Lifting the MJ - Choices Choices

[MrSimon]

***EDIT - Spreadsheet updated to reflect price changes and what not based on Motion Off-roads post***

 

I'm ready to purchase my lift. Its an 87 4x4 LWB. I plan to run 31s. Its not a DD, but its not really a trail rig either. Mostly I'll use it to pick up stuff at the store, go fishing/camping, and look AWESOME sitting in the driveway

 

I suppose there is the possibility that I might get into some more serious off-roading .... Rausch Creek isn't much more than an hour from my house.

 

So, I want a lift that will clear the 31s, ride relatively comfortably, and not completely hamstring me if I decide to do some beginner wheeling. Oh, and money doesn't grow on trees around here, so price matters.

 

I don't really know the benefits of adjustable LCAs, new tracbar, or quick discos ..... honestly, I don't even know what all those things really do :oops:

 

Here is what I came up with so far. What do you guys think? I could really use some input from you seasoned MJers!

 

[Motion Offroad]

We're not going to be biased with our opinion on this so please do not take it that way....

 

1st off you won't pay TAX from us unless your in Indiana.

 

As far as what the things do:

 

Quick Disco's: These are your swaybar end links. We recomend that every MJ driven on the street have their swaybar connected. However when you offroad it is common practice to disconnect your swaybar as it allows for more suspension travel in the front. The quick disco's allow you to disconnect your swaybar for offroading and than reconnect it for driving on the street.

 

Tracbar: A tracbar is what keeps your front axle centered under your Jeep. When you lift your MJ the larger coils with a factory tracbar shift your axle over to one side. To correctly center your axle you need an adjustable tracbar that is longer than stock so you can keep your axle centered under your MJ.

 

Control Arms: When you lift your MJ your factory control arms are to short. The results is that it pulls the axle back towards the rear of the Jeep not keeping the axle centered in the wheel well. To solve this you need longer control arms. Depending on the lift height you either need new lower, or new lower as well as new upper control arms. Thier is also driveline angels you need to worry about but I won't over complicate it for you. An adjustable control arm is just that; adjustable. You can adjust the length of the control arm based on your lift height. It also allows you to fine tune your suspension to help correct any driveline angles issues you have. It's also nice to have adjustable arms if you ever decide you want to go larger as than you can simply adjust the length and not have to purchase a new set.

 

 

As far as the RE kit I would honestly recommend the SuperFlex AAL kit over the SuperRide AAL kit. You get the superflex arms over the superide arms and you also get the RE Gen 2 swaybar disco's over the RE Gen 1 (junk). And with either RE kit your going to need an adjustable tracbar that is not included. Also the RE 3.5" coils will sit at 4" (just incase you did not know that).

 

And where are you getting the RE XJ 3.5" SR for $370? That's below the price that RE allows dealers to even sell for. RE raised their prices the 1st of March as well so make sure your getting a good price from whomever.

 

Also don't forget we knock a few bucks off for CC members. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call.

[MrSimon]

Hey thanks for the fast response and the great info!!

 

I saw the RE kit on Quadratec for 370 .... I suppose its possible that they haven't updated the site with the new price .... I'll look into that.

 

Are there any pics out there of MJs with the Motion Off-Road 3" kit?

 

No offense to Motion Off-Road, but I'd like to hear other people's opinions as well ;)

[possum]

I don't seem to see very many of you guys running Skyjacker lifts. I got my 3" lift for around $650.00 and it came with all new poly bushings, LCA'S and coils. Oh yeah and the track bar relocating bracket. The only thing I don't like is the add-a-leafs. They seem to be good quality but my truck sits about 1/2" lower in the rear. But I will be installing drop shackles to correct this. All in all for a cost effective lift it ain't to bad. I would like to hears some cons on the Skyjacker stuff so I can keep an eye out for problems. :chillin:

[blusteve]

Got the RE front, putting it in now and the HellCreek rear... Good combo, will post pictures when done.

[MrSimon]

I don't seem to see very many of you guys running Skyjacker lifts.

 

I looked at the Skyjacker kit, its pretty nice, but I just don't think putting AALs in 21 year old leafs is a great idea. If they had a complete kit, I would definately consider it.

[WahooSteeler]

blusteve, definitely want to see pics of the lift installed.