I've been scratching my head over what lift I want to throw on my 2000 XJ. Currently I'm stuck between doing a 2" budget lift. Maybe some new springs and shackles or spacers and shackles. Then throwing on some 30x9.50 tires. Seems to be a pretty cheap option. But then I'm thinking on going for something more lasting like a full 3 inch kit with spring packs and 31x10.50s. The thing is I'm not going to be wheeling very much at all. I won't be doing much more than driving back to a few fishing holes it's more of an aesthetics thing for me. What do y'all think I should go for? I'm trying to be really cost effective because I'm a college student. I just would hate to put all the work into the budget lift when I could do the same and get a 3 inch. What do y'all think, have any pics I could see of your set up?

Thanks a ton!

 

Pretty much same amount of wrenching wether BB or more.
They're called Budget Boost for a reason.
What really is your budget?

 

If your leafs are in good shape and you dont think you will be wheeling too hard, the BB is for sure worth it. But if your leafs are sagging might aswell go with a 3" kit with new the leafs, it wont be that much more work anyways.

 

I'm trying to stay under a $1000 for lift and tires and I know it's possible to do the 3 inches if I shop smart. My big thing is how much more difficult/ time consuming is the 3 inch lift?

 

Can you guys tell if my leafs seem to be still pretty good from this pic?
http://imgur.com/LxjYzxX

 

Use a new full leaf pack a very good entry level lift is the Rustys Off Road 3" coil/leaf package a complete kit. With any kit you get what your paying for is really the coils and leafs his are all American made and hold up very well over time.

Here is an old photo of mine when I bought it with a crummy 3" lift (spacers & blocks) and 31x10:50x15's on it, the fenders had already been trimmed. Wheels are 15x8" with 3 3/4" of BS and will clear 12:50 easy also.

 

I had a 2" budget boost from rustys on my old XJ. Ran that with 30x9.5 km2s on soft 8s. I think it looked great, and if you went with a cheaper tire it would be close to your budget.

 

I have 30's with no lift right now, adding a 3.5" RE lift

 

Here is mine, stock with 30x9.5R15s didn't rub at all for me.



I now have a full 3.5" Metalcloak lift and probably going to run 32x11.5s with Napier flares. Don't have pictures up yet on that setup, still looking for tires.

My decision was based on the need to replace a lot of wore out suspension components. And I wanted to do it right from the beginning, with quality parts that I wouldn't have to worry about. Having said that, not all budgets are alike, so in my opinion I would go with something like this ->http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=XLK

 

No, we would need to see the actual leaf pack. If it still has some curve too it, it should be alright to run a AAL, if you don't mind a little rough ride. However if the leaf pack is completely flat or about to invert, then I would definitely buy new leaf packs.

 

Our XJ's are at best 14 years old. I'd definitely get full leaf packs for any lift going into an XJ. You'll be much happier with the ride and handling. Like said above, full leaf packs will have new leaf bushings and other components that are sure to be worn out by now. Your biggest battle will be getting out the bolts for the leafs & your rear upper shock bolts (those you'll fight with even on a budget boost)

Good luck, tires alone will be a good portion of your budget.

 

^X2^ Every time replace them the leafs are worn after 14 yrs.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I think I'm gunna do the 2 inch budget lift. This allows me to grow to something bigger once I graduate college and have a real job lol. I think I'm going to start scouring craigslist for some 30s or 235s that are agressive then I'll pick up the lift and I think that'll be my cheapest route.