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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: chardrc on May 11, 2006, 07:38:19 PM
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hey im going to get a lift for my 1990 yj and i was wondering who makes a good life for a decient price and if there realy is very much a difference between diferent manufactorers.. im only going to get a 2 - 3.5 inch lift (dad wont let me go any higher cuz it will be a dayly driver and he doesnt want it to be to tippy..
im looking at ordering it soon so hopefully between this thread and some aditional research i can get a good answer.
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i hope to order black diamonds 3.5" kits soon, as soon as i can convince the parents to let me spend my money. http://www.quadratec.com/products/16110_010.htm
my friends all have it and love it, plus since its under 4 " you dont need a sye. only down side is the kit doesn't come with a drop pitman arm, but you could goto the junk yard and get a cherokee one, or just ebay one for like 50 bucks.
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ok sweet. any more segestions anyone.... ya this is soposed to be my bday present from my dad but my bday was in january so its been taking him a while to get around to geting me 1.
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From what I've seen Black Diamond's 3.5" is pretty good. The kit was designed while the company was still owned by Warn. The leafs are tapered and have a flat spot where the perches are. (Nice feature). The only other kit, I'd probably look at is the Fabtech 3.5". Rubicon express only makes a 2.5", 4 and 4.5" kit. I'm sure you want to be closer to 4 then 2 though. :wink:
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Try BDS they have a good lift kit I installed one awhile back on my 95 yj and have not had any problems with it at all. Also a good price and you can't beat the warranty
http://www.bds-suspension.com/products.html
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I hear good stuff about BDS, although I've never run it...
Back in the day, Warn's version of the Black Diamond kit was the best out there (for the price). Currie Enterprises was second, for the same features Jeffy mentioned. Currently I'm running the Warn 3.5" kit and the ride quality and articulation is top notch!!
Rubicon's kit was really good too... And 4" would clear 33's very very well.
Try to remember tho'... It's not all about the height anymore. It's about the ride. Anyone can lift a Jeep up high, but if it rides like crap, and the springs don't allow flex (ProJunk), then it isn't worth the money spent.
Now my rear springs have sagged and I got another pair of springs to replace them with... Currently Black Diamond is owned by Superlift. So these warrantied rear springs don't have the flat bottom, or the tapered ends... They have teflon pads between the leaves and similar spring clamps holding it all together... I am worried that I'll get too much lift, or they'll be too stiff...
But keep your eyes peeled... I'll be selling those 'lightly used' rear springs in a few months...
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Funny thing about BSD. For a budget lift they're ok but really most of the guy's I know who had them, out west, have moved on to other lifts.
They seem to be popular in the midwest though.
The only RE kit I'd go with are the XD's. They come in 2.5 and 4.5" only. The standards aren't as good. For anything over 3" the best production lift kit is still probably RE's XD 4.5". Best riding lift under 3" is probably the OME 2.5"(closer to 3").
Also, you might want to look at used springs. Typically the stiffer lifts have warn some and flex better with age but do not sag. (Trail Master, Rancho, etc...)
Another option would be to go with custom leafs. Places like Alcan Springs are able to make custom leafs, 1-6" for around $150 each.
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the RE XD's are definately nice kits, and if you can afford them then definately go for them. Same for the OME. Although i'm really happy with my standard kit, i was worried about it riding really ruff or not flexing good, but i'm happy with my purchase.
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I recently faced the same question for my 94 and I decided to go with the OME 2.5 kit. I don't need a lot of lift so 2.5 seemed just about right for me to clear my 31's. I'm more interested in the ride quality and flex for light to moderate wheeling. I won't be doing the Rubicon anytime soon, so clearing big tires isn't a concern. I bought it through 4X4 Connection and spoke with Chris. He gave me a pretty good deal that inlcuded everything I needed including the greasable shackles for just hair over $1000.00. I'll be installing it Saturday evening. My needs are simple: moderate lift, good on road ride, exceptional off road flex, quality and reputation. OME has a good name and in the end I based my purchase on their reputation. Good luck with your selection!
