When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My 16 YO son just got a 2000 XJ and he wants it lifted 3" to put 31's under it. I don't want to go cheap, but I don't want to break the bank either. He will use it as a DD mostly obviously, but does hunt and fish and trail ride etc. Please give me some opinions on a quality 3" lift kit.
My 16 YO son just got a 2000 XJ and he wants it lifted 3" to put 31's under it. I don't want to go cheap, but I don't want to break the bank either. He will use it as a DD mostly obviously, but does hunt and fish and trail ride etc. Please give me some opinions on a quality 3" lift kit.
Thanks
Welcome to Cherokee Forum,,thank you for the post.
I would go with Zone Off Road 3" full leaf lift..great lift for the price.. That is the lift I went with the first time I lifted my 2000.
The only experience I've had with a 3" lift was rough country which I would not recommend. I've had a variety of 4.5" and 5.5" rubicon express parts and I've been very happy with rubicon express. I would feel comfortable recommending the rubicon express 3.5" super flex kit. A slip yoke eliminator kit with a front driveshaft from a Cherokee or grand Cherokee would work well. I have some good year MTR tires. They do very well in all situations. I've had bfg kos and bfg ko2s before and I prefer the good year MTR. They are just as quite as the BFGs (so far), they look good, and seem to be wearing well.
Zone is good for the 3" lift. For the tires, if you are going to be in the mud at all don't get AT tires because every one I have had or seen does terrible in the mud, the only exception being the Goodyear Duratrac they actually do pretty good in the mud. I run Mastercraft Courser MXTs on 2 of my Vehicles and they do good in the mud, sand, snow, rain, and dry pavement, and they aren't that loud for a MT tire.
Zone is good for the 3" lift. For the tires, if you are going to be in the mud at all don't get AT tires because every one I have had or seen does terrible in the mud, the only exception being the Goodyear Duratrac they actually do pretty good in the mud. I run Mastercraft Courser MXTs on 2 of my Vehicles and they do good in the mud, sand, snow, rain, and dry pavement, and they aren't that loud for a MT tire.
duratracs do good in mud because they arent all terrains. They are hybrids leaving farther on the mt side
Thanks for the responses guys....my eyes are crossed looking through the possibilities. I’ve worked on trucks for years but am NOT familiar with this XJ addiction my son has(yet). Haha! For simplicity purposes of buying a “complete” and reliable kit I am leaning towards the IRO 3” Premium Short Arm and BFG MT 31’s. I do have a mechanic at work that is going to help me and we have a full shop, although we aren’t an auto shop(utility company fleet shop) we have all lifts and tools, etc. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Personally I don't think BFG KM 2 do well at all in wet road conditions compared to the MTRs. They're a lot louder than the MTRs as well. Only thing when I looked up that IRO kit it looks like they use cheap white body shocks and add a leafs which both add up to a poor ride quality.
The problem with a 3" lift is that soon after he'll want more. I know cuz it happened with my daughter and I . The Rusty's 4 1/2 in kit is fairly complete and is what we are both running now . It is nominally more expensive, works great with 31's, and It comes with a transfer case drop kit that has worked well to keep vibes away on the Daughters. Mine has a hack and tap and works well too. Track bar is included but youll need to add the sway bar disconnects Also, you will need extended brake lines and should consider bar pin eliminators for the rear. ( youll know why when you go to remove the rear shocks. ) All in all , youll be around a grand plus tires.. Heres mine with 4 1/2 on 30's..
The RE 3.5 is a pretty complete kit. Only thing I added to mine was the tran case drop. I have 31's currently with Pro Comp MT's but its not a daily driver. I like the BFG's on my daily driver truck. I cant speak to the other lifts mentioned but agree get the full leafs not an add a leaf. BTW Rough Country has a easy fix if you have trouble with the rear shock bolts breaking. Course if you order it ahead of time you won't need it like me. lol https://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-xj...SABEgLFkvD_BwE
Last edited by Crash Often; Dec 16, 2018 at 02:51 PM.
Reason: Add Picture
The only thing about the Rusty's lift kits is the shipping cost is kills you.
Noticed that also. I was all set to get a Rusty's kit but the shipping was a joke. I have a 4 Wheel Parts store in town so getting the RE and saving the shipping was a no brainer for me. Shipping is for sure something to check on before deciding.
3" Lift and 31" "Mud Tire" Recommendations
