I have a 2004 X and want to do some suspension upgrades. I am currently running 32" BFG AT's and do off road it. I also experience the bottoming out with cargo or people in the back that others have mentioned. I have spent hours reading all of the topics regarding this on this site. Thanks everyone for all the good advice. After digesting it all, I think the plan is:

1) Bilstein Shocks front/rear
2) Calmini AAL (SLR is apparently no longer in business)
3) Crank up torsion bars about 1 inch
4) Remove rear sway bar
5) get alignment

My questions are: Does this seem like a good plan? Should I go with the 20% stiffer shocks (front & rear)? Does anyone have any useful advice before spending the money and time. Thanks again.

Sounds like a plan, but the 20% stiffer shocks were only available through SLR. If you can track down the Bilstein part numbers for the shocks they sold as +20% then you could go that route. I do know they used Toyota T100 rear shocks for one of their non-stock applications, not sure if that was stiffer, longer, or both.

Bilstein shocks for the 4x4 are all 20% stiffer. I called Bilstein North America to confirm this. Here is there phone number 1-704-663-7563. SLR used to sell oem valved and 20 % stiffer. It turns out the " oem " valved shocks were just 4x2 shocks. I tried buying shocks from SLR. After that headache I called Bilstein and they explained to me all of their shocks. Then they forwarded me to www.eshocks.com who have been selling their shocks for 35 years. I got my shocks in 2 days and paid only $240.00. They were even nice enough to throw in the rubber bushing pieces to aid in the install . If you removing your rear sway bar because of the previous clearance issues that is no longer a problem . I left my rear sway bar installed. I can't speak to the other parts of your questions about the torsion bars and 32 inch tires. I hope this information helps you . Jmak-

Ah.....Thanks for the help guys! That clears up the shock questions. Also explains why I was a bit confused. I am going to go ahead then with this plan. I'll let you know how it turns out. This forum has never steered me wrong. It's great to get advice from guys who have been there and done that as they say. Thanks again!

Was just about to order and realized I may have missed something. When adding the Calmini AAL, will I need longers shocks? Eshocks only show one option: Rear BE3-6422-H0 and front B46-1099-H2. I'm pretty sure I read here somewhere that people were using extra long ones.

AALs don't need longer shocks, shackles do.

Thanks again OffroadX!

Finally got everything installed and adjusted. It was pretty simple to do. The ride quality has improved quite a bit. It is stiffer yet handles the bumps smoother than before. I did remove the rear sway bar and after a week of driving it, I don't miss it at all. I haven't had a chance to take it off road yet, but I can't wait to see how it performs there as well.

Thanks to everyone who provided advice! I will post a pic or two when I get a chance.

Well, wanted to post a few pics, but it looks like I don't have the option of doing so.