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1997 jeep cherokee XJ 3inch Lift Questions
10-01-2010, 07:59 PM
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1997 jeep cherokee XJ 3inch Lift Questions
Hey,
Sorry if this has already been adressed. I have a few questions.
What is a good 3 inch lift kit?
Also, Im really only going for looks more then use, so anything under 500$ would be best for me!
Ive found a few budget lifts for around 300$ are thoose good?
Thanks in advance!
Sorry if this has already been adressed. I have a few questions.
What is a good 3 inch lift kit?
Also, Im really only going for looks more then use, so anything under 500$ would be best for me!
Ive found a few budget lifts for around 300$ are thoose good?
Thanks in advance!
10-01-2010, 11:18 PM
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 inline 6
A leaf spring is the suspension component you will find in the rear of your XJ. The long springs that run from in front of the rear axle to behind the rear axle in a curved (may be flatt if your susp is ***** out). An add a leaf kit will just introduce one new leaf to be combined with the stock leafs already there to stiffin the stockers back up. A kit with full leaf pack will be all new leaf springs to replace the old ***** out factory ones. I will say that an add a leaf kit is cheaper. A U bolt is just what it says, it two giant bolts that hold the leafs to the rear axle. If you just take a look its pritty self explanitory. A kit will also come with new front coil springs which are tall springs shaped like a coil.
and as for the stablizer, im assuming you are reffering to a steering stabilizer. What this does is just makes steering control a little better due to the changes in ride quality with lifts. Allthough you shouldnt need one if you are only considering a 3 inch lift. Check Rustys Offroad out. They have a good three inch kit. Its what i run + shackles and spacers for a total of about 5"
and as for the stablizer, im assuming you are reffering to a steering stabilizer. What this does is just makes steering control a little better due to the changes in ride quality with lifts. Allthough you shouldnt need one if you are only considering a 3 inch lift. Check Rustys Offroad out. They have a good three inch kit. Its what i run + shackles and spacers for a total of about 5"
10-02-2010, 10:26 AM
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Add A Leafs are not all the same....
You didn't mention what year XJ we are talking about for starters.
The XJ Cherokee has rear leaf springs and in the front it has coil springs.
Leafs are essentially stacks of curved pieces of steel called leaves that are bolted together to form a LEAF Spring pack.
So take a look under the rear of your XJ Jeep Cherokee and you'll see them sitting on top of your axle.
If you notice, they go from longer lengths to shorter ones on the bottom. This is done to distribute the loads based upon the forces. With the longer springs up top being stronger than the shorter leafs below being weaker.
So as you are riding down the road the smaller impacts are absorbed by the shorter leafs and go progressively upwards supporting the vehicle.
The UBolts are what are used to attach the Leaf springs pack to the axle.
You need to buy new ones because you are increasing the size of the spring pack and the old ones are too short.
Steering stabilizer is essentially a shock absorber that dampens vibrations felt in the steering wheel.
A new one is recommended because the old one is at least 10 years old.
As far as a good lift kit within your budget, I am going to make one recommendation, and that is to go with a full length add a leaf (AAL) kit vs the half length AAL many offer at low low prices.
The reason being, the shorter leafs are installed on the bottom and are now expected to boost the entire leaf pack of older leafs pressing down on it. This leads to their eventually sagging. and now you have to buy something else because your back where you started.
So if you are looking for a good 3" lift, Under $500. and
If you aren't off roading it at all then I'd consider a Full Length Add A Leaf.
By either Rusty's or Rough Country.
Rusty's or Rough Country both have a basic Full Length Add A Leaf setup with Shocks for under $500. Allowing you additional funds for a Steering Stabiliser, Transfer Case Drop, and an adjustable Trackbar.
Which you'll need as well with a 3" Lift.
Why, because you are changing the suspension by 3" and it CAN produce dangerous handling characteristics called Wobble.
So these will cost approximately...
$30. for the steering stabilizer
$25. for the TCase drop kit
$170. for the Adjustable Tracbar
$215 approximately on top of the lift kit itself which is about $300. delivered you are right around $500.
I understand that Rough Country is a little better customer service and shipping wise so I might opt for them over Rusty's OffRoad.
Bang for your buck though, the full length AALs can't be beat. The aren't much more than the half leafs but will boost your existing springs until you can go to a bigger lift or full spring packs in the future if you want.
The XJ Cherokee has rear leaf springs and in the front it has coil springs.
Leafs are essentially stacks of curved pieces of steel called leaves that are bolted together to form a LEAF Spring pack.
So take a look under the rear of your XJ Jeep Cherokee and you'll see them sitting on top of your axle.
If you notice, they go from longer lengths to shorter ones on the bottom. This is done to distribute the loads based upon the forces. With the longer springs up top being stronger than the shorter leafs below being weaker.
