Lift Kits: BJ's vs. Rusty's

[MrFurious]

Was looking at lift kits today on BJ's site, and noticed there's a big difference in price between their 4" kit and Rusty's (both 4" spring kits with shocks).

Now I know they both get their springs from the same manufacturer, but are the spring rates the same or different? Also, what's so special about the BJ's kit to justify the $170 price difference ($670 vs. $500)? The braided ss brake lines are a nice upgrade, but definitely not $200 worth.

Rusty's 4" Spring Kit w/shocks:
- 4 new leaf packs
- 4 new shocks (Rusty's Hydro)
- Grade 8 U-bolts
- Brakeline Extensions

BJ's 4" Spring Kit w/shocks:
- 4 new leaf packs
- 4 new shocks (ProComp ES3000's)
- Grade 8 U-bolts
- Extended SS Braided Brake lines

[ June 02, 2005, 06:18 PM: Message edited by: MrFurious ]

[Matty]

Uh, I believe that they get their springs from different manufacturers, unless something changed that I didn't hear about. If its still as I remember, the spring quality of BJ's is superior to that of Rusty's.

[trailsforus]

I also hear some not too good things about Rustys customer service. If you are on here for any period of time you know that despite their name BJs customer service doesnt suck...sorry. I had to do it. I will stop talking now.

-Dillon

[Stuka]

BJ's uses the spring maker that rusty's used to use. BJ's switched after having so many bad springs made. Yes BJ's has better customer service. But my dealings with rusty's has been fine.

[Pman]

I've never heard about any "difference" in the quality of the springs, just the shocks. I think the shocks BJ's offers have a better ride apparently.

I can't say anything about Rusty's customers service, since I never called them, but I did curse them for sending me several mismatched U-bolts.

Summary: I like the Rusty's springs, but hated the shocks, and had to pony up another 280 bucks for RS9000's. Soooo, if the BJ's Procomp shocks ride smoother, you'll come out ahead going with the BJ's kit IMHO.

[tufkiller]

bjs also sent extra hardware and ubolts. I reckon there for people with the amc 20. Since I was lifting a 74 instead of 76+ I had extra ?s and rusty provided me with very wrong info. Bjs knew alot more and honestly said on some of my ?s they werent positive. Bjs customer service was far better and more honest over rustys IMHO. Bjs also offered rancho shocks when I ordered but said the procomps rode alttle better.

[Stuka]

oh yeah, rusty's shocks suck @ss. BJ's has rancho or pro-comp shocks. Much better. Rusty's shocks are good quality, just WAY under valved.

[MrFurious]

Well, as far as shocks go I'm a huge fan of the Bilstein 5150's. They're a little pricey, but I've yet to find a better shock and have tried several (including the Rancho RS9000's which are a close second IMO).

That being the case, I will most likely get a kit w/o shocks if possible. BJ's offers their kit w/o them, so that's likely the road I'll take. Now just to find someone besides Rusty's who stocks the Bilsteins and I'm set.

[Manhattan]

I have heard that BJ's switch manufacturers (to a better spring) Not sure on that. I've never dealt with Rusty's because all I've heard is that their customer service is &@$*ing pathetic - wrong parts, late parts, missing parts...

Ryan & Brent (at BJ's) are awesome to deal with - Ryan actually brought the springs to a club member's house and spent the day with me (and 4 other club members) and helped install the kit! That's customer service!

I've since sold the Jeep, but it rode amazingly nice - springs and shocks seemed very well balanced.

My vote - BJ's by a mile.

Oh, Ryan is at the East Coast Invasion right now. I'm sure he'll weigh in on this Sunday or Monday and clear up the spring manufacturer thing...

[MrFurious]

So Ryan, now that you're back from ECI what's the skinny here?

[billyrb]

Originally posted by MrFurious:
Now I know they both get their springs from the same manufacturer

Man, first the Skyjacker comment, now this? Man, you sure are wrong a lot! j/k

We use a different manufacturer than Rusty does for our components. Our springs are similar to Rusty's. Rusty's kit has the Hydro shocks, our kits offer a choice of shocks. Also, our kit comes with the braided stainless steel brakelines. Rusty buys his springs by the truckload, so his prices for springs are a bit lower than ours. But, with our upgraded parts compared to his kit, plus better customer service, I think you'll be pleased with what you get from us.

[MrFurious]

Ryan, how do the spring rates/ride quality compare between the two springs? I know shocks make a huge difference in ride quality, but the spring rate does as well.

And don't worry, either way I decide to go I'll be ordering my stuff from you guys. I'd gladly pay a little more knowing I'll get quality customer service over saving a few pennies and having to deal with some @$$hat that won't give me the time of day if I have a problem.

[billyrb]

Spring rate is just about the same. You'll never tell the difference between the two rates by feel.

[Spectre]

Is there a current IFSJA special price on the lift kits?

[ June 07, 2005, 08:28 PM: Message edited by: Spectre ]

[billyrb]

IFSJA discount doesn't apply to lift kits, transfer cases or sale items. Sorry.