I've heard (without first hand experience) that it's good to about 4.5-5" of lift. After that, a ZJ Grand Cherokee front driveshaft will give about 2" more length. You should definitely look into that to confirm it, though, cause I'm not entirely sure about it

 

Roger. Just curious, as I am leaning towards the lower end of the lift spectrum.

 

Understandable. Let me give you this link to review:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/bud...herokee-58797/

 

Cool, thanks!

 

Bastard pack question:
I understand the standard practice is to reuse the XJ main leaf and swap in any combination of XJ and 2.5" wide donor leafs under it. Trim the ends off the longer leafs to fit under the XJ main, and drill out the center pin hole to fit a bolt through the pack. Easy.

XJ packs are 51.5" long across the main leaf surface, 23" from the front eye to the center pin and 28.5" from center pin to rear eye.

So here's the question:
If I were to use full S10 leaf packs, which are 54" (26x28), I feel like the increased arch (due to the ~4" lift) would partially offset the longer surface length of the leafs, resulting in only a 1-2" stretch to the rear. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on that. Following that, though, couldn't I just drill a new hole in the perch to re-center the axle? Then the only change would be longer leaf springs, which would go well with an extended shackle. Thoughts?

Of course this isn't based on any calculations. Just thinking

EDIT:
Found someone who did it. Full 3-leaf S10 pack without any XJ springs. He also used a longer leaf spring perch to allow him to move the axle 1" forward after the 2.5" stretch for a final result of 1.5" stretch.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/s.../#post11359371

 

The last car that I worked on before the XJ was my Dodge Stealth, in comparison working under the XJ is like working in a meeting hall

 

Can I fit 35s on 2.5 inches of lift?

 

Sure, if you don't mind hacking up you XJ with a sawzall.

 

Simple answer: No

Long answer: No

Even longer answer: Probably, but why??

 

Because I can.

This is what I am going for.

 

Looks good!

 

Thanks.
Im stretching the front and linking the rear and going lower.
Its at 2.5-3 inches of lift and I am going to rough country 3 inch coils (They sag and sit about 2.5 inches brand new on my rig.)

 

Keep us updated!

 

The link to my builds in the sig

 

Go for it Luke. I run 36's on 2.5" you got to mod your inner fender wells to do it right and still have decent flex. I mean there is not another way unless you go long arm and let it drop. In this picture it's shortened also. Which you dont need.