I like my leaf springs
Looking objectively at the geometry of most of the 'bolt on' long arm kits, I could not imagine spending good money on that stuff. there are just to many compromises in the bracket locations to create proper geometry. I know a lot of people are happy with some of these kits, but i think for what you get, for what you spend and the compromises required to make it a nicely package consumer 'kit' i'm just not buying it.
I think TNT's complete kit with the belly skids and crossmembers is pretty close, the antisquat is a little off but doable though. the kit does require some welding though and is expensive, but you get the whole shebang, belly skid, axle trusses and all.
my buddy nick used the LJ package on his TJ (comp cut rear, LJ package for more stretch) and i he was pretty happy with it though did aknowedge some compromises. though in the future between him and i, i think our fab ability has gotten much better and we would just do it custom if it was to all get done over again (he's sold the TJ, looking for a sami now).
FYI: its the one the right! :rofl:
personally i know i could build a full custom three link front and four link rear for under a thousand, and it would be a crapload of fun. but... it would mean entrance into the jackstand club for a good bit of the winter. which is probably not an option on a daily driver that these kits are meant for.
so if i did have a daily driver tj... obviously i wouldn't build a full custom link setup. i would go with Rokmens short arm setup. i think the bang/buck ratio for that kit is just off the charts, and the quality is fantastic, not to mention made here in the front range by some really great guys. you maintain all of your stock driving traits, you can get a little bit of stretch and if combined with only a very modest lift it works very very well.
i can't really argue with this:
so there you go. tims 'lift kit' rant. let me condense this:
mild DD: rokmen short arm
i wanna go nuts, but not custom: tnt
i want something truly awesome: get a welder, some heim joints, some dom and a bunch of 3/16" plate, then drink a bunch of beer in the garage for the winter.