31 inch tires and stock suspension
 

hey guys.

before anything I tried searching about this before posting but everything related to 31 inch tires is also related to lifted XJ's.

a few days ago a bought mi first Cherokee XJ, it's a 1995. it already has 31 inch tires, on a multispoke(bbs style) cherokee wheels, that the previous owner installed, but is has the stock suspension. plans were to lift it since it rubs a lot while doing a full turn, but since I keep finding things that need replacing or repairing, it's getting way above budget.

questions are,
is it safe to keep the 31's and take it off-road? (nothing extreme)
wheel spacers would help to stop the rubbing?

thanks in advance

Wheel spacer might help.. Adjusting the steering stops will help with the LCA rub. Shaving a little plastic off inside/bottom edges of the flares will also help. You won't even be able to tell the flares were trimmed if you do it right. Insert 1 or 2 HOCKEY pucks inside the front springs... They will act as extended bump stop, preventing the tires from hitting the top of the wheel well. Slip a piece of 2x4 under the rear bump stops.

You didn't say if you were trying to avoid fender trimming, but that would solve a lot of your problems. Some reduced backspacing via the wheel spacers would do some good, too. That being said, stock suspension and 31's can be very capable. I have been extremely impressed by what I have been able to do with mine.

thanks for the input. :cheers:
I'm trying to avoid trimming the fenders since it has the original fenders flares and they are in good condition.

the actual suspension is shot so I'm thinking about going above budget and just get a good 3 inch lift instead of replacing it for a new stock suspension.

btw. will it still rub while doing a full turn with the 3 inch lift?

here's a pic

Attachment 325961

It may because of the wheels but the lift is an excellent idea for sure. DON'T get an add a leaf if can afford not to get full spring pack lift.

31" tires will rub the control arm at full lock, period. Steering stop adj, Wheel spacers, offset rims and or aftermarket LCAs will help. Flare rub depend on the lift and other factor. The Flare triming you would need for the 31 tire, can be done so that you can not tell they were trimmed. Unless you look from UNDERNEATH. Also instead of trimming the flares, you could just remount them 1" or so higher on the body. Then trim/fold the sheet metal underneath.

add a leaf are really that bad?
i'm definitely getting a 3'' RC lift kit since my neighbors shop has them in stock.

I run an add a leaf, just over 6mo so far and no sagging. but the only reason I went aal was because my leafs were pretty new, and I know they be getting replaced with coils soon