New to Me XJ/ 4.5 Suspension Lift Parts

[cher96]

This is my plan for a Low Cost, Quality 4.5 inch XJ Suspension Short Arm Lift (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 else where made of better Quality at a Lower Cost. My Budget is $1500 for everything on this List Shipped to me.

Coil Springs
Front Bumpstops
Adjustable Front Upper and Lower Control Arms
Front Adjustable Track Bar with Double Shear
Adjustable Sway Bar Disconnects
Drop Pitman Arm
Nitrogen Gas Shocks
1.5/2.5" Shackles
Stainless Steel Braided Brake Line Kit
Leaf Springs
SYE and Driveshaft
Rear Bump Stops

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, Alternative ways to achieve my Goal within the same Budget ($1500) are always Welcomed and Appreciated.


Thanks,

cher96 Vicki



Coil Springs

Clayton 4.5 Coil Springs (pair) 84-01 XJ-Front $149.00
http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php?cPath=18_73&products_id=164

OR

From Iron Rock Offroad

XJ 4.5" Front Springs with Lifetime Warranty $129.99
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...en=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-X4FSP

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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

or

RE Bumpstop Kit $32.95
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/Jeep/XJ/Products.aspx?folder=XJBS

********

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

********

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

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Drop Pitman Arm $39.95
http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/drop-pitman-yjtjxj-jeep-re2500-p-2590.html

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4 to 6" Lift 9000 Nitrogen Gas (Nitro) Shocks

Nitro 9000 (9000 Nitrogen Gas Shocks ride better than Hydros IMHO) for Lift Height.
4 - 6" 9177/9178 http://roughcountry.com/shocks_jeep.html

or

Doetsch 9000 Nitrogen Gas Shock (Custom Fit) $48.65 each
http://www.shocksandsuspension.com/productinfo.asp?item=2&dc=1

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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

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

********

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

********

U-Bolts: Auto Zone

********

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.


BDS Leaf Springs have a Lifetime Warranty and Fantastic Flex. They are a little more but worth the cost in the long run.
http://www.bds-suspension.com/php/Order_by_pn.php
004209 (2) Jeep XJ 3" Rear Leaf Spring $380.12 $190.06 each

or

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

mine is a combination of stock xj's, and two leaves from a 3/4 ton dodge pickup. good for 3.5-4" lift, and

rides better than stock.

Maybe, those Leaf Packs came from one of these?

Years Description....................................................# Leaves..Width..Measures (A*B)...Spring Capacity

73-93 Dodge Pickup/Plymouth Trail Duster (1/2" bolts)....4/1.....2-1/2.........24*28..................1650

73-93 Dodge Pickup/Plymouth Trail Duster (5/8" bolts)....4/1.....2-1/2.........24*28..................1700

73-93 Dodge Pickup/Plymouth Trail Duster (5/8" bolts)....5/1.....2-1/2.........24*28..................2500

Hope this helps.

It's the van leafs 70-96 if memory serves me.23x30.5or31.

This is the start of my next pack! Add the shackle relocators mentioned her and I understand it's a great

ride.

Here are some Dodge Van Leaf Packs also.

Years Description...................................................................# Leaves..Width..Measures (A*B)...Spring Capacity

70-97 1/2 Ton Van......................................................................4.............2-1/2......23*31..................1200

70-97 1/2, 3/4 Ton Van.............................................................4(3/1)......2-1/2......23*31..................1600

70-97 1/2, 3/4, 1 Ton Van (1 Ton with Side Bar Shackle)...5(4/1)......2-1/2......23*31..................1800

70-97 1/2, 3/4, 1 Ton Van (1 Ton with Side Bar Shackle)...6(5/1)......2-1/2......23*31..................2500

72-97 1 Ton Van with One Piece Shackle.............................7(6/1),,....2-1/2......23*30-3/4...........2750

72-97 1 Ton Van with One Piece Shackle.............................7(6/1)......2-1/2......23*30-3/4...........3250

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

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Transfer Drop Kit, SYE, and Driveshaft

You do not need a Transfer Drop Kit if you do a SYE and Driveshaft. You can keep your TC Clearance this way.
However, if you do have Rear End Vibration then here is a solution that will work until you 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

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Rear Bump Stops: 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

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

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

Anyone have any helpful Insights, Thoughts, Ideas, or other comments?

