3.5" lift or 5.5" lift???
 

I have a 1998 Sport XJ and i was looking to put a lift on it, i was thinking eather a 3.5" RE Super-Ride on 31", or a 5.5" RE Extreme-duty Long Arm on 33". I will be taking it on mainly the trails of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. What do i need??

Also this car has to be my daily driver, and be able to drive on the highway 9 hours to get to my school.

Thanks!

33s might wanna regear for highway use keep that in the budget.

The bigger you go the more expensive things get down the line. If you're only using for trail riding the 3.5" will be plenty.

I was running 33's on stock gearing in my last jeep, it did great.

In the UP I would go 5.5 just incase you want to go through some deep snow haha. But I like low lift, big tires. Just way more stable.

It says i can only put up to a 31" on a 3.5" lift, can i go any bigger?

Depends on what you're willing to mod to fit the tires. 31's will fit without issue. 32's will work but you may need to either bumpstop or clear some space around the fender for flex (trimming or high-clearance flares). You'll probably have to adjust steering stops or get new wheels with less backspacing so you don't rub the LCAs when turning. The same goes for 33's except you'll need to trim more sheet metal.

That large a tire (or anything bigger) on stock gears will definitely hurt your MPG's and robs power which kinda defeats the purpose of a DD/Once-A-Month Wheeler IMO.

Just as a note, the Rubicon Express kits typically give more lift than advertised. You'll likely end up with ~4" with the 3.5" kit.

That being said, it's your rig! Don't let anyone tell you what you should or should not do. Make it how you want it.

A little trimming and a the right bump stops, you'll be fine on 32's.

5.5 on 32's no fender trim.

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You should easily be able to squeeze 32s on a 3.5. I have seen a few members run 35s on a 3.5 lift. I would ask myself if I plan to keep this jeep for long, and plan to do more stuff to it. Because the bigger you go the more things needed to be upgraded, such as gears, axles, etc.

Do I need a better Axle than a C8.25 for a 31" tire? / what are the additional upgrades i need from stock for a 31" on 3.5"?

You'll be fine with an 8.25 on 31's.

I vote for 3.5" and 31s. That's how my DD is set up and I love it. Comfy on the road but still capable when it needs to be.

This.

If you have to drive 9hrs (pretty often I'm assuming) than stick to 31s or regear for 33s (more money).

3.5 on 33s..stock gears

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That 3.5 on 33's looks good! But I think I'm gonna go with 31", its in my budget!

Also i was thinking of locking the front axle because Ive read up that you can barley feel it when you're normally driving, is this a good idea? / what kind of locker?? and should i lock the rear axle too?

If you have the money...why not? I vote 5.5 Long Arm, Some beefed up steering, and 33s. Then re-gear when you have the extra $