Rubicon Express XJ 4.5", What else is needed??

[XJ91]

So Gaw got you started on all this huh??? .... that's what we call the "guy at work". If Gaw is the boss tell him you need a raise now ...

Imo ... Send the AR's back and mount those 31's (or con Gaw out of his 32's) on your stockers... spend the money on upgrading your lift and drivetrain ... Currie SYE, RE HD Track Bar, ACOS, JKS discos, and RSX 9000's.

"3.55's with 31's should be fine."

Yes they will ... you have an HO motor... just drop it in 3rd around town until you have another $1.5K for gears and tire replacement.


Have you done anything to the exhaust system ?

May want to check where your e-brake cable comes across from the center to the rear pass backplate... my cable came into contact with the muffler after the lift ... now the Dynomax needs to be moved forward about 6" with a new custom bent 2.5" tailpipe.

Add another $200+ w/2.5" Cat


Just keeps adding up $$$$.$$

Gaw, is just that a guy at work, not the boss.

What does ACOS, stand for?

Have just been enquiring about the AR's. Yes, I guess, I can put those on hold.

It's an Auto tranny, I never take it passed "D". The RSX 9000's would have to wait, I'll stick with the DoshTech 3000's that come with the kit.

As for the exaust, I'm going to wait untill I have to do the GOV e-test in Oct. This way if it fails I can sweet talk the wife into a better exaust. My E-Brake, unfortunately does not work on the count that a component within the drum broke off just after X-mas.

 

[bchulett]

"What does ACOS, stand for?"

http://www.jksmfg.com/acos.htm

I guess these can wait too ... $210 plus tax.


"It's an Auto tranny, I never take it passed "D"."

Get used to it with those 31's ... I've been running 31's with stockers for a real long time. Do you have the Trans "Power" switch on the dash ??

"The RSX 9000's would have to wait, I'll stick with the DoshTech 3000's that come with the kit."

I think RE will upgrade those too ... for a nominal fee $$.

 

[Jared]

Don't let these pros scare ya bud. I lifted my XJ for about $1400 - total. Add that to the $2000 I paid for my '91 sport, and you come in under $3,500.

I bought used control arm drop brackets, new RE 5.5" XD springs, RE HD trackbar, new DT3000 shocks, some used axles (4.10 gears) and leaf springs out of a comanche pickup, and a used rear lock-right for 50 bucks. You can put together a great Jeep on a budget. I could've saved even more by waiting for a deal on a complete used lift.

I run stock control arms and have about 6" of lift total. With some substantial front fender trimming I clear 33" super swampers pretty well. I plan to do a rear CV driveshaft with NO SYE soon. I can get a front driveline from an XJ for $40 at the local junkyard, and have it retubed and balanced for about $100 more by Six States. $140 for no more vibes sounds good to me. But they really aren't that bad now.

Buying the RE 4.5" lift new is a great way to go, but there are more cost-effective ways to get the altitude and flex that you want. I'm not saying don't buy it - just weigh your options carefully before you do. BTW - you can get much better prices on RE lifts than directly from RE. Dirk at www.dpgoffroad.com took good care of me. Good luck with it!

Jared

 

[XJ91]

Don't let these pros scare ya bud. I lifted my XJ for about $1400 - total. Add that to the $2000 I paid for my '91 sport, and you come in under $3,500.

I bought used control arm drop brackets, new RE 5.5" XD springs, RE HD trackbar, new DT3000 shocks, some used axles (4.10 gears) and leaf springs out of a comanche pickup, and a used rear lock-right for 50 bucks. You can put together a great Jeep on a budget. I could've saved even more by waiting for a deal on a complete used lift.

I run stock control arms and have about 6" of lift total. With some substantial front fender trimming I clear 33" super swampers pretty well. I plan to do a rear CV driveshaft with NO SYE soon. I can get a front driveline from an XJ for $40 at the local junkyard, and have it retubed and balanced for about $100 more by Six States. $140 for no more vibes sounds good to me. But they really aren't that bad now.

Buying the RE 4.5" lift new is a great way to go, but there are more cost-effective ways to get the altitude and flex that you want. I'm not saying don't buy it - just weigh your options carefully before you do. BTW - you can get much better prices on RE lifts than directly from RE. Dirk at www.dpgoffroad.com took good care of me. Good luck with it!

Jared

:scared: ??? a little :confused1 maybe.

