Weighing cost/benefit of more lift on my XJ?
#1
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Weighing cost/benefit of more lift on my XJ?
So I just checked my mail and I found a $150 grad present from my folks down in AZ.... good stuff.
As it turns out, I just priced how much a 4" lift would cost me to install on my XJ (This is a dangerous pricing... I "assume" all will go to plan and I'm not missing something.) and guess what? It runs about $150 to do the lift.
My ol' 2" AAL is sagging in back so I figure it's time for a fix for that... but while I'm there why not upgrade it?
SOOO.... To lift or not to lift?
I know most everyone here knows the benefits of lifts, so I'll just list what I plan to include with this lift and also my forseen cons:
Plans:
- Run full shocks all around for it and extend my brake lines
- Use old rear swaybar bushings for BPE's front and back.
Cons:
- Potential driveshaft issues arising in the future? More money than I really want to spend?
- I could spend that $150 towards getting my XJ painted all one color (See link: http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...totypebase.jpg)
Okay, so that said.... anyone want to help guide my decision making process here?
As it turns out, I just priced how much a 4" lift would cost me to install on my XJ (This is a dangerous pricing... I "assume" all will go to plan and I'm not missing something.) and guess what? It runs about $150 to do the lift.
My ol' 2" AAL is sagging in back so I figure it's time for a fix for that... but while I'm there why not upgrade it?
SOOO.... To lift or not to lift?
I know most everyone here knows the benefits of lifts, so I'll just list what I plan to include with this lift and also my forseen cons:
Plans:
- Run full shocks all around for it and extend my brake lines
- Use old rear swaybar bushings for BPE's front and back.
Cons:
- Potential driveshaft issues arising in the future? More money than I really want to spend?
- I could spend that $150 towards getting my XJ painted all one color (See link: http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...totypebase.jpg)
Okay, so that said.... anyone want to help guide my decision making process here?
#2
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well you can get away with slightly less in the back since they have a small rake like 3.5 in back and 4.0 in front should help avoid the vibs some and will sit level
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#6
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Try not to pay too much attention to me stalling.... Clutchwork is a CONSTANT learning experience.
Still, the paint thing would be REALLY nice to have... I could buy myself some new passenger doors (dented now) and a new liftgate (hole... from wheeling) for that much.
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do you have longer control arms up front? if not you might have problems with your front axle being pulled off center from the wheel well, I think 3" is the max lift for stock control arms. Might want to think about that, new control arms add to the price of the lift. As for the rear, a transfer case drop kit would be adequate to keep the vibes down on a 4" lift.
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#9
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After watching the videos of where you wheel I say lift it. Paint would be in the back of my mind. Do the rattle can deal.
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Rattle can paint is only about $20 to do the whole truck (Just rattle canned my 1984 4-Runner), so lift it AND paint it. I'm sure you can scrounge up another $20, but I say go for more lift. I just did 3" and before I was done installing it decided to go 4.5"...
More lift = better (up to a point, I guess).
More lift = better (up to a point, I guess).
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I honestly do not see the need for more lift for what you are doing.
I cannot imagine doing a 4" lift for 150 bux.
I'd buy a d30 diff cover and gear oil with $150 and call it a day.
Or, put the $150 in your sock drawer and add to it over time...
For reference, 2.5" lift and terrain pic's...
http://members.***.net/huddy31/039.jpg
http://members.***.net/huddy31/040.jpg
http://members.***.net/huddy31/rockfacesmall.jpg
I cannot imagine doing a 4" lift for 150 bux.
I'd buy a d30 diff cover and gear oil with $150 and call it a day.
Or, put the $150 in your sock drawer and add to it over time...
For reference, 2.5" lift and terrain pic's...
http://members.***.net/huddy31/039.jpg
http://members.***.net/huddy31/040.jpg
http://members.***.net/huddy31/rockfacesmall.jpg
Last edited by Mike H.; 05-29-2009 at 09:34 AM.
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I guess the pics go to show it's not about the lift, it's about the driver. How does a 4" lift only cost $150 to install? That seems really low, doesn't it?
Edit: Also, if you do put more lift on, you'll probably want bigger tires, which means more money than what you had originally.
Edit: Also, if you do put more lift on, you'll probably want bigger tires, which means more money than what you had originally.