I have a 96 XJ with Auto trans and part time transfer case. Pretty common I know...

I want to put a 3 inch lift kit on the thing, but I have no idea what exactly I need. I know there are kits but they seem incomplete...

Do I need an SYE?

This is my FrankenJeep...I bought it totaled and have brought it back from the dead, all the way from the crushed unibody, to a pretty beat up but solid looking Cherokee..

Make me a shopping list please!

 

With a 3 inch lift you usually wont need an SYE, but its a good idea to get one anyway.

a good 3" kit should include:
-front coils
-new rear FULL leaf spring packs
-new ubolts and such for the leaf springs
-new longer shocks
-new, longer LCAs (not necessary but still good to have)
-extended brake lines
-longer sway bar links/quick discos

i think thats it? please someone add to the list if i have forgotten something

rubicon express makes a pretty complete kit if im not mistaken:
http://rubiconexpress.com/Suspension...px?part=RE6030
just add some decent shocks to it and you're good to go!

 

ok, now the sye, is that an easy task, do i need a driveshaft too?
Im trying to build a good daily driver that can easily tackle the occasional orv trail, the beach, or the heavy snow like we had in Maryland this past year.
Not to say I didnt do well...just saying that a little lift would give me some style and alot more capability.
I did get stuck ramming my way out of the snow in front the house ((embarrassing but im still building)) , but once I cleared the pile I got around fine and was out playing for the day and night.

 

since you have the part time transfer case then you have the np231. ive never installed a SYE so im not sure how difficult it is to install, so here's an installation writeup to give you an idea: http://www.fullsizexjgear.com/Tom%20Woods/Install.html

and with an SYE you do need a new driveshaft

for what you want to do a 3" lift sounds perfect. it'll allow for decent clearance and flex and allow you to run 31" tires without trimming.

 

My 96 has a BDS 3" lift on it (they sit more around 3.5 settled) same TC as yours, and when I first put it on I was nervous about vibes so I threw a TC drop spacer in (1").
A year ago I took off the TC drop just out of curiosity and have never put it back in. I'll throw an SYE in when I get the coin to get a taller long arm lift, tires and gears with it.
Long story short you don't need an SYE unless you're planning on going taller later.

 

Give Ironrockoffroad a call or go to the web site. you dont need a SYE unless you go above 4" but it would be a good investment. If you have the transfer case with 4 hi 4 low and part time 4 wheel. you have the 242. the SYE will be a *****. look at my threads below and it will give an idea. my advise for the lift is you get what you pat=y for. stay away from rough country. i have heard lots of bad things about them. I'm a firm believer in IRO. i have not had 1 problem with my lift. its garented for life. you break it they will replace it. like i said check out my treads. if you have anymore questions drop me a line will be glad to help. good luck

 

i have no trouble with my rough country lift and i am at 5"

 

you dont need an SYE at 3 in. you will be fine

 

i have a 3 inch on my xj most kits come with everything you need.
front coils
rear leafs
u bolts
shocks
and extended sway bar links

there is no need for a sye at that height but you might want to do a tc drop and your stock brake lines should be plenty long enough for the 3 inch

 

Ok sweet...Cause im uber creative, but I suck with mechanics, taking apart that transfer case would have me beating my head against the concrete steps on my front porch lol!!!

I can do the lift an all. But dont make me take apart a motor, trans, or tcase.

Do I need to move the brake lines maybe beef them up a bit??

 

Not trying to be an ***** but the search feature is your best friend and this question has been asked at least a couple hundred times See: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/all...go-here-10579/