Thanks.

cher96 Vicki

 

[userbmx1315]

iron man off road has a nice set of adjustable upper arms for like 130. thats what i run.

 

[Kiefer316]

That is a great list...
I got all of my stuff for about 650 for all suspension parts. All i need now are brake lines and new control arms.

Also if your planing on spending almost 400 on some leafs i would check out the BOR Leafpacks...

 

[whitexj98]

I would do bastard packs with shackle relocation brackets, I used s-10 springs.

I have also been running an AA SYE with front driveshaft with no problems for over 3 years now.

Then i would use the money saved on leafs on a set of rough country drop brackets, they ride so much better and flex great.

 

[js_customs]

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.

 

[cher96]

What I save here and there will go into doing more Upgrades like a 3 Core (Row) Radiator, Tranny Cooler, Complete Fluid and Lube Change, Taurus 3.8 Fan and '97+ Stock Fan Setup, and Front and Rear Tow Points (Bumpers I hope).

Then comes Lower Control Arm Brackets, Skids, and Rocker Panel Rails and more and more and more and more and more till I am Jeep Poor again. LOL

 

[whitexj98]

I would put the drop brackets towards the top of the list, if you do the bastard pack build you can easliy afford them. I think 189.00, the ride is sooooo much better! especially for a dd.

 

[cher96]

Thanks for the Suggestions.

I have been Driving and Wheeling without Short Arm Drop Brackets and without the Front Sway Bar connected on my present XJ with 5"s of Lift that I wouldn't know how to drive if I go and use the Drop Brackets on the New XJ.

In a moment of danger, I might react as if I didn't have Drop Brackets in the New XJ (not really a bad thing) and if I'm in the Old XJ I might react in a way I would have gotten used to in the New XJ with the Drop Brackets. Now, that would be extremely Uncool.

The best Solution for this would be to install Drop Brackets onto both XJs.
I have read that Drop Brackets can Drag over or get Hung Up on different things and when going in Reverse they can get in the way of Wheeling over things. Honestly, I have never driven nor seen a Jeep with them on so I really don't know anything about them.

 

[cher96]

That is a great list...
I got all of my stuff for about 650 for all suspension parts. All i need now are brake lines and new control arms.

Also if your planing on spending almost 400 on some leafs i would check out the BOR Leafpacks...

Thanks.

Yes, they look Awesome and are very well Built!
Because we always go out as a Family of 4 with a near Full Load, I would most likely order the Big Offroad Heavy Duty (HD) Leaf Packs if I were to order from Big Offroad.

Big Offroad Heavy Duty (HD) Leaf Packs $429.95
http://www.bigoffroad.com/products-...ty-hd-leaf-packs-click-here-for-more-details/

Big Offroad FlexE Leaf Packs $429.95
http://www.bigoffroad.com/products-...flexe-leaf-packs-click-here-for-more-details/

 

[builder]

Looks like you have done your home work.. a drop pitman arm isn't necessary and neither is a truss for the rear axle. i personally run doetsch pre runner 8000 shocks and i'm very happy with them. in the future i am going to run there baja ryders in rear and 8000's up front,bajas being a little less firm.the 9000 are not a good choice,they are valved for full size trucks.leafs i build my own and making a set to get to 4.5" is easy enough.coils you mentioned are to soft. look into BDS coils.good luck

 

[cher96]

Looks like you have done your home work.. a drop pitman arm isn't necessary and neither is a truss for the rear axle. i personally run doetsch pre runner 8000 shocks and i'm very happy with them. in the future i am going to run there baja ryders in rear and 8000's up front,bajas being a little less firm.the 9000 are not a good choice,they are valved for full size trucks.leafs i build my own and making a set to get to 4.5" is easy enough.coils you mentioned are to soft. look into BDS coils.good luck

Thanks for your Thoughts.

I have a Drop Pitman Arm that came with my 3" Entry Level Lift Kit from Rock Krawler and kept it when I went to 5"s of Lift. As I understand it, a Drop Pitman Arm helps with Bump Steer. I may be wrong.

