Recommendations on a good 4.5' Xj lift kit HELP PLEASE

[435Mj]

i own a 93 5 spd xj with about 174,000 miles on it.

GOAL:
i want to be able to run BFG 31x10.5 R15 so 4.5'" is certinly enough lift, so it can still being a good DD and good offfroad and look clean and mean.

QUESTION 1
i have been looking at a rustys 4.5 full spring pack which runs $669.00 and includes

• 2 - 4.5" Front Coil Springs
• 2 - 4.5" Rear Spring Packs
• Front Adjustable Trac Bar
• Lower Control Arms
• Transfer Case Drop Kit
• Brake Line Extension Kit
• Front Sway Bar Extensions
• 4 - Rusty's Hydraulic Shocks
are rustys lifts good on and offroad and are they quality parts or will it fall apart after a year.

QUESTION 2
what, if any, is a better lift kit for the price ?(shocks included if possable) not over $1,000

QUESTION 3
will i need anything besides what comes with the kit to start off with (replacement OEM parts possibly)

QUESTION 4
will i need a slip yoke eliminator?

QUESTION 5
what problems might i run into durning the teardown that need fixing besides rust?

[krelja]

I got the 4.5 RE with the add-a-leaf and block for the rear and I couldn't be happier. If you are just lookin for 31's i would go for the 3.5 RE with the full packs. I also got a good deal with OME shocks from jeepinoutfitters.com

[LilRedRover]

4.5 kit
http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=113

just a little over a thousand... if you want a 4.5 get full leaf packs, AAL will sag and blocks can cause spring wrap... he is right though, if you go with RE you can get a 3.5 kit and it will be more than enough to run 31s...

3.5 kit
http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=219

about the other questions... you shouldn't need an SYE... with that said, you might want to get a 3.5 kit and spend the extra on one...

you will probably run into the same problem everyone else runs into when doing this... the bolts that attach the leaves to the unibody in the front. You can't get to the nut as it's welded inside the unibody so for a few weeks before you are going to put the lift on coat that whole area with PB blaster and be VERY careful when loosening them. If you break the welds on those nuts you'll have to cut into your unibody.

If you aren't absolutely set on RE, I would contact the folks at www.creaseyoffroad.com and check out their rock krawler kits... I think one of their employees are a member here and if you look in the vendors for sale section you can contact them. they have a 4.5 system for 850.

[jonbob]

I personally like my rustys 4.5" kit alot. I've been running it for about 5 months now and haven't had any major problems with it netting about 4.5" lift in front and 5.5" in the rear initially, then 4.5" front and 5.0" rear after settling. I personally like this because I plan on adding a rear bumper and tire carrier and that should help level it out. I did end up upgrading the trackbar end to the HD trackbar end rusty's sells because I didn't like the stock end.

The rubicon kit might be worth the extra money to you because it comes with some of the parts you might want to add later like swaybar disconnects. You also might want to consider the rock krawler kit that was mentioned because the lower control arms are adjustable as opposed to fixed (something I'm going to upgrade to soon anyway).

As for SYE, I needed one right away in my '01 cherokee, while a buddy in an '88 never had any problems so you might want to see how it drives after the install.

[kleake]

I'm running the 4.5 RE, and made the mistake of the add a leaf,,, it would have been much better with full packs, so I'm looking into that.... I don't know about others, but with RE you can upgrade some of the parts in the kit to get a more custom kit without wasted parts... I upgraded to adjustable lower arms, and the HD track bar and bracket... With shocks, shipping and upgrades it was right at $900,,, but it performs great and rides smooth...

[XJedi23]

Rustys 4.5 is what I have. I would get the JKS discos insted of the sway bar drops. Get the uper control arms also. Do not get Add a leaf un less you plan on replaceing your leaf pack in the near future anyway.

I used the t-case drop kit and have had no vibrations. Its amazing what 1" will do. lots o vibs befor the drop. I plan on putting extended shackles in the rear and adjustable coil spacers in the front as soon as i can spend 500+ on Tom Woods SYE for a 242. Adding inches is why I got the full leaf pack.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f221/xjedi23/P3260006.jpg

[Jeffro600]

If your going to run JUST 31's, go with a RE 3.5 kit. With the RE 4.5, do a little trimming and youll be golden for 33's.

This mine with the above RE Superflex 4.5 kit from JeepinOutfitters and 33X12.50 tires and a little bit of trimming...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/Jeffro426/Jeep5.jpg

[LilRedRover]

If your going to run JUST 31's, go with a RE 3.5 kit. With the RE 4.5, do a little trimming and youll be golden for 33's.