So as you are riding down the road the smaller impacts are absorbed by the shorter leafs and go progressively upwards supporting the vehicle.
The UBolts are what are used to attach the Leaf springs pack to the axle.
You need to buy new ones because you are increasing the size of the spring pack and the old ones are too short.
Steering stabilizer is essentially a shock absorber that dampens vibrations felt in the steering wheel.
A new one is recommended because the old one is at least 10 years old.
As far as a good lift kit within your budget, I am going to make one recommendation, and that is to go with a full length add a leaf (AAL) kit vs the half length AAL many offer at low low prices.
The reason being, the shorter leafs are installed on the bottom and are now expected to boost the entire leaf pack of older leafs pressing down on it. This leads to their eventually sagging. and now you have to buy something else because your back where you started.
So if you are looking for a good 3" lift, Under $500. and
If you aren't off roading it at all then I'd consider a Full Length Add A Leaf.
By either Rusty's or Rough Country.
Rusty's or Rough Country both have a basic Full Length Add A Leaf setup with Shocks for under $500. Allowing you additional funds for a Steering Stabiliser, Transfer Case Drop, and an adjustable Trackbar.
Which you'll need as well with a 3" Lift.
Why, because you are changing the suspension by 3" and it CAN produce dangerous handling characteristics called Wobble.
So these will cost approximately...
$30. for the steering stabilizer
$25. for the TCase drop kit
$170. for the Adjustable Tracbar
$215 approximately on top of the lift kit itself which is about $300. delivered you are right around $500.
I understand that Rough Country is a little better customer service and shipping wise so I might opt for them over Rusty's OffRoad.
Bang for your buck though, the full length AALs can't be beat. The aren't much more than the half leafs but will boost your existing springs until you can go to a bigger lift or full spring packs in the future if you want.
10-02-2010, 02:00 PM
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A leaf spring is the suspension component you will find in the rear of your XJ. The long springs that run from in front of the rear axle to behind the rear axle in a curved (may be flatt if your susp is ***** out). An add a leaf kit will just introduce one new leaf to be combined with the stock leafs already there to stiffin the stockers back up. A kit with full leaf pack will be all new leaf springs to replace the old ***** out factory ones. I will say that an add a leaf kit is cheaper. A U bolt is just what it says, it two giant bolts that hold the leafs to the rear axle. If you just take a look its pritty self explanitory. A kit will also come with new front coil springs which are tall springs shaped like a coil.
and as for the stablizer, im assuming you are reffering to a steering stabilizer. What this does is just makes steering control a little better due to the changes in ride quality with lifts. Allthough you shouldnt need one if you are only considering a 3 inch lift. Check Rustys Offroad out. They have a good three inch kit. Its what i run + shackles and spacers for a total of about 5"
and as for the stablizer, im assuming you are reffering to a steering stabilizer. What this does is just makes steering control a little better due to the changes in ride quality with lifts. Allthough you shouldnt need one if you are only considering a 3 inch lift. Check Rustys Offroad out. They have a good three inch kit. Its what i run + shackles and spacers for a total of about 5"
You didn't mention what year XJ we are talking about for starters.
The XJ Cherokee has rear leaf springs and in the front it has coil springs.
Leafs are essentially stacks of curved pieces of steel called leaves that are bolted together to form a LEAF Spring pack.
So take a look under the rear of your XJ Jeep Cherokee and you'll see them sitting on top of your axle.
If you notice, they go from longer lengths to shorter ones on the bottom. This is done to distribute the loads based upon the forces. With the longer springs up top being stronger than the shorter leafs below being weaker.
So as you are riding down the road the smaller impacts are absorbed by the shorter leafs and go progressively upwards supporting the vehicle.
The UBolts are what are used to attach the Leaf springs pack to the axle.
You need to buy new ones because you are increasing the size of the spring pack and the old ones are too short.
Steering stabilizer is essentially a shock absorber that dampens vibrations felt in the steering wheel.
A new one is recommended because the old one is at least 10 years old.
As far as a good lift kit within your budget, I am going to make one recommendation, and that is to go with a full length add a leaf (AAL) kit vs the half length AAL many offer at low low prices.
The reason being, the shorter leafs are installed on the bottom and are now expected to boost the entire leaf pack of older leafs pressing down on it. This leads to their eventually sagging. and now you have to buy something else because your back where you started.
So if you are looking for a good 3" lift, Under $500. and
If you aren't off roading it at all then I'd consider a Full Length Add A Leaf.
By either Rusty's or Rough Country.
Rusty's or Rough Country both have a basic Full Length Add A Leaf setup with Shocks for under $500. Allowing you additional funds for a Steering Stabiliser, Transfer Case Drop, and an adjustable Trackbar.
