Best option for 2" lift

[Big_Al]

Ok guys I figured here's ther place to ask. Let me start by saying I bought my XJ with one "main" purpose in mind. That is to have 4wd to use on the beaches of the outer banks of NC. I don't need lift but would like the Jeep to at least look like it is a 4x4. I don't plan to incerase tire size so 2" is all I need.(want) So with that said, to my question(s):

What's the most economical way to get up 2"? Thinking spacers and blocks.
Where is the best source for the parts?
Will I need longer shocks? If so is there a shock from another vehicle that will give the proper length without going to pricey "offroad" shocks I'll never really need?

I'll be driving the XJ about 800 miles round trip so, smooth ride, quiet tires ect are a must. If I and the Mrs catch fish on these trips then we'll be making quiet a few.

Thank in advance for any and all replies.....Al

 

[Timmy2XJS]

blocks are evil. DONT USE THEM. get some hd leaves, or a bastard pack.
the poly spacers are ok. search is your friend. use it, its wonderful. (i know this bc it saves my ass a good bit)


Timmy


or go here

http://www.rocklizardfabrications.com/home_brew_budget_boost.htm

 

[db10bo]

Or just get spacers and a shackle for the rear, runs you about 100 bucks or so depending where you get it. Check out Rusty's or Tera-flex. My buddy used each of those on two separate Jeeps and they're about the same. Good luck have fun on the beaches!

 

[mike94yj]

I have 2" spacers on the front and a 2" shackle in the rear on my 97. I run 30" BFG AT's, still have the factory shocks. It rides as well as it did w/ the stock set up. compared to my YJ it is very comfortable and quiet on long trips.

 

[mike94yj]

p.s check out fat bobs garage, I paid $85 to my door, took a couple hours to install. Easiest lift I have ever done

 

[bcmaxx]

We searched for a good 2" lift (with leaf packs )for my dads jeep we ended up with a re3.5 inch with leafs,trac bar and bilsteins. Just budget boost it.its only 2" spacers and an aal or some extra full leafs

 

[Big_Al]

Thanks for all the replies folks.....

Well so far it looks like Fat Bobs may have what I'm looking for...http://www.fatbobsgarage.com/cart/products/Jeep_Cherokee_XJ_2_Lift_Kit_1984_2001-422-27.html

Just find it hard to believe that that little added leaf will add 2" of lift to the rear.

Any more suggestions? Thanks, Al

EDIT: Since I mentioned I need new shocks is this kit worth the $100 bucks more for the shocks. http://www.fatbobsgarage.com/cart/products/Jeep_Cherokee_XJ_2_Lift_Kit_w_ProComp_Shocks_1984_2001-419-27.html Anyone have any experence with this shock? Remember I'll be on the road 90% of the time and will see only sand and an ocasional dirt road in the NC foothills......Al

 

[Dest]

I don't think you'll need 2" for sand, if your down that low into it your stuck anyways. I went on vacation to the NC outerbanks and I can successfully say that a stock XJ will handle most of the sand there, you just need to be smart. I'd spend the money on a come-a-long and tow strap.

 

[Big_Al]

Been to the OBX many times in many different 4x4's and you're right , no additional clearence is needed. I'd like the jeep to sit a little higher for just general "looks". I mentioned the primary use of my jeep to elimanate folks from suggestion a higher lift and larger tires for serious off roading that would sacrifice the ride quality.

 

[Super D]

look at old man emu stuff i herd it has a real plush ride quality. however it does cost a little more. call dirk at dpg off-road and i'm sure he can hook you up. he is a sponser of this forum.....................aaron

 

[db10bo]

I would go with the shackles before the Add-a-leafs. They usually ride rougher and since this is your DD I would try to stay away from that. Just my $0.02.

Dane

 

[cherokee chuck]

V-8 Grand Cherokee front springs gave us about 1 1/2" in the front, if your rear springs are in good condition shackles work well. In my experience coil spacers are noisey, but if you don't mind the clunk they work ok. I think 2" blocks are not a good idea but if you use them at least get the cast iron tapered ones & keep your U-bolts tight. Add-a-leafs do ride harsh & are a pain to install.

 

[johnnyc]

On my MJ, we put on some V8 ZJ coils and 1.75" coil spacers and that gave me just over 2 inches. That means the ZJ coils only gave me 1/4". Maybe they were well used.

In the back, we added an XJ main leaf to the MJ pack. That gave me two inches. And it rides very nicely. No harshness at all.

 

[FitchVA]

http://www.rocklizardfabrications.com/home_brew_budget_boost.htm

i followed that writeup as a guideline when doing mine on my dd'er. mine sees 99.99% pavement and i will admit i did it mainly for looks.

here's my writeup on how i did mine: http://fitchva.com/jeep/?p=56

 

[winkosmosis]

Here is what I got, and used stock shocks (OME 1.75" coils, 2" light load leafs). Total is $387.95 + shipping. Makes more sense IMO than using a budget kit that comes with new shocks for the same price

http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=1187
http://jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=1183

 

[dinorl007]

as with any upgrade try to get the most for your money adn get what fits in your budget, i would stay asay form procomp shocks, i have used them on my xj, adn my tj and did not like them at all they were too stiff for my likimg, i am running doetsch now adn really like them, get spacers for the front and try to get another xj main leaf for the rear, or a longer shackle, teraflex has an 1 1/2 lift that is only araound 110.00 then get some good shocks, also re makes a bb with an aal with shocks for a good price hth