What is the Best 3.5" lift?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: East Bay, CA
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.7L Stroker
What is the Best 3.5" lift?
I am about to pull the trigger on a 3.5" lift, but first I would like to know from you guys, what is the highest quality, most complete 3.5" lift package? Money is no option in this. I will be using it for light wheeling and comfy riding. Leaning towards MetalCloak's lift, but hear its chinese. Wonder if that affects the quality. Thoughts?
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oregon Coast
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
I am about to pull the trigger on a 3.5" lift, but first I would like to know from you guys, what is the highest quality, most complete 3.5" lift package? Money is no option in this. I will be using it for light wheeling and comfy riding. Leaning towards MetalCloak's lift, but hear its chinese. Wonder if that affects the quality. Thoughts?
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
Received 28 Likes
on
23 Posts
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
What is the highest quality, most complete lift?
The one you design and piece together. If money isn't a restriction then you will be well served to select top end parts from multiple manufacturers/vendors. The Metalcloak kit however, based on the specs and reviews, is a well designed package.
The one you design and piece together. If money isn't a restriction then you will be well served to select top end parts from multiple manufacturers/vendors. The Metalcloak kit however, based on the specs and reviews, is a well designed package.
#7
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: tucson
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Rubicon express. That's what I'm running. Kit has been on my jeep for over 10 years and I just recently went to change my control arm bushings. They showed no signs at all of wear but since I had them out I replaced them anyways.
Trending Topics
#9
Seasoned Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
The Metalcloak parts are made right here in the USA and they proudly put that on their website and they are without a doubt of the best quality. The OME parts are made in Australia and are also without question, of the best quality.
And like others have said, it is a complete kit. Pay close attention to whether other kits include adjustable upper control arms. Also this kit would fit your needs/wants perfectly in my opinion.
Although every XJ responds to a lift differently, according to their drivetrain and use. I would suggest the following parts in addition to this kit.
1. Slip yoke eliminator
2. CV rear driveshaft
3. Shackle relocation brackets
4. Rear axle shims
And like others have said, it is a complete kit. Pay close attention to whether other kits include adjustable upper control arms. Also this kit would fit your needs/wants perfectly in my opinion.
Although every XJ responds to a lift differently, according to their drivetrain and use. I would suggest the following parts in addition to this kit.
1. Slip yoke eliminator
2. CV rear driveshaft
3. Shackle relocation brackets
4. Rear axle shims
#11
These 2 items and you're golden.
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...Shocks-RE6030T
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...-3-LIFT-RE1600
If you prefer a double shear trackbar, order these 2 items.
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...r-XJ-ZJ-RE1660
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...CKET-HD-RE1665
If you want a more capable rig and don't mind a little more height and you have an NP231 T-case...
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...-NP231J-T-case
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...Shocks-RE6030T
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...-3-LIFT-RE1600
If you prefer a double shear trackbar, order these 2 items.
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...r-XJ-ZJ-RE1660
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...CKET-HD-RE1665
If you want a more capable rig and don't mind a little more height and you have an NP231 T-case...
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...-NP231J-T-case
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: East Bay, CA
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.7L Stroker
Originally Posted by toasterknight
Metalcloak is the most complete kit I've seen. They also have the best coil spring i have ever found. Where did you hear it was Chinese they are made just outside Sacramento, California.
Last edited by Sethers775; 10-14-2015 at 07:24 PM.
#13
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Monett, MO.
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes
on
14 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Like already stated if you want the "Best" don't buy a kit period, then your stuck with what they think you should have. For sure none of them are the best quality out of the box for damn sure.
I knew what I wanted in the beginning but didn't have the money then to do it correctly a 4 1/2" lift. So I bought a entry level kit with the highest quality leafs and coils all made in NA a 3" Rustys kit with leafs, coils, shocks, hardware $438 you have a choice of coil spring weights to choose from if you have winch/bumper or stock. These are the base leafs and coils used with my 4 1/2" lift now. I bought all HD aftermarket parts for the front end and steering for that upgrade.
