Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Wheels and Tires
- Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 1993 to 1998 Tires General Information and Specs
Important information to help you understand your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Browse all: Wheels and Tires
All Lift & Tire questions go here!!!
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: St. Albert
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
I just bought a used XJ that had a LOT of problems and have slowly taken care of them. It has a very basic 2 inch lift. Blocks in the rear and coil spacers in the front. It also has/had bad wheel hubs/bearings on BOTH sides of the front. Is it possible the 2" spacers led to this or is it just a coincedence? I'd hate to replace the hubs just to have them go bad again soon but kind of want to keep the 2" of lift
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Quakertown, Pa
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 1,964
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Year: 1994 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks for input guys. I'm in the truck parts business so can get most of those brands at our cost plus 10%
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico (US)
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L straight six
okay guys I need some help and input form the pros... im running a 3 inch zone kit AAL and coils with a t case drop, want to jump to 4 inches with spacers ad shackles and need a list of things I need. will I NEED a SYE or can I pass with the t case drop. I know I need lcas ucas and drop pitman as well as trac and brake extensions but will my same shocks work and what else will I NEED for the jump? im only planning on running my 31. 10.5s not bigger until later so, thanks guys.
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: St. Albert
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
okay guys I need some help and input form the pros... im running a 3 inch zone kit AAL and coils with a t case drop, want to jump to 4 inches with spacers ad shackles and need a list of things I need. will I NEED a SYE or can I pass with the t case drop. I know I need lcas ucas and drop pitman as well as trac and brake extensions but will my same shocks work and what else will I NEED for the jump? im only planning on running my 31. 10.5s not bigger until later so, thanks guys.
For the SYE, depends on the XJ. For some, the TC drop will suffice- but regardless, at 4" it should be a priority no matter if the TC drop does the trick or not.
You may not NEED upper control arms, but it isn't a bad idea, if not to get an ideal set-up now, but to also accommodate for the future. Lower control arms for sure, adjustable recommended. Then you can dial in your caster and pinion angle properly.
The key with the steering is that your track bar and drag link are parallel. Don't get a drop pitman arm unless you are also getting a drop track bar bracket. And for the track bar, get a double shear bar, much sturdier.
Brake line extensions will certainly also be necessary, I used all three soft lines from a YJ. Works great, and is on the cheap. Obviously stainless extended braided lines are going to be ideal.
For your shocks, yes you can use the same ones. Get some bar pin eliminators, that will compress the shock about an inch (some BPE's are designed specifically to be longer to act as a spacer as well as a BPE) which will leave you with a similar shock set-up as your 3" lift. The downside to these is that your shocks will have less travel than a full-length shock. But yes, you can use the same ones. Measuring how much extension/compression you have when your vehicle is sitting can often be a good indicator about which route you need to take with shocks.
Finally, don't expect much in terms of ride quality or longevity with the AAL and shackle set-up. Do realize that you will likely have to cave and buy a full leaf pack sooner or later.
Evan.
97 XJ Bone stock
Getting a 97 XJ, it's bone stock, and needs shocks replaced, so I figured I'd go ahead and lift while i'm at it / getting new tires. Lift budget is roughly 400-450 at the most, what route should I take with this? Wanting the best height for the money.
So far, I'm aiming for this, but I'm open to suggestions entirely.
Lift: RC 3" ful leafs pack
Wheels: Cragar Soft 8's, 8 in. wide/ 4 in. backspacing
Tires: Treadwright Guard Dog M/T 31x10.50x15
So far, I'm aiming for this, but I'm open to suggestions entirely.
Lift: RC 3" ful leafs pack
Wheels: Cragar Soft 8's, 8 in. wide/ 4 in. backspacing
Tires: Treadwright Guard Dog M/T 31x10.50x15
Last edited by VFQuake; 02-24-2014 at 02:17 AM.
4.5" RC List and 33" Tires
Hello everyone,
I wanted to bring something up that I did not come across prior to installing my lift and wheels.
First off, I have a 4.5" RC lift. I have some "dirt" cheap 33" tires.
My 33" Tires do not fit under my 4.5" lift. I have done some trimming. To really make sure that my wheels clear I would have to trim a ton. Is that normally the case?
After a weekend of wheeling and ripping off a stock fender flare, I had to purchase a set of bushwacker flat style flares.
Has anyone ran into any problems installing those fender flares?
I wanted to bring something up that I did not come across prior to installing my lift and wheels.
First off, I have a 4.5" RC lift. I have some "dirt" cheap 33" tires.
My 33" Tires do not fit under my 4.5" lift. I have done some trimming. To really make sure that my wheels clear I would have to trim a ton. Is that normally the case?
After a weekend of wheeling and ripping off a stock fender flare, I had to purchase a set of bushwacker flat style flares.
Has anyone ran into any problems installing those fender flares?
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: 802
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Getting a 97 XJ, it's bone stock, and needs shocks replaced, so I figured I'd go ahead and lift while i'm at it / getting new tires. Lift budget is roughly 400-450 at the most, what route should I take with this? Wanting the best height for the money.
So far, I'm aiming for this, but I'm open to suggestions entirely.
