its not that I didn't agree with the other advice, I decided on this route as this is not the end point for this TJ, it is only a stopping point for this year, and allows me to see what I like/don't like, before going bigger in the next year or two.
I also realized that there was about as many different points of view, as there are options. Everything from 3" body lift, Combo lift to long arm kits, to accomplish what I need.
I figured for the $500 spent on a 4" kit if I really don't like it I am only out $500 and I will have learned what I don't like.
This is the same reason, I spent for new D44 front and rear with cromolly shafts, lockers and 4.56 gears for 33's. Its massive overkill for what I am going to wheel today, but again this isn't the end point for this build.
Except its not a 500$ lift. to properly run a 4" lift without dropping your belly pana, and completely defeating the purpose of said 4" lift, you need to do a SYE and a driveshaft.
Without doing a super short SYE, you would prevent yourself from being able to do a reliable tuck in the future and still have functional suspension.
The absolute max you can go on a stock wheelbase TJ is 6" of total "lift" when seperating the rear output from the pinion. And that is using a super short SYE. So whether thats 3" lift, and 3" tuck, or 4" and 2", doesnt matter.
And honeslty, thats really to much. You will eat joints if you actually set the suspension up with decent droop.
So, it comes back to 9 out 10 experienced recommendations always recommending 2-3" of suspension, and 1-2" of body lift.
You dont frack with your driveline.
You leave room to tuck. (critical)
You dont lose driveability due to shitty castor, high cog, driveline vibes, etc etc
You dont wast money buying parts twice.
You dont need to spend the extra 1000$ on a SS SYE and driveshaft right away.
I know you got confused because so many recommendations came at with out explanaition, so basically you said "frack it" and just ordered up a 4".
Not the end of the world, but the reason nobody recommended it is because 4" suspension lifts have been known to be to much for TJ's for years when if comes to your real wheeling advocates.
These days we arent running 4" of suspension lift unless we are stretching out to 106" plus wheelbase and running more than a 40" tires.
And honestly, there are at least a half a dozen guys that have been here, or are here now that have purchased the exact same suspsension as you, only to rip it all off the jeep after a season or two and replace it with quality parts. Essentially, buyer beware.
But hey. Its a live and lear thing. Not like you are the only guy here to ever put multiple suspensions on your jeep. My first jeep went through a few setups before I finished.
Oh, and to answer your original question. Budget boost with longer shocks and a 1.25" body lift until you are ready for more upgrades.\
When you are ready to go bigger, in no real order.
Raised fenders
Real 2" springs
Tummy tucked
Relocated shock mounts and long travel shocks
Beadlocks
35's
cage
track bar
arms
hydro assist
air
swaybars
Built. Finished. Go anywhere. Done once.