chiefcherokee

I want to lift my '98 XJ, no more than 4.5" and run some 31's or 33's.

The thing is, I don't know what the hell I'm doing.

I don't know everything I need in order to do it right!

Can you guys help me out?

It's also gunna be an everyday driver.


Thanks

BLKXJ 96

First, it all depends on what your intentions are, is it your daily driver and going to be used for mostly street driving with some mild weekend wheeling? Or are you going to do a lot of hard wheeling?

chiefcherokee

Probably 75% road, 25% off road.

Mykal

Decide which tires you are going to run. Theres no need for 4.5" of lift with 31's. Then go from there.

BLKXJ 96

I recommend finding a 3.5 inch lift system, that comes with every thing you will need to do a proper lift on your jeep. Most 3.5" lifts will allow you to run 31s with no trimming of the fenders.

This kit should include:
front coils
shocks
longer lower control arms
longer bump stops
longer rear brake line
sway-bar disconnects
rear leaf pack assemblies

I recommend Rubicon Express superflex 3.5 kit #RE6030

Ounce the suspention is where you like it, you will probably want to regear the axles to 4.10 ratio to compensate for the larger tires, this is not required but recommended.
You will probably need to lower the trans cross member to correct your drive line angle also, or you will notice vibrations at crusing speed.

If you have a Dana 35 rear axle, it's not very strong. I don't recommend tires bigger than 31s,

XJ Stryker

And not too mention it will help him understand his lift and truck better. Start small since you are learning. I am still learning and I started with a 3in RC and 30's. Very basic lift that will still be great offroad. Jeeps are very durable stock so don't go too big too fast until you find what is comfortable for you.

BLKXJ 96

x2
Plus that set up will run great on the street, and disconnected on the trail will be amazing at what it will do for the little amount of money that has been spent.

muddeprived

and to top it off, there's a 2" BB for sale in the sale section Awesome price and a good lift


But if you are set on 3.5 or 4.5, go with Rubicon Express or Rough Country. They usually include everything you need and have options to add if additional items are needed. Keep in mind when you get to that height on late model cherokees, you will more than likely experience vibrations in the rear due to the driveshaft angles being out of whack. This will end up emptying your wallet even more to fix this issue and that is by a sye kit and different driveshaft or dropping the transfer case.

chiefcherokee

I wanna stay under $500. Is this one ok http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...on/438003.html ?

muddeprived

Blocks for rear leaf. Avoid. Relocation bracket. Avoid.

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

Same price but with a more reliable AAL. They aren't the best but better than blocks. You can upgrade to full leaf packs for $509.

XJ Stryker

No not that lift, it has BLOCKs and that is not cool. It may cost ya a lil more than 500 but PM Grimus99xj on here and he will give you a good quote tell him what you want and tell him what you have to spend and he will set you up. He is a Great rough country rep. Ask me how I know then go look at my pics Heck he may even cut you a discount for being a member here.

okcjeeper

No the rear uses blocks not good.. You should IMHO in this order go:

1. new leaf packs
2. AAL (add a leaf) with the long leaf
3. shackles.

muddeprived

He's a member here? I had no idea. I was talking to him on naxja last year regarding questions on RC leaf springs and he was real cool. Everyone says great things about him.

chiefcherokee

What size tires and lift could I have and not quit get awful fuel economy?

And once again, this will be driven everyday. 75% on, 25% off.