The SYE isn't necessary depending on how high you go (and which drivetrain/year you have), correct length shocks are highly advisable. I know it's always everyone's goal to keep things cheap, but is there a reason you're cutting so many corners? I've found it's cheaper to do it right once than do it several times.
-----Matt-----
cutting corners? hmmm...thoughful, inexpensive, reliable mods are what I listed, in my opinion.
1. putting together a leaf pack from an s10 and an xj is a very well-thought out and very popular, proven way to achieve the rate/lift desired for very little money. New u-bolts, spring clamps, and spring pins.
2. using a junkyard/rebuilt front driveshaft from another xj, combined with a quality SYE equals front and rear driveshafts that are exactly the same, necessitating carrying only one spare. This also means:
- If primary rear driveshaft fails or is damaged: put in spare
- If spare fails or is damaged: pull front driveshaft and put in rear making you 2wd, but very much moving down the highway/trail at speed.
3. rusty's coils. this is up for grabs, it depends on sales/pricing, etc.
4. adjustable track bar or bracket...whoever has best reputation/quality
5. Detours offroad has a nice set of shock extenders that would allow using a stock sized shock or similar sized shock, that could be purchased at any autoparts store, anywhere, rather than a non-stock sized "lift kit" shock
6. JKS sway bar disconnects. Pretty much the best on the market. no question there.
7. extended, quality brake lines in front. bend/relocate mounting points in rear due to reports that rear length is not a problem until one lifts past 3.5-4"
8. 8.25 rear axle, 29 spline, very tough, makes the rear end a strong point rather than a weak link.
Does that answer your question? Thanks for asking!!