Which you'll need as well with a 3" Lift.
Why, because you are changing the suspension by 3" and it CAN produce dangerous handling characteristics called Wobble.
So these will cost approximately...
$30. for the steering stabilizer
$25. for the TCase drop kit
$170. for the Adjustable Tracbar
$215 approximately on top of the lift kit itself which is about $300. delivered you are right around $500.
I understand that Rough Country is a little better customer service and shipping wise so I might opt for them over Rusty's OffRoad.
Bang for your buck though, the full length AALs can't be beat. The aren't much more than the half leafs but will boost your existing springs until you can go to a bigger lift or full spring packs in the future if you want.
The XJ Cherokee has rear leaf springs and in the front it has coil springs.
Leafs are essentially stacks of curved pieces of steel called leaves that are bolted together to form a LEAF Spring pack.
So take a look under the rear of your XJ Jeep Cherokee and you'll see them sitting on top of your axle.
If you notice, they go from longer lengths to shorter ones on the bottom. This is done to distribute the loads based upon the forces. With the longer springs up top being stronger than the shorter leafs below being weaker.
So as you are riding down the road the smaller impacts are absorbed by the shorter leafs and go progressively upwards supporting the vehicle.
The UBolts are what are used to attach the Leaf springs pack to the axle.
You need to buy new ones because you are increasing the size of the spring pack and the old ones are too short.
Steering stabilizer is essentially a shock absorber that dampens vibrations felt in the steering wheel.
A new one is recommended because the old one is at least 10 years old.
As far as a good lift kit within your budget, I am going to make one recommendation, and that is to go with a full length add a leaf (AAL) kit vs the half length AAL many offer at low low prices.
The reason being, the shorter leafs are installed on the bottom and are now expected to boost the entire leaf pack of older leafs pressing down on it. This leads to their eventually sagging. and now you have to buy something else because your back where you started.
So if you are looking for a good 3" lift, Under $500. and
If you aren't off roading it at all then I'd consider a Full Length Add A Leaf.
By either Rusty's or Rough Country.
Rusty's or Rough Country both have a basic Full Length Add A Leaf setup with Shocks for under $500. Allowing you additional funds for a Steering Stabiliser, Transfer Case Drop, and an adjustable Trackbar.
Which you'll need as well with a 3" Lift.
Why, because you are changing the suspension by 3" and it CAN produce dangerous handling characteristics called Wobble.
So these will cost approximately...
$30. for the steering stabilizer
$25. for the TCase drop kit
$170. for the Adjustable Tracbar
$215 approximately on top of the lift kit itself which is about $300. delivered you are right around $500.
I understand that Rough Country is a little better customer service and shipping wise so I might opt for them over Rusty's OffRoad.
Bang for your buck though, the full length AALs can't be beat. The aren't much more than the half leafs but will boost your existing springs until you can go to a bigger lift or full spring packs in the future if you want.
Rusys Offroad XJ Cherokee 3" Add-A-Leaf Kit
KIT INCLUDES:
• Front 3" coil springs
• Rear 3" full length add-a-leaf
• Front hydro preformance shocks
• Rear hydro prformance shocks
• Rear brake line extension kit
• Grade 8 U-Bolts
For $265, Then you can add stabilizer and a heavy duty lower axle mount for some extra money.
Fat Bobs Jeep Cherokee XJ 3" Lift Kit w/ Performance 8000 Series Shocks
Kit Includes:
•Front coil springs,
•rear add-a-leaf springs,
•front & rear performance 8000 series shocks,
• front track bar bracket
for $239 then you can add leaf option,stabilizer,and u bolt for some extra money.
Rough Countrys 3" Suspension Kit Entry Level Suspension come with
Front: 3" lifted coil springs.
Rear: Add-a-leaf springs and hardware.
Shocks: Kit includes (4) Hydro 8000 series shocks
There are some upgrades.
10-02-2010, 02:44 PM
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 4 cyl.
get the rocky road 3 inch lift and some cheap lift shocks....sorry to say it but you WILL have to replace the shocks with a 3 inch lift unless you like hearing them everytime you get in and out of the vehicle....BPE's not worth it. I got my rocky road 3 inch for 180 or so to the door, so good price and in my opinion the highest quality budget boost you can buy. Blocks are good and with my saggy inverted springs i still netted 3 inches and have a completely level jeep......
That should answer all the questions i asked when i was looking for one
That should answer all the questions i asked when i was looking for one
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10-02-2010, 06:27 PM
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get the rocky road 3 inch lift and some cheap lift shocks....sorry to say it but you WILL have to replace the shocks with a 3 inch lift unless you like hearing them everytime you get in and out of the vehicle....BPE's not worth it. I got my rocky road 3 inch for 180 or so to the door, so good price and in my opinion the highest quality budget boost you can buy. Blocks are good and with my saggy inverted springs i still netted 3 inches and have a completely level jeep......