This mine with the above RE Superflex 4.5 kit from JeepinOutfitters and 33X12.50 tires and a little bit of trimming...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v126/Jeffro426/Jeep5.jpg


lookin good

[bburton86]

Jeffro what year is that?

Here's my 96.
4.5" Rough Country, 31x11.5s, I think the lift was around 600-700$.


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y214/bburton86/ac469fa1.jpg

[kleake]

Just keep in mind what your purpose is and generally you get what you pay for.... Some cheaper kits only give you what you need to get it up in the air, not what you will need to really "use" the suspension. Others come with everything needed to really use them.. I don't have any hands on experience with anything be the RE, but I know if my research it was a much more complete kit, and is meant to be used... As you can see, the front really twists up nicely,,,, and with a full pack instead of AAL, it would do close to that in the rear...
http://www.rapidfire.net/~leake/4x4/94xj/p1213718m.jpg
http://www.rapidfire.net/~leake/4x4/94xj/p2043783m.jpg
http://www.rapidfire.net/~leake/4x4/94xj/p2043784m.jpg

[Jeffro600]

Jeffro what year is that?

93....its been through a lot in the last 6 months...its not quite as pretty as it used to be! :)

[Grabby544]

I put a rusty's 4.5 on my Jeep, with 31 10.5/r15 and I wish I would've went with Rubicon Express. They cost more, but the lift includes everything you'll need....seriously!! I had to purchase brakelines from Rub. express, and all in all Rusty's gives you the bare minimum. If you don't plan on upgrading to larger tires, go with a 3" or 3.5" you'll fry less drag link parts, and it'll cost you less. And buy a dropped pitman arm, the 1.5" drop should work. Listen to everybody else, go with a 3.5" and you'll be PERFECT for 31's" If your getting the 4.5" go with someone else, not Rusty's. I did the same thing as you, tight budget, saw the rusty's lift as the cheapest, installed it, then ended up spending the same for a Rub. kit with less to show for it!

Now I'm stationed in Italy, and screwed for parts, not to many Jeep/ offroad companies in this country.

[O.D.]

I have the Re 4.5 w/spring packs and I love it. It flexes beautifully and I promise if you go with the 3.5 you'll wish you went bigger, because I do. I've had mine for 2.5 years now and the only problem i've had is I bent the track bar, but with a little persuasion from a torch that problem was fixed. Good luck with your decision.

[Boatwrench]

Look at the hybrid kit here:
http://www.dpgoffroad.com/

Good service, good value.

[435Mj]

ok so im so im going to spend the extra money and get the RE 6111 vs the rustys 4.5 it will be better in the long run. i know im going to need shocks 31x10.5R15's and maybe some shims.....anything else to get me started ? iv go 1500 to work with to get me up and running and so far my total is $1721.25 with shipping,aligenment and balancing i can find a way to get the other 250.00 but am i looking good on my lil project so far?

[LOWTECH]

I run the RE 4.5 too, with 175K on it stay away from helper spings, (you'll end up changing them out if you wheel at all).

Even though you're only doing 31's stay with the 4.5" lift, you'll want bigger tires in the future.

[LOWTECH]

ok so im so im going to spend the extra money and get the RE 6111 vs the rustys 4.5 it will be better in the long run. i know im going to need shocks 31x10.5R15's and maybe some shims.....anything else to get me started ? iv go 1500 to work with to get me up and running and so far my total is $1721.25 with shipping,aligenment and balancing i can find a way to get the other 250.00 but am i looking good on my lil project so far?

Gears! & 33's

[435Mj]

i agree with the bigger rubbers but i cant afford em right now and i need to stay somewhat practical and keep a lil gas milage. but im getting the 4.5 and 31's so that later wheni can aford bigger tires i wond need a new lift. and as for gears cant do thos yet. and i dont really think ill need em yet either...... but i know the time will eventully come. as for the AAL i already knew that i want the real deal not some wana-be 4x4

[Boatwrench]

Here's an RE 3.5 superflex with 30's.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/Jeep.jpg

Don't forget the cost of an SYE. ~$450-$500
Not sure if a trac bar is included from RE. ~$250
You can use YJ w/abs rubber hoses for the front line and rear line. ~$100
These were costs after installing my lift.

