Which intake/exhaust/3" liftkit package?

[J.Green]

I'm looking to do a general overhaul of my 98 XJ 4.0L. It has 155k miles on it and an exhaust manifold leak. I'm also on a budget so money is an object, but I like doing things with quality parts. The following is what I plan to start off with:

1) Headers - I just ordered an APN manifold about an hour ago so thats done.

2) Intake/Exhaust - I found this kit at rusty's:
http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/mercha...Product_Code=RP-PRPK-XJ&Category_Code=PER_AIR

Is the package worth the ~300 dollars? Is the airtube any good? Whats the difference between a 40 and 50 series flowmaster muffler or should just stick with the cherrybomb option?

Instead of the rusty's package I could just go with a rugged ridge intake which costs $200 alone. http://www.central4wd.com/category.aspx?page=id|94320

I've heard of doing a 2.5" exhaust system with a high flow cat and a nice muffler but I could use some info on what pieces I will need from the APN header all the way back. (I'm bit of a newb but not a moron )


3) Lift - 3" lift w/ new leaf springs (I really want the springs and not the add-a leafs) I don't know a lot about lifting vehicles so I need to know everything I'll need to lift a Daily Driver in a weekend.
The two kits I have my eye on are:

i)
This rough country kit with the new rear leaf springs. What options should I add on to this if I were to purchase it?
http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_3x.html


ii)
the RE 3.5" super-ride kit...found for $584.00 and ill have to add on shocks for about 200 more... making it about $800.00....
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/SuspensionSystems/Product.aspx?part=RE6025



and I'm still not sure if I will need the 250 dollar slipyoke eliminator kit
http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=567

going up 3" does anyone know if I will be ok without it or should I just go ahead and count on getting it?

Any suggestions are appreciated on where I can find a decent kit for under or around 750 bucks that includes the shocks and anything critical to lift a Daily Driver jeep XJ. I don't want to go over the 4" mark....

 

[Slip Kid]

Just make an intake tube yourself and get one of those $20 ricer filters from a parts store, that will save some bucks.
Unless your tailpipe is rusted out and needs replacing you can just get any 2.25" in/out muffler, cut off the old and clamp on the new. I use a 2.5" Dynomax Ultraflow welded muffler which was ~$70 plus adaptors, but mufflers can be had for $20+. I used to run a Thrush turbo, which was nice, $20, and available over the counter, this is probably similar to the Cherry bomb turbo. I've also used a 2.25" glasspack, but what I have now is my favorite. I personally hate the sound of Flowmasters on anything, but I suppose that's all personal preferance. While Rusty's is probably the cheapest exhaust/intake kit you will find, you can do better for much less, the only thing that seems nice about it is the mandrel-bent pipe. I have never seen any intake kit that is not overpriced, that can all be made youself at a relatively low cost.

 

[D.I.T.A]

i made my intake tube for free all i had to pay for was the filter and get the flowmaster super 40 it sounds great and dosn't drone on the highway

 

[jjg214]

you could do a hack and tap SYE to save some money. with the RE kit you will probably need it since they tend to sit about 1" over advertised height, the RC is a good kit for the money and you might be able to swing it with a TC drop.

stick with the 2.5" exhaust, its the best size for these XJs, when you step up to 3" you lose alot of the pressure and see a decline in performance. when i redo my exhaust im going to use magnaflow i believe, but thats preference, flowmaster is a good company. The difference between 40 and 50 series is loudness and pitch.