There seems to be alot of people turning their nose up at the idea of budget
lifts, but I think doing it this way is also probably more satisfying then buying a kit. I've been trying to piece together something by browsing Baker Auto Parts and eBay, but I think what's making it difficult is that I need/want new leaf springs, and don't want to bastardize the **** pack of leafs I have now.

 

If i could start over i would have put together a lift myself.
Coils are the only thing i would buy new.
Make a pack for the rear, i would keep it low and invest in a locker or two.
You can always find someone selling parts to piece it together.
I just don't like seeing hillbilly lifts, random metal welded places, strictly trail alright i understand, when it comes to the road there are some things you don't want failing at 70+.
Good info here.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/bud...herokee-58797/

 

There are alot of people that turn their noses at alot of things. And alot of them have never tried/done the things they dog. Yet there are some that have and that have legit reasons for ******* things. There's others that have always bought big name boxes and installed them, or bought their jeep already built and don't really know what the lift is. Just what they've been told.

So I think it's all a personal preference. My leafs, were/are shot, I put the leaf from the Chevy in and bam gave them new life. I know this isn't the "proper" solution. But nor am I going for the perfect rig. Mine gets beat on, driven hard and put away wet. So to drop that kinda of money is insane in my opinion. Not to mention mine flex out great. Not to stiff of a ride, yet not squishy to were it bounces over ever bump.

 

Yeah, my rig is gonna need to carry me and my family at times so breakage at highway speeds is bad. Thanks for the link.

What do you think about buying some junkyard stock XJ packs and then adding the Chevy leaf to those? Or would using my current flattened out leafs be just as effective?

 

I'd think to use your current leafs. Just cause of the fact you never know the condition of junk yard parts anyway...unless you can clearly see they are new packs.

 

And when you use your packs, less bolts to remove since you can leave the main in while you build the pack, test for lift switch it up if need be...

 

X2

 

Who has a lifted, red, two door XJ with a receiver front bumper and lives in Zeeland?

 

No idea, but im in holland....... not red

 

I've seen several lifted red XJs around the area now. I'm about to add another one. Haha.

 

Everyone's getting there jacked up rigs out! Good luck with the lift!

 

So..... How much loot am I looking at for going from a 3" to 4.5"? Generally speaking that is.......Figured I'd ask some of you seasoned vets because I have no idea whats involved...

 

Well, do you want to do new coils or spacers? You'll need new shackles, possibly a new track bar and SYE. New shocks eventually...

 

What do you already have...

Front end:
Coils or spacers?
Extended shocks?
Extended brake lines?
Upgraded LCAs?
Adjustable track bar?

Rear end:
Full packs, bastard packs or blocks?
Lift shackle?
Extended brake lines?

Drivetrain:
SYE or t case drop?
Axle shims?

 

From looking around looks like he has rc 3" on his new cherokee.
I'm going to say,
Trac bar upgrade, IRO double shear is a good investment.
Does it have AAL? Might want to figure out pack situation.
I would go with a shackle relocation bracket for possibilities.
What t-case? 242 get the HnT and a spare front shaft.
Serious has pretty cheap 4.5" springs for the front.
Shocks might not be a problem yet.
$500 ballpark for new shinny goodies.