Question about my new build
 

Hello, I am new to this forum. I just purchase a 1989 jeep Cherokee Laredo. It is stock and I want to put 35 inch tires on it. What size lift should I use, and I want to have pretty good flex as well. Also will I have to upgrade any of mu drive train to run these size tire. Thank you for the help.

What axles do you have?

Generally the height most people run for 35's is between 4 and 6.5 inches.

As Kyle says some axles will stand up to that size of tire and the associated change in gearing required and some won't. Axles are the key to drive train longevity.
As to the lift, Kyle is right on again but failed to recommend a long arm lift to gain the flex you will desire at that height.
So to recap...you will need a long-arm 4-6.5 inch lift and may need a new rear axle. In addition you will need to regear and upgrade your front axle to include gears and axle shafts with bigger u-joints to get the desired tires under your rig.

I have the Dana 30 up front and the Dana 35 in the rear.

You will shred the 35 with those tires. Start looking for a 44. You could gear the 35 better if you wanted but the housing is alot weaker on it. Either way to run those tires you will have to regear even a 44. Unless you want to go big now i would start off smaller. 3 in lift 31 in tires should not have to regear any thing. Then build from there. Take a good bit of work and money to go straight to 35 tires and 6 in lift. You might wanna go ahead and start looking for a 242 t-case if that doesnt have one.

Just throwing this out there to add to what XJ Stryker said, you can look for a 87-88 d44 or a post 96 c8.25 both of those axles will swap directly in and both will be able to handle 35's.

If you want a bulletproof super strong rear you can put a Ford 8.8 out of a mid 90s Explorer in but it will require relocating the shock mounts and the spring perches. An added bonus is you get rear disc brakes with this swap.
It is said to be stronger than a D44. You make your own decision but that is the way I plan to go. Ford 8.8 will hold up with 38 inch tires I am told.:cheers:

Thank you everyone for your help. It seems that I have a lot to consider so I will rethink my plans.

Let us know if you have any questions along the way:cheers:

You would be stunned where you can go in a mildly lifted XJ with 31" tires!! Many of the baests you see on this sight started there. Like anything though, once you start it is a sickness that will have a draining effect on your wallet. GOOD LUCK!!