First off, I'm going to say:
search. Search again, and then search some more. You will get much more information that way. That said, here are some answers:
BIG-G said:
Rear saggs so a full length AAL is first decision OR search around for dakota or S-10 leaf pack. (which would u guys go for?).
Build your own leaf pack. Mix and match any 2.5" wide leaf springs to custom build your own. Its the cheapest option for a good rear lift. Might be nice to combine that with a lift shackle, but you will have to consider the effects on your pinion angle then.
BIG-G said:
Second is i can updrade the shackles for more height. Now of course i will extend the brake lines, disconnect the rear sway, eventually get new shocks but a kit im lookin at comes with em for a 4.5" lift.
You can upgrade shackles, but they really don't yield very much height. You shouldn't 'eventually' get new shocks. Do it now. Start with bar pin eliminators for a little added length. Don't lift until you have shocks that match your lift height. Take off the rear sway and toss it. Definitely extend your brake lines and rework your ebrake bracket to go with the lift.
BIG-G said:
Do i need to use bump stops at this height and what size should they be on all 4 corners??
You
need to adjust your bumpstops even if you are only lifting it 2". Bumpstops are
extremely important to consider. There won't be a set size that will work for you. Generally, they should be extended by the same amount as your lift, but the best way to do it is to cycle your suspension after its lifted and then adjust your bumpstops as necessary in order to keep your tires off your body.
BIG-G said:
QUESTION IS, do i need a new set of u bolts and new leaf clamps and what brands have the best of these??
Yes to both. If you significantly change the thickness of your leaf pack, then your original ubolts probably won't fit. You can get them custom bent at a spring shop or most parts places. Buy good ones so you don't have any regrets. Leaf spring clamps (AKA rebound clips) are cheap and plentiful. You can buy them at most parts places, but you can also cheaply make your own. Look at the tech section on Rock Lizard Fabrications. Easy instructions on making some good ones cheaply.
BIG-G said:
Plus while im there should i put in urethane bushings??? Any links to product pages w/prices is a big help!! Im thinkin 4" to 6" of lift with a dakota pack, an add a leaf and shackles. That shouldnt cost much but then the rear should be higher so onto the next thread....
Some guys will say yes to urethane, but I prefer rubber. I think its mostly a personal preference thing. Some will say urethane lasts longer than rubber, but it transmits more vibration to the body. So....you decide. You can make a leaf pack to provide you with as much lift as you want or need.
Other consideration. Depending on the year of your XJ, you will likely have to address driveshaft vibes. Go with an SYE if you can afford it, or you may at least have to drop your transfercase a bit to cope with vibes. Its been said dozens of times on this site, but: 3" is a lift that can be done cheaply, 5"+ it gets costly as all the other things you need to do to it to make it functional really start to add up. You haven't mentioned it, but have you regeared yet? What tire size? What year is your XJ? How have you dealt with the front lower and upper control arms, steering and track bar?
Try these websites too for more information:
http://go.jeep-xj.info/
http://members.aol.com/Stvns/
http://www.rocklizardfabrications.com/
Good luck,
B.
