BLXJ

I recently purchased a 1999 XJ with 100k miles. Within the next week I plan on installing a 3" lift, I am having tough decision choosing between Rough Country or Zone Offroad. I have been using the "SEARCH" button a ton and get conflicting information about the negatives to lifting such as Death Wobble and Vibrations. Do these issues potential arrive with all lifts or just the bigger kits? My wife uses the vehicle occasionally with my daughter so having an unsafe truck is not an option. Please advise.

rockeyallen

Cannot comment about the lift but I have a 97 xj 4.0 auto with 176,xxx bone stock with horrible death wobble at times. So I don't think it's just a lifted problem, possibly trackbar swaybar or generally screwed components compile the DW issues. Maybe even tires but I have new mastercraft courser at2 225/75/15 all around (did get better with new rubber but not fixed)

Just my 2 cents

dz1087

Death wobble comes from worn out parts, typically bushings and tierod ends. Make sure the track bar bushings are good and that both ends are tight. Lift height should not matter.

RShrimp

If done correctly a 3 - 4 inch lift will not cause any drivability issues.
We can discuss what "done correctly" means all day but generally it means:
Adjustable track bar.
Adjustable lower arms.
Rear leaf springs. (not AAL's)
New shocks and steering stabilizer.
No worn out parts in front end.
A quality front end alignment.

jeepin4fun97

I have a 97 xj with a 3" lift was put in by po and when I got it. It had death wobble really bad I've replace just about all the tie rod end, u joint in front axel stabilizer and but adj lca and it lined it up and it was doing fine for about 250 miles or so so next im replacing the track bar and the tie rod off the drop arm and taking it to get it realigned.

danjr2010

I just did a RC series 2 3" kit. I love it thus far. Death Wobble is caused by a multitude of things. There are tons of great articles on diagnosing it. Chances are, you have worn out parts. Lifting it will only magnify these weaknesses. I lifted mine and had horrible death wobble twice on the way to the alignment shop. Scared the crap out of me so I went ahead and replaced sway bar mount bushings, got a new factory track bar, and a rancho stabilizer. While I'm pretty sure it was simply the out of alignment that caused the DW because I couldn't find anything else wrong, I had a sense of security with the new parts. Over 1000 miles and zero issue. Well besides a leaky valve cover gasket haha.

danjr2010

Oh and as far as vibrations, it all depends on the vehicle. Lift it and see how yours does. I had some vibration, so I just fabbed up a square tubing tcase drop. Vibrations are doneskis.