I post to get opinions and weigh my options. :shocked: at the all the other stuff needed, Yes.
I have been dealing with Crawltech (free shippin to :canada: , as they are the only ones to actually get back to with full pricing. Others read the email and reply, saying they will get back to me. never do.... :sure:

"What does ACOS, stand for?"

http://www.jksmfg.com/acos.htm

I guess these can wait too ... $210 plus tax.


"It's an Auto tranny, I never take it passed "D"."

Get used to it with those 31's ... I've been running 31's with stockers for a real long time. Do you have the Trans "Power" switch on the dash ??

"The RSX 9000's would have to wait, I'll stick with the DoshTech 3000's that come with the kit."

I think RE will upgrade those too ... for a nominal fee $$.

ThanX for the ACOS info, but yea they can wait.
I do have the "Power Switch" on the dash. Never use it though. Should I?

I will price out the RSX 9000's and compare the price diff, if nominal and within my budget. I will consider them.

ThanX

 

[Roxtar]

You have got to be kidding me. PB Blaster works. Nothing else said.

Sorry but I have to disagree. I always used PB and, hey, it was OK. A couple guys I know just raved about this SiliKroil stuff so I went online to find it. I don't know what's in this stuff but it is incredible. Like I said before, I drenched everything in PB over and over before installing my lift. Every bolt under 1/2" snapped off. EVERY ONE. Including the rear lower shock mounts, forcing me to machine new ones and weld them on. Since using this stuff I have yet to snap another bolt, including installing brake lines, a job notorious for breaking parts.

 

[Lunatic728]

I looked at the Re6130 4.5" lift and then the upgrades (i.e. HD trackbar, Bracket, JKS disco's) I then looked at the RE6200 5.5" kit that comes with HD trackbar, and bracket. For the cost difference between the 2 kits I went with the 5.5". With the control arm drop brackets and supports and the new LCA's and UCA's, swaybar relocation brackets to keep everything at the proper angle and better drivabilty.

Here is the pic of the lift while making sure everything was there. Ordered it from Dirk dpgoffroad.com great guy really good price and from the time I ordered it to get it at my house 6 days.

 

[XJWheelie]

Has anyone ever tried subsituting the 4.5" springs for the 3.5" springs that come with the 4.5" kit and using revolver shackles with them instead of the longer shackles in order to get the 4.5" of lift?

 

[evilpresence]

Has anyone ever tried subsituting the 4.5" springs for the 3.5" springs that come with the 4.5" kit and using revolver shackles with them instead of the longer shackles in order to get the 4.5" of lift?

You'll get more lift in the rear, obviously. It was posted, not sure where, but RE has the 3.5" leafs and the 1.25" shackle together for a reason. The revolver shackles would be nice to get, but remember, if you do get the 4.5" leafs and revolver shackles, your rear shocks might not be long enough. Just a thought.

 

[89TrailXJ]

"AHHHH Tires,, Good thing a guy @Work got 32" BFG's and gave me his 31x10.50 Pirelli's For FREE 65-70% Tread on them.(Sitting in the shed, dying to be fitted but not on stock) I've got some AR's on the way."

So Gaw got you started on all this huh??? .... that's what we call the "guy at work". If Gaw is the boss tell him you need a raise now ...

Imo ... Send the AR's back and mount those 31's (or con Gaw out of his 32's) on your stockers... spend the money on upgrading your lift and drivetrain ... Currie SYE, RE HD Track Bar, ACOS, JKS discos, and RSX 9000's.

"3.55's with 31's should be fine."

Yes they will ... you have an HO motor... just drop it in 3rd around town until you have another $1.5K for gears and tire replacement.


Have you done anything to the exhaust system ?

May want to check where your e-brake cable comes across from the center to the rear pass backplate... my cable came into contact with the muffler after the lift ... now the Dynomax needs to be moved forward about 6" with a new custom bent 2.5" tailpipe.

Add another $200+ w/2.5" Cat


Just keeps adding up $$$$.$$

Don't let these guys scare you. with all their "you need this, and you need that..." Order the lift, put it on, enjoy. You can go up 6" before you need a SYE. I am running a non HO motor, with 3:55's and 33's with no problems, so you don't need gears right away. Maybe if you were running 35's or larger. No need to run 3rd for the trans. Its fine, mine scoots with the 33's, and it has 218k miles on it. Don't know about the exhaust problems, I had no problems there.
Sometimes I wish I had as much money as some of these people on this site...

