A 3" lift with 31s would be perfect for you

x2 on that

Thanks guys, any recommendation on a good 3" lift.

Either build your own and get all the bits and pieces you want, or depending on budget is definitely recommend rubicon express. Stay away from rough country, but zone has been said to be a good budget kit.

X2 - as for Zone, they are built by BDS suspension so, while not an all-inclusive kit, at least the parts you are getting are good quality and warrantied by a company with a good reputation.

x3 on Zone. My 4.5 has been awesome and is quite smooth under load. Remember aftermarket leafs will be more trucky than oem. Here are parts youll need when youre looking for lifts

That is supper helpful, thanks a lot. I looked at those Zone lifts and I like what I saw there. Not stupendously expensive either. I just sold my old truck which was a 95 Tahoe that I lifted 6" and that was a pretty penny to do. As far as the "trucky" ride I grew up in SA trucks I'd rather have that kinda ride knowing that it will preform well vs a smooth ride IE IFS type and know that it won't do as well. I plan on building this truck slowly as I'm always on the road. I am aiming for a a solid truck that will just plain ol' work

Fairly new XJ owner here. Got a 2000 limited last year with 80,000 miles on it. Its in great condition.

I know what 3" lift i want. Mostly a mixture of parts but i can't afford it all at once. My leafs are flat and i would like to get 31" tires on it asap. So i know i'm going to need leafs. What is the bare minimum i will need to get it level in the front and road worthy for DD? Mainly, will i be able to go without shocks, trackbar, and control arms for awhile?

I dont know the measurements for stock shocks but i know they dont extend enough for 3in lifts. If you put front springs and rear leafs with shocks all around you will be lifted....your axle will be off center and off camber and alignment will be dead...you'll probably have driveline vibes too...but she'll roll.

I would save money and do it the right way the first time. You can fit 31s on a stock suspension but youll need to get longer bumpstops.

^^^Agreed. Just take your time purchasing parts, and lift it once you have everything. Until then, just keep up on maintenance, and any repairs.

Sounds like your most worried about getting 31's under there. Trim the fenders and you can fit them stock no problem.

I thought about doing this but i'm worried trimming wouldn't help with the leafs sagging. I haven't had time to get to a junkyard but when i do get some time i'll probably get a bastard pack just to get rid of my flat leafs. At least until i can afford the parts i want.

Thank for the input guys.

I just put the Zone kit with the full leafs in, seemed like nice quality and it rides better than stock.

Delete post. Forgot to quote OP

To fix the sagging leafs until you can replace them just pick up some Gabriel Air Shocks for the back. They are inexpensive and will level it out until you put on the lift. There is a thread on them here

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/gab...0/#post3380551

Okay I have a question about a lift for my daily driver...it is a 2 wheel drive. I have looked at my other XJ to see if I can tell 100% but I can't.
I want to lift my DD but all the lifts I look for 2 wheel are just small crappy lifts.
Can anyone tell me if they are or are not different? I don't want to get in a spot where I have to return a heavy lift and pay freight again...