I agree, I think it rides really well. He is a big fan of Rubicon Express, felt like this kit was a mix of parts rather than a dedicated XJ kit, didn't like having to break open the leaf packs, overpriced, etc. Again, I'm pretty happy with the result.

 

The road manners of the metal cloak lift kit are AWESOME. in the last 3 months I've only had my XJ off road twice, but I've put well over 1000 commuting miles on it. They've been doing a lot of construction on the freeway I take, so its pretty torn up, and in my sedan (05 infiniti) its pretty miserable, but in my XJ, its smooth and comfortable. Enough so that my wife (who couldn't care less about cars) mentioned how nice it was.

Also, and this is what really has me sold. a couple of weeks ago, I had somebody cut me off then slam on their brakes on the freeway going about 70. There simply was no way to stop in time and not hit them, so I was able to do an emergency maneuver around them, and not once did I feel top heavy, or about to roll, or out of control in any way. I was able to slide over to the open spot in the lane next to me, and then slide right back over into my lane.

 

got notifications my stuff is all shipped so hopefully in a few days I can start getting ready. I have the dash out right now doing the heater core, evap core, and resealing all the places these things leak from. Instead of doing poly spacers I will most likely go with the JKS acos. Minimum lift is 1.25 and with the 1.75 coils it should match the rear really close. I will yank the third leave to be right at 3 inches in the back. When the day comes that I install bumpers, skids, a winch, and a rear full size spare tire carrier all I will have to do is throw the leaf back in and crank up the front to match. If yanking the third leaf leaves me a little lower in the back I will simply run the ACOS without the adjuster. That will give me 2.50 up front.

I have 16" moabs with Duratracs 245/75's to throw on after the lift is in.

I am going ahead with an SYE while I am at it. Can anyone recommend a good one? I am not interested in a hack and tap version.

 

Good idea man. I'm thinking about running ACOS's or just 3.5" coils. I Just want to get it up in the air, and then go from there. Only time will tell what I actually do.

As you all know, it's never finished. Looks might not change much once the lift is on, but there will always be something being worked on.

 

I used 2934 and CS033RB with one leaf removed. It's about 20.25" at the fender wells all around.

 

I thought about the ZJ springs as well but wanted the ACOS in the event I do the Detours front winch plate addition. I want to make sure I do not go over three inches of lift. If I measure at 20.25 all the way around I will be ecstatic.

 

AH HA!! very helpful thread! I've got a 2wd '00 Freedom Edition i'm going to lift and put some bigger meats on just for looks. I was considering the OME kit anyway, but was thinking maybe the RE kit. but for a DD, i think the OME is going to be the way to go. I've got to get busy though, my rear springs are SHOT
any input on a 3" lift on a 2WD so far as pinion angles and driveshaft vibes?? I;ve heard the DS is longer and therefore not as prone to vibration..??

 

What you heard is correct. There is a good chance that all you'll need to do is shim the pinion so it's flat again, if it gets tipped up by the lift. (So that the transmission shaft and pinion are parallel.)

Drive shaft on a 2WD is quite long, especially with a D35. Takes more height to get the U joints out of their comfort zone. That said the same still applies to greasing the slip yoke and making sure the U joints are in good shape. You may need to replace them if they're ancient.

 

awesome, thank you. that's what i thought. i have the 00 and a 97 4x4 i bought last year and really haven't spent a lot of time under them yet. going to buy the 3" rear leafs from OME and do a budget boost in the front to get me by for a while. the 97 is going to get the cut and fold treatment and maybe a 3" lift. i'd like to stuff at least 33's under it... all it takes is money, right?

 

did you need to put coil spacers in the front coils to level it out?

 

did you get new drive shafts with the sye? or use the original ones?

 

OME is a great choice. My buddy just installed one and it rides like a freakin town car! haha I think that is one of the best choice for DD.

 

Nope you gotta order a new CV driveshaft once you do the SYE. Some setups can run a stock front driveshaft on the rear. But I opted for a stronger custom length Adams Driveshaft. I don't like to cut corners or save money, haha.

 

Using the stock front drive shaft is hardly cutting corners. Although an aftermarket drive shaft is great, there is nothing wrong with using the front drive shaft.

 

Maybe not, but I get more travel in the yoke to compensate for the additional flex, stronger tubing, a perfect fit and a lifetime warranty.