 

[bchulett]

XJ 91;

Well, my intentions are not to "scare" you into submission as the gentlemen suggested... I think you're on the right track asking these questions before making a financial commitment.

I think you've demonstrated the planning, analysis and judgement necessary to make sound decisions for yourself, and to move forward with your project.

Many of the "upgrading" suggestions are from people that have already installed an RE 4.5" lift ... and the experience as a result of such an endeavor. And yes, some have more money to throw at it than others, as was kindly pointed out ... but that doesn't mean "the rich" like to throw their money away. Conversely, the folks that have spent money on stuff that doesn't work and have suggestions for improvement are the true assets to this website---and then there are people with just opinions.

Yes, you can't go wrong with installing a standard RE 4.5" kit ... but keep in mind, anything over 3"-4" of lift on an XJ, will cost you more than the price of the "advertised" lift alone ... and anyone that tells you otherwise, is simply misleading you.


Again, before proceeding, I would have some cash in reserve before making these modifications.


Take care.

 

[XJ91]

I do apreaciate all opinions and wisdom from all. I wouldn't ask if I didn't think I'd have to "upgrade, add extra, etc..."

One question goes unanswered though.

Do you have the Trans "Power" switch on the dash ??

I do have the "Power" switch, with the bigger meats and 3.55 gears should I flip the switch to Power? or leave it on comfort?

 

[rj454]

You can go up 6" before you need a SYE.
...

:huh: I've been told by several people (here + elsewhere) that 3" is the most lift you can go before you need a SYE. I bought a 3" just cuz I didnt have the scratch for a SYE, I woulda gone bigger if this is true. :doh:

And what is it with this "power switch" and what does it do? I have an "extended idle" switch on my 93 dash- what does it do? I've yet to notice it do anything :exclamati

 

[JEONLYEP]

Power switch is supposed to change the shift points of the transmission to a more aggressive shifting.

Extended idle is supposed to increase the idle speed of the engine (nice for winching or anything that is using the battery fast than it recharges at idle.)

BTW Silikroil (or how ever spelled) is great stuff, but then again, I've never used PB, but then again, never needed anything other than the Silikroil.

Daryl

 

[XJ91]

:huh: I've been told by several people (here + elsewhere) that 3" is the most lift you can go before you need a SYE. I bought a 3" just cuz I didnt have the scratch for a SYE, I woulda gone bigger if this is true. :doh:

And what is it with this "power switch" and what does it do? I have an "extended idle" switch on my 93 dash- what does it do? I've yet to notice it do anything :exclamati

My under standing is 97+ would need a SYE for 3"+ in almost all cases. years before 97, would depend on how well your heep takes to the lift, in some cases 4.5" does not need a SYE.

 

[matt hurtado]

I have a 92' two door sport and installed the exact same lift the day I got every thing installed I drove it from Austin to San Antonio. I had vibes for about 15 miles and after that they seemed to disapper I've been driveing it as a daily driver for about a year and still no vibes. I say the kit is all you need along with an allinement

 

[bchulett]

XJ91;

"My under standing is 97+ would need a SYE for 3"+ in almost all cases. years before 97, would depend on how well your heep takes to the lift, in some cases 4.5" does not need a SYE."

I'm glad you said this ...

All I can say is my 1991XJ Laredo has a newly installed RE 4.5" (5.25" actual) and still has very minor low speed vibes ... and this is with a Currie SYE, RE t-case drop, and new F/R driveshafts. My original 3" Rancho experienced vibes and I was forced to drop the t-case.

So there ya go ... so much for six inches.

"I do have the "Power" switch, with the bigger meats and 3.55 gears should I flip the switch to Power? or leave it on comfort?"

The trans power switch is was intended for towing ... it raises the AW4 upshift/downshift points and holds it in gear longer during upshifts ... the more you press the throttle ... the longer it stays in gear before the upshift. It also downshifts sooner when getting on the motor.

In short, it helps maintain higher rpms over the torque curve ... you can run it either way. I switch mine back and forth depending on how bored I am.

As far as running in 3rd gear ... it just keeps the damn thing from shifting in-and-out of 4th/OD while running around town---it's not an issue !! The first three years I owned my XJ, I ran around town in 3rd---with the stock OEM tires. I'm accustom to driving fast vehicles... the XJ changed my driving habits for more than one reason.

