Hi Everybody (in Dr Nick voice from The Simpsons)

I just got a 1990 Cherokee XJ 2WD (i know i know) 5 speed with 266,000 sweet miles, I picked up 255/75/17 wrangler wheels with tires (30% life left) for $50 total. Also got a 3" front shock spacer+ 2" rear shackle (neither the wheels, spacers, shackles are installed yet). Before the mechanic (I conciser myself a mechanic just by pumping fuel and chaining light bulbs) in me goes to work would these wheels/tires fit the car without having to cut/modify anything? Couple things to note, got the XJ for $1800 (in decent shape) I know I could have maybe gotten it for a little less but I recently got diagnosed with a hard on for XJ's and my doc said there is no cure, trying to mod the jeep with as budget friendly as I can get. Also I have a Dana 35 which I'm told is not great with big tires, now granted this being a 2wd I dont plan on doing anything but driving on flat SoCal streets. Also first time FORUMer so I do apologize in advance if I'm doing this incorrectly.

 

Props for a funny post. Welcome!

I don't think those tires are going to work for that lift if you don't want to cut/trim anything (in inches that's basically a 32x10r17 tire).

Check out the following guide (a few posts down in the thread):

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/co...height-225904/

 

Thank you so much I will check out that link right now.

 

Look up Cruiser54's advice on what to do to a new xj... such as what to clean and fix first. He even has his own web page. He's a moderator here.

 

Sweet thank you

 

I am not a fan of putting an additional 2 inches on the rear shackle. It stresses already old and likely sagging rear leaf springs and screws with the suspension geometry. Not sure what you meant by 3 inch shock spacers - maybe spring spacers? Not a fan of that either plus it will likely damage your shocks if you don't go longer on those. And front of your Jeep will likely be higher than the back given the higher front lift and sagging rear leafs. The brake lines might have to be relocated or hoses lengthened especially in the front. In my view cheap or poorly done suspension mods are not worth it. I have a '91 that I am working on to fix a bad lift setup as I bought it - everything is coming out.

With those tires and typical stock rear differential gearing for a 5 speed you will notice degradation in acceleration and your speedometer will be off. As BillyBoy hinted at, there are probably other things that make more sense to spend money and time on initially for your new Jeep. Good idea to be sure all the maintenance and safety items taken care of first.

 

Thank you, this is why I love this forum a lot of great info and helpful tips for a newbie.