What is the Best 3.5" lift?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 160
Likes: 5
From: East Bay, CA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.7L Stroker
Originally Posted by aroundincircles
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.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: republic,ohio
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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?
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,127
Likes: 2
From: Hell, CA
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
https://full-traction.com/detail.php...4&t=1&p=1467#n
Complete with trackbar
Frame stiffeners should be on your list, if you do not already have them. Mids at a minimum, full set recommended.. Since money is not object.
Complete with trackbar
Frame stiffeners should be on your list, if you do not already have them. Mids at a minimum, full set recommended.. Since money is not object.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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.
I actually don't know of another XJ on this forum that is running the Metalcloak other than aroundincircles and myself. I've seen a lot of people saying they are going to get it, but haven't seen who has actually followed through with it. ExpeditionXJ is getting close to installing his I think.
I have also done quite a bit of research on the JK forums, since they were the only ones running this kit, before I purchased the Metalcloak. It was unanimously rated among the best, by first hand users.
There is nothing wrong with BDS, Zone, Rubicon Express, OME, IRO, but if money is no object, then I would be looking at Metalcloak, Clayton, DPG or Full Traction. I would stay away from Rough Country, Pro Comp and Rustys if it were me without a budget. Just one man's opinion though.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 160
Likes: 5
From: East Bay, CA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.7L Stroker
Originally Posted by ss427ci
I concur with all of the above and we both speak first hand of the Metalcloak kit, not what we have heard from so and so.
I actually don't know of another XJ on this forum that is running the Metalcloak other than aroundincircles and myself. I've seen a lot of people saying they are going to get it, but haven't seen who has actually followed through with it. ExpeditionXJ is getting close to installing his I think.
I have also done quite a bit of research on the JK forums, since they were the only ones running this kit, before I purchased the Metalcloak. It was unanimously rated among the best, by first hand users.
There is nothing wrong with BDS, Zone, Rubicon Express, OME, IRO, but if money is no object, then I would be looking at Metalcloak, Clayton, DPG or Full Traction. I would stay away from Rough Country, Pro Comp and Rustys if it were me without a budget. Just one man's opinion though.
I actually don't know of another XJ on this forum that is running the Metalcloak other than aroundincircles and myself. I've seen a lot of people saying they are going to get it, but haven't seen who has actually followed through with it. ExpeditionXJ is getting close to installing his I think.
I have also done quite a bit of research on the JK forums, since they were the only ones running this kit, before I purchased the Metalcloak. It was unanimously rated among the best, by first hand users.
There is nothing wrong with BDS, Zone, Rubicon Express, OME, IRO, but if money is no object, then I would be looking at Metalcloak, Clayton, DPG or Full Traction. I would stay away from Rough Country, Pro Comp and Rustys if it were me without a budget. Just one man's opinion though.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 17
From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Well cost not being a factor a Metal Cloak would not be what I would buy, but each to his own. Those that went that route and happy that's great but all the parts are not that HD for one it lacks a Dbl. Shear Track Bar but it does shove a lot of not needed items for a small lift at you and overpriced on the small parts. But for stock springs in a kit not for me.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 3
From: Southern Maryland
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1999 4.0L
Assemble your own from best of breed components. I used RE springs, TNT track-bar, JKS control arms, etc. Got exactly what I wanted from every component.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 460
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
OP - My best advice is to spread your research over many different forums, read the product/brand reviews and you will notice a particular trend among all the different brand names/kits. That's what I did and I shared what I found to be the general consensus.
There will always be the complacent, the naysayers, the dreamers, the over-achievers and the logical, take each comment for what it's worth and try to formulate the best plan of attack for your needs.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 457
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I'm pretty happy with the Metalclock kit on my wifes XJ.
There were two things I needed to add:
1) Hack & tack/ drive shaft.
2) Rear bump stop plates. The included bump stop extensions alone weren't enough to prevent stuffing the rear.
There were two things I needed to add:
1) Hack & tack/ drive shaft.
2) Rear bump stop plates. The included bump stop extensions alone weren't enough to prevent stuffing the rear.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,554
Likes: 17
From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Also a really good method for those that know exactly what they want and need.
OP - My best advice is to spread your research over many different forums, read the product/brand reviews and you will notice a particular trend among all the different brand names/kits. That's what I did and I shared what I found to be the general consensus.
There will always be the complacent, the naysayers, the dreamers, the over-achievers and the logical, take each comment for what it's worth and try to formulate the best plan of attack for your needs.
OP - My best advice is to spread your research over many different forums, read the product/brand reviews and you will notice a particular trend among all the different brand names/kits. That's what I did and I shared what I found to be the general consensus.
There will always be the complacent, the naysayers, the dreamers, the over-achievers and the logical, take each comment for what it's worth and try to formulate the best plan of attack for your needs.
I agree completely you will find from doing just that going piece by piece and not a kit are what those with experience do. Those are the ones I listened to in my research and planning over 2 full yrs and 3 XJ sites. But I found most of my information here on this forum from those with a lot of experience on their builds/rebuilds.
Many Thanks to all of those who helped me over the yrs. and I was new to Jeeps but an old drag racer.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 0
From: Henderson, NV
Year: 1999
Engine: 4.0L
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...-NP231J-T-case
Last edited by Photojared; Oct 17, 2015 at 02:06 AM.
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