On my Old '96 XJ, I couldn't get the Rear Bumpstops off to Swap in my Extended Rear Bumpstops so I went with the Truss. I'm not sure if there will be a problem with the New '96 XJ. I'll see if I can get the Rear Bumpstops off before I decide which way to go.

I run the ProComp ES9000 with 3+2" Lift on my Old XJ. I loved the ride until I broke the Passenger Side Front Shock a month ago. I thought if I went with a better Doetsch 9000 Shock Setup, I might not break so many Shocks. I must have broke at least 10 or more Shocks in the past. Mostly the cheap Hydros though.

When I Offroad, I take my 3 Teens and a Full Load. I just gave Doetsch a call because with myself, 3 teens, and a Full Load of Tools and Recovery Gear and my Wheeling Habits I am sure to Bust up some more Shocks. They will call me back with their Recommendations.

This is what the Doetsch Tech Recommended:
2.2 Rebuildable Mono Tube with Remote Reservoir: about $145 to $238 per Shock depending on it's Ranges. I told them what I have used in the past and I was advised that I am Burning Out the Bushings in the Hydros and Nitros and that is why I go through so many of them. Ooch!

I may just add XJ Main Leafs to the Packs and Lift Shackles or go with Dodge Main Springs, Shackles, and Rear Leaf Spring Mount Relocaters. How much Lift do you think I would get?

70-97 1/2, 3/4 Ton Van.................4(3/1)......2-1/2......23*31...........1600

As for Coil Springs, the Pair I have now are way, way too soft and my Corners are always Dropping when in a Sharp Turn. I had forgotten about that. Thanks for mentioning it. I will be going with BDS Coils as you have mentioned.

BDS 034452 Front Coil Springs 4.5" $153.30
Great Price for Quality Coil Springs! I believe I have Recommended these before to other Jeepers only I get a bit Duh at times.

Thanks.

cher96 Vicki

 

[builder]

Of course the tech recommended the 2.2's lol.to keep on your budget though i would go 8000's front and rear then, and i seriously doubt you will break a shaft, just make sure they are the right length.look into the prothane bumps for front and rear, nice stuff and doesn't cost arm & leg.take a peek in the jeepspeed section.also at 4.5" of lift i would seriously look into drop brackets, if budget doesn't allow for anything else.do you run ironman control arms with tapered bushings, if so what's the ride like and are you experiencing any noises or squeeking. thanks

 

[cher96]

Of course the tech recommended the 2.2's lol.to keep on your budget though i would go 8000's front and rear then, and i seriously doubt you will break a shaft, just make sure they are the right length.look into the prothane bumps for front and rear, nice stuff and doesn't cost arm & leg.take a peek in the jeepspeed section.

Thanks for the Advice. I appreciate it.

also at 4.5" of lift i would seriously look into drop brackets, if budget doesn't allow for anything else.

I have never used Drop Brackets but I have put a Huge Hole in a Transfer Case from Front Driveshaft Compression without them. Now I Wheel with a Shortened, Balanced Front Driveshaft. I will give it some thought though.

do you run ironman control arms with tapered bushings, if so what's the ride like and are you experiencing any noises or squeeking. thanks

I had a Set of Ironman 4x4 Fab Adjustable Lowers with Tapered Bushings on for quite a long time. Loved them, Beat the **** out of them. No Noise at all and smooth as Silk. They were his first Design. Now he Fabs them up with different Stronger Materials and Bigger Control Arm Shafts. That's why I'm getting another Set for my New XJ.

Here's a Photo of my Front Flex with them. Everyone was joking about all the Stuff I had in the back of my XJ.

The Lowers on my Old XJ now are his Ultimate Adjustable Lower Control Arms with Flex-Joints and they are really HUGE. 9 lbs. each! I think he sells these at around $279 a pair now.

Thanks

cher96 Vicki

 

[builder]

How was ride with the tapered bushings,any squeeking or noise at all.. compared to stock rubber bushings?

 

[cher96]

How was ride with the tapered bushings,any squeeking or noise at all.. compared to stock rubber bushings?

On my Old XJ, I had a Set of Ironman 4x4 Fab Adjustable Lowers with Tapered Bushings on for quite a long time. Loved them, Beat the **** out of them. No Noise at all and smooth as Silk. They were his first Design. Now he Fabs them up with different Stronger Materials and Bigger Control Arm Shafts. That's why I'm getting another Set for my New XJ.

