Can I get a smooth ride with a 3 inch lift on my xj
I was recently given a 2000 Cherokee xj. I plan on using it as an everyday driver, and most likely will rarely if never go off roading. I would like to spice the Jeep up and make it look more appealing. Hence, I was going to do a 3 inch lift with bigger tires, soley just for the look. But as I was doing some research, it seems that a harsh ride is what comes with a lift. If true, I don’t want to spend $1500 plus on something I won’t be comfortable driving on a daily basis.
If I lift the Jeep will I be sacrificing the comfort of the drive?
If I lift the Jeep will I be sacrificing the comfort of the drive?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
It is possible. However most kits will not give it to you. It is a matter of spring rates and shocks. For instance, an S10 bastard pack gives a decent ride in the rear since it is a two stage spring. You can use a spacer for the front and use a stock spring or you can get a coil with a spring rate around 180 pounds per inch. Avoid shocks with a 50/50 compression rebound ratio. Instead go for a 90/10. 10% compression and 90% rebound
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Under the Jeep
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 2.9 Stroker 4cyl
Old Man Emu
I daily my XJ, haul equipment once in a while, take it on trails.
My OME suspension is very comfortable, and very capable.
Dirk over at DPG Offroad can help ya set up the right suspension for our XJ.
I daily my XJ, haul equipment once in a while, take it on trails.
My OME suspension is very comfortable, and very capable.
Dirk over at DPG Offroad can help ya set up the right suspension for our XJ.
I swapped an OME 2" lift over to mine, after I also fitted an adjustable trackbar, it ran rode very smoothly indeed, better than stock
without one, the rear and front wheels will track offset,
steering geometry can be a big issue with higher lifts, you dont want steering components angles altering
without one, the rear and front wheels will track offset,
steering geometry can be a big issue with higher lifts, you dont want steering components angles altering
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 793
Likes: 104
From: Aldie, VA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I put an OME 2.5" lift from DPG Offroad on my 98 XJ. Rides really nice. Of course it had almost 200k miles on the coils and rear leafs so anything would be an improvement over that. https://dpgoffroad.com/product/2-5-u...mu-hybrid-kit/
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Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 345
Likes: 1
From: So. California
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I have a Rancho lift (coils and leafs) on my 91 XJ. Mine is a daily driver as well so I played around with some different ways to give a better ride on the street and I'm very happy with what I ended up with.
1) I removed the bottom leaf from the Rancho spring packs.
2) I replaced the OE rear shackles with shackles from a full size 94 Chevy Blazer which a about 1" longer than stock and are a direct bolt-on.
3) Later on I wanted a little more height in the rear so I added a 1/2" steel spacer between the spring pack and axle.
4) I have Edelbrock Extreem Travel resi shocks on all four corners. They are awesome shocks, but they are no longer available.
5) The next big improvement to the ride was replacing the tire with some 31-10.50 X 15 Michelin Defender tires. These have a street tread pattern and a soft sidewall and give a much better ride than the Firestone AT's that were on it. Great handling tires and they work really well in the rain.
1) I removed the bottom leaf from the Rancho spring packs.
2) I replaced the OE rear shackles with shackles from a full size 94 Chevy Blazer which a about 1" longer than stock and are a direct bolt-on.
3) Later on I wanted a little more height in the rear so I added a 1/2" steel spacer between the spring pack and axle.
4) I have Edelbrock Extreem Travel resi shocks on all four corners. They are awesome shocks, but they are no longer available.
5) The next big improvement to the ride was replacing the tire with some 31-10.50 X 15 Michelin Defender tires. These have a street tread pattern and a soft sidewall and give a much better ride than the Firestone AT's that were on it. Great handling tires and they work really well in the rain.
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