[LOWTECH]

i agree with the bigger rubbers but i cant afford em right now and i need to stay somewhat practical and keep a lil gas milage. but im getting the 4.5 and 31's so that later wheni can aford bigger tires i wond need a new lift. and as for gears cant do thos yet. and i dont really think ill need em yet either...... but i know the time will eventully come. as for the AAL i already knew that i want the real deal not some wana-be 4x4

If you're moving up from 28's to 31's you'll notice lost power & your milage will suck because your foot will always be heavy on the little pedal, then you'll want to re-gear anyway.

http://www.intercotire.com/site63.php

[kleake]

That is exactly the same kit I have, but I upgraded a couple of components:
HD track bar + ~$20
HD track bar bracket + ~80
Adjustable lower control arms + ~$30
Don't remember if those prices are right, but the kit came with Rancho 5000 shocks!! Shipping and everything came to just over $900
Might need the SYE, depending on how it does after lifting, but I've seen them more around $300-$400
Track bar is included in the RE kit as well as stainless brake lines front and rear and the generation II sway bar disco's so you should be good if you can get away without the SYE..... Keep in mind that you probably will want it eventually even if you don't have to get it now, but it is recommended...

[435Mj]

Here's an RE 3.5 superflex with 30's.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/boatwrench/Jeep.jpg

Don't forget the cost of an SYE. ~$450-$500
Not sure if a trac bar is included from RE. ~$250
You can use YJ w/abs rubber hoses for the front line and rear line. ~$100
These were costs after installing my lift.

im hopeing i can get away with out that stuff for now mostly the sye. i have heard that 94+ have more drivelinve vibe than 93 and before. track bar is included and what are the lines you speak of? cause SS brake lines are included not just extentions. im new to this so sry if thats a stupid question.

the RE website has a pic and details its the 4.5 superflex with the full spring packs

[LOWTECH]

im hopeing i can get away with out that stuff for now mostly the sye. i have heard that 94+ have more drivelinve vibe than 93 and before. it dosent say that it is included but couldnt i use my stock one for now till i have more money. im not going to go searious wheeling prolly just playing in the mud for now. and what are the lines you speak of? cause SS brake lines are included not just extentions..

I'm at 6", RE 4.5" with 1.5" spacers and I'm still running stock drive shafts on my 90 with NO problems. You will need to get a GOOD alinement from some who works on lifted Jeeps stay away from cheep shops or folks that do just cars.

[435Mj]

That is exactly the same kit I have, but I upgraded a couple of components:
HD track bar + ~$20
HD track bar bracket + ~80
Adjustable lower control arms + ~$30
Don't remember if those prices are right, but the kit came with Rancho 5000 shocks!! Shipping and everything came to just over $900
Might need the SYE, depending on how it does after lifting, but I've seen them more around $300-$400
Track bar is included in the RE kit as well as stainless brake lines front and rear and the generation II sway bar disco's so you should be good if you can get away without the SYE..... Keep in mind that you probably will want it eventually even if you don't have to get it now, but it is recommended...

damn dude you got a deal on that kit then.cuse im seeing it for $1006.00 in a few places. and thats w/o shocks. thats another 150. plus shipping. the kit i can get shiped for free. and as for the sye i just cant aford it yet. i do plan on beefing up the drivetrain but again cant afort it yet. in due time

[Boatwrench]

This site, scroll down in the tech section, has part numbers for the hoses needed. Personally I do not like stainless steel lines.
http://www.madxj.com/

That Jeep in my photo is an 88. The pinion angles were off and rather than shim I opted for an SYE.

Tom

[krelja]

I'm not saying that I like my blocks and add-a-leaf but it does flex fairly well and the jeep sits level to the front. The full packs are in the future though

[kleake]

This is from RE's web site, and most places will be similar in price. The 6111 kit is the add a leaf, which is the kit I went with. You will probably want the 6130 kit if you can, but if money is tight like mine was, the 6111 gets you the same kit with AAL instead of the full spring pack which you can upgrade later... You can buy direct from Rubicon Express, and I think you get free shipping, but no shocks, other places will give you free shocks, but you pay shipping so you have to be careful... I bought mine through Sams offroad here in Tulsa dropshipped to my front door, so I even had to pay tax which was part of that $900, but if you are out of state, then you probably won't even have to pay that.... Also, some places you can't modify the kit, but through Sams I did and it only added the "upgrade" price on the parts I wanted. Might be worth a call to check out, as they are good about matching and/or beating most prices. Here is what is in the two kits.


