I have a stock XJ and want a lift. I'm torn between a 2 or 3. It's mostly a daily driver, but when I take it off road, I want it to be capable. However, I do not want to sacrifice my ride quality too much, and am worried about the death wobble. I HATE the 'out of balance' vibrations. I don't have those now. So that is a number one priority. Can I go with a 3" lift and still be clear of the DW?

Here are some pics of what I'd like mine to look like. I will be running 16" Rubicon wheels.

Right now I'm looking at the Rubicon Express lifts, but am open to other suggestions.

 

Me? I'd go 3"s and run 31's. It's a good look and still makes for a good riding streetable rig.

DW has absolutely nothing to do with lift height. It has everything to do with HOW it's lifted. Do it right and don't cut corners and you'll have a good driving rig. You can lift a Jeep 8 inches and still not have death wobble.

 

If you want to keep it relatively low, I'd say get the Old Man Emu kit. Make it a low center of gravity rig.

 

What causes death wobble?

 

Lift height has nothing to do with death wobble. You can have DW at any height, even stock. Usually caused by worn out parts.
I'm a big fan of keeping it low and capable, I like to lift my vehicles the least amount needed for the tire size I want to run, and bumpstop accordingly. So 3" is the biggest I would personally lift an XJ. But 3" on 31's is a very popular setup for a DD, and still looks good.
What kind of wheeling are you planning on doing with the Jeep? And what tire size do you want to run? FWIW, I'm very happy with my 1.5" lift and 33's, good height for a DD, and capable enough to go anywhere I want.

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/di...-wobble-55021/

Read through this.

 

I want to run the 255/70-16 General Grabbers AT2. They are a low priced tire and are right at 30.1" But I might go with a 265/70-16 as that is 30.9"

So it's either a 2 or 3" lift respectively. I guess it's a matter of what doesnt screw up your geometry too bad.

 

to me it sounds like you are just too worried about dw and vibes, don't let fear be the deciding factor in what you want. you can have a good driving rig at just about any lift size. i am personally running 5.5in of lift and my jeep is completely vibe free. whether you lift it 3in or 8in or leave it stock. you can still get dw. pick the height you want, and do it right

 

True enough. I guess I need to decide on a particular lift and just get the tires that fit that best.

 

Go with Re or a OME hybrid kit


I personally run a Re 3.5" with Teraflex arms Bilstein 5100 shocks and 33's in my Xj

 

I think RE will be alittle too stiff for you. Theyre more geard for a loaded down right with heavy bumpers and roff racks.

I say if your really woried about ride quaility go with a 3" old man emu full spring kit with shocks and some 31"she'll ride great

 

old man emu is very soft riding
my rubicon express springs and shocks ride better than my rustys springs and sky jacker shocks did. its a pretty comfy ride especially for a jeep thats lift 6.5 inchs.
granted i also have bumpers and a rack. but all of those combined maybe added 180 lbs to my jeep.

with 3 inchs of lift you can run a 33 when properly trimmed and bumpstopped.

 

Check out dpgoffroad.com
For more info/fine tuning for your needs contact Dirk. Personally, have not dealt with him. But have heard he is the go to guy.
2-3.5 OME lift should fit your needs. Although, one thing I do recommend as well for ease of things and strength is, aftermarket control arms. If you can afford adjustable LCA/UCA, go for it. If not, correct length fixed lower and adjustable upper. Besides strength, makes for easier adjustment of caster/pinion angle.

 

I was in your shoes. And after doing it both ways. Here is what I would do.


I would run 2in coil spacers on good stock springs.

I would run 1.5" blocks on good stock leafs with longer shackles. And 33" tires.

I went with AAL springs in the rear, and 3in coils in the front. And ever since this my jeep rides like a truck.

People say it does not. But most of the time you will find people who say their 3in spring set rides great has not honestly compared it to stock.

Anyways, that is my opinion, and advice.

Here is 3in and 33's 16 inch rims



2.5in and 32's 16inch rims



And honestly I never had DW until I installed the 3" springs.

 

Worn out parts in your front end.