tires/lift/dilemna

[fergmonster]

ok, i just got a new (too me) xj. took tires off my old rig (honda/isuzu passport) when i sold it. they are really pricey tires 31x10.50 "revos" the new bridgstone dueler's. AWESOME TIRE!!! i need to know what lift people have had good luck with. i am looking at two right now. They are about the same price
1) BDS 3" suspension lift
2) Rubicon Express

i would be purchasing the full springs for the rear considering the miles that are on my jeep 238,000. I don't know which one to get???!!!!
help, any input is greatly appreciated.....ANY!

[fergmonster]

ok so i'm voting for myself here.........any HELP WOULD BE NICE!!!!

[spooleffect]

Rubicon Express, Skyjacker, or Explorer Pro Comp all make good stuff.

[fergmonster]

i like the rubicon express, but both local 4wd shops recommend BDS. Don't know which way to go just yet. thanks for the input !!

[spooleffect]

Rubicon Express has the best bang for the buck. Skyjackers 3" is only $300 as well.

I recommend Rubicon Express though. High quality products and the companies primary focus is Jeep.

I was looking at BDS and they give you an add-a-leaf instead of an entire leaf spring assembly like RE in the higher end systems.

[Krazed Jeep]

Don't know if i am too late or not but here I am! You will probably need a 3" lift to run the 31's. Buy from a reputable shop, buy a brand name kit, and not a clearence special kit ( there is usually a reason is is on "special"). Pick some kits then look at reviews online or in offroad magazines, they usually have at least one suspension article per month. Ask before you buy, make sure ALL parts you will need come in the kit. Springs, shocks, steering componets, brake hoses or bracket extensions. Check the warranty also, that may help your decision by itself. Does their warranty only cover professional installation or is the warranty still good if you install it? Good luck on your choice!

[atl_xj]

I just put a 3 inch BDS on my '97 Cherokee Country 4x4.
I also bought BFG 31x10.5x15 ATs and put them on my stock rims.

This was a complete new springs, new shocks, AAL in the rear. I can't say enough good about it. My truck handles better On Road than it did. and off road it is obviously wonderful as well.

I had it professionally installed for about $800 (The tires were more) from Southern Off Road in Atlanta, GA. (Great guys -- Strongly recomend them). I wish I bought this kit when I first bought the jeep. There is a slight bit of rubbing in tight left hand turns. But I have to almost be to the lock to make it happen. I am sure spacers or new rims will fix this. I will most likely not be bothered enough to do that though.

Go with the BDS kit. You can't go wrong.

[fergmonster]

i think i am going with the BDS. But not yet. i put my tires in the garage for now. The Jeep is getting 20 mpg. Since its my daily driver i decided to keep it like it is "for just a little while". i have to get a newer 4 door sedan soon anyway. Then the XJ will be getting the lift. And hopefuly i'll get a stroker built by then also.......ANY BODY GOT SOME TIPS ON BUILDING ONE? i have read all the sites out there on them. But has anyone put one in a 94 sport 2dr with-out any problems? should i find a motor from the same year? or will they all pretty much work?.......

[spooleffect]

Why would you have trouble putting it in? A 4.0L is a 4.0L, the motor hasn't changed much since '87 other than a few things here and there but nearly everything is compatible. The stroker kit is by no means a hard job nor is getting the engine in and out.

[atl_xj]

I too waited for a while to put on the BDS. I was concerned about the daily "drivability" of my rig. But, I now wish I had done it sooner. It makes it so much better to drive in all situations. Don't forget to get an alignment after installing the kit.

Tell me more about this stroker kit. Where do you get one? Are there brand names? What sort of pros/Cons? And most importantly... What is the cost?

Thanks,

atl_xj
'97 Cherokee Country 4x4
3 inch BDS