Rusty's vs. Rubicon Express

I bought my current XJ with pretty much all rusty's stuff up front.

I am slowly swapping it all for RE *much better quality IMHO) and it is already 60% better after gertting rid of his track bar and adjustable uppers so far.
 
"I have a 99 xj (auto)and I am going for a 3" suspension lift so I can run 31" BFG's.I do light 4 wheeling and I am on the highway alot so I prefer a smooth ride.I can only spend about 500-600."

Laredo -

I've got a '99 and kind of did the same thing your looking to do. I drive from NH to Framingham MA everyday, so highway ride was really important.

I did a mutt lift on mine that seems to work well. I installed the RE full length AAL, but removed the second stock spring (essentially replaced on spring with the other). I added Rocky Road 1 1/2" lift shackles and their1 1/2" coil spacers to the front. I'm sitting at 19 1/2" in the front and 20" in the rear. I needed a 1" Rusty's T-case drop and used 2.5* shims in the rear. I'm using their BPE's all around with stock shocks, but will replace those with slightly longer shocks later this fall.

The bottom line is the Jeep is smooth on the highway - no vibes at all. I spent well under your $500 budget, and I can fit 30" tires. Plus, I can use most of this stuff later when the Jeep's more of a fun rig and less of a commuter.

Opinions on here will differ, but I wouldn't put 31's on my jeep without regearing the speedo and regearing the driveline. Then, why spend the time & effort on regearing a D-35, let's put in a D 44. While I'm installing the D 44 I might as well put disc brakes on it.... and so the money pit begins.

Good luck
 
I talked to Rusty's yesterday and the guy there runs the 3" spring pack on his 2001.He said the ride is alot better with the springpack vs. aal and is woth the extra money.He has stock gears with 31" and the only thing he has besides the 3" lift is a transfer case drop.It does 80mph fine with no vibes and he drives 40 miles to work.The additional stuff I asked about such as the sye he said not to waste my money and that he could sell me one but that I don't need one at all.Yes I know he works there and it is a business but he truly seemed to care and had alot of knowledge.I think this is the setup I'm going to go with,I guess if I run into problems I'll just take it from there.Lol,and stop giving me all the bs about,"why go 3" when you can go 4" or 5" etc." That's all the height I'm looking for and if I listened to you guys I would have to move into my 12" lifted cherokee with dana 44's and lockers,snorkel,safari rack,air suspension etc. because I'd be broke!I do know what you mean though,you get that itch like"well this kit is only 200 more and this is an extra 100"Once again guys thanks for your help and opinions.
 
I have had both on 88 XJ.Both worked fine both need to be kept up with.The RE seems a little stiffer but it seems to be better offroad. My thought is the only big difference is $ the base cost for the RE is higher but you get everything but the sye and shocks.The Rustys kit you will add to at some point. Try to look ahead at what your use wiil be 2-3 years down the road if you plan to get something else or you are just going offroad once in awhile then Rustys is fine. If your are going hardcore and plan to keep this XJ then save up and go with RE mine is 5.5" with Arcos and shackles and I'm getting a good 7". No matter which way you go it is alot of work but that seems to go with being a XJ owner.
 
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