Hey everyone, as you can see I'm new to the forum but this isn't my first jeep. I built and drove a custom CJ7 for a few years a while back. Now I have a 97 XJ. It is completely stock except for a muffler. When I bought it last week I had the same plan in mind as I do now, just not sure which route will be my best to get there. This is why I need y'all's experience and help. The over all end result that I'm looking for is a daily driver that can perform off-road acceptionally well when I want it to. What I'm leaning towards so far is a 4.5" short arm kit and 33x10.50 KM2s. My main concern is which kit to buy. I know rubicon express has their full kit and costs about 1300$. When rough country has a 4.5 that cost about 850$. Why is the price so different? Is one kit better than the other? Also for less than 100$ more I can get the 6.5 kit from RC for about 900$? From what I have read, really anything over 4.5 you start getting into more problems such as a required SYE/driveshaft upgrade. I would like to stay away from as much of that as possible. Also, thoughts and suggestions on tires. What are some definite things I should do right of the bat or be aware of. Please let me know all thoughts, facts and opinions. Thank you for your time

 

Rough country seems to be hit or miss. A lot of there stuff seems to hold up, but there bushings in the control arms are often Saud to wear out quickly. I think you would be fine with a 4.5 kit. At 6.5 I'd be looking at at least CA drop brackets, if not going long arms. I'm going that route on my MJ. Tires, all depends on your needs. Lots of brands and opinions on that subject. I had km2's on my last XJ and loved them.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Welcome to cf
Do lots of research and take it slowly.

 

Thanks for the info dunnc1991 , if you had to choose the best kit for the money, I'm guessing RC would be the better route?

 

Welcome to the site