New to Me XJ/ 4.5 Suspension Lift Parts

[RoyalXJ]

imo the rough country brackets are just fine. they also come withe the braces.

 

[MrSimon]

The Rough country brackets are very beefy. I just installed a set and am thrilled.

Also, if you call Jason at RC and tell him you are a member, you get a really nice discount.

RC is the way to go.

 

[builder]

Dont think you can go wrong on the R/C drop brackets.

 

[cher96]

Looks like you've done your homework here, although I'm not sure you'll need the drop pitman arm. Someone else might chime in here, but from searching here, I found that it's not really necessary on a 4.5" lift. Some people do run zj pitman arms for a 1" drop.

Thanks.

I reread this Thread and noticed I overlooked this. Sorry.

I think I will at least go this Direction instead of the Aftermarket 3" Drop Pitman Arm.

Also, Thanks Guys. I will go with the Rough Country: RC 1627 - Control Arm Drop Kit.


Thanks again Everyone,

cher96 Vicki

 

[cher96]

I have Edited this List as Helpful Suggestions have been Posted Up. It now represents the thoughts of many XJ Jeepers. Thank you all.
If something still needs Tweeking, please Post Up.

This is my plan for a Low Cost, Quality 4.5 inch XJ Suspension Short Arm Lift (Bastard Kit) for up to 33" Tires (35s with major cutting of Fenders and Regearing) for the

New to Me, Late Year'96 XJ I will have in 2 Weeks; I have given a Deposit on it already. I have put a lot of thought and have done my Research on this. However, I am sure

some of the product listed can be had elswhere made of better Quality at a Lower Cost. My Budget is $1500 for everything in this List Shipped to me.

Front Bumpstops
Coil Springs
Control Arm Drop Kit
Adjustable Front Upper and Lower Control Arms
Drop Pitman Arm
Front Adjustable Track Bar with Double Shear
Adjustable Sway Bar Disconnects
Shackle Relocaters
1.5/2.5" Shackles
Leaf Springs
U-Bolts
Rear Bump Stops
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Line Kit
4 to 6" Lift Shocks
Transfer Drop or SYE and Driveshaft


If anyone knows of anything that is of the same Price and of better Quality, please Post Up.

If it is of same or better Quality and better Price, please Post Up.

No matter what it is, if it's a better Deal and will work on this Lift, please Post it up.

As usual, any and all Constructive Comments, Ideas, Alterantive ways to achieve my Goal within the same Budget ($1500) are always Welcomed and Appreciated.


Thanks,

cher96 Vicki


Front Bumpstops. Using Bump Stops at the bottom of the Coil Spring instead of Extended Bump Stops at the Top will work better than having the Extended Bump Stops

break off or get caught in the Coil Springs IMHO.

Hockey Pucks $0.99 each
http://www.epuck.com/regicehocpuc.html

********

Coil Springs

BDS 034452 Front Coil Springs 4.5" $153.30 (Quoted on Phone)
Great Price for Quality Coil Springs!
[email protected]
phone: 517-279-2135

Most Lift Coil Springs: <= 150lb. Spring Rate
BDS: 240lb. Spring Rate

With Leaf Springs:
Other Lift Springs: About 10% over Stock Rate
BDS: 15% over Stock Rate

********

Rough Country: RC 1627 - Control Arm Drop Kit $189.95
http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_control_arm_drop.html

********

Adjustable Front Upper and Lower Control Arms $249.50
4.5"s of Lift: Stock Uppers at 15"s of Length are fine for Light Offroading, however, Adjustable Uppers should be Set to 15 1/8"s and Lowers to 16 3/8"s of Length.
http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Control_Arms/XJ_FULCA.html

********

Drop Pitman Arm: ZJ Pitman Arm for a 1" Drop

********

Front Adjustable Track Bar with Double Shear Kit $159.50
A Double Shear Kit converts the Factory Bracket to Double Shear Mount at the Track Bar.
http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Track_Bars/XJ_FTB.html

********

Rock Krawler Front Adjustable Sway Bar Disconnects $106.95
http://www.discountjeepparts.com/pr...27443?osCsid=8c7f7795cfbe55716b9790ac65c8d682

********

Shackle Relocaters (if needed): http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1004504&page=2

********

1.5/2.5" Shackles: RCX ($49.95) will do with Greasable Spring/Shackle
Bolts w/ Sleeves or Boomerang Shackles (much more Expensive).
The Longer the Shackle (I do NOT suggest any longer than 2.5"s of Lift) the more Flex will be Acheived with proper Shackle Angle. It will allow the Leaf Spring to Elongate

(stretch).
http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_shackles.html

Greasable Spring/Shackle
Bolts w/ Sleeves
http://www.xtremeterrain.com/cherokeexjshackles84-01.aspx

********

Leaf Springs

I would never go with Add-A-Leafs again. They usually Flatten Out in just a few months. Mine did.