It was a change for the good though.

I wouldn't be overly concerned with your 3.55 gear ratio and those 31's. I've been running this combo for about 8 1/2 years now ... with my old 3" Rancho lift. A good 3" lift is actually a nice setup for most multi-purpose XJ's ... and most experts here will tell you it will handle 90% of the mainstream offroading---unless you want a special purpose vehicle.

The only reason I installed a new lift is because my 3" Rancho was shot---the control arm busings were wore ... and it was time for a change. I wanted to go to 32's without butchering my nice well preserved XJ. And yes, when you go to 32's, plan on 4.10 gears or lower---I'm still debating if I need 4.56's or not.

Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones that get away without a SYE ... the Jeep Speed racing guys that build XJ's for a living won't install a 5" lift without it ... you'll be surprised how much slop it takes out of the OEM driveline.

Stay in touch.

Bob

 

[ZachMan]

rj454;

I'm glad you said this ...

All I can say is my 1991XJ Laredo has a newly installed RE 4.5" (5.25" actual) and still has very minor low speed vibes ... and this is with a Currie SYE, RE t-case drop, and new F/R driveshafts. My original 3" Rancho experienced vibes and I was forced to drop the t-case.

So there ya go ... so much for six inches.



Bob

Hate to tell you this, but something is wrong.

I would check your tires and driveshafts. Make sure every tire is balanced and not out of round. The reason I say this is I have had my 2000 w/ AA HD SYE lifted up to 6" w/ ZERO vibes. Its hard for me to believe an older XJ w/ less lift having vibes due to the t-case, especially w/ SYE and a t-case drop.

Then again you may be one in a million, either way the other guy shouldn't worry.

 

[evilpresence]

And what is it with this "power switch" and what does it do? I have an "extended idle" switch on my 93 dash- what does it do? I've yet to notice it do anything :exclamati

I read somewhere (but not sure) that the extended idle switch is found in the police package equiped XJs. I may be mistaken but I believe when on, your engine runs at a 1000 rpms higher.


Just my 2cents.

 

[bchulett]

Zach;

"Hate to tell you this, but something is wrong."

Thanks, I realize something is wrong ... just haven't figured it out yet.

"I would check your tires and driveshafts. Make sure every tire is balanced and not out of round."

My concern is the front driveshaft may be defective ... maybe that's why the seal in the t-case developed a small leak. The vibes are minimal though... around 22-25 mph and wasn't there in the beginning ... but developed a few weeks later.

The tires are cupped ... but it doesn't feel like it's coming from the tires. I'm waiting to get a new set of 32's to eliminate that possibility.

Anyway, I guess my point here is to expect the unexpected on an old XJ... and have the finances available to troubleshoot the outgrowth of potential problems.

Again, thanks ...

 

[89TrailXJ]

:huh: I've been told by several people (here + elsewhere) that 3" is the most lift you can go before you need a SYE. I bought a 3" just cuz I didnt have the scratch for a SYE, I woulda gone bigger if this is true. :doh:

And what is it with this "power switch" and what does it do? I have an "extended idle" switch on my 93 dash- what does it do? I've yet to notice it do anything :exclamati

This is right from Rusty's Off-road:

Do I have to get a Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) kit with my lift?

It seems everyone has a different experience with lifting their XJ and getting vibes. We recommend getting a SYE kit with lifts over 6". 3" kits are usually ok without them and our 4.5" kit works well with a t-case drop kit or our 1" Drop Heavy Duty Crossmember. Before lifting your vehicle make sure you know how to shim your axle to get your driveline at the correct angle. A good resource for understanding driveline geometry can be found at Tom Wood's Driveshaft.

I have read that 96 and older XJ's can get away with more lift and have less problems with vibes then the 97 and later XJ's.
Also, yes, its good to have some spare cash when doing it, you never know what could happen. I couldn't get a couple bolts to break loose, so I just cut them off and replaced them with some new grade 8 bolts. Sure there's always things you could spend extra money on and improve, but only do what you can afford to do. I am running 33's, but also have trimmed the fenders. I know you can fit 31's with 3" of lift, but the tires will still rub the stock flares a little. You can trim them if you want as well. Don't know how off-road serious you want to make your XJ though, so all those choices are up to you. Here's what I ended up with, I made the lift parts myself since its an '89, and the 4.5" lift kit is more then I paid for the whole Jeep.