Originally Posted by ohio95xj

Well that's simple, look at yours and see if there are tow hooks
but i'm almost positive you don't have any

Originally Posted by Atmos

I've seen a stock front skid plate with hooks on it. by no means is it something I would trust for a good recovery point




anyway here's how I would build a jeep on the cheap

8.8 rear axle, 31 spline, factory limited slip, 4.10 gears
ruffstuff swap kit $130
D30 front axle from a 4cyl xj - 4.10 gears
297x (ABS) axle shafts - load them with spicer 760 ujoints and full circle clips $90
"junkyard" brake lines (dodge dakota brand new at o'reilly or whatever model)
zj coils and 2" coil spacers
stock rear leafs, inboarded under the frame rails with ruffstuff brackets/shackles with DIY military wrap (not very road friendly be careful!)
shocks off craigslist or bilsteins
zj tie rod, durango gear box, JCR spacer

here's where you spend your money-
rubicon double shear bracket & track bar
serious offroad long arms
rock sliders
33X12.5" meats, deep offset rims
aussie locker front
frame stiffeners

^^bangin a$$ cherokee for relatively cheap

Originally Posted by EvstaG

Some of what you said in here is very relative to other factors. You will also notice a big difference with stock tires going from 3.55 to 4.10 gears, and I would say that the MPG loss would depend on the type of driving (obviously having 4.10's would make the Jeep more "drivable", but IMHO I don't think its worth it to regear if just going to 31's. If you plan to go bigger, definitely consider it.

To the OP, if it was my Jeep and I was 18 on a limited budget and trying to lift it, I would focus on doing it right and well, rather then seeing how high I can get it with the $ in my wallet. As said before, the amount of money you need to spend as you increase your suspension height is is pretty much exponential.

As well, terrain can influence your priorities for spending money on the Jeep. For some Jeepers, the limiting factor of their Jeep might usually be the open differential, but for many others the lack of ground clearance, or even lack of power, depending on what you're into. Finally, always keep in mind that when you lift a Jeep, you still have to maintain it and repair it, and possibly even more than when it was stock (increased stress on joints and other components, etc)

Originally Posted by darksidexj

No it is not ridiculous and I stated why in my post, what is ridiculous is stock gear and 33's. Yes you CAN but just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. 31's and stock 3.55's are doable but going to 4.10's will make a very noticeable difference. The amount of welding is very nominal and if he can't weld dang near everyone knows someone who does. The you can get an 8.8 for the same price if not cheaper than just the cost of a set of gears and bearings, not including labor if you have to pay someone to install them. The 8.8 swap is the best bang for your buck.

edit: not to mention the OP would see less MPG loss with 4.10's and 31's than with the stock 3.55's and 31's.

Originally Posted by Nitrojunkie1029

Yeah. Im going to wait and save some money for a lift and wheels and tires so i can put them on at the same time. I dont need anything extreme. I live in PA about 15 mins outside philly. The closest legal place to wheel near me is rausch creek and me and some buddies are goin friday and saturday and ive been told i will be fine with a stock cherokee on the green trails so i might just put a locker in the front and better tires and that may be it for a while

Originally Posted by Atmos

I'll give you a free tie rod and a rotor if you're in the sacramento area lol

Originally Posted by Miceanic

Wait til you are on the trails, I tend to ignore the signs stating what the trail is rated. Kind of just look and if it looks fun/challenging I go for it. Of you do manage to stick to the greens then you will be fine but eventually the bug is gonna get ya and you will venture down a blue our two.

Originally Posted by gyver

OK, OK stupid me sorry for the dumb question but I'm still getting used to all the ways to post info here. clicked on the links on one of your posts and walla my question was answered.'

does anyone know the torque and hp specs of the 4.0? I'm trying to figure out what gear ratio I want with 31" tires. 4.10 would get me close but i'm thinking that 4.56 would get me right at the peak torque in overdrive at 65mph.