XJ Lift/Tire Setup thread
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Did any go down from a 33'' to 32'' and regret it? Im getting some rubbing on my lca and Im thinking about downgrading to a 32''x11.5. Any thoughts or recomendations about that?
CF Veteran




Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,132
Likes: 356
From: Andover, VT
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 L
::Regional Moderator::
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 422
Likes: 1
From: clackamas,or
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: h.o. 4.0l
Backspacing on your rims makes a big difference I was running 33x12.5s on stock wheels and rub on my lca once I got some wheels with a 3.50" Backspacing rubbing all gone. Since then I put 35x12.5s on my xj with wheels that have 3.75" Backspacing I have a little bit of rubbing again.
No, I don't lick fish.



Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Backspacing on your rims makes a big difference I was running 33x12.5s on stock wheels and rub on my lca once I got some wheels with a 3.50" Backspacing rubbing all gone. Since then I put 35x12.5s on my xj with wheels that have 3.75" Backspacing I have a little bit of rubbing again.
Beach Bum
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,123
Likes: 22
From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
^ You guys speak of 'EZ-Ride' and 'Soft-Ride' leaf springs, labeled under Tuff Country and Skyjacker. These have three arched leafs and a flat overload leaf, along with degree shims.
Leafs are thin and tapered, which makes them responsive and allows for a higher arch when unloaded. This translates into added droop of suspension. Also supposed to offer a smooth ride.
The downside is the sensitivity to weight loading, excessive suspension movement in ruts and whoops, more body roll in turns and off-camber situations (without swaybars).
To feel how sensitive the springs are, you can remove shocks from axle then push on bumper. It's surprising how much movement there is with little effort.
I switched from SoftRide to BDS seven-leafs, a much more firm ride, less unwanted motion on the trail, and a more secure and stable feel on the highway. That's my experience..
Leafs are thin and tapered, which makes them responsive and allows for a higher arch when unloaded. This translates into added droop of suspension. Also supposed to offer a smooth ride.
The downside is the sensitivity to weight loading, excessive suspension movement in ruts and whoops, more body roll in turns and off-camber situations (without swaybars).
To feel how sensitive the springs are, you can remove shocks from axle then push on bumper. It's surprising how much movement there is with little effort.
I switched from SoftRide to BDS seven-leafs, a much more firm ride, less unwanted motion on the trail, and a more secure and stable feel on the highway. That's my experience..
No, I don't lick fish.



Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
^ You guys speak of 'EZ-Ride' and 'Soft-Ride' leaf springs, labeled under Tuff Country and Skyjacker. These have three arched leafs and a flat overload leaf, along with degree shims.
Leafs are thin and tapered, which makes them responsive and allows for a higher arch when unloaded. This translates into added droop of suspension. Also supposed to offer a smooth ride.
The downside is the sensitivity to weight loading, excessive suspension movement in ruts and whoops, more body roll in turns and off-camber situations (without swaybars).
To feel how sensitive the springs are, you can remove shocks from axle then push on bumper. It's surprising how much movement there is with little effort.
I switched from SoftRide to BDS seven-leafs, a much more firm ride, less unwanted motion on the trail, and a more secure and stable feel on the highway. That's my experience..
Leafs are thin and tapered, which makes them responsive and allows for a higher arch when unloaded. This translates into added droop of suspension. Also supposed to offer a smooth ride.
The downside is the sensitivity to weight loading, excessive suspension movement in ruts and whoops, more body roll in turns and off-camber situations (without swaybars).
To feel how sensitive the springs are, you can remove shocks from axle then push on bumper. It's surprising how much movement there is with little effort.
I switched from SoftRide to BDS seven-leafs, a much more firm ride, less unwanted motion on the trail, and a more secure and stable feel on the highway. That's my experience..
the thread you're looking for is https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/al...6/#post3197747
and there are a lot more questions that need to be asked before answering your question. There are many factors involved. However, I will say that Rubicon Express makes a very good bang for the buck 3.5" lift kit for around $750... but you really need to see the thread I referenced for more help with your question.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So I am either getting BFG k02 or Grabber at2 in a 33/12.5/15, they told me i should have them bead balanced since they are 33's. Do you guys think that necessary?
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 250
From: DE
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
They being a local tire installer. When I gave him my tire sizes Big G tire stated anything over 33" and over they recommend getting bead balanced because its better than just doing wheel weights. It cost more but if it is actually worth it and they arent just trying to gt more money from me Ill get it done.
Moderator CF K9-unit
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,842
Likes: 12
From: Alaska
Year: 2000 sport
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: New 4.0l from s&j engines
Run the beads never look back,, Im running airsoft beads in my 33-12.5- 15 smooth as glass, I never will go back to lead weights.
No, I don't lick fish.



Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Not that noise is a make or break issue, but do you get a lot of noise from the beads rolling around in there or do you even hear it at all? How do you know how much to put in?
Moderator CF K9-unit
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 5,842
Likes: 12
From: Alaska
Year: 2000 sport
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: New 4.0l from s&j engines
on the Dyna ballance beads web site they have a chart on how much to put in the tires.. For my 33s it was 8oz per tire..
Here is the chart I used
http://www.innovativebalancing.com/BigTirechart.htm


