I agree, make sure everything on your Jeep is up to snuff first. Check the basics like Motor Mounts, Tranny Mounts, U-Joints, Tune-Up, Front Sway Bar bushings, Fluids, etc. Then you won't be surprised after you start lifting. Unfortunately, you own a Jeep and lifting it is like a job, your always working your way up the ladder higher and higher!

 

I have friends that do really good on the trails with stock Cherokees, and I think the first thing the Cherokee needs after checking out the mechanics of the new to you Cherokee is recovery points. Got to have somewhere to hook up the straps.
Unless you have a receiver hitch on the rear there is nothing to attach a strap on and the front is the same. I've heard some came with real factory tow hooks but I haven't seen any on the Cherokees I have wheeled with.

 

tow hooks,, ****** strap,comealong,.... you can do what ever you want to what ever 4x4 you want... you will get stuck.. and that sucks more then anything when you cant get out.... because you have no way to get out......but the basics need to be done first...

 

I say if it drives fine now leave it.. do modifications as needed...more flex lift it....more traction new tires...more power bored tb....night driving new lights...if you do the mods and then never use them ur wasting money modify as necessary

 

Thanks for all the good info.
I have already changed the motor mounts and fixed all lights, oil change, etc.
Motor is running strong with 260k on it, no smoke, etc.
I have been checking into recovery points, for the back is a tow hitch the recommended setup, with out buying an expensive bumper?
Also what is the recommended setup for the front? I heard the Drawtite front tow hitch is a great setup.

 

Best to do bumper to bumper maintenance 1st or you'll be just one more of the many "my XJ overheats.....brown lumpy crud in the rad" posts or in a few months you'll be posting back "my heater doesn't work". After all the maintenance is done, I just can't imagine backing out of the drive without a locker in the rear diff. Not having a locker because of where u live........what the ????????? Big tall tires have their place but will always kill performance. Here's some good 4.0L myth busting info.....don't get caught up in "I heard this and I heard that" and think its all true.

http://www.jpmagazine.com/techarticl...ies/index.html

 

The receiver type hitch for the front and rear are great ways to go for recovery points. ( make sure they are attached with grade 8 hardware, I'm sure I'll hear about no need for the grade 8 but it is the way I go ) Also check your brakes, wheel cylinders, master and lines, and steering components.

 

Things to make it better for street:
1:I/H/E
2:Rear disc brakes
3:Remote start (in cold climates)

Things to make it better offroad:
1: Good traction tires (search for what's best for your style of offroading)
2: Recovery/Armor
3: More traction = Locker(s) (a Spartan up front will run you $225)

 

if your running 31s or smaller id suggest a lock right type locker. you can pick em up for about $100 used.