so i bought a 97 grand cherokee, and its a project. it does have a lift, but i could not tell you how high it is over stock. so there are a few things i dont understand.
1. there is 33s on the front and 31s on the back. and they both are pretty new. is there any reason for that?
2. sometimes the starter does not engage and i have to climb under it and rotate the engine a 1/4 turn. what would be a possible solution to this?
3. anytime i let off the throttle she gets a little squirrley.
4. and she shifts hard into 3rd gear in an automatic.
any help would be helpful and thank you.

 

#2 A worn section of teeth on the fly-wheel/flex-plate. When the engine stops at this location, the next start attempt might not grab the teeth. When you rotate by hand, you move to some better teeth, and the starter gear engages the teeth properly. Sometimes, if the starter is worn down, it can be replaced or repaired to resolve the issue. But if the fly-wheel teeth are in particularly bad shape, sometimes that needs to be addressed.

You will probably have better luck and information by visiting the Grand Cherokee forum section:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5

 

1. Put the right size tires you want on. Guessing that you would like to keep the 33's. Put 33's out back. Is it 4wd?

2. see above...probably worn teeth on the flywheel or starter

3. Gun it and run it....LOL....I honestly don't know, start by inspecting the drivetrain underneath, see if anything is worn

4. How's the fluid look? A drain and fill might cure that.