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Which ones the best lift kit?

26K views 10 replies 4 participants last post by  350IROC-Z 
#1 ·
Hello all!

I want to do a lift kit on my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee SE next summer but wanted to get some opinions on the matter. I want to do either a 3" lift kit or 2.5" lift kit. I've narrowed it down to these three:

IRO 3" lift kit: IRON ROCK OFF ROAD: WJ 3" Lift Kit

Rusty's offroad 2.5" lift kit: Rusty's WJ Grand Cherokee 2.5" Basic Kit - WJ Grand Cherokee ('99-'04) - Jeep Suspension Lift Kits - Jeep Suspension

or Fat bobs garage 2.5" lift kit: Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 2.5" Suspension Lift Kit w/ Shocks 1999-2004

Now my questions are:
1) Whats the best kit out of the 3?
2) Which one will have the best ride quality? It's my daily driver so I still want it to ride nice and be comfortable.
3) Will any of these kits handle well under a slightly heavy load? Mainly just throwing some fire wood and stuff in the trunk or on a back rack that I have. But the first time I did this with stock suspension the rear was sagging a good amount.

I will most likely use the standard shocks that come with the kits, the upgraded shocks in the kits are not in my budget and just makes it wayyy to pricey. I am open to any and all opinions. But I don't want to go over 3". That's the highest I will go.

Thank you for the help!
 
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#2 ·
I believe (but may be wrong) that the Rusty's and Fat Bob's Garage 2.5" lifts are the same. My buddy bought the Fat Bob's Garage 2.5" lift with the base shocks and I planned on doing the same once my shocks go bad. After riding in his Jeep, I don't think I'm going to be getting that lift (or Rusty's because I think it's the same).

I don't know if it's the shocks or that the springs are 12 lbs heavier, but it rides MUCH rougher. Since mine would also be a DD and I only want the lift for the looks and filling with camping stuff, I don't know if I want to lift it anymore (after riding in my buddies). You also need to get extended sway bar links or extend them yourself. If you don't, the vehicle has a noticeable swaying.

I don't know anything about the IRO kit.
 
#3 ·
Thank you for the response JeepMe! I do know that you have to get the extended sway bar links, I would probably have to get extended bump stops or bump stop extenders as well no?

I think I read somewhere that Fat bob's uses Rusty's off road springs actually, not sure what shocks they use but hey that could be a rumor. I don't know. But I do definitely want to lift my Jeep even if I do the 2" or 2.5" Budget Boost. When I'm on the beach I can hear the skid plate and muffler scrapping across the sand so that's one reason and the other reason is because of the looks like you said. Thank you again for the input on Fat Bobs lift kit! Keep the experiences/ input coming! :)
 
#5 ·
Well to be honest the shocks are garbage on all of those lifts.You got to have gas shocks on a WJ for it to feel right. I had a Rusty's 2.5 on mine and loved it till the shocks crapped out after the first year. Right now that IRO seems to be the best bang for your buck because you get extended links plus a longer track bar. You can't buy that stuff for $100. Just budget in some cash for good shocks next year cause that's where these lifts fall short.
 
#7 ·
Thank you for the response cheapjeep! I'm pretty much set on the IRO kit and I'm actually thinking about upgrading to the Bilstein shocks. I know Bilsteins are the best shocks in the industry, but I'm just hoping it rides like stock or even better then stock.
 
#8 ·
OME and Billstein

Do it right the first time and forgeduhboutit

Been reading up on xj,zj,wj for over 10 years and the OME springs don't sag like other brands.
 
#9 · (Edited)
So I would have to piece the lift kit together if I took this path right? I would have to buy the springs, shocks, bump stop extensions, sway bar end links, track bar and steering stabilizer all separate no? Unless they make a fairly inexpensive OME kit but the last time I looked it was in the thousands I believe and they only made 2" Budget Boost kits and a 3.5" kit which is a little higher than I want to go lol. Thank you for the input!
 
#10 ·
I thought the OME springs were 2.5"

If you need help with more details on the OME stuff look up "Kolak" on one of the other Jeep forums or send him an email. I will send you a message with the email. I got my Bilsteins, OME 10 MM spacers, UpCountry springs, and all the other parts to rebuild my suspension from Nick. Great prices and quick response.

Travis
 
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