For BPE, my favorite combo for the front are JKS uppers and IRO lowers. Gives you a bolt in eye/eye for the shock.
Alt Shock options: no idea on prices though.
fox 2.0s
Bilstein 5160s
Drop brackets will help with ride and they dont really get hung up that often; for me at least. Im on 6" or so and wheel the Rubicon and many trails in Nevada. That said, I plan on going long arms for my next build.
Here is a list of stuff that I recommend to any new XJ owner looking for a budget wheeler. Some of it doesnt apply to you but might help future readers.
-Maintenance #1. If you break down out there, the rest of the stuff is worthless.
-HAM license class (and buy a HAM radio, handheld is fine and allows you to hike out if needed)
-ZJ Drag link (Or other aftermarket one. Stinkyfab used to sell an aluminum one)
-Steel Steering box spacer (Get one that comes with bolts)
-Steering box brace (Ironman4x4fab, Boostwerks, or BadDadFab, Alpine Peak Precision)
-d30 reinforcement
https://www.trailforged.com/product/tj-lj-mj-xj-and-zj-front-axle-bracket-reinforcement-kit
-Front and rear tow points (Rear hitch works) (if you wheel alone, bumper and winch suggested)
-Recovery kit (Shackles, straps without metal ends, tree saver, gloves, etc)
-Roof Mounted Cargo box for all the lighter stuff (clothes etc), Keep the heavy stuff in the “trunk” to keep it low (Spare parts, tools, cooking stuff, food, etc)
-Junkyard S-10 bastard leaf pack to help with the sag of all the weight
-Budget boost 1”-2” spacers for up front to level the rig
-frame stiffeners front to back (For longevity)
-DIY 2x6 sliders (More clearance than Traditional sliders)
-Jeepcables battery cable upgrade
-K-Suspension (or DIY) E-fan switch override
-Putco Headlight harness
-Amazon LED Trucklight look-a-likes ($100)
-Raybestos Brake pads
-Cheap Gas tank skid (IRO was cheapest when I bought)
-Gojeep gas tank mod
http://gojeep.willyshotrod.com/HowtoFuelTank.htm
or ZJ Gas tank for late model (or combo and get 25 gallons)
https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1131307
BPE Front: JKS uppers and IRO lowers. Gives you a bolt in eye/eye for the shock.
Builder parts look at Ruff Stuff, Total Metal Innovations, Barns 4WD.
If you plan to do more rocky trails, skidplates for t-case and gas tank are suggested; stock skids would even work. I would also advise sliders of some sort, JCR are a bit pricy for everything they sell.
If you do an LED Bar, don’t put it on the roof. Bumper mount is much better. Roof has a ton of wind noise on the road and it reflects off the hood and blinds you.
For later down the road bigger lifts, Best kit is to piece it together yourself. Might be more expensive but will get you best components.
More later down the road stuff:
Stinkyfab Motor mounts with
engine side brackets or MORE bombproof mounts with SF brackets
StinkyFab trans mount
Stinkyfab trans skid
