desertw0lf

First of all, I am sorry if there are other posts on this - and I hope that this is posted in the right place. I am new around these parts, and look forward to learning as much as I can.

I am buying a 96 Jeep Cherokee (2WD) from someone later this week, it has 140k miles, and needs a starter. I will be buying a new starter and putting it in as soon as I can.

A friend has some 31x10.5x15 tires for me that are pretty much brand new and is giving them to me for free. I will be getting some new 15x7 wheels as well.

Now, my question is about lift kits. There are two that I am looking at, both from Rough Country:

http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_3.html

There is the 3" Lift Kit for $255.95
and the 3" Series 2 lift kit for $345.95

The difference between the two seems to be that the Series 2 kit includes lower control arms and sway-bar drop brackets.

Are those two additions things that I would HAVE to get anyway, or are they just premium additions? What about the optional steering stabilizer?

Can I just go with the 3" basic lift kit and 31x10.5x15's or are there other things that I will have to add to get on the road? Just trying to understand the difference between the two above kits.

Not looking to do a ton of offroading. Mostly just easy gravel roads, and a lot of driving to and from work on paved roads.

Thank you, any help is appreciated.

xj guy

I'm actually in the same boat with ya here. I have a 96 sport and am looking to get the same lift done and was looking at the exact same thing. So hopefully someone has some answers

desertw0lf

Also, I see that the rough country lift kit asks what rear axle you have for the add-a-leaf option. Which one is my 2wd 96 Cherokee likely to have?

Back_In_Black

They are only add ons, but you will get lots of rubbing on the lcs with that size rim...you need at least an 8 in rim, and 3.75'' of backspacing to not rub.....well see you when you realize that 3'' and 31s are for your girlfriend. Haha jk

Back_In_Black

Chrysler 8.25 rear axle.

flushpuppyTRb

Unless you REALLY don't have the money, buy the kit with the control arms. Stock control arms are ok at 2" of lift, but 3" is quite the stretch for them.

The stock steering stabilizer should be fine, just make sure to get an alignment after lifting it.

As for the rear axle, does the jeep have ABS or not? Also if you look at it and the bottom of the cover is flat, its the 8.25, if it is rounded, it is the D35

desertw0lf

Im going with the new leaf packs rather than the AAL's. I have read a few people that have the 31's on the 15x7's in the last few hours with a 3" and no rub..

flushpuppyTRb

Full leaf packs are the way to go. Also with the 31s you should be fine no matter the backspacing, as you can run 10.5" wide on stock tires and not rub.

Getting the control arms IMO is a necessity!!! Unless you want it to ride like a rock on wheels.

My best solution though, is to sell it and buy a 4wd one... or do a conversion

Back_In_Black

Holy crap you people are dumb. 235s of stock 5'' of back spacing will rub.... doesent matter the tire size or lift size, its all about the backspacing.

epic.jeeper

Actually you dumb, I have a stock height Cherokee 235/75/r15 stock rim and i don't rub at all. not on the CAs or the fenders. And i have flexed it pretty hard a couples times.

Back_In_Black

Ignore that post...235s won't rub unless its a 2wd xj, but 31 10.5s will rub on stock rims. Ask me how I know.

Gatchmo5710

31's will rub on stock rims. id get the better package and be done with it. Actually id sell your jeep and get a 4wd jeep...

epic.jeeper

Just being curios back in black why does it matter if its a 2wd vs. $X$.

Texas XJeeper

X2

Welcome from Texas.

desertw0lf

Selling it and getting a 4x4 is not an option.

I have a question about the rear brake lines. When I do the lift, is it just ONE rear brake line that I need to replace with an extended line, or two?