Lift: RC 3" ful leafs pack
So far, I'm aiming for this, but I'm open to suggestions entirely.
Lift: RC 3" ful leafs pack
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Frederick, MD
Posts: 10,447
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
well, this kit is already over your budget and the opinions are always pretty back and forth on quality. RC was known for their leaf packs being too short, but i think thats been corrected. either way, id say wait and save. you'll be happier in the end. you can part together a really nice lift for a few hundred more. or go all out and get a long arm kit..
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
My RC 4.5 leafs were the right length for my rig, but they were super wonky tall until in threw my jcr rear bumper with tire carrier on. Now the leafs sit perfectly and I still have about 4.6 inches of lift after 5 months. My guess is that's why they have the extra arch.
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: California
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Hello everyone,
I wanted to bring something up that I did not come across prior to installing my lift and wheels.
First off, I have a 4.5" RC lift. I have some "dirt" cheap 33" tires.
My 33" Tires do not fit under my 4.5" lift. I have done some trimming. To really make sure that my wheels clear I would have to trim a ton. Is that normally the case?
After a weekend of wheeling and ripping off a stock fender flare, I had to purchase a set of bushwacker flat style flares.
Has anyone ran into any problems installing those fender flares?
I wanted to bring something up that I did not come across prior to installing my lift and wheels.
First off, I have a 4.5" RC lift. I have some "dirt" cheap 33" tires.
My 33" Tires do not fit under my 4.5" lift. I have done some trimming. To really make sure that my wheels clear I would have to trim a ton. Is that normally the case?
After a weekend of wheeling and ripping off a stock fender flare, I had to purchase a set of bushwacker flat style flares.
Has anyone ran into any problems installing those fender flares?
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico (US)
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L straight six
Need is fairly subjective. Can you slap 'er on there an just go? Probably. Should you want to do the job right? Definitely.
For the SYE, depends on the XJ. For some, the TC drop will suffice- but regardless, at 4" it should be a priority no matter if the TC drop does the trick or not.
You may not NEED upper control arms, but it isn't a bad idea, if not to get an ideal set-up now, but to also accommodate for the future. Lower control arms for sure, adjustable recommended. Then you can dial in your caster and pinion angle properly.
The key with the steering is that your track bar and drag link are parallel. Don't get a drop pitman arm unless you are also getting a drop track bar bracket. And for the track bar, get a double shear bar, much sturdier.
Brake line extensions will certainly also be necessary, I used all three soft lines from a YJ. Works great, and is on the cheap. Obviously stainless extended braided lines are going to be ideal.
For your shocks, yes you can use the same ones. Get some bar pin eliminators, that will compress the shock about an inch (some BPE's are designed specifically to be longer to act as a spacer as well as a BPE) which will leave you with a similar shock set-up as your 3" lift. The downside to these is that your shocks will have less travel than a full-length shock. But yes, you can use the same ones. Measuring how much extension/compression you have when your vehicle is sitting can often be a good indicator about which route you need to take with shocks.
Finally, don't expect much in terms of ride quality or longevity with the AAL and shackle set-up. Do realize that you will likely have to cave and buy a full leaf pack sooner or later.
Evan.
For the SYE, depends on the XJ. For some, the TC drop will suffice- but regardless, at 4" it should be a priority no matter if the TC drop does the trick or not.
You may not NEED upper control arms, but it isn't a bad idea, if not to get an ideal set-up now, but to also accommodate for the future. Lower control arms for sure, adjustable recommended. Then you can dial in your caster and pinion angle properly.
The key with the steering is that your track bar and drag link are parallel. Don't get a drop pitman arm unless you are also getting a drop track bar bracket. And for the track bar, get a double shear bar, much sturdier.
Brake line extensions will certainly also be necessary, I used all three soft lines from a YJ. Works great, and is on the cheap. Obviously stainless extended braided lines are going to be ideal.
For your shocks, yes you can use the same ones. Get some bar pin eliminators, that will compress the shock about an inch (some BPE's are designed specifically to be longer to act as a spacer as well as a BPE) which will leave you with a similar shock set-up as your 3" lift. The downside to these is that your shocks will have less travel than a full-length shock. But yes, you can use the same ones. Measuring how much extension/compression you have when your vehicle is sitting can often be a good indicator about which route you need to take with shocks.
Finally, don't expect much in terms of ride quality or longevity with the AAL and shackle set-up. Do realize that you will likely have to cave and buy a full leaf pack sooner or later.
Evan.
Thanks for the help!
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Frederick, MD
Posts: 10,447
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
My RC 4.5 leafs were the right length for my rig, but they were super wonky tall until in threw my jcr rear bumper with tire carrier on. Now the leafs sit perfectly and I still have about 4.6 inches of lift after 5 months. My guess is that's why they have the extra arch.
well, this kit is already over your budget and the opinions are always pretty back and forth on quality. RC was known for their leaf packs being too short, but i think thats been corrected. either way, id say wait and save. you'll be happier in the end. you can part together a really nice lift for a few hundred more. or go all out and get a long arm kit..
Moderator of Jeeps
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Frederick, MD from Cleveland, OH
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler
Engine: 4.0 I6