RE6130 4.5" XJ Super-Flex Kit - The 4.5" Super-Flex replaces all your suspension hardware with Rubicon’s top-of-the-line springs, and arms for clearance of 32x11.50 tires. $1,006.95 + S&H Details (http://javascript<b></b>:PopupDetails('popup.asp?productid=5248684');)Comp onents (http://javascript<b></b>:PopupDetails('popupcom.asp?productid=5248684');)A dd to Cart (http://javascript<b></b>:PopupConfirm('addtocart.asp?productid=5248684');)
RE6130 Components ComponentQuantity
U-BOLT KIT 2.75"X9.0" (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=221');) 1
CONTROL ARM SF2 LOWER FIXED (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=1305');) 1
CONTROL ARM SR2 UPPER FT FIX (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=1305');) 1
Gen2 Sway Bar Disconnects TJ/XJ 2" - 3.5"+ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=1306');) 1
T-CASE LOWERING KIT XJ/ZJ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=234');) 1
BRAKE LINE SS REAR XJ/ZJ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=233');) 1
TRACK BAR XJ/MJ/ZJ/TJ 3"+ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=220');) 1
COIL SPRINGS XJ 4.5" (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=771');) 1
3.5" EXTREME DUTY XJ REAR SPRING (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=772');) 2
BUMP STOP 2" FRT XJ/ZJ/TJ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=274');) 1
SHACKLE XJ REAR 1.25" LIFT (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=217');) 1
U-Bolts YJ Dana 35 Rear (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=221');) 1
BRAKE LINES SS FT XJ/MJ/ZJ/C (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=233');) 1
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/images/RE6130.jpg

RE6111 4.5" XJ Super-Flex Kit - The 6111 kit is an affordable alternative to our RE 6130 4.5" kit. This kit provides the same clearances, but uses an add-a-leaf and lift block for the rear suspension lift. $773.95 + S&H Details (http://javascript<b></b>:PopupDetails('popup.asp?productid=7671117');)Comp onents (http://javascript<b></b>:PopupDetails('popupcom.asp?productid=7671117');)A dd to Cart (http://javascript<b></b>:PopupConfirm('addtocart.asp?productid=7671117');)
RE6111 Components ComponentQuantity
T-CASE LOWERING KIT XJ/ZJ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=234');) 1
BRAKE LINE SS REAR XJ/ZJ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=233');) 1
CONTROL ARM SF2 LOWER FIXED (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=1305');) 1
CONTROL ARM SR2 UPPER FT FIX (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=1305');) 1
Gen2 Sway Bar Disconnects TJ/XJ 2" - 3.5"+ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=1306');) 1
SPRING CLAMP CLIP 2.5" (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=192');) 2
TRACK BAR XJ/MJ/ZJ/TJ 3"+ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=220');) 1
COIL SPRINGS XJ 4.5" (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=771');) 1
BUMP STOP 2" FRT XJ/ZJ/TJ (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=274');) 1
BLOCK & U-BOLT KIT 1.5" (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=221');) 1
5/16" CENTER PIN (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=229');) 1
ADD-A-LEAF KIT XJ 2.5 (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=773');) 1
BRAKE LINES SS FT XJ/MJ/ZJ/C (http://javascript<b></b>:OpenPage('mainpage.asp?folderid=233');) 1
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/images/RE6111.jpg

[94_2wdcherokee]

i got the Rough Country 4.5 lift on mine, i got a total of 6 inches of lift in the front and a total of 3 in the rear. I bought the kit with the aal and shackle and it wasnt worth a damn. So i had to purchase a full leaf pack and it is alot better than what i had before that. Also my RC kit rode llike a tank.

[435Mj]

i mush have put in the wrong part number cause i dont want the AAL, i was planning on the full spring packs.....opps just a lil typo

[LOWTECH]

i mush have put in the wrong part number cause i dont want the AAL, i was planning on the full spring packs.....opps just a lil typo

NOW YOUR TALKING

[O.D.]

I'm at 6", RE 4.5" with 1.5" spacers and I'm still running stock drive shafts on my 90 with NO problems. You will need to get a GOOD alinement from some who works on lifted Jeeps stay away from cheep shops or folks that do just cars.

Are you using the same control arms that came with the kit or did you go with adjustable arms when you added the 1.5"?

[LOWTECH]

Are you using the same control arms that came with the kit or did you go with adjustable arms when you added the 1.5"?

Added adjustable (TERAFLEX) you need to extend the upper & lower arms out 3/4", (upper 15-1/2" center to center and lower 16-1/2" center to center).

[O.D.]

I was affraid of that, guess I'll have to wait.

[435Mj]

whats the benafit of the adjustable controll arms?

[LOWTECH]

I was affraid of that, guess I'll have to wait.

You can lift it without adjusting the control arms & run 35" tires, however your coil spring will bend back some and it puts your linkage closer to the axel.

For the most part this is no problem, I ran mine for 6 months this way and didn't have any real problems, (springs just like to rub aginst the bump stops and the tie rod end on the passenger side rubs a little aginst the stablizer bracket).

[LOWTECH]

whats the benafit of the adjustable controll arms?

As you lift your HEEP the front axel moves back, (see previous post), and the adjustable control arms swivel as you flex which helps reduces the stress on the front end.