BDS vs. Rubicon Express

[Tim Dog]

I had posted prior too the site crash. I'm looking to go with a 4.5" lift kit. Has anyone used BDS in a XJ out there. I had BDS in a K5 and loved it. Just wondering what I should expect from them out of a unibody. They are on the pricey side but do have a great warrenty. Rubicon Express's 6130 kit with RE Monotubes is my 2nd pic. After you're done adding the mono's, adjustable uppers & lowers, and HD track bar they are near the same price.

Let me know your thoughts!

Thanks,
Tim

 

[256offroad]

Rubicon all the way!

 

[ZachMan]

My RE 4.5" with mono tubes, adj. arms and HD tracbar with mount was $1200 shipped via Jeepin outfitters. Its now 2 years old with 20k on it and ZERO issues.

 

[kf_chris]

I'd like to hear more about this also. Guys who've wheeled both systems would be the best sources. The local shop can get "ok" prices on BDS, and I've heard they're a little better onroad. I'm just going to beusing mine for 75% onroad driving and WV trails.

 

[Tim Dog]

Thanks for all the great input. Keep it coming! I'd really love to hear some BDS reviews too. Mine to is more of a DD, but the RE Monotubes are great for onroad use. The BDS mono's are a $$$ upgrade. I know the RE is really good offroad. That 4.5" kit has some long reach for a short arm.

Lets hear it! Tell me about your lifts. I dont care what it is. Even Rough Country, and Rustys review. I know most guys dont like the Rustys trackbars and either broke them or know someone who did. Then the shipping is expensive and Acme Style adjustables are questionable. I'm not opposed to the though. Just a few things I've read around here and other sites.

 

[Tim Dog]

My RE 4.5" with mono tubes, adj. arms and HD tracbar with mount was $1200 shipped via Jeepin outfitters. Its now 2 years old with 20k on it and ZERO issues.

Nice Man. I like the rig. I almost bought a gold one too. I've seen one of your sites elsewhere with more pics. That rig looks like it works. Let us know when you're coming to NC for a ride.

 

[Georgia Mike]

No experience with BDS, but I'm sure they're great systems. I run the RE longarm 5.5" lift, and love it! Rides great on road, and is awesome offroad. :yelclap:

 

[Tim Dog]

No experience with BDS, but I'm sure they're great systems. I run the RE longarm 5.5" lift, and love it! Rides great on road, and is awesome offroad. :yelclap:

Thanx Mike,

I'd like to check out more pics of your rig, and get some specs. That mini pic looks good but can you send some real pics. It seems to be the look I'm looking for but I gotta keep it a DD for now.

 

[BroknCJ]

Never run the BDS stuff either sorry

But have run RE and Rusty's stuff

Hands down IMO go with the RE stuff. Rides good, good quality etc.

 

[256offroad]

my lift is a mixture of different parts.. ...i have rustys adj. lowers, RE superflex uppers, rough country 4" coils, Rustys add a leaf, and a RE rear shackle...and it rides like a dream on the road and performs awesome offroad...really soft. i have run the RC 4.5" lift and that is a very good lift for the money. i have also seen the Rustys 4" in action it does pretty good but like stated before there trac bars and joints are not top of the line. so for your moneys worth and offroad capability i would run RE any day!

 

[Ben824]

I had the 3 inch BDS and it was ok but i switched it all out to the 3.5 inch RE with the mono tubes, JKS lower control arms, and JKS trac bar and it rides soo much better and i like the way it flexes off-road much better. i switched the front coils out first and then did the rear springs when the add-a-leaf wore out about a year later. i got the rear springs and mono tube shocks for christmas and when i went back to college i had a buddy who knew nothing about cars even ask me if my jeep was riding smoother

 

[ZacSquatch]

Just get the one that requires the most beer to install.... I can help you with that part... And then ride my bike the 2 miles home.

 

[Tim Dog]

I had the 3 inch BDS and it was ok but i switched it all out to the 3.5 inch RE with the mono tubes, JKS lower control arms, and JKS trac bar and it rides soo much better and i like the way it flexes off-road much better. i switched the front coils out first and then did the rear springs when the add-a-leaf wore out about a year later. i got the rear springs and mono tube shocks for christmas and when i went back to college i had a buddy who knew nothing about cars even ask me if my jeep was riding smoother

Great Input!!!! :roflmao:Thats what I needed. Unfortunatly the 3 inch doesnt have all the goodies like control arms and bushings, but I will take your word on the ride. I've had Monotubes on my mind the entire time.

 

[Tim Dog]

Just get the one that requires the most beer to install.... I can help you with that part... And then ride my bike the 2 miles home.

LOVE BEEER.........:hang:

I'll have to go RE Longarms then. Ohh wait cant do that. Then you'll have to ride from way up 87 past AO on your bike. I have a friend with a lift up there. Plus I dont feel like cutting the control arm brackets, or having trouble with the exhaust not fitting. The control arms are doable but hate to cut up the new Exhaust. Luckily the fund is growing.

 

[ZacSquatch]

Haha... I went to HS out there... I think I can handle it.

anything but buuuusch

 

[Ben824]

The Rubicon Express comes with lower control arms in the 3.5" kit even if its the soft-ride kit and im pretty sure the 4.5" kit comes with upper and lower control arms. either way i had the BDS kit and i liked it but for the money u could spend a little more and get a far superior kit. If i were you and i had the money i would go a similar route like what i did go for the RE springs and Monotube shocks and then do JKS trac bar and control arms that combination will give you the best ride with the most incredible flex. The nice thing about the JKS stuff is it flexes as good if not better than any other super fex control arm (not including long arms) and they still have the OEM rubber bushings at BOTH ends to absorb all the road vibrations and bumps and they esentially have unlimited flex because the twist in the middle instead of at the ends unlike johnny jointed ends that eventually have a limit. The trac bar has the OEM rubber bushing at the axle end and the frame end has a johnny joint and it is super strong. If you want to read up on the JKS stuff just go to JKS's web site www.jksmfg.com they are expensive but they are worth every penny. If you cant afford the JKS stuff then id say go for the RE stuff still great quality compared to all the rest.

 

[Georgia Mike]

....or having trouble with the exhaust not fitting. The control arms are doable but hate to cut up the new Exhaust. Luckily the fund is growing.

I had no problems with my exhaust while installing the RE longarm kit, except for the tailpipe's tip. I cut it just at the point where it starts to bend down, kerf cut it, and hammered it back into place. I was going to tack weld it in place, but it's not moved a bit since I put it back on, so it's good. This shortened it about 1.5", and now it clears the shackle just fine. Otherwise, no exhaust mods were needed :dunno:

 

[256offroad]

exhaust is for pu$$ys!!! :moon:

 

[keep0njeepin0n]

At the risk of brining back a 3 year old thread rather than starting a new one for the same topic, I too am curious if anybody has any personal experience with the BDS 4.5" lift vs the RE6130??

Also, how are the BDS 9500 shocks compared to the 5500?

 

[Ben824]

At the risk of brining back a 3 year old thread rather than starting a new one for the same topic, I too am curious if anybody has any personal experience with the BDS 4.5" lift vs the RE6130??

Also, how are the BDS 9500 shocks compared to the 5500?

I have no personal experience with the BDS or RE 4.5" kits but I do have experience with the BDS 3" and RE 3.5" kits and hands down the RE kits is far superior. From ride quality to performance on and off-road and quality of parts.

As far as the shocks go I would go with the 9500 shock if you really want the BDS shocks. The gas charged monotube design is much better.

But all the BDS stuff is overpriced and you can get better stuff from RE for cheaper.