More CJ-5 lift kit questions

[cdlongjr]

I'm torn between Old Man Emu, (2-1/2"), & Black Diamond (3'). Old Man Emu is winning out. I have several questions:
Why does Old Man Emu's kit have a part to lower the transfer case?
Is it necessary that I lower the transfer case?
Should I replace the stock shackles?
If so, who's, straight or curved?
Should I replace the locking hubs?
If so, who's?
Should I get the drop pitman arm?
I see everyone has different prices for their steering stabilizers. Are they really that different? I'm looking at Black Diamonds.

[Cweed]

The transfer case lower kit which is simply 2 18" long by 1" wide x 1/2" think flat bars are use to regain some of the pinion anle alignment you use when lifting the 4". You also have the 4 degree shims int eh kit to assist with this angle both front and rear. The front is to regain your caster when lifting the jeep.

Once it's lifted you'll need the drop pitman arm to prevent bump steer and other issues with have the linkage at an extreme angle. As for shackles, you don't have to replace the shackles at all if you don't want to. As for type of shackle of you choose to change that is up to you. There are a 100 guy's that say one way and another 100 that say the other. The only advice I would give you is not to go more than 1.5" and the least amount of shackle lift is always the best.

[Cweed]

As for hubs, I have the Warn hub's with the Warn super 30 axles (having a larger u-joint). I have used Warn for over 20 years and have never had an issue. However, there are others on the market and yet another 100 guy's talking about those.

[coldwater]

A 2.5" lift will not require a dropped pitman arm, I don't think one is even made for such a small lift, and I would'nt worry about one till you go to a 3.5-4" lift. At 2.5" you will not experience bump steer. As far as shackles go, I would never advise using them to lift at all, but do recommend swapping to a heavy duty set in stock length. The originals are pretty wimpy, and prone to bending when used with lift springs. I personally use greasable shackles, as they improve the ride, and articulation. As far as hubs go, I like, and use the original heavy duty Warn units. They just work well. Dropping your trans and TC is a pretty good idea with a lift even as small as 2.5", because It's easy to do, and takes a good chunk out of the added angle from the new lift. 1" is plenty.

[cdlongjr]

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate the help.