That should answer all the questions i asked when i was looking for one
That should answer all the questions i asked when i was looking for one
10-02-2010, 06:47 PM
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 4 cyl.
Sure can.
http://www.rocky-road.com/xjbudget.html
Now you will need to buy new U-bolts to go with the blocks, I got mine from autozone because they were a little cheaper in the long run.
If you have any questions about it, ask. Ill be happy to help
http://www.rocky-road.com/xjbudget.html
Now you will need to buy new U-bolts to go with the blocks, I got mine from autozone because they were a little cheaper in the long run.
If you have any questions about it, ask. Ill be happy to help
10-02-2010, 07:44 PM
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Sure can.
http://www.rocky-road.com/xjbudget.html
Now you will need to buy new U-bolts to go with the blocks, I got mine from autozone because they were a little cheaper in the long run.
If you have any questions about it, ask. Ill be happy to help
http://www.rocky-road.com/xjbudget.html
Now you will need to buy new U-bolts to go with the blocks, I got mine from autozone because they were a little cheaper in the long run.
If you have any questions about it, ask. Ill be happy to help
:Edit: They sell the D35 Ubolts. How many do i need? 1 or 2? there 11$ Also, what shocks would you recomend?
Last edited by tmurr11; 10-02-2010 at 08:04 PM.
10-02-2010, 08:25 PM
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 4 cyl.
Here is my jeep
the 3" rocky road with 31x10.5R15 Federal Couragia MT's
Before the lift:
After with the same tires:
Lift with the new tires:
Now when it comes to the shocks, cant really help you there. Shock shopping myself at the moment, but from what i've read OME nitrochargers, Bilsteins, and my cousin has some rancho shocks on his 3 inch lift that seem to ride well
10-02-2010, 08:32 PM
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You will need 4 of the bolts....not sure if they sell them in pairs or not, I bought mine at auto zone. I would just get them from there, they sell generic 2 inch block kits and you can just use the U-bolts from that and toss the cheap aluminum blocks that come with it. Saves you alot of money.
Here is my jeep
the 3" rocky road with 31x10.5R15 Federal Couragia MT's
Before the lift:
After with the same tires:
Lift with the new tires:
Now when it comes to the shocks, cant really help you there. Shock shopping myself at the moment, but from what i've read OME nitrochargers, Bilsteins, and my cousin has some rancho shocks on his 3 inch lift that seem to ride well
Here is my jeep
the 3" rocky road with 31x10.5R15 Federal Couragia MT's
Before the lift:
After with the same tires:
Lift with the new tires:
Now when it comes to the shocks, cant really help you there. Shock shopping myself at the moment, but from what i've read OME nitrochargers, Bilsteins, and my cousin has some rancho shocks on his 3 inch lift that seem to ride well
Nitro 9000 Shock Absorbers there $34.95 a piece
http://www.roughcountry.com/shocks_rc9000.html
Im also thinking of while im down there replaceing the steering stabilizer for $28.95
http://www.roughcountry.com/steering_stabilizers.html
If you have any other suggestions please let me know!
10-02-2010, 08:58 PM
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5 4 cyl.
Thats a really good lookin jeep there! Im currently looking at
Nitro 9000 Shock Absorbers there $34.95 a piece
http://www.roughcountry.com/shocks_rc9000.html
Im also thinking of while im down there replaceing the steering stabilizer for $28.95
http://www.roughcountry.com/steering_stabilizers.html
If you have any other suggestions please let me know!
Nitro 9000 Shock Absorbers there $34.95 a piece
http://www.roughcountry.com/shocks_rc9000.html
Im also thinking of while im down there replaceing the steering stabilizer for $28.95
http://www.roughcountry.com/steering_stabilizers.html
If you have any other suggestions please let me know!
I've heard from some people that the rough country shocks ride rough, after my dad gets this OME shocks on his yota i may or may not get the OMEs depending on how it rides.
10-02-2010, 10:46 PM
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Sure can.
http://www.rocky-road.com/xjbudget.html
Now you will need to buy new U-bolts to go with the blocks, I got mine from autozone because they were a little cheaper in the long run.
If you have any questions about it, ask. Ill be happy to help
http://www.rocky-road.com/xjbudget.html
Now you will need to buy new U-bolts to go with the blocks, I got mine from autozone because they were a little cheaper in the long run.
If you have any questions about it, ask. Ill be happy to help
If you do a little bit of searching, you'll see blocks are not the best idea to use. Axle wrap and possible angle issues. You're better off with an AAL, shackle or new leaf packs altogether.