Shackles or Suspension lift kit..

[sharker98]

I have read all the pro's / con's on lifts here and am trying to decide betwwen these 2 items. I am looking for a 2-4" lift just to give me a bit more clearance with the 31" 10.5 on 3.50 inch offset wheels I am running. They just rub the flares on full compression.

Choice 1: 4" Rough Country (I know it's considered garbage by most) lift kit with springs (improved) shocks, pitman, transfrer lowering shims etc..

Choice 2: 2" lift shackles, yes 2" lift, 4" longer than stock. I have talked to a few running these without incident using stock shocks. Will probably upgrade shocks anyhow.

I do mostly on road driving with ocassional weekend exploration through the power lines and woods/dunes.

I know a lot of people will say neither, buy a good quality kit. Unfortunately I have ordered both of these items already before reading this forum.

So which would you do? the other will get sold on ebay that I don't use.

Oh, its a 92 YJ

[FlyersPh9]

I would use the suspension instead only because you will get some nice flex...and that looks cool!:spinz:

[ssyj94]

sell them both!!heres my opinion dont waste your money on those pos rough country springs or run shackles that long with stock shocks.. shackles that long are gonna make it ride really stiff cause they will be at a vertical angle and wont flex at all if you have a stock shock on it.
heres what id suggest todo.
get a 3.5" blackdaimond or trailmaster lift they are inexpensive and ride well you can get them from quadratec or 4wd hardware. my freinds have the blackdaimond springs and like them.Iused to have trailmaster springs and they held up well.
or
tj flares, 1"bl and 1" lift shackles.. all will clear 31's with plenty of room

[Kenny Kustom]

use both:thumbsup:

[Jeep Freak]

to clear 31's with 3.5" BS, all you need is a 2" lift. that was the set up i ran for about 5 years. worked great. i recommend the 2" BDS kit. you can't beat their warranty and after you get the springs broken in, it rides great (a little rough to start out with, but that is to be expected with any lift). don't do the shackles. all they will do is kill your approach angle and look really goofy.

[Berean100]

tj flares, 1"bl and 1" lift shackles.. all will clear 31's with plenty of roomI think this is your best and cheapest option for 31's without replacing the suspension system. Another major advantage is that it shouldn't cause drive-line vibrations or other issues. A small body lift will give you extra tire clearance without effecting the drive line. 1" lift shackles gives you a little extra height on your suspension without going too extreme (I think 2" is way overkill for shackles) -- also, springing for greaseable shackles can help your stock suspension ride smoother. TJ flares are more compact than YJ flares and allow you to cut away part of the fender to allow more room for your tires to flex without scrubbing. The body lift & shackles together would probably run you about $200. If you buy old flares (repaint them or something for looks) and do the work yourself, you shouldn't have much to invest in this area depending on the deal you find. If you sell both of your items, you should have enough money for this set-up. If you ever go larger, you can simply add (good) lift springs to this design and not have wasted any money completely replacing a suspension system you are already using.