troutmadness

Hey everyone.
I have been looking into a leveling kit for my 2001 Cherokee. I'm fairly new to modifying Jeeps but I wanted to know if anyone here has gone that route and what your recommendations for kits might be.

Thanks!

jedijeb

If the rear is low and you just want to level it up to stock height, it is probably just that the rear leaf springs are worn out and need to be replaced. Stock height springs can be found by Dorman or Crown at many 4x4 parts shops and I think RockAuto.com Also General Spring in Kansas City makes them and has them online as well. To replace you will also need new bushings and U-Bolts. The U-Bolts are specific to the axle since there are two different axle tube widths. Otherwise there are not many parts involved.

Chief1011

Martlor13

at nearly 7 inches of lift, uhhhh yes an sye is necessary.

jedijeb

Not just the angle you have to worry about, the DS will be too short also and pull the slip yoke too far out of the transfer case. You wouldn't want to be going down the highway, lose the yoke, and pole vault the vehicle.

Outlaw Star

Welcome fellow brother. If cost is an issue, I suggest a 2" Budget boost with some 235/75r15's

If you have a little more, than a 3" with some basic 31x10.50r15's will be fine. 31's fit and are not any more than 30x9.50's. You also don't always need a tcase drop. Some do, some don't, but those are cheap as well.

Any more questions, the folks here will be glad to help you out or browse the other sections for upgrade & repair info.

4x4jeepmanthing

this might be a dumb question, but is it safe to drive my jeep with one Upper control arm removed?

im going to replace some bushings and should something go wrong while doing one at a time, i wanted to know if its still driveable with one arm off.

it shouldn't be any different than a 3 link right?

coreyt

hello everyone, Ive been driving the same darn cherokee for about 15 years and 250,000 miles. it has countless modifications, some good some bad. most things you could break on that car i've broken and replaced several times by now. one thing that hasn't been fully replaced yet is the rear leaf springs although i've added several leafs over the years. its sitting on a 3" rough country lift, and just my 2 cents worth its been a pretty good kit. i beat on my car hard in addition to being a daily driver, its worked well and lasted around 7 years. anyway its time to do the rear springs, shocks, sway bar links and it seems its more economical to do a whole new lift which would include upper and lower control arms etc. here are my questions, whats your favorite brand for a lift? best for the money? anyone gone from a 3' to a 4.5'? did it add any bugs to the system? i was told when i did the 3" i didnt need to do a transfer case drop but i had some vibrations so i went ahead and dropped it 1" i think. anything else necessary from a driveline standpoint? i'm looking to spend around 1,000.
thanks,

jedijeb

oops

jedijeb

Top of this page and in the stickies, pretty much what you need to know to get started and to finish. Last few pages list some recommended lift kits and companies and ones to avoid.

arh

Fellow Cherokee lovers. I have a 2001 XJ Sport. First owner, love it. It was my Wife's daily driver. I've done most of the maintenance work on it over the years, I find that sort of stuff enjoyable. Upgraded my Wife to a shiny new vehicle and took the XJ for myself. I got the better deal. I've been looking to do some suspension upgrading to it. Here is my criteria:

- Plan on keeping this vehicle the next 20 or 30 years - it's clean
- Daily driver, up to 90mph on highways at least twice a week
- Willing to pay more for quality parts - I understand you get what you pay for - quality over quantity is my mindset
- Looking to gain some clearance and increased tire size for light trail and overland use, without sacrificing handling even at highway speeds - no more than 3", based on what I had been reading
- I am an avid hiker and explorer, not really looking to do 4 wheeling or rock climbing. No plans to do so or enter any contests.
- The load in the rear would be perhaps another 100 pounds or so of gear
- Looking to add a roof rack for other hiking gear
- Want to place a rear tire carrier for the spare
- If modifications cannot be done without reducing ride and handling quality, or will shorten the life of the vehicle, then I'd rather pass

Being the suspension, and me not being an engineer or expert, I went to a reputable shop for their expertise and years of doing this work. I explained my requirements and explained I needed advice on how to achieve what I was looking for. I did research. However, the information out there is all over the place. I went with what the shop suggested. This is what was suggested: 31" Tires with a Rough Country Premium N3 3" lift and long control arm upgrade. I went over my requirements again to confirm and we scheduled the work to be done. I was told that the ride and handling quality would be excellent, better than stock. I asked again, even at highway speeds? I was assured that would be the case.

I've had it in and out of the same shop a few times since. The ride is not better than stock, it's more than squirrelly. At first the alignment was a mess and there was some decent bump steer. There was explanation about the crown in the road and not holding the wheel too tight. After bringing it back again, it was determined that the new dropped pitman arm was messing with the geometry, so a stock arm was placed back on. The bump steer is better. However, it still rides like crap. It handles like the toe is out. There is a groaning from the suspension for the first 50 yards or so. Dangerous on the highway. Just waiting for the wobble.

So, it happens. It used to handle and ride tight and precise. Sounds like I allowed poor quality components to be installed on my XJ. Ok, need to correct things. Allot of what I have read indicates that RC is a crap lift. Not in line with when I said I'd rather pay more for higher quality. With the new 31" tires, 3" lift is about where I'll need to be. Any guidance from the wise and already been there of the group?

Transfer case has been dropped
SYE/CV Driveshaft done
OME steering stabilizer in place

I'm considering BDS or OME. OME sounds right about where I wanted to be. However, it appears somewhat elusive compared to BDS. Open to the suggestions and experience.

00XjDave

Hi yall, just picked up 2000 Sport that I plan to lift 4.5 inches and fit 33s. My question is will I need wheel spacers? It'll be 33x12.50R15 the rims will 15x8 with 3.75 of backspacing. Thanks!

NewKindOfClown

No need for spacers (and I don't recommend them with that much BS on the wheels), but I recommend tubular Lower Control Arms to minimize the negative effects of your tires rubbing them on sharp turns

Basslicks

x2

lilsLb88

Has anyone ran the Iron Rock Offroad Critical Path 5.5in long arm kit? Curious to hear peoples thoughts.