FFdino

Hey all, new to forum and just started a build in the build section (a build named sue) and I have a few question about lift height. I did use the search function on all 1500 posts of this thread but couldn't really piece together an answer, lol. So my 99 XJ 2 door, 4.0L, AX15 is going to get a lift, just torn on how high. This won't be flexing everyday and will be a DD for the most part with the occasion hunting and fishing weekends, have a 2007 commander that is my daily and I plan on keeping it, so DD practicality isn't that big of a deal. So from experience, should I run the 4.5, or 6.5 lift? I plan on running 33's but will those look too small with a 6.5? I'd up grade to 35's but that's way down the road after either a 8.8 or regear. So basically I think the 4.5 is the more practical option but I really want the 6.5. Another fear I have is the 2 door wheel base and the 6.5 being too tall? Any input is appreciated guys.

SG Mason

I am new to this game as well, but i will give you my opinion, 6.5" is overkill unless your fishing spots require you to do some serious crawling to get to them. 33s on a 6.5" lift would look fine to my eyes.

4.5" lift is where you start having to do a bunch of other things besides the lift itself. ALC, SYE, ATB, and stuff like that. NewKindOfClown posted a nice little chart that shows the minimum and suggested mods for each lift height. It is a very useful tool.

It sounds like you plan on doing pretty much with your XJ as I will be doing with mine. I am sticking with a 3" lift and 30X9.5 tires. It should get me where I want to go and still be a reliable easy to insure vehicle. With the only slightly larger than stock tires it wont hurt the fuel mileage too much, a good thing for me because a few of my fishing spots are well off the beaten track and I will have to bring enough gas in with me to get back to the nearest gas station The money I save from not having to pay for all the extras of a taller lift will be put into things that will make off road travel easier, air locker for the rear, lunchbox locker in the front, bumpers and a winch.

NewKindOfClown

4.5" and 33s (or 35s down the line) should be great for you.
Thanks, buddy. Glad it helped you out

FFdino

Thanks for the reply's everyone! 4.5 long arm it is, I think it should be capable of conquering the mountainous terrain of Iowa, lol.

Timandleah91

So here are my questions, I'm using my 97 Cherokee as a daily driver, but I still want to hit the trails occasionally, should I do a lift, or trim my fenders? I'd like to be able to fit bigger tires preferably 33's, but I'd be happy with 31's. I know with the bigger tires that I would have to re-gear, but for a daily driver is it more practical to trim or lift?

ITTs_Cole

You can fit 31s without trimming

SteveMongr

When wheeling, I still rub the tires (small amount) on front fenders with 31"s and 4.5" lift. Maybe it's the way I drive it..

If I could do it over again I would trim fenders and use flat flares with a 2" Old Man Emu lift, maybe 3"
The front wheel wheels changed in size a little for the 97+ models, I believe a bit smaller.

Timandleah91

I would like to put 33's, but is trimming enough to put 33's with no rubbing? Would I need to add any other parts other than gearing and fender flares if I can fit 33's?

SG Mason

Shock boots, worth the extra few bucks or just for show? I know in the bicycle world that shock boots tend to hold more grit in and cause wear. I can't count the number of bikes I worked on that had the shocks and forks wear out early because of suspension boots. Mostly because of people having the out of sight out of mind attitude, and I know I am guilty of it from time to time too

sycoglitch

I don't run em and my shaft is still shiny. Im not a mudder so anyone who frequents driving through alot of mud should also chime in.

drhoward1988

I've had em on for about 6 months, a little mud, a lot of road driving. I took one loose the other day and didn't notice any wear or gime inside the boot. I also zip tie both ends of mine up to try and prevent any dirt from entering.

SG Mason

So they are basically more for show than anything. I just want to know because I will be ordering my shocks next week and if boots actually sealed up the shafts well I would order them at the same time, but I would rather put the $20 for boots into something like gas

SteveMongr

If you run gravel roads or fire roads a lot than you may want shock boots on the rear. My Bilstein 5100 came with them already installed and they seal up well with small vent holes on the bottom.

sycoglitch

There's the difference. Bilsteins put vent holes. Regular one trap dirt. They would be good to protect from rock dents

SG Mason

I am just getting a set of Pro Comp to do me till the spring. As much as I hate spending money twice I just can't spring for the better shocks at this time. The previous owner lifted the back of the jeep about 3", but it looks like the OEM shocks were reused. I am going to lift the front to match, and replace all the shocks and next spring when I have a bit more money on hand I will upgrade the shocks.

My finacial short comings are due to trying to get 2 vehicles on the road at the same time, my XJ and a 1992 Dodge Stealth. I just put the last part on the Stealth today