Hey guys,

I am lifting my first cherokee this weekend. After a good amount of research on the forum, I went with the zone 3" lift with full leafs and got some discos too. It's a pretty basic lift so I don't expect to come into many problems especially with my cherokee being a 2000 model. I am aware of the rear shocks being a pain, but anything else I should watch out for? I am no mechanic but I do 95% of my own repairs and I'm a Chrysler parts advisor so I know my way around a vehicle for the most part. Any advice is appreciated!

 

Start soaking down all the bolts with pb blaster a week ago! As long as your gentle, the rear shocks mounts should be fine, mine were.
If you end up having to disconnect the lca's, make sure you only do one at a time so it's easier to line back up.

 

Might want to make sure your factory bump stops in the front are in good shape - now is the time to change them. (Ask me how I know)
You may want to prepare yourself for a SYE and new driveshaft as well, with a later model (mine is a 2001, SYE is installed and the driveshaft and shims are inbound).
If you have a trailer hitch, it kind of gets in the way of the leaf spring bolt, so I just took mine off at the shackle. You don't have to remove the hitch (but you can if you want). Lay your leaf springs side by side prior to installing to ensure that they are identical.
My lift was a RE 3.5 SF. Took me the better part of a day in the garage. Check your front differential vent line, mine was rubbed through by the front DS.
JMO, but having the proper tools makes it much more enjoyable.
Good luck!

 

Be prepared to have an all day cussing session with the leaf springs as the bolts will most likely be frozen. PB won't help where they freeze. Dust gets in between the bolt and bushing sleeve and over time it locks up. I usually cut the main eye off and work my way to the sleeve, find the split where it's made, open that up and work the bolt out. 1 in 100 doesn't fight but prepare for the worst.

 

Well not off to a good start. Just broke the head off the trac bar bolt. Not cool. Thinking about taking a sawzall to it but gotta get a good blade.

 

Oh and my trans just started gushing fluid pulling into the garage. Can't really see where. Not a good night

 

Did you end up getting it all back together?

 

I have a 4.5 Zone inbound. How did your setup go?

 

Finished the front. Then got to the back and everything went to hell. Ran out of time on the weekend so it's sittin at my buddy's shop and he's gunna finish it up since he's Replacing the from pump seal for me any way. Not what I was planning on but I don't have much extra time to finish it. I'll post pics when it's finished

 

How's the kit fitting so far? Any issues?

 

I put a Zone 4 1/2" on mine. Zero problems. Rides firm but not bone jarring.