Black Diamond or 4wd Hardware

Hey guys,
I would like to poll which kit, the Black Diamond 3" or the 4wd Hardware 2.5", would you buy or have you bought and how you like it.
I'm definitely buying a suspension kit, but I'm torn on which. The Black Diamond is cheaper 470 with shocks compared to the 4wd. which is 550 with shocks. Does anyone have an opinion on which is "better". If I bought the Black Diamond that would leave me with some extra cash for something else. Possibly new seat brackets for my fiberglass tub. Or maybe some powder coated hood hinges and catches.

Some advice would be great,

Thanks

High5

 

Not sure where you live, but picking up these heavy pieces will save on shipping $$. I've got a 4WD suspension kit and saved by picking it up.

Also, 4WD Hardware offers a 5% discount if you're a member of their forum. (either JU or their "virtual..." forum, can't remember which).

 

Yep,
I'm definitely in for the 5 percent discount, however I might be able to get ten, but I can't detail that now. I will be ordering from that site, but curious if anyone had used these products. I asked about Black Diamond before, but the only answer I got was about a 4.5 inch kit and I'm not doing that. Has anyone istalled a black diamond 3 inch kit??? Someone mentioned a whole lot of other BS that goes with a higher kit, but Jeepgal said she didn't do a lot of mods to make her lift work. I would like to talk myself into the BD kit, cause it's less expensive. But if the fourwheeldrivehardware kit is really good, I'll go with that.

I'm still not convinced either way, and picking up isn't possible. If you look at my sig, I'm about a days drive away. As in 12 hours or so.

Thanks,

High5

 

I bought and installed the 4wd 2.5" kit a year ago instead of the Black Diamond because they were out of the Black Diamond at the time. I had to drill out the original U-Bolt mount plates because the new U-bolts were larger diameter than the factory originals. When I got through with the installation, the Jeep was not measureably taller than with the "original springs", when measured with a tape. The "originals" were obviously very heavy duty, seven and ten leaves. None appeared to be an add-a-leaf. However, the Jeep rides and drives much better, but no more tire clearance. I would have preferred a 4" kit to run some 35s, but couldn't find one for a 1974 CJ-5 at the time.

 

I have the Black Diamond kit and am happy with the flex - rides rough as all get-out currently but i have less than 5 miles on it so far.
Things I didn't plan on having to do w/ the kit - Buying all new u bolts that actually fit the axles and mounting plates, shortening the driveshaft, cutting and re-welding the spring perches.

 

What year is your Jeep? If you are BUYING seat brackets from 4WD, I have a suggestion: FABRICATE THEM.

Kind of hard to see them in this photo, but it'll give you an idea:
http://tinypic.com/maud6r.jpg

I bought the 4wd 1975 brackets, looked at them, and returned them to get my $50/pair back. It cost me $18 for the steel, my time to cut them, some beer to have a buddy weld them, and a can of spray paint.

Make certain you drill the hole BEFORE welding them!

 

I have a BD kit.
Not done with the install yet though.
They are owned by Superlift though and those are sweet kits.