stryker1228

So here is my 2000 XJ, bone stock, 119,300 miles. I'm starting where I assume most people do, the suspension and tires. As of right now I am equiped with factory equipment. The shocks are all worn and leaking, the leafs are starting to sag and I'm sure the coils need to be replaced. What better time to upgrade to a bit more lift, right?

After a good bit of research on different formums and looking up different product reviews, I have decided to go with RC's 3" Series II kit w/ full leafs. Why not 4"+, you might ask. Well, I really don't feel like doing all the extra work associated w/ a 4"+ lift (i.e. TC drop, trackbar, brake line ext.). Plus, like a lot people, I'm somewhat of a budget. I've seen pics a vids of this kit in action and I am statisfied with what I've seen and read. I ordered the kit today and should be here on Monday. It will be installed the following weekend. I'll be sure to post pics of the install in progress and hopefully, a finished product.

Now if I'm going to raise the suspension, the next logical step would be a tire upgrade. I plan on going with BFG T/A KO 31x10.5x15. Again, another very common choice. I wanted a beefy, aggressive tire that I could get a good bit of miles out of. This tire seems to fit the bill.

Those are the mods that I have planned so far. Later on I might throw a safari rack and spare tire on the roof, or some lights across the top of the windshied. As for right now, my hands are pretty full.

Be sure to stay tuned for updates and pics!

p.s.

All advice, comments, and/or critisism is wanted and appreciated.

Z400Rider

looks like a good jeep to start with and you've got some good plans! When I lifted mine it was around 149,000 miles, all shocks were shot, leaf springs were sagged bad and one of my coil springs had broken! It was a good time for me to put a lift in too!

By the way, you do not need to install new brake lines with a 4+ inch lift. I installed a 4.5'' lift on my jeep, you simply unscrew where the brake line is held onto the unibody, straighten the line some, and then use a self taping screw to hold it back to the unibody. Works great!

Another thing, are you sure you want a Rough country lift? I know its the cheapest around and pretty popular, but they are pretty stiff and well, you get what you pay for. Everybody has their own opinion however, some love the rough country lifts, some hate them. I just thought I'd throw that out there, wouldnt be a bad idea to save some extra for a different brand, or even look around for some used lifts. Whatever you do, make sure you have some extra money saved to spend on the jeep than planned because problems will come and things will brake! A common saying, Just Empty Every Pocket.

Enjoy your Cherokee!!

stryker1228

Thanks for the advice. This is actually my second Jeep. I had a 95 ZJ when in was a teenager. So I know how things can fall apart rather quickly at times. On top of theses upgrades I've also been doing some preventive maintenance. When I do the suspension I plan on replacing the sway bar links and bushings.

Z400Rider

I'm actually looking into buying a 1995 ZJ at the moment simply because it looks like a great deal! Although it would be around a 3 hour drive and I'd have to tow it home. One of the things listed that it needs are rear crossmembers and I may need to have a buddy help me with that because I don't have much experience with that. Did you ever have any trouble with your ZJ?

stryker1228

Mine was a Limited with the 5.7L V8. I didn't have too many problems with it. The biggest repairs I made were replacing the rear drive shaft because the u-joints went bad and replaced the cv axles. Both of those were around 300k miles. Oh, I also had to replace the radiator. The engine and tranny solid as far as I can remember. Why do you have to tow it home?

wahoo

I put the same lift on my cherokee and really like it, it is a little rough but what do expect from a 4x4. Mine had a real slight vibration after the lift so I put on a 1" tranfer case drop and the vibration is gone.

stryker1228

Yea, I've read about that happening to a few people. I'm hoping I don't have that problem. If it does, I hear it's a pretty easy fix.

stryker1228

The kit arrived yesterday with all parts accounted for. Can't wait until this weekend! Btw, can anyone tell me how my stock gears (3.55) will perform with 31" tires. If I change my rear to 4.10 do I need to change my front end as well?

john78

Gears have to match no if's and's or but's your gears should be fine remember 4 low is your friend off road

stryker1228

SUCCESS! Next stop, tiretown.

DRobs_93

I currently run 31s with 3.55s, its kinda sucky but its not that bad, if you have the time and money i would reccomend regearing to 4.10s but the stock 3.55s wont be too bad.

Flowpro

Looks good. When do the tires arrive?

You can change your signature now, not bone stock anymore.

stryker1228

Thanks! The only snag we hit was the for bolts that held the top of the rear shocks broke off were we tried to remove them. We just re tapped the holes and put new bolts in.

The tires arrive when I buy them. Should be pretty soon. I really need an alignment.

stryker1228

As you can see, I installed my antenna mount today. The radio and rest of the items will be here friday!

stryker1228

I installed my Cobra75 WXST. It was probably the most invasive cb install I've ever done but it's done and I'm quite pleased with the results. I was able to achieve a 1.7 SWR on both channels 1 and 40.

I also threw in a 400W power inverter for the fun of it. Oh, I also scraped off the GIANT OBX sticker on my back glass.