Hi. I currently own a '95 Jeep Cherokee Country. Everything on there currently is stock, but I would like to turn it into a serious off-roader. I am looking into an 8.5" lift with 35" tires. I would also like to dual the exhaust and add a sick muffler to it. If you have any advice for me, please share! I am not fully aware of what is required to make this transformation, and if you know everything that is required I'd appreciate it! Thank You!

Some things I've read about concerning big lifts: transfer case drop, drive shaft angle, rear axle strength, pitman arm drop, control arm length, steering stabilizer. Some things I've read about concerning dual exhaust systems: clearance underneath, gas tank heat, exhaust near windows. Any reference or knowledge about this and others would help a lot!

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/al...go-here-10579/

 

Im pretty sure 8.5 inches reqiures long arms. definately will also need upgrades in the steering department. cant do true duals on a straight 6 unless you had 2 separate manifolds with 3 pipes each, not sure if such a kit exists. with that much lift, a transfer case drop wont cut it, you will need a full SYE and custom rear driveshaft. deep pockets required

 

That's actually what the Jeep XJ is equipped with. Two separate exhaust manifolds coming from three cylinders each.
Should I install the SYE and lower the transfer case? Do you know about axle swap? I've read a lot about people replacing their rear axles with ford 8.8s. I have a chrysler 8.25 in the back.

 

You sir are an idiot.

 

lol. you guys are getting trolled

 

Why didn't you just get a Chevy?

 

Um, because it isn't a Jeep?
This is a link to a forum where somebody did an 8.5" lift.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...enstein-44359/

 

Lifting that much will require cutting off the inner C's and rewelding them back on to maintain the correct castor/pinion angle.

 

Did some research. Chrysler 8.25 has "C Clips" that hold on the axle. Prone to breaking and the axle coming off. Also is only a 27 spline. Proper swap would be a Dana 44. No c clips and is a 30 spline. Can support up to 37" no problem. For the front axle a good swap would be a Dana 44 from a TJ Rubicon but that isn't as important as the rear axle.

 

It is when you need the same gear ratio.

 

Mid 96 and up 8.25" axles are 29 spline.
Adding disc brakes to an 8.25" axle makes the c-clips a non-issue. Add a set of 1541H shafts and you've got a very strong axle.

Rubicon D44's are low pinion, only have a D44 center section. Everything else is D30. Gears and lockers are Rubicon D44 specific and not interchangeable with a true D44 (R.E Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Isuzu). Worst of all it's a low pinion axle. That makes it even less desirable for a transplant under a severely lifted rig.

 

I would do this and just stick with the 8.25, but being a '95 it's only a 27 spline. I did not know that TJ Rubicon D44's are low pinion though. So it looks like I won't be swapping the front axle anytime soon, or at least not when I'm lifting.

I've seen a lift kit 8.5" with short arms. It includes a short arm drop bracket that levels out the short arms even with the lift. How will this setup drive? How will it affect flex? I'm not really looking to weld anything just yet, so is that even possible with this much lift? Thanks for the input!