kdankenb

Hey all, new here. I have a 98 Cherokee 4x4 I'd like to begin modifying. Pretty simple stuff to start with... I'd like to fit 33" tires on her, and some black American racing wheels, what size wheels should I get, 8" x 15" ? and whats the minimum lift I need to fit these tires? Once its lifted a bit, are there issues with the drive shaft angles?

thanks and I look forward to hanging here...

BlueXJ

1-You will need a 4" or higher lift or alot of trimming.8x15s will be fine.

2-See #1

3- probably with a 4" and it being a 98 you will need a SYE too.

kdankenb

wow... that much huh... ok, how bout with 31's... I'll assume a 2 or 3in lift will do... what brand would you recommend I get.. most cost effective?

whats an SYE ?

thanks

BlueXJ

31s will work with a 3" to 3.5" and SYE= slip yoke eliminator which releives the stress on your rear driveshaft angles. I and many other use the Rubicon Express Kit and there is a sticky on lifts you should read. It answers alot of your questions.
Blue

kdankenb

cool, thanks

kdankenb

ok, i'd like to go 3" with 31" tires... what do ya think of the kits that don't add a leaf in the rear, just replace the shackle with a longer one?

I don't plan on any extreme off roading...

BlueXJ

You will be able to do that but if you change your mind as we all have then you will regret the shackle by itself.

kdankenb

please fill me in,... whats the disadvantage of the shackle lift?

Bouncy

You can do 31s with 2" pucks and a AAL (Add A Leaf) kit. You will also need longer shocks and possibly a rear brake line from the connector down to the axle. Different AALs lift higher than others.

I installed this setup on a 2001...absolutely NO trimming was needed. It is running 31s BF ATs now.

As for 33s. 4.5" lifts are common. You may need to go with a rim with a 4.50 back spacing to clear the control arms while turning. You will need the springs, shocks, rear leaf pack, extended brake line for rear, move/rebend front lines, and new disconnects for your front sway bar. You will also need an adjustable track bar for the front to recenter your axle. At this point with 4.5 lift, you should look into adjustable control arms for the front and reweld spring perches on the rear to get proper pinion angle. Delete the rear sway bar as it doesn't do much anyways.

For the mega cheap lift to fit 33s. Buy used control arms. Get used springs and track bar. Build a dakota bastard pack for the rear. Probably could get away for about $500 total for used parts..not including rims. Black steelies are about $150 a set if I remember correctly.

BlueXJ

Shackles have to be pretty tall to gain much as a lift. That tallness gains the lift but it also give the leverage to bend or break. The XJ has no frame like many other vehicles do. Thus the leverage the lenght uses will easily tear the sheetmetal of the unibody which could be catastrophic in nature depending upon the time and place of it's occurance. On the trail on a lateral incline could lead to a rollover. On the highway could cause a sudden swerve that may bring you across several lans of traffic.
Your choice but I feel that they are dangerous and won't use them.
As bouncy says you can build a "bastard" pack to gain your desired lift and still remain safe.
Blue

okcjeeper

Take it from me do it right the first go round..You won't get more then 2" with read shackles. If all you want is 3" and 31" tires then I'd look at the Rough Country 3" lift with new leaf packs and shocks..Best deal around IMHO..Also at just 3" you might get away without needing an SYE and not have any vibes but being a newer model your more likely to have vibe issues.. You will also want to look into an adjustable track bar IMHO for anything over 2' of lift.

COSXJFAN

Plus on top of all of that, they will cause the springs to sag prematurely. Go with AT LEAST an AAL, if not a full pack. A full spring pack is your best option. I have heard may guys say they don't plan on wheeling anything major, but after the lift goes on the Jeep bug takes over and you'll find yourself doing more difficult trails than you ever did before the lift. So if you plan on wheeling it and buy parts accordingly, then you'll be prepared for most anything. Hope this helps!! Check the aforementioned lift page, it will help you through the "nitty gritty" details!! Later!!

okcjeeper

Yep I agree with COS here...do it right..I did 2" and took it for a river run and I definitely want the 4" the RE kit will give me along with new LCA's track bar, sway bar end links and what not..Will give me more clearance and better ability on the tougher stuff..I regret not doing it in the beginning now I am stuck with 30" tires till I can afford new bigger ones probably 31's or 32's...

kdankenb

hmmm... so many choices... ok, that was easy, 3-3.5" I'll do the AAL for the rear... do they make kits in the $300 range.. maybe ebay stuff ?

okcjeeper

Hmm maybe off eabay but be careful with what you buy...You will need new longer shocks for sure..rough country makes a 3" add a leaf kit for around $255 plus shipping with shocks..check em out at roughcountry.com. It is pretty much the bare essentials but honestly you still need an adjustable track bar IMHO..