Shock options for XJ

So i'm looking at shocks for my 3.5" lift. I've read and read other forums and I don't get any solid conclusions! I use my rig as a DD primarily, with offroading and dirt road weekends. I wanna spend under 300$. I've looked at the following options:
1. Doetsch Tech 8000 pre-runners: Around $200 for all 4, read that they squeak and can be stiff but people like them generally.
2. Bilstein 5100: More pricey at ~$300, mostly good reviews, but at the top of my range.
3. Bilstein 4600: A mid price option at ~$240, cant find too much.
Also, Bar-pin eliminators, anyone here run them? are they worth it?

  HELP

If you get Bilstiens, you will own them for life.  I've seen those shocks last 200k miles on stock applications.  

I think the 4600 is for stock height vehicles and the 5100 is for lifted vehicles, so you will need to watch the compressed/extended lengths.  for example, when I added lift shackles to the back of my ZR2 Blazer, I installed shocks sourced from a full-size 1/2 ton pickup.  These have 3/4" longer extended length and 1/2" longer compressed length.  They had the same mounting points (bar on the top, hole on the bottom) as my blazer so the fit with no modifications.

Hopefully someone with more jeep experience will chime in.

You don't want squeaky shocks.

I think you are right about the 4600, Thanks for the input!

Billy 5100's. Buy once and be happy forever. Buy cheap and be pissed off the minute you roll outta the dooryard. This coming from a guy who's run a variety of shocks in my 00 XJ and couldn't be happier with my billies.

I had Bilstein 5100 on my ZJ and loved them, they took a beating and always came back for more. Had some Ranchos first and broke the welds off the rears under full flex.

Also, once you determine the shock mounting points on either end (F; top, post. bottom, eyelet. R; Eyelet both ends) you can actually get get custom length shocks via part numbers. I did this for my XJ to get full flexin' action outta the ole back end. Or, if you know how much lift you have, just get the predetermined length shocks in a cute little package deal.

hmmm, I think ill spring (get it??) for the billies, might as well do it once and do it right!