AMEN Outlaw
vroomvroom, I run 5.5 RE coils up front on a Rock Krawler 3 link, and 4.5 RE leafs with RE 1" boomerang shackles out back on Bilstien 5100's, rides great on road, and amazing off road.

Edit: FWIW I run 35s and 4.88's with Spartans

I average 13-16, and run a stroker, so average varies based on skinny pedal

 

Does that stroker motor require premium? When the time comes for motor replacement, I need to look into a little more power.

I don't know much about Rock Krawler. Do they still make parts for the XJ?
I'm guessing anything is an upgrade over my current setup since it's a Rough Country short arm setup... An old Rough Country short arm setup at that. Bought it when I didn't have much money because it was cheap. I have more money to spend on the Jeep now, but to an extent.

 

Definitely requires premium. Worth it though.

RK no longer makes the 3 link for the XJ.

There's other setups available...and anything is better than that RC short arm setup, lol...I went through several different lift scenarios before I landed where I did. My best advice is to search for all the 3 and 4 link options, and decide what works best for you, how you drive your rig, and what you wheel. Decide 3 or four link, then filter by price and/or performance.

Reality is any long arm setup is going to be a huge help, it's all about geometry, and yes, you're gonna hear about drop arm kits, but they're like transfer case drops...a band aid. Improves ride quality but hangs up.

Buy quality and cry once.

 

5.5" lift, 35s with 4.56 gears, 10-11.5 MPG.

 

5” lift, 33’s with 4:56 gears. 13.5 mpg average. Stroker using 93 octane.
It could probably be better but that would take the fun out of it.

 

I've heard of the drop arm kits, but never really thought about it. I wanted to go long arm instead. The Jeep used to have a transfer case drop, but I wanted to start doing things right so I put on an SYE kit with properly measured driveshafts. Big difference. Buttery smooth. And got my clearance back.
I'll keep your advice in mind when shopping for a replacement lift for my Rough Country.

I'm also trying to decide whether to leave my Jeep the factory color or not. It needs a paint job. The factory color was a one off for the 1996 model year. Magenta. I figure it is the manliest of colors you could get an XJ in. LOL