The classic beginner XJ lift: cheap polyurethane front coil spacers plus a rear add-a-leaf for ~2" of lift. Cheap to install, but compromises ride and component life.
The 2" budget boost is the most common first lift on an XJ. The front uses a 2" polyurethane spacer that sits on top of the stock coil (between the coil and the unibody coil bucket), while the rear gets an add-a-leaf (AAL) wedged into the existing leaf pack. Total cost is typically under $200 and the install is a driveway weekend job with hand tools. It lets you clear a 30x9.50 or marginal 31x10.50 tire on stock wheels.
The debate on NAXJA and Cherokee Forum is fierce: purists hate budget boosts because spacers stack preload on already-tired stock coils (which is what causes saggy front ends in the first place) and AALs make the rear leaf pack stiffer and arch unnaturally, hurting ride quality and articulation. Proponents point out that you can build a perfectly capable mild-trail XJ on a budget boost if your stock coils still have life and you address the geometry consequences (extended bumpstops, a longer track bar or relocation bracket are not strictly required at 2" but help).
At 2" of lift you generally do NOT need a longer track bar, adjustable control arms, a transfer case drop, or a slip yoke eliminator. You should replace shocks (stock-length shocks for a 2" lift, such as Bilstein 4600/5100 or Rancho RS5000X) because stock shocks will top out. Brake line length is fine at 2". Caster change is minimal (~1 degree). Expect ride quality to get slightly choppier on pavement.
If the front sags later (which it will), step up to new coils rather than stacking more spacer. The budget boost is best viewed as a tide-over, not a destination.
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| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Rough Country 2" budget boost kit | Rough Country | ~$110 |
| Rusty's 2" budget boost | Rusty's Off Road | ~$140 |
| Bilstein 4600 shocks (front and rear, stock length) | Bilstein | ~$220 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.