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I recently faced the same question for my 94 and I decided to go with the OME 2.5 kit. I don't need a lot of lift so 2.5 seemed just about right for me to clear my 31's. I'm more interested in the ride quality and flex for light to moderate wheeling. I won't be doing the Rubicon anytime soon, so clearing big tires isn't a concern. I bought it through 4X4 Connection and spoke with Chris. He gave me a pretty good deal that inlcuded everything I needed including the greasable shackles for just hair over $1000.00. I'll be installing it Saturday evening. My needs are simple: moderate lift, good on road ride, exceptional off road flex, quality and reputation. OME has a good name and in the end I based my purchase on their reputation. Good luck with your selection!
Just an addon. A 2.5" OME will ramp 1000 on an 28* RTI ramp with clearance for 32's. Don't let that stop you from doing more difficult trails. Rubicon's only rated a 3.5 (out of 5) at it's most difficult area's. 31's and stock suspensions can have as much fun as the bigger guy's, is not more.
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I like my BDS kit alot.The warrenty is a big part of what sold me on it.I have the 3.5 and 1" longer greasable shackles (1/2" of lift) and with my 33's I had to install cut out flares to keep the tires from stuffing the body so I think it flexes pretty good.But I dont have any RTI #'s
SMC4WD keep me informed on those springs for sale my brother is looking for some thanks.
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I was considering the Black Diamond as well... too many other thing are tempting me to make a decision right now -
I found a pretty good deal to pass on:
Black Diamond 3.5" for $461 http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/jeep_YJ.htm
You will need shocks - check Superlift's ebay store... $14 a piece:
http://stores.ebay.com/Superlift-Suspension-Systems_Shock-Absorbers_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ10QQftidZ2QQtZkm
You will have to check the application guide for the correct part number...
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Dont' skimp on shocks budget for them.
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For ride, OME is supposed to be the best out there... Problem is, height. 2.5" + 1" BL could be the best combination for 31's, and maybe even squeezing 32's. I know Chris personally from the 4x4 Connection and will say that you've made an excellent choice.
The thing people have to think about is, how they're going to drive their vehicles on a daily basis... Not once a weekend, or camping every month or so, but every single day. The OME offers the very best in daily driving comforts. The springs are designed to accept additional weights ie: front bumper/winch/lights etc., but not stiffen the ride, or sag prematurely. It's probably the most expensive kit with the most minimal height, but if this is your daily driver and your weekend warrior, make that investment.
Now the other kits mentioned here are fantastic too. Height, ride, additional weight carrying abilities, and warranty are all very important factors to consider.
But get this... The Jeep thing! The thing that no-one else understands... I mentioned getting my springs warranted and was going to take off my old springs. I already have one person possibly interested... Do what you feel is right concerning your personal rig, and driving habits. If your unhappy, or a few years down the road you'd like to make a change... Don't sweat it, someone out there will take those springs, shocks or whatever you've got, off your hands...
Also, if you go too tall you'll need a SYE and rear drive line. Too big of tires and you'll need gears... Remember your surrounding investment around the items you buy.
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thanx for the imput.. ill try to get my dad to get me a 3.5" kit but i might just have to get a 2 or 2.5 ' lift... and by the way im puting 31" tires on it (the stock rims and tires from the rubicon we got recently) that with my curent springs that are pretymuch flat they wont fit so this week we will order and hopefully i can instal it this coming weekend.
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Well the OME is installed and I must say it's worth its weight. The ride borders on plush by comparison and it's very forgiving. It's not even broken in yet! We'll see where I go from here!
Just an addon. A 2.5" OME will ramp 1000 on an 28* RTI ramp with clearance for 32's. Don't let that stop you from doing more difficult trails
I hear you on that and I'm sure I'll start to get the itch to challenge new trails.
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just to kinda rap up this thread and not leave anyone hangin.. i orderd the 2.5' bds lift kit and it came on friday so i will be puting it on today... ow ya and i also got a worn rear bumper and tire carier that i put on yesterday that looks prety sweet..... now all i need is a decent spare tire..