I have decided what lift to start out with for my 2001 XJ. I was not going to modify anything on it but after replacing the head I figured why stop there. I am going to use the RC 3" S2 with full leafs. I have seen a few threads of people getting a better deal by calling. I don't really have a problem with the price but the shipping seems kinda high. Is there a way to get better shipping price? I am not knocking them but I have shipped a ton of stuff and there shipping price just seems high. Any help would be appreciated.

 

There are much better kits out there but very, very few worse ones. They are cheap and you almost get what you pay for. If you are looking for a cheap way to lift your jeep and don't care about ride quality go for it. If you actually drive it get a higher quality kit.

 

I'm not going to counter what has been said about the quality of Rough Country lifts, even though I just got my X-Series 4.5" lift in from them. If you research, you'll find mixed-bag reviews about many brands; RC, Superlift, Rusty's, etc. Some folks love each one while others hate. I don't know that reading opinions got me much of anywhere except more confused about what quality I could expect. Opinions are highly subjective, and it's hard to know what constitutes great vs. just okay in the eyes of any one person. I may think the RC adjustable control arms are plenty beefy enough, while a guy that drops his junk on boulders every weekend may not. I may think the RC rear springs are fine, while a guy that routinely has 350 pounds worth of gear and spare parts in the back and another 200 pounds of rear tire carrier stuff may not.

In the end, I just refocused on the fact that my XJ will spend 90% of it's time on pavement, and what off-roading it does see will not be crazy rock crawling or Moab hill climbs. Thus, any brand that has managed to stay in business for a number of years and have any kind of a following would probably suit my needs.

The only brand that is "affordable" for the average guy that seems to get at least 85+% positive reviews is Rubicon Express. And you'll pay accordingly. The equivalent RE lift to the RC I just bought would have been about 35%-40% higher. BDS is even higher than that.

All that being said, check out Baseline 4X4 Outfitters for Rough Country. They are a vendor here, and offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. I got my lift to my door for $829, which is the price shown on RC's site. Baseline shipped fast and there were no issues. I've since ordered a dropped pitman arm and a set of dropped control arm brackets from them.

 

Rough Country tends to ride rough, I cant really compare it to other brands. But my 3.5 inch lift ride like a truck, I think its more fun but its not for everyone. Id suggest getting a better track bar than Rough Country, mine broke in 9,000 miles. Look into double shear. Ive also heard JKS has good track bars. But Rough Country does in fact make good stuff, not the best but good.

 

I second what MacGyver just said. I've spent hours turned to days, turned to week researching opinions, products, quality... etc.. and all it did was confuse the crap out of me. Go with what you budget dictates and don't worry about what every opinion suggests.

My choice is the Zone Offroad 3" lift. I felt it was inbetween the RE and RC lifts and has a majority of good opinion in it's favor. I will be tossing in a set of Iron Rock Offroad LCA's, and an IRO dual sheer adjustable track bar kit as well. From Zone I'm also going with the quick disconnects.

I will say this for sure... while not for everyone, but something to consider. If you have to change anything, change it now. I've spent the best part of two weeks and about $500 or so removing and replacing all my ball joints, drag link u-joints, bearing hubs.. etc. as needed. I went with the WJ steering upgrade, and tossed out the XJ bar... will be putting in an 8.25c rear, then cleaned and POR15'd/painted everything and replaced as much hardware as required.

I don't intend to rock-crawl with this unit, but it will eventually go to my daughter.. so functionality and durability are important to me. I'm sure she'll want to wheel it now and then too.

All the best,

JR

 

I received a RC lift kit AAL 4 1/2" (New in box) for an XJ in trade on some speed parts. I had saw them on other Jeeps but never before had a chance to inspect closely before. The lift on my XJ originally a 3" full spring package came from Rustys Off Road cost about $430 I think. I was not impressed with the RC lift but each to their own.

What your buying on any of the entry level kits are basically the springs coils and leaf's. Shocks come with them all I guess for free and you get what you paid for, just a fact none are that great. I made sure the springs both sets were American made (Rustys were) in fact.

So far 2 yrs and have carried heavier than normal weight front (winch/bumper) and the rear HD swing out tire carrier bumper with the cargo loaded heavy also(recovery gear, parts, tools, air compressor, etc.. When unloaded the rear without cargo still 2 3/4" with bumper the front was ordered with the 3" HD coil spring 180# made for that load still 3".

Shocks are Bilstein's but doesn't ride bad on the highway either with the 33x12:50 and excellent off.

Good luck on your build and whatever lift you choose.

 

My '93 has a 3" RC full leaf pack.. terrible ride from day 1. After one year the front springs went from 3" to 2". After five years the rear springs are boat anchors and as flat as the OE I replaced.
My .02

 

The only good reviews you read are from people who didn't give it enough time to fail. I guarantee that.

 

My brother in law bought a RC 6 in. LA kit for his '03 Rubicon TJ ('cause it was cheap). Paid two different shops over $1200 to make right. Still not satisfied with the lift. He is going to save up & buy a quality kit like he wanted all along.
The RC price is too good to pass up ........until you install it.

 

I have their 3 inch lift, x flex control arms and track bar. The ride is ok on the trail, but it's like a dump truck on the road. I wouldn't mind a stiff ride if it came with control. I put the lift in last summer and this summer I plan to replace everything with better quality parts.

 

I second that!
I have yet to take my XJ off road
On the city streets and highway its rough
I will probably swap out parts to RE or Zone as parts wear out

 

I redid mine with rubicon express springs and bilstien shocks from serious offroad. 4.5in coils 3.5 leafs, I'm sitting at 5.25 and it still rides way better. Ended up spending like 650 all together

 

Before you spend the money on any lift do your research on it,Look up reviews on how it rides,was it easy to install or a nightmare.And also what all else you need with the lift to use it like shocks longer brake lines maybe a sye kit.

 

Rustys springs and leafs are American made and held up very well for me on and off road over loaded at times (as in often) and over the last 2 yrs. have had zero sag. The coil springs I ordered with my lift you have a choice were the HD ones 180# I think, intended for HD Winch Bumpers/Winches.

I have upgraded most all of my XJ in the last year using Rustys top of his line from Dbl. Adj. Track Bar to Adj. CA's. In 2 yrs I have not had a single failure of any Rustys product and they have worked with me on several upgrade paths to follow.

As with all things YMMV