I just ordered the Rubicon Express 3.5" Super Ride with rear leaf springs. I ordered it withOUT shocks. I ordered Fox 2.0 shocks instead for all 4 corners. I will probably end up ordering a control arm drop kit before the intall.
Ok nice... thats a good start. Most of the RE super ride kits I'm seeing dont include adjustable upper control arms nor an adjustable trackbar. Both are hugely needed ime. Double sheer trackbar will also need a new (frame side) trackbar bracket. I suppose stock upper CAs with lower CA drop brackets and adj CAs might get ya close, but the adjustability is paramount for dialing in pinion angle. As for the trackbar, any lift at all needs one imo (hell even stock!). Just basic math. You go up 3.5"s and the axle will no longer be centered with stock, and the bushings fail FAST... Bringing about death wobble in a hurry. Trust me on this.
Another MUST have (ime) is leaf spring shackles/ relocation brackets. For 3.5" lift a wishbone shackle set would do you good probably... nothing beats the sfr relocation brackets and choice of shackle imo. Just know, after lifting the angle goes to shit and even fox 2.0s wont fix the ride quality of a 90* shackle! Aftermarket typically run longer, so adjustable (as in multiple attach points) might be good to dial in total lift.
Also, extended brake lines a must if you got the kit with sway bar disconnects... and he has any intention to go offroad. You'll rip a stock line right off once you detach the sway bar and start getting some flex up front, ask me how I know :eeks1:
For 33s I've been in an xj with 3.73s, he had an 8.8 rear axle and zj v8 lp30... it was decent. I was surprised tbh.. not great but not God awful like the internet will tell ya. Id shoot for 4.11s personally, or 4.46s... I run 35s fine on 4.56.
If your son intends to continue to work on the jeep and keep the build going... a wj front swap for knuckles, brakes, and steering is hard to beat. Stopping power of the akebonos and the highsteer knuckles are MUCH better than the stock stuff for biger tires.
If not, maybe at least ditching the flimsy stock XJ steering for a v8 ZJ Y link would help with the bigger tires and add a little beef. I like stoptech pads and rotors for a bit better braking on stock or upgraded calipers.
This jeep business is a disease... glad you're passing it on to the Youngblood!! Lol