Magnusson

I just bought a 1999 xj about a month ago and am looking to put lift and new tires on it, so far im looking at the rough country 3in Jeep series 2 lift and 31in BFG all terrains with a basic steel wheel but I dont know if I should be buying wheels with offset or not. Ive done some research and I know what it is, but how much is too much? This is going to be my daily driver once im more comfortable with selling my other car, any advice is appreciated as I do not know what im doing really and have been watching youtube videos and reading the how to's to learn how to work on a jeep.

MoparNJeep

You can do a same size lift with better parts for cheaper. But if your set on that then I would go with a offset of 4-4.5 VS and if you think you'll want bigger tires eventually then go with 3.75-4" BS

Magnusson

I would love to do the same lift for cheaper, i was trying to find a different kit but it was the only one that completely replaced my leaf springs instead of using an add a leaf. I dont think I will want to go for bigger tires, but who knows I might change my mind later. What do you mean when you say VS or BS?

rzldzl

why are you changing wheels?

31s fit on stock

rzldzl

has your head (engine) already cracked?

Magnusson

Im changing wheels just cause my stock ones are 17 years old and had a rough life. Nothing wrong with them I suppose but I love the way all black steel wheels look. I dont think my head has cracked, I did have a head gasket leak so i replaced that but it looked like everything else was fine underneath. Is that a common problem I should be worried about?

rzldzl

yep

google 0331 head

essentially 99 and up 4.0s got a different head, and they crack.

wheel wise, its your money....but could that wheel money go towards a better lift? and get wheels later? or plasti dip them or live with them as is?

again, nothing wrong with new wheels, but if funds are light, its something that can wait

rzldzl

all my xjs are using OG wheels

TFitzPat87

I don't think 99's had the 0331 head. I believe it's just 2000 & 2001. But I'm not 100% sure on that.

Here is my recommendation.... Make sure you have your XJ running in tip top shape. Change ALL the fluids, check all your bushing, just make sure it's running solid! While you're doing this, start doing some research, and do A LOT of it until you know EXACTLY what you want. I would personally piece together a kit. That way you get all the things you want. Also research SYE (slip yoke eliminators) pretty much a must on later model XJ's. Do it right the first time around so you don't have to go back. You'll be much happier, and you'll keep more money in your pocket that way.

Here's a link to get you started with different lift kit companies. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/je...mpanies-76868/

I'm no pro, but I've learned a lot from this site and wrenching on my jeep. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.

Magnusson

Money isn't a big issue. I bought the jeep prepared to but a good chunk of change in it. Thanks for the tip about the head, I will check it out.

rzldzl

some 99s have em...if its coil packs, its 0331

if old fashioned distributor, its not