I'm not so sure. I've built a few of these now and I don't think a basic 4.5" lift has enough advantages over a 3". It may actually have more disadvantages...

 

I never liked the chrome grilles so much; I by-passed some Cherokees when I first got ours (I didn't realize then how very customizable they were lol). MY Sport came with blacked-out grilles ...so I vote yes on your blackout one lol.

Were you referring to the drive-line angles, SYE and such-like stuff by this observation?

...I'm thinking VERY seriously of a second Cherokee DD/project (for one thing, our Wrangler has a lot of "for-sale value", and we're starting to look at houses lol ...and the Cherokee more than satisfies our 4WD needs lol, and since the suspension replacement, we've been more able to appreciate it, and I'm more confident that I can, actually, do the work myself), and so I'm starting to pay attention to this kind of stuff. It's still just a gleam in my thoughts. And I'm definitely a long-term planner, woot.

 

Yes on the SYE/ driveshaft issue. Every suspension geometry has it's limits. I think the XJ geometry limits out around 3.5-4" of lift. This doesn't mean a 4.5 is bad but I think using stock geometry you don't get the full range of that much lift so why bother with everything that goes along with it (SYE, driveshaft, brake lines, shackle angle, etc). Don't get me wrong, plenty of XJs wheel just fine with a 4.5" short arm system but I think the same can be done with 3-3.5". Now if you went with a long arm or a 3 or 4 link system your changing the factory geometry and then your using all that lift you put in.

 

Thanks man. I never thought about that, the geometry etc.

 

I'm not an engineer but it's been my experience that you can only push stock angle so far...

 

Thanks.

With the bit less of 2 inches of lift from the total suspension change that I just did, I've only noticed a VERY slight vibration (and only under acceleration) since. But since the "clunk" from the drive shafts (or TC or rear end or whatever) after coming to a full stop is now gone, I'm not complaining lol: I'll take that trade.

(Actually, it made me consider that the "stop-clunk" issue is probably more related to drive shaft angle than old, hardened joint lubrication: I didn't do anything else that would make it go away, and the only semi-effective thing I'd done previously was hit the shafts with WD40 or PB on a regular basis).

...but I wondered about going higher, and what the real advantages/disadvantages were for what is mostly a DD (which will occasionally do logging trails and camping-hunting-fishing, but will never really do mud-or-rock gardens recreational type stuff).

 

Finally got a chance to swap out the broken leaf pack. Still have a trackbar, HD tierod and bump stops sitting on the floor waiting to be put in. I need to hit the Lotto and quit my job so I have more time for the XJ.

 

I actually plan on hitting the lottery very soon actually. PM me your info and I'll just share half of my winnings with you no problem.

You and me both!

 

I guess your gonna win after me It's ridiculous, when it's slow I don't like spending the $$$. When it's busy I'm making plenty of money but can't enjoy it. The way I see it the Lottery is the only way...

 

Beautiful build, dude! I have the same front bumper, hopefully getting it on this weekend after finishing up my paint. The Rustoleum Hammered is turning out very well for it so far, still have a couple coats to do yet. The powder coat rocks too! Looks real slick.

 

Thanks! You going to love the bumper, very solid and it feels like it actually tightened up the front end.

 

Double shear track bar is here, bumpstops are back ordered I ordered a 4' Hi lift and they sent me a 5' WTF? It's too wide to mount on my tire carrier so now I have to cut it, or fab up a roof mount. Not sure yet...

 

Hey Swirl...are you still running the General Grabbers?? because Im needing new shoes for a ZJ and Id like some real world comments on them before I drop all that coin. thanks.

 

Yup. It's a good AT tire, wearing well, pretty quiet on the road. They give me a little trouble in the mud and on slippery rocks but you really cant ask too much from an AT. If I was going to buy AT's again I would get them.

 

Some double shear goodness


Hopefully it won't get much use...