Kelso

Just picked up my first jeep cherokee xj. 1998 classic, 95k, automatic, 8.25 rear end, all stock except for a 2" lift, spacer up front and full leaf pack in the rear (not sure the brand, i've been unable to find anyone offering 2" leaf packs) I'm wanting to go up to a 3.5 or 4.5 inch lift. I am wondering how I can achieve this with as low expense ($$) as possible, but still have a good lift that will be reliable. Right now my biggest question is how to address the rear leaf pack? should i just add a block to it? or just ditch it and go with a new one all together? I'm kind of leaning towards rusty's 3" kit, but the rough country stuff is appealing for price also. All of your inputs are greatly appreciated. THANKS!

91familyxj

Does it have the stcok shackels still?

tannerp89

well anything over 3.5" your going to have driveline/steering issues so...that'll affect how high you can go. A 3" lift will tuck 31" tires no problem so...

what you most likely have is a budget boost which consists of coil spacers and lift shackles, so you probably have the stock spring packs. what lift you go with is all about what you want from it. if your just wanting a meaner stance for your daily driver, Rough country's products are just fine for the price and product, but if your going to be getting into more hardcore wheeling youd be better off going with a higher end lift like Rubicon Express, but hey, thats JMO.

as far as the rear leaf packs go you can get a kit with add-a-leafs, but they will most likely sag in a year or two. your best bet is a full leaf pack.
and the word BLOCKS isnt allowed on this forum...lol seriously though stay away from em...two words...AXLE WRAP.

and as a Cherokee Forum member you receive a 10% discount from rough country, but you gotta call em to get it. I just dont like Rusty's lol (****ty customer service)

Kelso

Thanks for the quick replies! I intend for it to be my well mannered daily driver, but I would like some decent articulation on the trail as well. I most likely will stay with 3-3.5" range cause the 31's are about as big as I'd want.
Next questions, will I need to find factory shackles if I go with a new full leaf pack? Or, say for instance that I went with a 4.5" kit. If I used a 3" rear leaf pack would it level out about right with the aftermarket budget boost shackles? I'm assuming that I have these shackles, but can't confirm)

Kelso

anyone??

tandersen45

all depends on how much you wanna spend...blocks are going to be cheaper, but a full leaf pack is going to be a better lift and you definately will be paying more. "you get what you pay for"

rainman

If you are thinking of modding your xj it is all covered in these links.
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=968708

BEst info on the web for xj's is in the tech section.
http://greatlakesxj.com/

rlevs

Rusty's all the way