x2

man all new suspension even if stock will run $500 or more.

 

OEM leafs with bushings $200 + u-bolts $40
OEM coils $60
shocks as cheap as $20 each=$80

total of $380.

the issue comes in if you want to go to 3 inches in the future. You will spend more than the $130 difference to get there. Not to mention more work.

 

Why not just buy a cheap Coil spacer/ add a leaf kit for the time being, run 31s and after wedding spend money on a full kit? you can get a cheap 2" BB for $50-60 and run stock shocks.

 

31s won't fit without trimming and I don't think he wants to.

 

I think (based on the statement below) that his current suspension is worn and/or rusted very badly.

Listen man, how bad of shape is your current suspension in? Is it just sagging, or does it look like you found it in the wreckage of the Titanic? If it's just sagging really bad, you'll be fine until after your wedding. Will it ride like crap? Yeah. Will it fall apart on you? No. The only way it's going to "fall apart" is if it's rusted so bad, you can poke the metal and pieces come off.

Here's your options man:

1) Replace your worn-out suspension parts with parts that are LESS worn out from the junkyard ON THE CHEAP to get you by until after your wedding.

2) Replace your worn-out junk with LIFT parts from the junkyard ON THE CHEAP that will function and last just about as long as a new lift.... and you have the benefit that it's already broken in so you probably won't need an sye because the 3" you get will be just that... 3"

3) Replace your worn out junk with OEM components that, frankly, cost just as much (if not more) than aftermarket lift kits and then be stuck with undesired result after all that work and money spent.

4) Get a budget boost or other lift not conducive to the size tires you want to run and trim your fenders to accommodate the tire size.

5) Relax. Realize that your Jeep is not as fragile as you think it is, keep things the way they are for now, save your money, and buy what you want later on. There are a LOT of how-to videos on doing an SYE. Watch every single one of them if you want. If you can turn a wrench, you can do an SYE.


Seriously man, I was a lot like you 6 years ago when I bought my Jeep. Scared to even look at it wrong. Since then, I've converted it to 4wd, added a lift, and practically torn the engine apart by myself and the thing is STILL my DD. I'm still driving it everyday back and forth to work and it's doing a great job at it. The people on the forums here are more than happy to offer you guidance, help, and give you an "attaboy" every now and then if you're hesitant about stuff.... but we can't provide you with a "magic answer" that doesn't exist.


If I were you, I'd go with option 5. Right now, before your wedding, is not the time to start trying to modify your Jeep. Focus on your bride-to-be. She'll thank you for it.

 

Hey guys. I really appreciate the help thats been provided and some tough love along the way. I do wish that a 3" lift was in the cards but its not. And 31s cant be run without that or without fender trimming. So I suppose that oem replacements are my way to go and add a BB for the look im going for along with 235s. I was wondering if you guys knew of any pics that showed a 2"bb with 235s or if 30s would fit on the xj. Ive googled it but everyting i see is a 3".

 

There's a sticky thread in cherokee chat...I would link it but in mobile I never seem able to....don't get 30s, they are the same as 235s, just cost more.

 

Here ya go:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/xj...up-thread-260/

 

Greatly appreciate it.

 

Any time

 

Again thanks for the link.

HOWEVER I have what I think is a troubling new development. (Im HiJacking my own thread). Yesterday I went to drive the car home from work and when I turned it on there was a loudish Whirring noise, NOT a whining but a whirring and it was directly connected to throttle imput, and steering. if the wheel was straight the noise was still there but not as loud but the moment i turned the wheel it got louder and again it is coming from the engine and does make noise in park. I cant think of anything that would make a whirring while parked.??

 

Check the power steering fluid level.

 

Whining would be power steering. Whirring is usually assoctiated with alternator. Go to an autoparts store that will check the alternator. They can do it with it still installed in the vehicle.

 

Have you got a diagnosis for Whistling or Warbling?

 

lol.... as a matter of fact!

Nah, just kidding. Although whistling I would expect a vacuum leak and warbling - based on a recent experience - I would shut the jeep off before the mechanical fan goes through the radiator.