Best 2" Lift for J10 ?Who makes it?

[Sycho15]

I'm looking for a flexible, durable 2" lift kit for my J10. I'm trying to keep the cost under $500 for everything (four springs, shocks, and extened brake-lines).

Here are the options so far as I see them:
Front Suspension:
Rancho 44044s, and maybe a shackle if they settle to below 2"s
ESPO's 2" lift springs
I don't know how flexible or durable either of these springs are though. Does ESPO simply re-arch stock springs, or do they actually make new, longer springs with ~the same rate as stock?

Rear Suspension:
ESPO's 2" lift springs
Mix-&-Match MJ and SJ leafs to get the desired hieght/rate
Again, I don't know how flexible or durable either of these would be. I suspect the Mix-&-Match would be more flexible and less durable, but I could always add leaf springs if they sagged out too much.
Alternatively, I could make a new shackle-hanger that raises and inverts the mounting point of the shackle to give only 2" of lift with either the stock springs, or some really long springs like the Suburban ones....

Obviously, after I get the lift how I want it I'd have to cycle the suspension to determine which shocks and extended brake-lines I'd need.

I'd like opinions from people running the Rancho's and ESPO's, and any other ideas of how to go about this.

[The Anti-Chrysler]

I think Rusty's still has a 2" front spring setup and rear blocks. It's probably the cheapest out there.

[talntar]

you wont need brake lines for 2".so you can save some money there.
i run 2" espos and have know problem with them at all.a bit more stiff then stock but not bad.i have had them for two years and if they have sagged i cant tell.
happy to ans. any ? i can

[bvibert]

Originally posted by The Anti-Chrysler:
I think Rusty's still has a 2" front spring setup and rear blocks. It's probably the cheapest out there.The Rusty's 2" kit is just Add-A-Leafs, not full springs as far as I know.

[tgreese]

I've heard good things about the ESPOs wrt their CJ springs. AFAIK they manufacture springs from new material to the spec required for stock, 1" or 2" lift. Their lif springs are stock length but higher arch or stiffer leaves. I'd suggest you call them and ask them directly if you have questions about materials and design.

Eventually I'll replace the sagging fronts on my J10, and I had planned to buy ESPOs.

hth Tim

[Sycho15]

As I'm looking for something very flexible, I suspect the ESPOs are not the way to go. Stiffer springs and/or more arch (without extra length) are counter-productive to flex. Also, as I'm looking for something very flexible, I doubt the stock brake-lines and shocks will be able to accomodate.

Somewhat related expirience: I yanked the trac and sway-bar on my YJ and gained enough flex to snap the stock brake lines. I had to put 4" extended lines on it, and then the stock shocks were too short!

I'm currently leaning towards the Rancho 44044s and a lift shackle to keep the front at 2", and finding some of those long Suburban springs to mount in the rear and fabbing new spring hangers to give the 2" of lift in back.

Any other opinions/ideas?