So I just got a killer deal on a set of brand new Rancho RS9000X series shocks for my XJ, paid $145 shipped for all 4. Now I am looking to purchase a 3" lift kit. I've looked at several different option, Rough Country front Coils and rear Add-a-leafs for under $300 seems to be a pretty good deal. I guess my question is, how much difference is there between this set up and the same Skyjacker(for example) set up for $200 more.

 

i cant help ya on the difference between them, but i have a 4.5" rough country on mine and it seems to be pretty good. im running 32" tires with it.

 

looks like new lower control arms on skyjacker vs new shocks on RC. cant say for sure because you didnt post a link but you dont need new shocks obviously. both will work for driving around town
check out a couple of these RE ones if you're thinking about spending around $500. much more bang for your buck and might actually handle something more than a gravel road
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...l=CHEROKEE+(XJ)

heres a complete 3.5 kit with EVERYTHING for reference.
http://www.full-traction.com/detail....CTID=510&NOTES=

 

actually that might be the wrong link for the RE kits.
check out http://www.4wheelparts.com/ and look at RE and some other stuff

 

this is what mine has.
http://www.jeep4x4center.com/rough-c...0-rc-623h.html

 

Unless your leaves are in great shape, which is doubtful, don't go with AAL. They work OK for a few months and will settle and barely give you any lift. That and they will ride like a hay wagon.

 

if you already have the shocks i would just buy lift coils from rustys and do a bastard pack on the rear since you wont be needing the shocks... just my .02. i have the rc 3" lift but i only paid 125 for it new. otherwise i would have pieced it together myself. "lifts" seem like they can be pieced together with mixed brands for better quality/price

 

I would try and get lift from a shakle relocation bracket and an extended shakle before messing with the leafs.