Atmos

new to the sight and still trying to figure out where i should be posting/not posting. sorry if this bothers anyone im just hoping for some feedback.

I want a daily driver that I can have some fun with off road.
90-96 cherokee. I wanna throw a 4.5 lift on it and some 31's.
My question is, how big of a lift can I have before I need a slip yolk eliminator?

sam24th

Depends on the vehicle really. Most jeeps Ive seen need a SYE at 3.5 and up. Some people get away with a Tcase drop but a SYE is better IMO. I also know a few people who have had bad vibs from the driveline after a small 2-3inch lift. It really has to do the pinion angle. There are also wedges you can buy to stick under the leafpacks to change the pinion angle. Lift shackles will also change driveline angles. At 4.5 I would think you need a SYE, you might be able to get away with some of the things i mentioned though,

Atmos

I would rather do it properly then and get an SYE.
I wish I knew more about all this but thats why Im here asking questions.
Im plan on building from a completely stock state owned cherokee 90-96.
Thats as base-model as it gets as far as I can find.
So if I do a 4.5 with leafs in the back and coils in the front and get an SYE. Is there anything else I need as far as the lift goes?

I really appreciate your time

jakejeep

i have a rustys 4.5 lift kit in my 96 4 door xj. came with a tcase drop and 6 degree wedge shim which you mount into your spring pack like mentioned above. i have no vibes and driveshaft angle is pretty decent. even at full drop of the suspension it is not too bad. id say buy a good complete kit and see how it works for ya. it worked for me. my $0.02. also im rocking the 31s.

Atmos

hey Jake im also Jake.
thats what I want to do because its cheapest and easiest.
but Im also trying to avoid as much frustration and breaks as possible.
I dont know I dont even have the jeep yet Im just gathering as much info as possible.
because I have a small jeep obsession going here.

Jarrett

I have this lift also without an sye. Also have no vibes. Im sporting 33s however

Atmos

sounds like its a good buy for the cherokee then I'll have to check it out.
did you cut your fenders or do those 33's fit nice?

jakejeep

hey alright , im not the only one. and i gotta say i love the lift kit i got. only complaint i would say is i dont perfer the brake line extention brackets. and i origionally wanted 33s but i didnt feel like messing with cutting

Atmos

I dont want to do any cutting down the road either.
just some basic flares.
this is what Im planning on getting.
4-4.5 in lift. 31-32in tires. SYE. air lockers.
fabricate bumpers, sliders, skid plate.
nothing major.
any other advice for a first time builder?

sam24th

If you want a complete kit that basically has everything you need, Id look into the Rusty's kit or the Rough Country kit. Both are the msot complete I have seen and are great for the price. Rusty's IMO have better flexing springs but thats just my opinion. But for starters Id stay away from a 1990 or earlier unless you get it for dirt cheap. The HO engine is better IMO than the renix, and this is coming from a guy who has a renix. Id also check for the usual rust and try to get the most cancer free one. With a 4.5inch lift you shouldnt have to cut with 31s or 32s, may have to get diff rims with less backspacing though so that your tires dont rub the control arms. I know mines used to rub at full lock.

Atmos

Ive owned two cherokees and I really like the look and feel of the 1990 to 1996 models.
especially the 5 speed.
I will check out the rustys for sure this has been great feedback thanks.
Im sure I'll be back with more questions in no time though ha.

jakejeep

id wait and see how the kit comes out first before investing the money in a sye. no need to spend money on something you dont have a dieing need for.

jakejeep

thought i would post a pic of my truck since its sorta what you are shooting for. rear end is low in this pic due to my old rims, tires, and stock suspension, and tools being in the back. not bad for 600 pounds.

Jarrett

i had to cut quite a bit lol. but i do wheel my jeep intensively and run no sway bars. I think a 32 would be good for minimal to no trimming for street driving. Here's a pic of mine since the other jake put his up for comparison.

jakejeep

If I leveled my truck right and put a spacer up front I think I could probable sneak 32s under her but im always concerned about my tires hitting right under the cherokee emblem on the back of the front fender. Also I normally am hauling heavy cargo so it levels out the stance. Yea, and my truck is not wheeled all that hard....yet. right now I would call it more of an obnoxious lawn decoration than a hard core wheeling rig