First post here at the Cherokee forum and couldn't be more glad to join. I've been a lurker for awhile and love the awesome community.

Anyways, recently picked up a '93 Cherokee Sport and looking forward to lifting it to 3" and purchasing 31" tires w/ wheels. I've been eyeing Rusty's package because it seemed like a rather good deal although, I've read some so-so reviews that are good and majority negative. I'm not sure where to pin-point what is quality or not considering I don't have much prior experience.

Other than that, I've looking at RC's 3" Series II Lift System with N2.0 and then buying a transfer drop incase of driveline vibes and maybe brake line extension if I flex tons (either buy or YJ brakeline or even move it for the extra 3").

With all of that, the RC lift system/etc runs around $700 without shipping & the wheel/tire combo while Rusty's total package is about $1400 without shipping (although their shipping I've heard is ridiculous which might end up more).

To get to the point, has anyone tried their packages like this? And if it's ****, any good budget builds that you can recommend the parts where I can buy decent tires/wheels, lift and everything I need for under $2,000?

Thanks again for reading, have a great day guys.

To also update with more information regarding that'll affect on what tires and such.. 60-70% will be pavement/DD while the 30-40% will be moderate AZ trails.

best price on tires / wheels are tread depot or maybe the tire rack

I've bought most of my tire/wheels from tire rack. They sometimes seem expensive, but after going to local shops their prices aren't bad at all & shipped right to your door. Also try Discount Tire & Desert Rat.

Lifts, never ran either of the lift kits. Just be sure to get full leaf packs and not Add A Leaf kits. Stock Cherokee leafs are usually shot by now & AAL's will just sag.

Good luck & welcome. 3" & 31's is a great setup. Don't need huge tires & lift to have a blast with our XJ's.

If I were you, I'd buy a set of 3.5" coil springs (Rubicon Express are inexpensive), a set 3" of leaf springs (Full springs), longer brake lines and tires of your choosing. You'll be well under $2000.

Your 93 shouldn't need a t-case drop of any kind at 3".

Don't forget the adjustable track bar, you will certainly experience a death wobble if you raise the front 3" and don't fix the trackbar

X2
You can probably piece together a kit for much less than 2k. Not to mention, get better components for the important items.

If you haven't checked it, Rusty's at least when I looked at it bends you over and has their way on shipping. So even if it was a good deal to start after shipping it may not be.

I also say piece it together. Scour craigslist and CF classifieds, even Facebook groups too. Buy some used some new. Get deals when you can and don't rush it.

Example of what I got so far for my 99:

OME coils, .75" spacers and OME shocks, $150 from CF member
WJ Controls Arms new, $78
Dorman HD leafs x2, $200
U-bolts: $34
RC shackles: $45 (I think)
=$507

I still need some bushings and other stuff, mainly a TB if the stock one doesn't work and bump stops.

You can get a better deal on shipping if you call them and ask. The shipping cost on my springs was cut in half when I called.
But still, there are good deals to be had if you are patient.

I would buy the Rustys 3" full leaf & coil lift kit they are very good American made ones and mine have no sag going on 2 yrs.As for shocks none of the kits have very good ones included.

As for track bars and other items like that I personally buy those separately and a better one's than included in most kits, same for SB disconnects etc. While doing upgrades the GC V8 steering tie rod is great for under $100 using new parts from AutoZone.

Wheels usually Summit or Jegs has the best prices and do price match with free shipping. I buy tires locally where mounting and balancing are included in price and you can haggle on price some.

Haha. Yea well I ordered online (their OTK kit) and THEY called ME to tell me shipping was more expensive. Went from $69 (still high) to $130. Which was ridiculous because I ordered a 3" kit from them a year before that and it shipped for $70. It had full leafs too. The lady said there was nothing they could do because they couldn't fit it in less than 3 boxes. Whatever. Went somewhere else.

Could just be my location, lady could've just been on the rag. Either way I just say check it first. I honestly don't have any complaints about their springs. Shocks sucked but I didn't expect much there.

You can junk yard lift for a few hundred bucks.

I'm running v8 T-bird coils and a full s-10 leaf pack= 75$
90's f250 rear sway bar links= 15$
ZJ tie rod= 20$
DIY midlength control arms= $100 in components and some fab work

The "lift" itself wasn't much money at all, however I spent $450 on an adjustable track bar and 4 bilstien 5125 shocks.

There's literally a ton of options, just need to take the time to figure out what's best for you!

Got pics of those f250 sway bar links? How much longer than stock were they?

$69 is crazy high, $130 is just asinine... I would think it would be that much if you were shipping to Guam, maybe. Good call on cancelling that one, plenty of good steering setups available for the same price or better.

Wow! So many awesome replies from amazing people.

Truly appreciate for reading this topic and lending a hand!

Thank you as well for who listed parts what they got going for theirs, definitely helps me decide on what parts I should probably get. Haha.

Do you think 31x10.50-15 BFG A/T do the job? Around 650 a set, any close tires that match in performance for a better bang for buck? (Would be cool to find some type of wheel combo that's comes mounted and balanced).

Is there a huge difference between HD springs and non-HD? Should I get HD springs on front if I ever plan to have a winch or get it and upgrade when I do have the winch? (6-8 months from here)

I heard it's best to not mess with spacers or shackles and just get your desired height as planned, so I'll go with maybe some springs from either Rubicon Express, OME or RC.

Wondering if it's worth it to also buy some Bilsteins 5100 instead of the typical kit shocks.. Is the ride that noticeable?! I am a picky dude in finding the perfect ride and an extra $200 to get those shocks seem worth it if so they fit.

So list so far..

- 3" coils and leaf springs from either Rubicon Express/Rough Country/OME

- Longer brake lines from either a YJ or save time and buy the part online

- Some 31" tire that'll do the overall job and wheels that work.

- Adjustable track bar

- (?) So, I don't need a t-case drop kit? Is it worth $26 to at least buy it and install incase?

- (?) Do I need front & rear control arms? If so, look for WJs instead of aftermarket XJ?

- U-Bolts

- (?) Are new bushings needed or a steering stabilizer? My XJ kind of likes to wander a tad bit and someone did tell me my steering components are a bit loose but nothing terrible.

- (?) Sway bar disconnects helpful?

- (?) Buy a new tie rod or from ZJ

And.. I think that's it!