I have a '96 XJ.
I ordered the 3" Deluxe XJ Cherokee Kit for $799 from DPG. The kit includes 4 OME shocks (N35 for the front and N36 for the rear), front OME coil springs (OM930), ¾ " front coil spacers, rear OME leaf springs (JC1A), and a set of JKS sway bar "Quicker" disconnects.
As far as I know, it's a good deal.
I am putting on an ARB Bullbar and winch. This is about 200 lbs, which would compress the 930 coils more than an inch. The 930's spring rate is 160 lbs. Therefore, I was coached by ARB to go to the 934 coil, which is a ½ " taller and has a spring rate of 180 lbs. Then when adding the front bumper and winch I wouldn't lose as much lift.
I put it all together, and my vehicle was higher in the front than in the back. ARB suggested I put taller shackles in the rear. I went with Teraflex shackles, which added 1" to the rear, and now the xj looks great.
But now my rear N36 shocks are completely, I mean completely extended. There is zero room for droop. The smallest bump causes a massive jolt and loud noise because the shocks can't extend anymore and slam against their internal shock stop.
It seems I need the N35L's and the N36L's. The "L" stands for long. I believe this should have been considered from the start because even if I take the shackles off, it means I would only have 1" of droop before the shocks reach their full extension. That's not right.
This is my very first experience with lifting a vehicle. Two months ago I knew nothing about suspension lifts. My setup is 100% based on the advice and direction from ARB and DPG.
Both Dirk and the gentleman that coached me from ARB are in Moab right now. I believe when they get back and we all have a chance to visit they'll make it right for me. Everyone was real helpful and nice, answered all my questions, and the learning/purchasing experience was great. I live in Seattle and even went to ARB Distribution center where the guy looked my xj and we discussed my objectives. They were great people to work with. I hope they have good follow through.
Also, the lift, even before the 1" shackles, created a serious driveline vibration. I had to put on a SYE (JB Conversions) and a new CV driveshaft (Tom Woods). Both DPG and ARB warned me of this, so I was prepared for the expense.
Any thoughts?
tim