CFarr44

hey I was thinking about adding a 2 or 3 inch suspension lift to a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. I have been looking at Rustys and Rubicon express because I am trying not to spend much money. I was also debating 30-31inch tires to go with a 3 inch lift?

Thanks

DUDE454

3 inch lift and 31 tires. Its what most people will do as their first lift and tire setup. Its goin to be my settup as soon as i get the time. And youll enjoy the 3 inch lift more in the long run. I was off road the other weekend and i scraped my under carrage, funny thing was that if i had just one in more of height then id have been ok. No damage done though.

superj

a 2" lift is only like 50 bucks, a 3" is where you start adding lots of money. i'd say get the 2" spacer lift and later put a 3" suspension underneath it, like i did

CFarr44

I was also afraid of the 31's rubbing the transfer case? or even the fender?

canoe58

31's would be OK with a 3 inch lift. I put a 3.5 inch lift with 31's on mine. No trimming of the fenders nor do the tires rub.

canoe58

Try looking up "Fat Bob's Garage" they have inexpensive kits. Also "Rustys"

zfranklin92

i had a 3.5 inch with 31x11.5s and only a little rub. Then i got 33s on a 3.5 inch with fenders trimmed and a little rub. Now 33s and 5.5 and no rub .

Go with the 3. Its easier to add to that then a 2 inch.

no rdplz

start with the 3". You'll be able to run 31x10.5's without having to do anything to avoid tire rub. Plus, if you want to add to it later it's really easy. Did a bunch of homework, talking with other Jeepers in the area and they all recommended Rusty's 3" to me. Some people on here knock Rusty's but I love it and haven't had a single issue.

XJ4life92

honestly, when i plan on lifting mine, i am probably going to just get 2 inch spacers on the front, and add 2 leafs from a stock cherokee pack to the back. cut the eyes off the main leaf and add the main leaf and the second leaf into your pack. that should give you about 2 in the rear. then i was gonna get some money, and some shocks for a 3 inch lift and then get zj v8 coils from a jy which gives 1 inch lfit in the front, and a 1 inch shackle in the rear... i was reading that the extra leafs firm up the ride but give it a really nice ride, along with the zj v8 coil. it firms it up but it makes it nicer. heres the actual link to the site where he explains all of it if your interested (he goes with f150 coils but they are very harsh, high spring rate)

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/p...6-21-a-100704/

then i was gonna start saving up for either the rc 4.5 inch lift, the 4.5 inch x-series, or a 4.5 inch long arm...but seeing as how its a daily driver and weekend warrior, and is going to remain a daily driver, i think i might just go with the regular 4.5 inch lift...but thats far down the road...just my ideas.

but thinking about it...the rustys 3 inch might be cheaper in the long run...

CFarr44

Thanks for all the help. I think I am going to go with a rustys 3 inch lift. might add some half inch spacers to get 3.5 inch lift. Also is there a big difference in gas mileage between 2 and 3 inch lift?

Pat Vogt

they suck gas anyways. the difference between 2 and 3 inches will be insignificant.

CFarr44

ha ok thanks

superj

at that small a lift, you won't notice a gas mileage difference. when you put some heavy tires on, then the mileage will drop like a rock

CFarr44

My friend has a 1999 XJ Limited with a 3inch rustys and 31 inch tires. he gets a little rubbing when fully turning left or right on something. is there a way to fix this? I think it might be the track bar?

98-xj-NY

I'm a nooby, recently I waas contemplating the same question as you. I went with a 3" front 2" back lift from Fat Bob's Garage. The cost with shiping was about $300 The kit came with 3" front coils, 2" rear shckels, 4 shocks and a track bar relocation bracket. I installled it 2 weeks ago and I'm pleased with the ride so far. Installation can be a pain with rusted bolts braking, make sure to start spraying pb blast on everything in advance. After the liftt, my truck has 2 issues that were not there before. The first issue is that my truck self steeres to the right when I hit bumps on the road. It's been to the alignment shop twice. They were able to correct it a bit but the issue persist. I think it has something to do with my front axle not been centered. Have to figure out a way to meassure it so i can confirm that. The second issue is a driveline vibration when I'm traveling between 57 and 62 mph. Guess my xj is going to need a sye. As mentioned before, been to the alignment shop twice, wheels balanced, steering components and bushings inspected several times but my saga continues. The final cost of the lift will be more than just the cost of the lift parts. I did the intall of the lift with a friend. Saved some money there but with alingment and tire balancing and incidental bolts, etc, its probably costing me $450 so far. Expect the unexpected and plan on spending more than you think its going to cost. I like the look of the 3" front lift but I don't think I'd have the issues had I gone for a 2" front lift. I went for 30" tires, didn't want to deal with gearing problems, speedo reading way off and decreased fuel milage. Good luck to you, hope I've been able to help with you decission.