Thoughts on the 6.5" BDS long arm lift?

Hello all! Kinda new to the jeep community and and was thinking about the 6.5" BDS long arm lift for a "99 cherokes. Is anyone else running this? And if so what are your thoughts?

 

It looks like a pretty complete kit, but 2 things that struck me was that it won't work with a manual transmission and I didn't see the specs on their webpage. Would be nice to know how their arms and mount stack up against others. I assume you have an auto trans as it was more popular so that part doesn't effect you, but I have a manual trans so that would eliminate this kit had I chosen to go this route.
You will need to account for the additional cost for the SYE and CV rear driveshaft.

If you aren't afraid to piece a lift together you should look at www.Ironman4x4fab.com. Andy is a good guy and builds some beefy parts. If you check out the companies Facebook page they currently have a sale on their new 3 or 4 link long arm kit (arms and crossmember) for $1150 with the ability to fine tune the suspension. You can get 5.5" Rubicon Express lift coils on Amazon for $100 (for pair) and add a small spacer for more lift, 4.5" lift RE leaf springs for $300 (pair), Shackle relocation brackets from Ironman (gives 1.5" lift) $129.50, Adjustable shackles from Ironman (minimal lift upto more lift) $169.50, double sheer trackbar with bracket from Ironman $398.00.... Total so far... $2247.00, if you did a bastard pack rear lift you could probably knock $250 off that cost. Add shocks, longer brake lines, sway bar links, etc... and you are right around the same price (or possibly less if you do the bastard pack) but with beefier components.

I don't work for Ironman4x4fab, but I have quite a few of his components (control arms, track bar, steering box brace, and shackle relocation brackets) going on one of my XJs and I have friends who run his stuff with no problems. Not advertising, just suggesting other options...and welcome to the forum.

 

Took a quick look at their parts, I really like them. I'm gonna take my time with this build and do everything right and not cheap.

I'm also having some issues finding a good wheel and tire to run as well as size of tire. I'd like to run 35s but I dont want them to rub, so should I get 33s instead?

 

33"s would probably be better, unless you plan on cutting the fenders then you can fit 35"s.
33"s with 4.10/4.11 gear ratio would get you back to about stock, but 4.56 gears would give you better overall performance, 4.88s if it's more offroad than on.

 

I have heard very good things about BDS including that they have a no questions asked lifetime warranty on their kits. I know guys running 37s on their 6.5in kits. Lots of cutting though.

 

I don'twork forIronman4x4fab,

Sure sounds like you do runner82. Lolll. Just messing. Very interesting read. You got my interest in this thread. Almost wish I had my 00 XJ back. I'm subbed.

 

Does anyone by chance know what the gear ratio is a of the stock '99 Cherokee axles?

 

Most likely 3.55 if it's a 4.0 auto or 3.07 if it's a 4.0 manual.