BDS lift kit

[Nikson]

wanted to get some opinion on this brand.

First of all... want a long arm kit (suggestions to these specs are welcome)

Will be running a set of 35 KM2 under the Cherokee... thus need a 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 inch lift.

Just came from SEMA2010, talking it over with lots of guys... came to conclusion, long arm kit has to be from total of 4 long arms, and not just 2 w/Y-type linkage. (less stress overall on the control arms)

At this point, BDS seems like to be the one....

http://bds-suspension.com/product?ma=7&mo=29&ty=38&yr=1984-2001

Anyone has any experience, or can suggest another 4 long arm lift kit for an XJ?

Thanks in advance...

 

[Root Moose]

The only other four link setup that I am aware of is the Full-Traction.

I think that Clayton may have a three link in the works but for an overlanding rig I would prefer a four link or a radius arm setup.

I haven't heard anything negative about the BDS but then I may not have been paying attention.

 

[Booner]

Not a long arm, but I've gotten excellent service from the 3.5 inch BDS short arm kit on my 98 Grand. After quite a bit of offroading, the only component that I had a problem with was my trackbar, and BDS replaced it, no questions asked. I just bought BDS suspension for my 78 CJ5 :sombrero:.

 

[Nikson]

The only other four link setup that I am aware of is the Full-Traction.

I think that Clayton may have a three link in the works but for an overlanding rig I would prefer a four link or a radius arm setup.

I haven't heard anything negative about the BDS but then I may not have been paying attention.

How is the Full-Traction kit? compariable to others good brands...

at this point, I am not wanting to waste money on lower priced kits, yet dont want to spend $5k for a lift kit either...

I've picked up my XJ from an auction at $2500 (2d, 1998 yr)... dont want to go overboard with all the mods...

 

[Nikson]

ideally, this is what I prefer & hope to do...

Long arm from (4 link) - BDS or similar(Full-Traction) front control arms.

OME rear leafs & shocks all around.

Front springs probably from BDS/or another good brand.

Tracbar & steering components on the go from other reputable brands as well...

at this point, after all the talking with bunch of other folks, seems like OME suspension components are the most reliable as well as best performing on/off road as far as comfort of the ride...

 

[Root Moose]

I can't speak to the Full Traction setup - I've never seen it in person. It seems to have a decent reputation. I think it may be popular with the JeepSpeed style crowd. The cross member where the front arms connect to the bottom seems to hang low (in images). I am biased though with the TNT kits on the XJ and MJ.

As far as OME, they make good stuff but are not the end all be all. Your last build seemed pretty highly developed. You may want to go with "cheaper" springs like RE or similar and have the price "flexibility" to swap out different springs (i.e. rates) as part of your tuning. I'm still doing the tuning with my XJ and am starting to chase spring and damper rates the more I drive the thing (I should make it road legal again I suppose?).

 

[Root Moose]

Oh, btw I have OME dampers and RE springs on my Jeep. I find the damping a little mushy in the front but I haven't really beat on it yet. I may swap out to try Bilstein 5150s eventually. My buddy has a similar setup (RE springs, 1" taller) but Bilstein dampers and they seem to have a better damping. I'm a sports car car that likes a stiff ride though so take it with a grain of salt.

 

[Nikson]

I can't speak to the Full Traction setup - I've never seen it in person. It seems to have a decent reputation. I think it may be popular with the JeepSpeed style crowd. The cross member where the front arms connect to the bottom seems to hang low (in images). I am biased though with the TNT kits on the XJ and MJ.

As far as OME, they make good stuff but are not the end all be all. Your last build seemed pretty highly developed. You may want to go with "cheaper" springs like RE or similar and have the price "flexibility" to swap out different springs (i.e. rates) as part of your tuning. I'm still doing the tuning with my XJ and am starting to chase spring and damper rates the more I drive the thing (I should make it road legal again I suppose?).

in past few months while on my trips in Russia & US, I've got a chance to try out various vehicle with various lifts... and at this point, guys with mostly OME suspension components got me convinced to try that out on my next project as far as SHOCKS/rear leaf go...

since OME doesnt make a long arm kit for the front, I am going to use another manufacturer for that...

being that 35s are the choice for this project, Long Arms are a must for me.

lift height will be no more the 6 1/2, but probably start at 4 1/2.

I want to actually build a trail worthy rig this time, yet very street capable.

 

[redthies]

I have used a couple of BDS kits in the past with no complaints. They were solid and reliable. I haven't used the exact kit you are looking at, but as a company I think they are a decent brand.

 

[OverlandZJ]

Take a look at this thread. Clayton has posted pics of his new three link setup and CAD drawings of his prototype four link that may be released.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1047457

Personally i think a radius arm setup can work well in an Overland rig... unless you plan to use all your suspension travel often.

 

[Nikson]

Take a look at this thread. Clayton has posted pics of his new three link setup and CAD drawings of his prototype four link that may be released.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1047457

Personally i think a radius arm setup can work well in an Overland rig... unless you plan to use all your suspension travel often.

it wont be used as a trail rig....

daily driver - weekend explorer / wheeler... not the type to be hauled on a trailer obviously...

 

[Nikson]

I have used a couple of BDS kits in the past with no complaints. They were solid and reliable. I haven't used the exact kit you are looking at, but as a company I think they are a decent brand.

its great to hear that BDS stands behind their product...

 

[stankfoot]

http://www.rockkrawler.com/?r_intro=1

has great warranty

 

[Nikson]

does anyone have anything to say about RubiconExpress' "Y" style long arm kits? reliability wise - on-road comfort?

 

[OttawaXJ]

if its a mall crawler you really wont see a difference between any of the long arm kits. The only time you have to be choosy with long arm kits is if you plan on wheeling. BDS has a no BS warranty on their stuff but what bothers me is I still hear people bending the control arms. Staangs fab on the other hand looks damn near bomb proof and has the same no BS warranty, for life instead of just a few years.