Hello everyone, I'm new to this Forum also new to XJ's and the Midwest. I moved out here from So Cal mostly a desert guy but I'm in a whole different world now! I ran a 4 Wheel Parts store out there for many ears but I just bought an '01 XJ, 4.0l np231 very clean but stock. I decided this as my toy because I wanted a short W/B 4 door for my family wheeler. I drove my buddies Jeepspeed a couple times and thought to my self "cheap and easy!" I built a class 1450 truck in LA and own a cj7 but with all my history in the off road business I have never seen nor heard much about Rough Country Suspension. I see there ad's but that's about it. I was planning on throwing their 4.5" kit then upgrading to Rubicon Express or Full Traction long arms... Has any one ran this kit and what did you think? Also My rule of thumb was anything over a 3" kit required a SYE kit.. but the more I read I see people running stock drive shafts and they say no vibrations. So either they don't know what a drive line vibration is or I was misinformed ...any info will help......
I have this kit on my XJ. Its been on for 8 months now and have found there to be relatively little driveline vibrations. It does have the TC drop. I do one day plan on adding a SYE when money allows. I think that it is a pretty good cheep lift kit. My xj has seen very little wheeling since the lift. But that will all change on the 10th Oct. There is a GLXJ wheeling event at REDBIRD SRA. You should come. Even with your stocker!
At 4.5" you will at least need a TC drop bracket. If you have the extra cash and were planning on doing SYE, I would. You might be able to get away with the Stock DS, but it will probably have to lengthened.
I have had a RC lift and there names describes them very well. They are rough. If you don't care about ride quality then you won't mind it especially knowing the money that you saved. I would go with Full Leafs wichever lift you get if you plan on keeping the XJ more than 2 years. With the AAL it will sag. over time like mine, and you will be looking to get new packs... Do yourself a favor and do it right the first time.
Here is a link to a thread that was started on here that highlights a lot of different lifts out there and the option that you have.
I have the RC 4.5 inch lift system. For a 1st lift, it is OK But spend a little more and get something different. Like said above, they are rough, Mines been on for 3 year's. so far so good
One thing that I wish I would have done before starting the lift on my jeep would be to spray off the underside really well so dirt and mud doesn't fall in your eyes while your under there.
You can spray all you want but you are never going to get it all and will have dirt in your eyes... I would just wear safety glasses and don't waste you time. haha
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'99 XJ, 5.5" lift, 33" MT's '11 Dodge Charger
I miss the days that they made toys that could kill a kid.
x2 on the eye protection-especially if u wear contacts
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My Stable: 2000 Jeep Cherokee 4 Dr Sport 4 1/2" lift w/ 33X12.50 Maxxis Bighorns 1990 Chevy Suburban 3/4 ton 2WD w/454 Big Block(future towrig) 2005 Pont. Grand Prix GTP (supercharged 4 my passing pleasure) 2006 H-D Street Bob Flat black denim with some goodies 1989 Stratos 18' Fish&Ski w/ Evinrude outboard 1996 Yamaha V Max snowmobile-600cc 2006 GMC Envoy find me at facebook.com (Jason Grumpp)