Please Help Me!
 

I have always wanted to buy a cherokee, and now that I am actually shopping for one i have some questions! I want to put about a 4in lift and 33's and do some moderate off-roading, but alot of highway driving. There are so many grand cherokees for sale in my area it makes my head spin, but i'm not sure if i should get one because I am concerned about the expense of lifting it, the full time 4wd, and if i get a V8, the gas milage, compared to an XJ. I'm looking at 1996-2000 cherokees with 100-150000 miles on them- what should I be looking for and avoiding? I could use any advice or opinions. Thanks, I apprecitate it!!

for one a 4in lift would be for high moderate to high off roading. i think..
second (well at least mine) they aren't in full time 4wd

i've heard the v8's actually get better gas mileage but idk how true that is.

hope that helps!

V8's do get better gas mileage than the 4.0

Some are full time wheel but not all

And 4" of lift and 33's will take alot of trimming to do.

Mine's on 5.5" of lift and I'm only clearing 32's

Not sure about your mileage statement. I think 4s will get a mpg or two better under similar driving styles.

As far as lift if you want 33s on a WJ you will need 6 in of lift or a lot of trimming. 31s barely fit on a 3" lift. Anything over 3" and defintiely over 4" on a WJ will get very expensive.

Get a CHEROKEE! you won't regret it. I ended my search when i found a 2000 cherokee with 122,000. I love it and you will too! mpg is about 19-20. i am also looking for about a 4 inch lift and 3's and i think it will be better if you do that to a cherokee. Good luck!

I could settle for 32s probably, but it sounds like it would take 4.5-5.5 inch lift. I priced a Rubicon Express 5.5 for about $1300, has anyone had experience with this kit? If I would lift this high, what problems would i run into things like driveline angles? Since it would be driven on the highway often, I don't want lots of vibration or anything. I don't care so much about ride quality.
Do the transmissions hold up pretty well behind a V8 especially with oversize tires, will they last 200,000 miles+? And with the full-time 4wd is it best to put lock-outs on it for milage and driveline wear and tear?
I've heard with V8s people getting anywhere from 14.5 to over 20, so I would expect 17. Lots of inline 6 people claim over 20 though.

This would be my 2 cents. If your going to do alot of highway driving I would not go up very high. If its going to be more on highway try to keep it high capable. But from what I know if you go anything over a 4in lift on a GC you will have to fool with the drivetrain. But im all for lifting a jeep. Just wondering though. Why are you wanting to lift it and use it for highway?

It has to be dual purpose, I can't afford one street vehicle and another off-road vehicle. And I don't off-road every week, so most of the time it will be on the highway, but I still want capable 4x4.

Ok I see it now. That makes sense. Mine is like that for now. Till I find my MX-3.