Three days ago I bought an XJ and I'm still trying to figure a few things out. Based on what I've read on CF and a few other forums I'm making a guess about the lift height of my XJ. Please correct me if I'm wrong...I'm here to learn.

The XJ is a '97 4x4 with an apparent small lift.
I measured the distance from the center of the wheel hub to the lowest outside edge of the fender flare and got 20". According to what I've read, the stock distance should be 17". The tires are P265/70 R16 which has a diameter 2.32 inches greater than the stock P225/75 R15. Only half of that counts against the measurement from hub to fender flare so I just called it one inch. So the math that I end up with is 20 - 1 - 17 = 2 inches.

I've heard the stock control arms described as "boxy or square" but mine appear to be round.


Based on this I'm assuming a 2 inch lift. Have I got it right so far?

 

sounds like a 3 inch lift. you wouldn't subtract the tire from that distance. also, you're running 31s without trimming, which takes a 3" lift.

 

the arms look like rubicon express stuff, i would say its probably a 3" lift. the tire wouldn't factor into this equation. if you were measuring from ground to unit-body or wherever, than you would subtract half the height of the tire.

 

looke like 3.5" to me but
copare and contrast
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/xj...up-thread-260/

 

thanks guys. i figured i'd get something wrong in all of this. it handles pretty good compared to my YJ. The XJ does not have nearly as much bounce steering but it makes more noises than the YJ did...or I can just hear them better since I don't have the wind noise. I'm not at all happy with the tires. I like 'em a little fatter and standing off just a little more. My next purchase will most likely be wheels and rubber...that's why I was trying to figure the lift.

again. thanks.

 

31x10.50x15 for tire size. or 12.50 wide if you want a little more tread on the ground

 

I definitely like the wider tires but I'm having a little trouble finding a 31x12.50x15 tire. I'm checking 4wheelparts and discount tire cuz they're my favorite tire stores. I guess I'm just looking in the wrong place.

i'll need to research how backspace and wider tires fit with my current setup because the lift will stay as-is for the time being. Most of the time this jeep will be on the beach but I also like doing some trail riding...nothing extreme.

Anyway, I've got some time to study because it will take me a couple of months to save up for the rubber and wheels.

again, thanks for the input.

 

I believe ProComp makes two tires (AT & MT) in 31x12.50 and also Interco (Super Swamper) makes a few...??? Check out their websites and see.

 

yeah man, no problem. if your beaching it, definitely go wider. my 1250's perform flawlessly in the sand at about 15 PSI.