chrisquested

Speifications:
Year: 1997
Make: Jeep
Model: Cherokee
Motor: 4.0L straight 6
Transmission: Auto
Transfercase: Np231
Rear axle: Dana 30
Front axle: Chrystler 8 1/4

Information:
I am about to start a build but before i start to dump money into the jeep i would Like/Lover your guys/girls opinions.

First of i will be using this jeep for the following things.

Take to the beach. ( drive down the 4 wheel only beach and ride up and down the beach with the family.)

Trail ride. (going through the woods, crossing creeks, going over and around little rocks/boulders.)

Mudding. (going through the mud having fun.)

Very minimal rock crawling. ( i want to have enough flex to SHOW OFF a little to my buddys/friends with out having to dump 50k into the jeep)

Now what i am needing from you guys!

Is what is the best set up to run, what should i buy, where should i buy it?

I was wanting to do somthing like a 6.5 rough country lift and throw on all the ADD ON stuff like bumpers, whinch, tires, ect.....


This is what i am starting out with.

Derp

Is it your DD?

chrisquested

No it is not my DD i have a company truck now, but i am still wanting to drive it on/off road.

razor02097

A stock XJ with good tires will do all of those things except for showing off. If you want my opinion invest in some basics like a locker. If you are going to get into rocks then some armor like skid plates and rock sliders should also be on the list. If the limitations are there with what trails you venture...you will find them pretty fast. Investing in the right gear is better than getting a huge lift and monster tires but finding out you should have bought this or that...and now don't have the money in the budget to do so.

Keep in mind the higher you go the more problems you will have to sort out... Taller than 3" you should think about a slip yoke eliminator and an adjustable track bar. If you go for over 4.5" lift you also need to decide if you go for long arms or short arm. Many times with tall lifts people report death wobble and drivability issues so if you drive the XJ on the street keep in mind there might be some issue there...

As for the tires. The larger the tire the more strain on the drive train. Big tires will also cause a loss of available power so you might have to re gear which is another big chunk of cash.

Just remember A good driver and a great spotter can get through a rocky trail better than an expensive built Jeep and a novice behind the wheel.

chrisquested

6.5" long ARM lift with 33s

Slick761

5.5 long arm with 35s and some trimming will give you more show off ability. I just lowered mine from an ego boosting 7.5-8" down to 5.5. Next set of tires will be 35s. Nice set up.

chrisquested

Rough Country 6.5 inch long arm lift.
33/12.50/R15 bfg km2s
Roof rack with lights mounted to it.
front and rear bumper.
black steel wheels.

All while sticking with the stock axles and gears.

Gorillaxj

I love my 5.5" lift 35's. Its a great setup. I think your headed in a good direction. the RC stuff is good for the money but the joints do suck... I would recommend the long arms and FULL leaf packs, I would pick a lift and get It how i wanted it now. do it once. the ride quality is worth it alone in my opinion, makes long drives a lot more tolerable.

I would also push you to armor up even if you don't need sliders skids and bumpers are nice to have.

33's can fit with a 4.5" lift, and would give you a little more multi purpose height. but thats your best judgement for you...

I hated 33's with 3.55's, lost a TON of get up and go, felt like is was really over working my trans. Good luck! its fun no matter the plan/order.

chrisquested

Well i dont know if this matters but i have a cold air intake, 2.5 inch exhaust from the cat back with a glass pack, and a tranny cooler.



Probably in the late future i will get 4:10 gear with arb locker front and rear. but that will be in like a year.....

Gorillaxj

The above will help but not make up for it. the 3.55's where managable, just not great. It was hard to pass on the freeway or be at speed getting on the freeway(have short on ramps) If you regear I would go with 4.56's, but thats a debate for later

chrisquested

I wonder if a snorkel does anything as far as hp upgrade. Cause right now i got the spectre filter. I know i want to throw a 6.5 inch lift because i dont wanna wish later that i went bigger....

Plus in the very end this cherokee will be more of a off road only rigs.

Once i buy the new duramax or chevy 1500 z71 i will turn the cherokee into full blown off road rig.

odgreen

Snorkels add no hp.

chrisquested

Man i get so anoyed with my self and people around me.....


My jeep cherokee has a 3 inch rough country lift on it already as of right now.... i never put rims or tires or anything just the lift...

now i am already wanting to go with a bigger lift and 33s.....But what is the smart thing?

Add some 31/10.50/R15 km2s? OR

Add 6.5 long arm lift, 33/12.50/R15 km2s black rims ect.....

chrisquested

Ok so now i need to know if it is at all possible to fit 33/12.50/R15 bfg km2s tires on my jeep. Right now it has a 3 inch rough country lift.

I need to replace the tires now and i dont wanna buy 31s because i know i am going to for sure jump up to a 6.5inch long arm and 33s....


So what width rim and what back spacing do i need in order to fit these onto the jeep.

Converted96

at least a 15x8. BS im not sure. but I know you wont be running those 33's without a bit of trimming.