lol mine have been flexed alot and they have yet to sag any.

 

Rancho isn't even in the same league as BDS. Get BDS. lol

 

my experience is exactly the opposite. I ran a 4.5" pack and a 3.5" pack, neither gave me their advertised height after about a month, and turned into an s shape and axle wrapped like a ****.

 

Thats wild man. The springs i have are the RE extreme duty. They ride like a tank lol

 

Rancho has been known as the K-mart of lifts the last several years. I also do BDS for a living, so I'm biased.

 

Rancho went down hill in the last few years. I have a rancho lift on mine but it is an older lift though. I love my lift but would not buy one of their new lifts. There shocks are good though. The older springs have some mad flex for only 3inch lift. A buddy of mine with one of their new lifts isn't even close to mine.