Is 3.5" lift & 31-32" tires enuf for CO 4x4'n?
 

So I've been looking (awhile) for a '99 Cherokee to make my 2nd vehicle or "toy". Been collecting guns for ages and decided to flip that hobby into wheelin. That said I want something to drive on bad weather days and a weekend camping/trail rig. I don't want to go hardcore and want it drivable on the highway but capable of hitting a lot of 4x4 trails etc.


After research around here I've come to the plan I want to go 3.5" and run 32's. Will I be happy and capable with that much lift. I love the look of the 4.5" lift but will have higher costs and more parts not to forget ride quality.


What are your honest opinions? Will I be happy with just a 3.5 or should I hold off for funds and go up (and then I'll want bigger $$ tires too). This wont be a rush project, I'll wheel as I do the upgrades as needed but know lift and tires will be first on the punchlist.


Thanks again for any advice n thoughts,


Lucas

3.5 will be plenty. i ended up at 4.5 as i was planning for 33's, but the 32's(265/75/16) and 4.5 was a great combo.

Nice.. I didn't wanna go higher bcuz of price and intended use but I'd hate to regret it later on the trail..

I'm running a 3.5'' lift with 33x12.5 tires. I miss my fender flares though lol.

[QUOTE=EatonXJ;3355546]I'm running a 3.5'' lift with 33x12.5 tires. I miss my fender flares though lol.[/​
​​​​​​​How's the ride quality on the street with that setup? What's your mpg? Thx

I am running 3.5 lift and 32s. Im locked, but with that combination I have no issues going anywhere

It's an OME (Old Man Emu) lift. I think it rides pretty decent. I could use a set of shackle relocation brackets though. Here in town we have these water runoff channel things (think reverse speed bump) I don't have to slow down to drive threw them. Most people slow down to a crawl. Deep pot holes are still pretty jolting. I've never really did the math for the mpg. If I keep it under 65 mph I normally only have to get gas once a week. Where in Colorado do you live?

thats pretty much how i use jeep.. it has a RE 3.5 super ride kit on it with mono tube shocks. tires are 265/75-16. it does everything i want it to do.. its good on the 80 mile round trip to work, good in the jersey pines for how i use it and rides good in general..

mine is looks stock next to my sons with 33's and my buddys that has 35's but i like how useful the jeep is as is and am not going any bigger with it...


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I'm doing my research on which mfg lift to go with but haven't looked into EMU yet just seen a few posts mentioning them. I'm in the Denver area.

Nice ride! That's the vision I have in my head I just gotta find the right project to start. Do you ever have rub issues?

I live in CO and have wheeled a lot of the trails with my 3" + 31s. I'm currently open in both differentials and have been able to go everywhere I need to. Occasionally I've gotten stuck and winched myself out, but the majority of those times were because I didn't want to take the easier route. For what you've described as your needs, there's no reason to go above 3.5" and 32s. I'd even recommend you run the 3"+31 combo instead of the 32s as it will be cheaper and you probably won't use the extra lift and clearance with what you've described.

not really.. i adjusted the steering stops maybe one turn so the tires don't hit the lower control arms while turning.. i'm sure it limited turning a hair but i don't noticeit at all even in tight trails.... the rears at full flex will touch somewhere back there but i still have to bumpstop the damn thing.. been too lazy to do it yet...:)