I could ride in a Lumber Truck and enjoy it. However, with the Coil Springs (Rock Krawler Soft Ride) I have and the Ironman 4x4 Fab Adjustable Lowers... It's too smooth for me. I need Stronger Springs in the Front. They Drop when I make Sharp Turns.

My Old XJ with the Set of Ironman 4x4 Fab Adjustable Lowers with Tapered Bushings I had No Squeaks (The Bushings are Polyurethane with Grease Veins and Grease Fittings) and are really, really quite. All I ever hear are my M/Ts, Intake, and Exhaust and my Teens Arguing. LOL

When everything is still and quiet, and I am Poking Along on a Trail.... Shhhhhh.... I only hear the Low Rumble of Exhaust (edited: and my Lousy Flattened Out Add A Leaf Leaf Springs) as I plod along through the Pot Holes and Mud.

Personally, I like the Polys over the Rubber Bushings. I had all kinds of Squeaks with Rubber Bushings. But that is me.

Hope this helps.

Edit: Sorry, I wasn't thinking about the Whole Picture with my Old XJ. The only Squeaks I ever hear are from my Lousy Flattened Out Add A Leaf Leaf Springs. They have no Pads between the Leafs. I'm going to Rebuild them anyway and I will use Double Lipped Liner on them and use Greasable Spring/Shackle Bolts w/ Sleeves for the Shackles. I think that should work out good.

 

[256offroad]

DAMN 9lbs! thats HEAVY for a short arm like that...

 

[RoyalXJ]

talk to Fullsizexj on here. he'll get you what you need for an awesome price

 

[cher96]

DAMN 9lbs! thats HEAVY for a short arm like that...

And, They're Totally Indestructable and Rebuildable. They will last me past my Dieing Days and I will pass them down to my Sons who will pass them down to their Sons and so on. LOL

Custom Ultimates (9 lbs. each of Top Notch Steel) from Andy at Iron Man 4x4 Fab for under $300 (I think around $279) a Set with a Lifetime Warranty. These are mine being Fabbed Up. These are Custom Built and NOT on his Web Site. He Custom Builds whatever you want.

If you are interested:

Call him: (704) 796-3502

Email him: [email protected]

Or on Ebay: http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/ironmanfabrication4x4_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZ

This is his Web Site: http://www.ironman4x4fab.com

[/QUOTE]


Hope this helps.

 

[cher96]

This Post has what was PMed to me so the Author of the Quoted Suggestions will remain Anonymous.
Mystery: Was it the Rocky Mountain Jeep Demon, Desert Snake Jeep Rattler, Buffalo Winged Jeep Herder, or the Alligator Swamp Jeep Rat? Who knows?

Seriously,

I believe I will go with the Doetsch 8000 Pre-Runner Shocks as suggested. $44.40
http://www.shocksandsuspension.com/productinfo-item-3_dc-1.htm

8000's are a firm shock not jarring on highway but firm and really shine in fast terrain and are great for crawling.

It has been suggested to me:

if your going with shackle relocator i would go with 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.

I think this is a Great Idea. Thanks.

also suggested:

a 1" drop pitman arm actually puts your draglink below your trac bar and as you know they should be paralell. it also puts more stress on the steering box. why it came with a 3" lift is beyond me. they are bandaids used if tall lifts, when OTK steering is the correct fix. at 4.5" still not required.

No Drop Pitman Arm then. I have plans to do an Over the Knuckle Steering Conversion later on. Thanks again.

hope this helps.

It certainly does! Thank you. This is Awesome Stuff. Thanks.

I would like to Thank this very knowledgable Jeeper for PMing me with all these Fantastic Ideas.

 

[cher96]

Because I'll be saving $$$$ by doing Bastard Packs, I think I may go with the Consensus.

Control Arm Drop Brackets are now in the Mix.

Rubicon Express: RE9900 - XJ CONTROL ARM DROP BRACKETS $269.95
with RE9905 - SUPPORT BRACES FOR RE9900 $84.95
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/Jeep/XJ/Products.aspx?folder=XJCA

or

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

Is the Rough Country Control Arm Drop Kit up to the Task of Offroading?
What say you?

Thanks

cher96 Vicki