Basslicks

Don't use add-a-leaf. Either buy new leaf packs, or do the s10 or dakota leaf springs. You'll be much happier. And ditch those Extended shackles in lieu of dakota shackles.

Jimi Grillo

Im new to jeeps, and working on cars in general. I bought a 94 gen 2 cherokee 4.0L as my first project vehicle.

The previous owner has just put on a 5" lift all spring no block. the tires are 31x10.50R15LT, I believe the rims are stock.

My question is- how do I make the tires sit externally (farther out from the body)? Does anyone have a link or rim specs that would work? or do I need wider axles?

I would have posted pictures but it was telling me they were the wrong format.

EZEARL

You use aftermarket rims with less backspacing than OEM rims to set the tires out farther. Do you want to go out past the fenders? Or past the flares if you have them? This will help explain things:
http://www.autoanything.com/wheels-r...el-backspacing

blaube

After the new engine is finished being installed in my 93 XJ Sport w/ manual trans, I'm interested in a small lift and new rim and package. I don't off road, but interested in a smoother ride and better handling for Alaskan roads. Currently, everything on it is stock but I want to go with a bolder look. I did some reading on offset, back spacing and so forth...I don't want to deviate from factory specs too much. I understand that too much deviation can create additional wear and/or handling issues. I'm also not looking for top of the line nor WalMart quality either. Reliable mid grade products is all I need.
The lift kit I'm considering is 1.5" from Rough Country http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-sus...it-680-20.html
and wheels I'm hum-hawing on are
https://www.customwheeloffset.com/bu...haos-5-16x85-6

https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...ageSearch=true

Not sure which of these offsets are too much or if they're still with the tolerances of factory specs to avoid other issues.
How big of a tire can I go with now?
Any opinions or education anyone would like to offer?

blaube

After I posted the message, I found more answers to my questions and a few Jeeps that's close to the look I'm after.

https://www.customwheeloffset.com/wh...nd-stock-stock

or

https://www.customwheeloffset.com/wh...e-leveling-kit

It looks like I will be looking for an offset closer to -40ish. With this kind of offset, would I be wearing out any of the other suspension or steering components faster? If so, what can I do to minimize that?

EZEARL

Here is a good link on the proper way to lift an XJ. If done right with quality parts you should have no handling issues and a minimum increase in wear.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/nk...-chart-211878/

That being said you won't get much in the way of support for Rough Country lift kits here. No first hand experience myself but from those who have they say the quality just isn't there. Not sure if there is a complete 1.5"-2" quality kit available or not. Most start at 3". But you can duplicate the "Upcountry" package that was offered as an option from the factory which will provide a 1-1.5" lift over stock.

As far as your rims go your in the ballpark backspace wise. OEM rims are 5.25"BS. Due to our vehicle inspection laws in WV tires must not extend outside the body. I'll be running 15x7" rims with 4.25"BS. That should put me even with the flares. So your tires would be under the flares more than mine. Tire wise with 1.5" lift and either the 4.92" or 4.51"BS you'd be good with a 30" tire.

blaube

Thank you for the prompt and honest reply, EZEARL. I'm looking for the 2" lift mainly because I didn't want to spend too much time with the additional work to make it happen beyond 2". But, the more I read about Jeep stuff and learn about the tons of DIY options available, I may end up doing it anyway. For now, I'll start with the budget lift. Still, I do need to replace everything underneath eventually. My Jeep tends to do a 360 while cruising down the road at 30 mph uncontrollably for no reason in the winter and I think it's because the suspension is old and worn.
Thanks for your input on the wheels. I wasn't looking to go much beyond 30" tires anyway.
If we have the same tire laws here in Alaska, no one inforces it. If I don't decide to put on aftermarket flares, I'm probably going to toss the ones on there and cut the fenders like I've seen others do.
For now, I'm going to take it easy on the mods. I'm trying to put tons of money away for retirement and I have my sights on a kick *** AR-15 at a local gun store. Can't wait!
While I'm thinking about it, I saw a picture on Pintrest where the owner put bucket seats in the rear of his XJ. Anyone know of where I can buy a conversion kit to do that? If I must, I can have my son help me weld a frame together and bolt some bucket seats to it.

CR-Snow

Hey just wondering what size wheel adapter you guys are running on the stock JK 5 spoke wheels to get a good offset happening. I found a set for cheap with brand new 32" radials on them. My jeep sees mostly pavement and I just got new mud tires, so I'm thinking about running the JK wheels with street tires, then swapping the mud tires in for wheeling trips.

Is a 2" adapter too much?

BenMT

is there any difference / preference between the s-10 vs. the dakota springs? Any idea how many of them I will need to gain 1.5 -2" or so?
Thanks

NewKindOfClown

JK wheels have 6.25" BS.
Factory XJ wheels have 5.25" BS.
Most folks run 3.5-4" BS.

JK wheels with a 2" spacer would have 4.25" BS. That's 1" farther out at each wheel than stock XJ wheels, for a 2" overall increase in track width

CR-Snow

much appreciated Clown

Basslicks

Just depends on which pack you grab. As far as which leafs to go with, you're just going to have to experiment. Look up a build called "Project Danger Cart" on this forum. He used a combo of leafs from the XJ and the S10 leafs. You HAVE to use your XJ main leaf though. The main leafs of the s10, durango, and dakota are too long.


Click for full res

ButtStripe

I want to get my rear suspension dialed in at 3.5" lift to match my front. Right now I have old leaf springs with helper springs that make it look like Tiny Tim. I want to replace my leaf springs, but from what I see the 3.5" springs from pretty much any company will give me about 4" and above.

Has anyone achieved this size lift and if so what was/is your set up? Would it be best to buy 3.5" springs and remove a leaf or two or buy new stock springs and AAL or shackles etc. Thanks!

5-Speed

Here is my setup and its sitting at 4" and I can still move the shackle to get to 3.5" if I wanted. I can also adjust it to go to 4.5".

- RE 3.5" leafs with the second leaf from the bottom removed
- Core 4x4 adjustable shackles
- HD Offroad no lift shackle relocation boxes

Basslicks

Sup Brendan!!!

Might be best/easiest for you to get a set of s10 or dakota leafs from the junk yard and make a bastard pack. Cut the eyes off the truck packs and reuse your XJ's main leaf. Play around with different combos until you get it dialed in where you want it.