Opinions on Shocks (and other things)

Hey guys and gals, just got the XJ a few months ago and have been gone out with the local jeep club a few times. Im looking to upgrade to a little bit and have been lurking around alot on other peoples threads. I am somewhat torn on what i want to do with the lift, i have built suspensions before, just not for a jeep/offroading. I used to Race BMWs and have built many suspensions for road racing, to autocross, to 24 hours of LeMons (probably the funnest! hahah)

Anyway, I have been piecing together parts for my XJ and would like some people's input on parts. I am mainly stuck on picking the correct shock for myself. Im thinking about starting with a bilstein 5100 i have heard everyone saying 255/70 valving, but not sure on the exact length for what i was going with. If anyone else has the same springs id like their input. i don't mind a rough ride (I have driven a race suspension in my M3 for the past 4 years) and this xj has alot more comfortable seats!

Below is what i have come up with:

Control Arms Shocks
Clayton Off Road U/L Adj. Control Arms - $499
http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/18_69/products_id/78

Springs
DPG Trail Gunner 5" Coil - $175
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=906770

Leafs
DPG TrailGunner Leaf- $416
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=906770

Rear Bump Stops
Hockey Pucks -$1ea

Trackbar
Clayton Off Road Adjustable Trackbar w/ hd bushing & bracket - $289
http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/18_78/products_id/347

Quick Disconnects
JKS Quicker Disconnect - $165
http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/m..._Code=JKS01&Category_Code=Swaybar_Disconnects

Extended SS Brake Lines
IRO SS Brake Lines - $99.99
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...en=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-XSBLK

I also have a SYE on the list and I know its close but should i get a drop pitman arm?

I have mainly used cher96's thread as a guide, but have changed up a few things.

I was also looking into just getting the Clayton Premium Short Arm kit
http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/18_67/products_id/109

would it be worth it to just go with the full Clayton Kit? or piece everything together?

Id rather do this right the first time (ive gone the cheap route before :twak

any help/critique would be appreciated! thanks everyone!

looks like a decent setup, the only issue is.. if this is your DD you're going to want dropbrackets or long arms. BTW clayton makes great products!
For shocks I would go with bilstein 5100's or 5150's

the clayton kits are nice, im sure you can save a littttttle coin by peicing it together.... however it seems like youve got a good grasp of what suspension peices you need.... except 5" being borderline long arm /drop bracket territory.

ITS ALLWAYS NICE dealing with race folk, theyre allways ready to spend! welcome to the site.

i see your in st. louis. what year/color is your XJ?

ive got a silver 01, 3" on 31s (soon to be 33"s), black raptored lowers and bumpers with a big "EVOLVESCREENPRINTING.COM" decal on the rear window. if you see me driving around town throw em up! eace:

and what size tires are you planning on running? you may need gears is why i ask.

spencer elliott said:

and what size tires are you planning on running? you will need gears is why i ask.

Click to expand...

FIFY

i'd go with the clayton kit, except the front 3 link, not the radius arms. the DPG and clayton coils are pretty comparable as far as spring rate and quality goes. and bilstien 5150s, 255/70 valve are a good shock to run.

spencer elliott said:

and what size tires are you planning on running? you will need gears is why i ask.

Click to expand...

XJLI said:

FIFY

Click to expand...

good call

XJLI said:

FIFY

i'd go with the clayton kit, except the front 3 link, not the radius arms. the DPG and clayton coils are pretty comparable as far as spring rate and quality goes. and bilstien 5150s, 255/70 valve are a good shock to run.

Click to expand...

Thanks, ill take a look into the 3 link!

spencer elliott said:

i see your in st. louis. what year/color is your XJ?

ive got a silver 01, 3" on 31s (soon to be 33"s), black raptored lowers and bumpers with a big "EVOLVESCREENPRINTING.COM" decal on the rear window. if you see me driving around town throw em up! eace:

and what size tires are you planning on running? you may need gears is why i ask.

Click to expand...

My jeep is red and a 96, i plan on running 33s and eventually after swapping axles end up with some 35s. I know ill definitely need gears with the 35s, but i was going to see how much of a dog it becomes with stock gears and 33s, if i can live with it till next spring i may just stick with stock. im looking to raptor my lowers soon, did you diy?


Thanks for your ideas guys, any other ideas are also appreciated!