Many Jeepers have had some problems with Axle Wrap and other Issues with the Cheaper Lift Leaf Springs.

Bastard Packs http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1004504

XJ Bastard Pack:

Quote:
xj leaf pack and find another set of donor packs and use the main cut to support main leaf with bushings, 2nd & 3rd from donor staggered to fit. radius all the ends & use

double lipped liner or almost just as good is moly dry lube spray. a 1.5 " shackle and you should be between 4.5 and 5". will flex well with open u bolt style leaf clamps

and flex carry some weight.

Here are two different Budget Build Write Ups with 2 to 2.25" Bastard Packs within.

The Home-Brew 2? Budget Boost Page is an Excellent Write Up for doing a 2" Bastard Pack Lift. It has all the Info and Photos on the "How To" that anyone would ever need

IMHO.
FitchVA’s Home-Brew 2? Budget Boost: http://fitchva.com/jeep/?p=56

Here is the other Budget Build by Martin Verburgt with a solid 2.25"s of lift:
http://www.rocklizardfabrications.com/home_brew_budget_boost.htm

********

U-Bolts: Auto Zone

********

Rear Bump Stops:

I will do Extended Rear Bumpstops unless I have problems removing them again.
84-01 XJ CHEROKEE REAR EXT. BUMP STOPS, PAIR KJ09122 DA $53.00
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/index.htm?stocknumber=KJ09122+DA

I will wait to do this Until I get a Rear Assembly Upgrade if I do one.
Probably will keep the C8.25 and do a Locker and Gear Ugrade in both Differencials or something like that.
Iron Rock 4x4 Truss with 2" Bumpstop Pads. Strengthen the Axle Tubes while adding Bump Stop. $99.99
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...en=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-XD44T

********

XJ Stainless Steel Braided Brake Line Kit $99.99
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...en=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-XSBLK

********

4 to 6" Lift Shocks

Doetsch 8000 Pre-Runner Shocks as suggested. $44.40 ea.
http://www.shocksandsuspension.com/productinfo-item-3_dc-1.htm

********
Transfer Drop Kit, SYE, and Driveshaft

I will not need a Transfer Drop Kit if I do a SYE and Driveshaft. I can keep my TC Clearance this way.
However, if I do have Rear End Vibration then here is a solution that will work until I have money for a Heavy Duty SYE and Tom Woods Driveshaft.

Great Thread on doing a J Yard SYE and Front Driveshaft:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=959008&highlight=SYE+yoke


Iron Rock 4x4's SYE and Front Driveshaft:
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...en=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-X_HNT

Here is their PDF on doing a SYE and a Front Driveshaft.
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/hack and Tap Install.pdf

********


That's pretty much it for Suspension. I am so very much excited about Building another XJ!

Hope this Thread will help someone else intersted in doing a 4.5 inch Lift on their XJ.

cher96 Vicki

 

[Andrew T]

I have been very happy with Rusty's Off Road coil springs (and lift kits for that matter). 4.5" coils are $129

 

[cher96]

I have been very happy with Rusty's Off Road coil springs (and lift kits for that matter). 4.5" coils are $129

Thanks for your Suggestion.

I was PMed an Opportunity to purchase a Pair of Rusty's 4.5" Coil Springs for really, really cheap. I declined because on Rusty's Site, Rusty's advertise their 4.5" Coils to have 150Lb. Spring Rate.

BDS's have 240Lb. Spring Rate. I need a Strong Coil Spring Rate. The Pair I have now on my Old XJ are not stiff enough. The Front Corner will take a dip when I turn a Corner. When I called about having them replaced after I tried them for a Week, I asked what the Spring Rate was. It was about 150lbs according to the Technician and he said that their Coil Springs have no Warranty after Mounting. I was STUCK with them. BDS Warrants most everything they have with a Lifetime Warranty. They make their Stuff to Last IMHO. My XJ carries more than a Full Load when we Wheel. Myself, 3 Teens, Food, Water, Gas Can, Full Size Spare, Tools, and Recovery Gear. That's a lot of Weight.

This is why I am going with BDS.

I Thank You for your Suggestion.

cher96 Vicki

 

[cher96]

I have put a lot of thought and have done my Research on this. My Budget is $1500 for everything in this List Shipped to me.

