XJIrish4x4

I have a 4.5" kit on mine and took my sway bar off drove it down the road at speeds of 50mph or higher and had no issues. I do notice the bumps a little more and as long as your careful you will be fine. When I first did this I felt like I was going to loose my Jeep in the ditch but only to realize some how my front driver shock was not mounted and bushings, washer and nut were sitting below air box. Now that I got that fixed up and working and all shocks tighten down properly lol I have had no issues running on the road without the front sway bar. I would say probably better to go with it and get yourself some discos which is what I might do in the future.

Mind you I have Long Arm kit too so not sure if that makes and difference....

SatiricalHen

It's not cruising straight down the road or even gentle curves that's the problem with or without sway bars. It's the emergency swerve or a sharp turn. I've driven mine down the road 70 without a sway bar connected, but it's much better with one connected.

XJIrish4x4

Sure I agree with that...mine the way it is now if I hit a bump I can feel it and most certainly will change how you feel about having or not having it. I chose to not put mine back in because my alignment and axle was out of adjustment. So my sway bar end links were hitting my springs. Now that I have that fixed I just have neglected to put it back on and run discos.

joemomma22

I'm more than sure this has been covered in the 1921 pages, but whats the most affordable way to go from stock to 4.5" long arm?

XJIrish4x4

The most affordable would be to find a used kit someone is offloading. That being said make sure it is a quality one and all the hardware is there. I scored a RC long arm kit few months ago and I know people will bash that brand but that is okay but I got it for $300 entire kit minus uniframe side brackets and flange nut hardward. So all in all it cost me about $350 once I ordered all the correct hardware and price of kit used.

Do your own research on brands but that would be your cheapest. LA kits are not cheap...you can get away with LCA relocation brackets and a good set of Rubicon Express adjustable Control Arms for pretty cheap. Again do you research.

XJIrish4x4

I guess the real question I should have asked before diving into explanation is define cheap to you? And then once we have a price range you are willing to work with it will help decide the kit that fits your needs. A lot more decision process goes into it besides cost though.

SatiricalHen

There's short term affordable, long term affordable, and there's reasonably priced but still quality also. Depends on if you want to throw it up in the sky and sell it next month or plan to have it long term.

Basslicks

This.

Sorry man, but that's a question with way too many variables.

joemomma22

I think this is the way to go. I've been scouring lol.

Of course. Still not entirely sure. If ill be keeping it or unloading it. I did the injectors last night now i'm waiting to see if i get any misfires. if so i may just unload it to avoid the headache, otherwise i'll be looking to start a leakdown and all kinda of diag tests prior to lifting it of course. we'll see.

XJIrish4x4

Let me remind you though that all of us get excited about lifting and all the bling bling but don't take the mechanical side of the house serious first. I will be the first to admit I should have done more mechanically before I put all kinds of money into lift, tires, wheels, etc. My only issue now and it is being resolved is Transfer Case. However; what I should have done is drove it more played with it the way it was and then fix things to the point where I was comfortable enough to dumb in $2000 knowing it was worth my time. No I'm not selling mine and regret my decision I just think if i would have listen to most here from the begining I wouldn't have a broken Jeep that looks like a fancy beach cruiser. All show and no go right now but will be fixed next week.

joemomma22

Absolutely. For what its worth this is my 3rd XJ. I only actually built one (build thread below) but i sold her late last year after 5 years of owning and building. I fully plan on handling the mechanical stuff or selling prior to screwing around with a lift, but after reading up as much as i can i still cant find any 'budget friendly LA kits'

thatdixierasta

Bought a 98 2WD XJ a couple weeks ago and I had to rebuild the engine but it has been pretty cool other that. I'd like to give it that aggressive look and feel but I don't want a huge lift. I want to go about 1.5inches or 2 inches higher but I also want to improve the ride quality of 20 year old stock suspension. What is the best package for my needs? Or should I buy the pieces to achieve this separately?

XJIrish4x4

Well how are your fab skills? You could always make your own LA setup. Few folks around here who have done that. If you want to purchase one I know I will catch flak for this but RC does sell a pretty inexpensive kit. I still say search high and low while you have time for a used kit. You might even get lucky to find a XJ someone is parting out with a LA kit. Getting used you just want to keep in mind the bushings are still good and if they are not hopefully you can replace them.

SatiricalHen

Old Man Emu lifts I've heard ride very well. I've also heard of people replicating the upcountry package, but not sure what they use, but that can be googled easily. Just avoid lift blocks for sure and make sure you get good quality shocks if you're looking for ride quality.

Jon95xj

1995 XJ Spot HO:Putting the RE 4.5 lift on this weekend I got off a wrecked XJ (front lift only) and i haven't had a clear understanding on the temp fixs, (shims and TC lowering kit). my question would be, do you do them together, or just one? if just one, which option would i be better off with? Additional info: Putting 33's, RE 3.5 leaf with 1" boomerang shackles(new). Thanks in advanced for all the help.