I am on the fence between a lift with a full leaf pack or an AAL. I know that the full pack is preferred, but for the time being, I could use the money savings on other areas of my build. Visually my 96 XJ does not appear to sitting low in the rear. It also measures 17.25" from the center of the wheel to the flare which is the standard measurement for a non lifted cherokee. Can I assume that my leaf springs are ok even though they are 17 years old?

 

should be 17-18 inches ground to rockers, stock if your lifted compensate for your lift kit, also unless your sagging leaning or see rust/have no bushings i wouldnt worry about it,,, but if you got the money and time and feel like doing something id do shocks before springs unless my springs needed it.

 

I will definitely be replacing the shocks with the lift. My biggest concern is putting an AAL on a worn spring pack and not getting the lift I want or premature sagging.

 

well, it will sag quicker then the new leaf pack, but its all going to depend how worn your current ones are, my 97 had aal on it, and it was fine had her 3 years before buying my 94. its all up to you and well your wallet honestly aal's from what i have seen at least usually good for a few years before sagging occurs... unless your that guy who puts a aal on a 70s truck rusted as **** and then *****es about it sagging because the spring packs are rusted away.

 

OME med. duty 2" leafs. ZERO sag after a year, litterally. they are legit and ride well. granted not as cheap as an AAL, but id rather have ride quality...

 

I will chime in. Everybody rags on rough country but lately they stepped up their game as far as springs go. Earlier xj lifts I have heard of sagging and worn out components prematurely. I'm here to say that my rough country 3" add a leaf had not sagged at all in over a year. Granted it settled. But not sagged. I have RC 3" coils and a 1.5" spacer up front and the full Add a leaf plus a .5" block and pinion shim and I'm level. It does ride rougher but better shocks than the n2.0 will help to