Front Bumpstops
Coil Springs
Control Arm Drop Kit
Adjustable Front Upper and Lower Control Arms
Drop Pitman Arm
Front Adjustable Track Bar with Double Shear
Adjustable Sway Bar Disconnects
Shackle Relocaters
1.5/2.5" Shackles
Leaf Springs
U-Bolts
Rear Bump Stops
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Line Kit
4 to 6" Lift Shocks
Transfer Drop or SYE and Driveshaft


Front Bumpstops. Using Bump Stops at the bottom of the Coil Spring instead of Extended Bump Stops at the Top will work better than having the Extended Bump Stops

break off or get caught in the Coil Springs IMHO.

Hockey Pucks $0.99 each
http://www.epuck.com/regicehocpuc.html

********

Coil Springs

BDS 034452 Front Coil Springs 4.5" $153.30 (Quoted on Phone)
Great Price for Quality Coil Springs!
[email protected]
phone: 517-279-2135

Most Lift Coil Springs: <= 150lb. Spring Rate
BDS: 240lb. Spring Rate

With Leaf Springs:
Other Lift Springs: About 10% over Stock Rate
BDS: 15% over Stock Rate

********

Rough Country: RC 1627 - Control Arm Drop Kit $189.95
http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_control_arm_drop.html

********

Adjustable Front Upper and Lower Control Arms $249.50
4.5"s of Lift: Stock Uppers at 15"s of Length are fine for Light Offroading, however, Adjustable Uppers should be Set to 15 1/8"s and Lowers to 16 3/8"s of Length.
http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Control_Arms/XJ_FULCA.html

********

Drop Pitman Arm: ZJ Pitman Arm for a 1" Drop

********

Front Adjustable Track Bar with Double Shear Kit $159.50
A Double Shear Kit converts the Factory Bracket to Double Shear Mount at the Track Bar.
http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Track_Bars/XJ_FTB.html

********

Rock Krawler Front Adjustable Sway Bar Disconnects $106.95
http://www.discountjeepparts.com/pr...27443?osCsid=8c7f7795cfbe55716b9790ac65c8d682

********

Shackle Relocaters (if needed): http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1004504&page=2

********

1.5/2.5" Shackles: RCX ($49.95) will do with Greasable Spring/Shackle
Bolts w/ Sleeves or Boomerang Shackles (much more Expensive).
The Longer the Shackle (I do NOT suggest any longer than 2.5"s of Lift) the more Flex will be Acheived with proper Shackle Angle. It will allow the Leaf Spring to Elongate

(stretch).
http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_shackles.html

Greasable Spring/Shackle
Bolts w/ Sleeves
http://www.xtremeterrain.com/cherokeexjshackles84-01.aspx

********

Leaf Springs

I would never go with Add-A-Leafs again. They usually Flatten Out in just a few months. Mine did.

Many Jeepers have had some problems with Axle Wrap and other Issues with the Cheaper Lift Leaf Springs.

Bastard Packs http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1004504

XJ Bastard Pack:


xj leaf pack and find another set of donor packs and use the main cut to support main leaf with bushings, 2nd & 3rd from donor staggered to fit. radius all the ends & use

double lipped liner or almost just as good is moly dry lube spray. a 1.5/2.5 " shackle and you should be between 4.5 and 5.5". will flex well with open u bolt style leaf clamps
and flex carry some weight.

********

U-Bolts: Auto Zone

********

Rear Bump Stops:

I will do Extended Rear Bumpstops unless I have problems removing them again.
84-01 XJ CHEROKEE REAR EXT. BUMP STOPS, PAIR KJ09122 DA $53.00
http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/index.htm?stocknumber=KJ09122+DA

I will wait to do this Until I get a Rear Assembly Upgrade if I do one.
Probably will keep the C8.25 and do a Locker and Gear Ugrade in both Differencials or something like that.
Iron Rock 4x4 Truss with 2" Bumpstop Pads. Strengthen the Axle Tubes while adding Bump Stop. $99.99
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...en=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-XD44T

********

XJ Stainless Steel Braided Brake Line Kit $99.99
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...en=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-XSBLK

********

4 to 6" Lift Shocks

Doetsch 8000 Pre-Runner Shocks as suggested. $44.40 ea.
http://www.shocksandsuspension.com/productinfo-item-3_dc-1.htm

********
Transfer Drop Kit, SYE, and Driveshaft

I will not need a Transfer Drop Kit if I do a SYE and Driveshaft. I can keep my TC Clearance this way.
However, if I do have Rear End Vibration then here is a solution that will work until I have money for a Heavy Duty SYE and Tom Woods Driveshaft.

Great Thread on doing a J Yard SYE and Front Driveshaft:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=959008&highlight=SYE+yoke


Iron Rock 4x4's SYE and Front Driveshaft:
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...en=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-X_HNT

Here is their PDF on doing a SYE and a Front Driveshaft.
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/hack and Tap Install.pdf

********

Hope this helps you out.

cher96 Vicki