You need to read about different products to find out from older members who have used products for longer periods of time or vendors for that matter you can't get it all in one place. Like one member pointed out about his Metal Cloak kit were his problems with the springs and being unable to adjust them the way he needed. Small details on lots of things but a no kit approach is the "BEST" way.
I knew what I wanted in the beginning but didn't have the money then to do it correctly a 4 1/2" lift. So I bought a entry level kit with the highest quality leafs and coils all made in NA a 3" Rustys kit with leafs, coils, shocks, hardware $438 you have a choice of coil spring weights to choose from if you have winch/bumper or stock. These are the base leafs and coils used with my 4 1/2" lift now. I bought all HD aftermarket parts for the front end and steering for that upgrade.
You need to read about different products to find out from older members who have used products for longer periods of time or vendors for that matter you can't get it all in one place. Like one member pointed out about his Metal Cloak kit were his problems with the springs and being unable to adjust them the way he needed. Small details on lots of things but a no kit approach is the "BEST" way.
#14
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: East Bay, CA
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.7L Stroker
Originally Posted by Fred/N0AZZ
Like already stated if you want the "Best" don't buy a kit period, then your stuck with what they think you should have. For sure none of them are the best quality out of the box for damn sure.
I knew what I wanted in the beginning but didn't have the money then to do it correctly a 4 1/2" lift. So I bought a entry level kit with the highest quality leafs and coils all made in NA a 3" Rustys kit with leafs, coils, shocks, hardware $438 you have a choice of coil spring weights to choose from if you have winch/bumper or stock. These are the base leafs and coils used with my 4 1/2" lift now. I bought all HD aftermarket parts for the front end and steering for that upgrade.
You need to read about different products to find out from older members who have used products for longer periods of time or vendors for that matter you can't get it all in one place. Like one member pointed out about his Metal Cloak kit were his problems with the springs and being unable to adjust them the way he needed. Small details on lots of things but a no kit approach is the "BEST" way.
I knew what I wanted in the beginning but didn't have the money then to do it correctly a 4 1/2" lift. So I bought a entry level kit with the highest quality leafs and coils all made in NA a 3" Rustys kit with leafs, coils, shocks, hardware $438 you have a choice of coil spring weights to choose from if you have winch/bumper or stock. These are the base leafs and coils used with my 4 1/2" lift now. I bought all HD aftermarket parts for the front end and steering for that upgrade.
You need to read about different products to find out from older members who have used products for longer periods of time or vendors for that matter you can't get it all in one place. Like one member pointed out about his Metal Cloak kit were his problems with the springs and being unable to adjust them the way he needed. Small details on lots of things but a no kit approach is the "BEST" way.
#15
CF Veteran
My Cherokee with my metal cloak kit rides better than stock suspension, and is very flexible.
The argument with a kit is that if you buy it right, you get all the pieces you need. and shouldn't have to add anything to your kit (I added a 1" tcase drop while I wait to save up for an SYE, but that is stated in the kit, that you will probably need an sye). You also get parts that are designed to work together, so your outcome will be predictable, and reliable. also, you will get better support. I got one of the first 3 kits metal cloak made. I had to go back to them a few times times for better information/instructions/support. They were fast to respond, and Extremely helpful. I dealt with the same person each time who walked me through the process.
Putting pieces together means if you run into an issue, you will have to chase that down between vendors.
The argument with a kit is that if you buy it right, you get all the pieces you need. and shouldn't have to add anything to your kit (I added a 1" tcase drop while I wait to save up for an SYE, but that is stated in the kit, that you will probably need an sye). You also get parts that are designed to work together, so your outcome will be predictable, and reliable. also, you will get better support. I got one of the first 3 kits metal cloak made. I had to go back to them a few times times for better information/instructions/support. They were fast to respond, and Extremely helpful. I dealt with the same person each time who walked me through the process.
Putting pieces together means if you run into an issue, you will have to chase that down between vendors.