1stpalindrone

So I've been looking (awhile) for a '99 Cherokee to make my 2nd vehicle or "toy". Been collecting guns for ages and decided to flip that hobby into wheelin. That said I want something to drive on bad weather days and a weekend camping/trail rig. I don't want to go hardcore and want it drivable on the highway but capable of hitting a lot of 4x4 trails etc.


After research around here I've come to the plan I want to go 3.5" and run 32's. Will I be happy and capable with that much lift. I love the look of the 4.5" lift but will have higher costs and more parts not to forget ride quality.


What are your honest opinions? Will I be happy with just a 3.5 or should I hold off for funds and go up (and then I'll want bigger $$ tires too). This wont be a rush project, I'll wheel as I do the upgrades as needed but know lift and tires will be first on the punchlist.


Thanks again for any advice n thoughts,


Lucas

WyoCherokee

3.5 will be plenty. i ended up at 4.5 as i was planning for 33's, but the 32's(265/75/16) and 4.5 was a great combo.

1stpalindrone

Nice.. I didn't wanna go higher bcuz of price and intended use but I'd hate to regret it later on the trail..

EatonXJ

I'm running a 3.5'' lift with 33x12.5 tires. I miss my fender flares though lol.

1stpalindrone

[QUOTE=EatonXJ;3355546]I'm running a 3.5'' lift with 33x12.5 tires. I miss my fender flares though lol.[/​
​​​​​​​How's the ride quality on the street with that setup? What's your mpg? Thx

Guywitha92

I am running 3.5 lift and 32s. Im locked, but with that combination I have no issues going anywhere

EatonXJ

It's an OME (Old Man Emu) lift. I think it rides pretty decent. I could use a set of shackle relocation brackets though. Here in town we have these water runoff channel things (think reverse speed bump) I don't have to slow down to drive threw them. Most people slow down to a crawl. Deep pot holes are still pretty jolting. I've never really did the math for the mpg. If I keep it under 65 mph I normally only have to get gas once a week. Where in Colorado do you live?

abodyjoe

thats pretty much how i use jeep.. it has a RE 3.5 super ride kit on it with mono tube shocks. tires are 265/75-16. it does everything i want it to do.. its good on the 80 mile round trip to work, good in the jersey pines for how i use it and rides good in general..

mine is looks stock next to my sons with 33's and my buddys that has 35's but i like how useful the jeep is as is and am not going any bigger with it...

1stpalindrone

I'm doing my research on which mfg lift to go with but haven't looked into EMU yet just seen a few posts mentioning them. I'm in the Denver area.

1stpalindrone

Nice ride! That's the vision I have in my head I just gotta find the right project to start. Do you ever have rub issues?

WillyXJ

I live in CO and have wheeled a lot of the trails with my 3" + 31s. I'm currently open in both differentials and have been able to go everywhere I need to. Occasionally I've gotten stuck and winched myself out, but the majority of those times were because I didn't want to take the easier route. For what you've described as your needs, there's no reason to go above 3.5" and 32s. I'd even recommend you run the 3"+31 combo instead of the 32s as it will be cheaper and you probably won't use the extra lift and clearance with what you've described.

abodyjoe

not really.. i adjusted the steering stops maybe one turn so the tires don't hit the lower control arms while turning.. i'm sure it limited turning a hair but i don't noticeit at all even in tight trails.... the rears at full flex will touch somewhere back there but i still have to bumpstop the damn thing.. been too lazy to do it yet...