Bought an XJ how can I measure the lift it has?
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 17
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From: Upstate New York
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So a few months ago I bought a 1996 xj, the guy said it has a 4.5 inch lift on it. I looked up and read a few ways was to check the ride height. So far I have measured from the front axle tube to the uni body frame and that came out to be a little over 12 inches. then I measured from the front center hub the the bottom of the fender which is NOT trimmed and I got 23in and stock I heard was 17 inches. So from what I can tell its like a 6 inch lift, If anyone has another way that I can tell for sure I would love to know. THANKS FOR ANY HELP!!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 17
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From: Upstate New York
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0

Here's a picture of it sitting next to a 1992 xj. Mine has 31's on it but plan on going bigger once I get the money, well i plan on doing a lot more when I get money. So from what I can tell its more closer to a 5-6 inch lift?Last edited by 518Cherokee; Apr 3, 2011 at 02:40 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 504
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From: Forest Grove, OR
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Inline 6, 4.ol
Dont forget that the larger tires add more left also. Split between the top and bottom of the tire. As in a stock cherokee tire is about a 29, so if you go to a 33 which adds 4 inches, it will add 2 inches of overall lift, which would be right about what you have now, let me guess, you have 33's? And your picture did not work for me, not sure about the others.
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CF Veteran
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,626
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From: Maryville Tennessee
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
You can measure from the top of the rear axle tube to the bottom of the unibody rail,stock is 6''.Up front from the top of the axle tube to the unibody is average 6.75'' So 9'' from the top of the rear axle tube to the uni body rail would be 3'' of lift for example.So Yours should measure 10 1/2" from axle tube to uni body rail in the back if its a 4.5'' lift
Last edited by Skunkape; Apr 3, 2011 at 06:08 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,626
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From: Maryville Tennessee
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
@ SKUNKAPE, looks like I'm going back under to measure the rear tube to frame. thanks for the info everyone. I'll let you guys know what the end result is tomorrow.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 770
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From: VA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4L, 6 cylinder, 190 hp, 225 ft lp torque
My stock XJ measures front from uncut trim to center hub F-18 5/8ths inch, R-18 1/2 inchs. Sounds like there can be a little difference in stock setups.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,626
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From: Maryville Tennessee
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
Yep, Up Country packages are taller.Here is a diagram so you can see the specs for a regular ol XJ.
Last edited by Skunkape; Apr 3, 2011 at 08:10 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 1
From: Maryville Tennessee
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L
I know I said the same thing, its right out of the manual though and the numbers are right.Probably is a Mj pic..http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=912893
Last edited by Skunkape; Apr 3, 2011 at 08:45 PM.


