Back story on my XJ:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f8/xj-noob-tx-204664/

and story about the rip-off is below (post #30).

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/que...205310/index2/


This XJ came with a never installed, still in the boxes, RC 4.5" X Series lift. I like the added ride height, clearance, and appearance of a lift, but I've been debating with myself whether or not I should install it, for three reasons:

#1) It's a 2wd. I know the lift will still work...but...it's...still...2wd.
#2) This XJ will be my daily once it's roadworthy.
#3) 4.5" lift means 32s or 33s, which equals more $$$ for tires.

Because I'm already very upside down in this XJ, I want to spend AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE going forward.

At first, the plan was install the 4.5" lift, find a set of 17" steelies from Chrysler's LX platform (300, Magnum, Challenger, Charger) and buy a set of Kenda Klever MTs in 255/75r17 (32"). I thought I could locate a set of LX steelies for dirt cheap...wrong. Every junkyard I've been to (several) turns up nothing. I found a guy in the DFW area selling sets on CraigsList (he's probably the one snapping them all from the junkyards) for $300. Not expensive, but not dirt cheap, either.

So the second plan was to install the 4.5" lift, keep the stock (yuck) 15" aluminum wheels and buy a set of 32"s or 33"s. BUT, 15" 32"s/33"s that will fit a 7" wide rim equals more money AND the stock wheels will rub the LCA's after the lift. Not good.

So then I looked into getting a set of 15"x8" D Window steelies from Rough Country. They have them on sale now for $45/ea. But that's another $250+(every penny counts) and I'll still have to fork over more money for the 15" 32"s/33"s.

So now I'm wondering if I should just forgo the 4.5" lift all together (sell it) and go with a 3" lift, stock wheels, and some 31"s.

WWYDIMS?

Thanks.

 

4.5 and 31s is fine. Still rub LCAs at full lock but you get used to it. I sit 5.5fr/5r on 31 Guard Dogs and DD 90+ miles daily.

 

You rub because of stock backspacing and wider tires, lift has no effect on that.

 

you answered your own question... keep it stock, sell the lift and be less upside down.

if you are worried about money and being upside down you shouldn't be messing with the things to begin with in my opinion..

 

Thanks for clearing that up. I didnt know that. *s

The OP had stated using stock wheels and rubbing. It's obvious I have stock eccos.

 

I agree with this. Especially at 4.5" because you should be doing more to do it correctly. You should be able to get like $700 for the lift. Building and driving a lifted jeep is not a cheap proposition.

 

"#2) This XJ will be my daily once it's roadworthy."

My advice, get it to run, then leave it alone.

 

You can use spacers if you don't want new wheels, some bash them while others like me can't complain.

 

I've got a new RC 4.5 X-Series still in boxes in the garage waiting to go on. I planned on running 31's, as I've seen a number of photos of that combo and I think it looks fine.
I scored a brand new set of Firestone Destination AT's in 31x10.5 on Craigslist. A guy had bought a TJ at a dealer and the dealer had put new tires on it. The new TJ owner wanted mud tires and bought some Mastercrafts. I bought his brand new Destinations, and a brand new 31x10.5 spare to go with it, all on aluminum Canyon wheels, for $500.

I'll swap those tires to my Ravine wheels, and I run 1.25" spacers on those.

That being said, if this is your DD, you're tight on funds, and don't want to spend a bunch on tires, sell the lift. You could do what I currently have, which is 2" lift. This gives you a bit more height, but you can run 235/75-15's and they look fine. No need for a lot of expensive steering and suspension parts, and no need for a SYE or dropped t-case either. I used OME full springs in the back, and Daystar spacers in front. Rides great. It's my DD and I do a 30 mile round trip every day in DFW traffic.

Once again, here's what a 2" lift with 235/75-15's on factory 15x7 Ravine wheels looks like. The lift has been on for 3 years, so the springs are definitely settled in.



bumper 5




bumper 4

 

The lift and tires will make a noticeable drop in MPG, acceleration, and braking. If it's a 2WD daily driver, I say skip the pointless lift completely.

 

^ I fully agree and emphasize all of the above posts.

You could adjust the steering stops on knuckles to prevent rubbing. Add a washer behind the spot-welded washer on bolt.

Hub-centric / wheel-centric spacers for stock jeep wheels! The other benefit of hub-centric is there is more metal. Here is a comparison picture. 1" and 1.25" spacers are adequate. Spidertrax is the only brand that I am aware of that is heat-treated.

 

If you must put a lift and tires on it, consider Bushwhacker flat flares on 31"s. Done. It will look lifted and be lifted.