Lock or lift?
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 3
From: SLC, Utah
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
You can run 12.5 on a 8". the narrow wheels acts as a "poor mans" beadlock, I run 10.5 on my 7" stock wheels. And log COG is the way to go, I plan 35 or 37s at arounf 5 inches. The only a bigger/different lift would really benifit is if you went longarm or 4 link.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 612
Likes: 52
From: north east CT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,820
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 353
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From: Taxachusetts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L H/O
Nope. The cheaper long arm rigs are radius arms. The more expensive ones are 3 link, 4 link, and triangulated 4 link.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,385
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From: Frankfort IL
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Monett, MO.
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
IMHO a properly setup 3" lift with lockers and 31x10.5's will run circles around a 4 1/2" lift on 33".
When I first bought my XJ it had a 3" Half-A**ed 3" lift, 8" wheels on it and 31.5's the fenders had been trimmed somewhat. I bought a full spring pack 3" lift, shocks, disconnects, track bar, new bumpers along with 33x12:50x15" tires (5).
I thought it did OK on the trails and only winched myself out about half a dozen times in 6 months. Then I regeared from the 3.55's to 4.56's with lockers front and rear. It is hard to tell someone the difference till they them in their XJ's and see for themselves.
Buy the lockers.
When I first bought my XJ it had a 3" Half-A**ed 3" lift, 8" wheels on it and 31.5's the fenders had been trimmed somewhat. I bought a full spring pack 3" lift, shocks, disconnects, track bar, new bumpers along with 33x12:50x15" tires (5).
I thought it did OK on the trails and only winched myself out about half a dozen times in 6 months. Then I regeared from the 3.55's to 4.56's with lockers front and rear. It is hard to tell someone the difference till they them in their XJ's and see for themselves.
Buy the lockers.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 612
Likes: 52
From: north east CT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Ordered Lokka's front and rear. Who here has install a lunchbox in there dana 30 with 3.55's without pulling the carrier? I'm interested in knowing if you thought it was easier in the long run or if you would have pulled the carrier if you had know it would be that much of a PITA. Im not really afraid to grind a tooth or maybe two if it doesnt seem to invasive.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,603
Likes: 3
From: SLC, Utah
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Ordered Lokka's front and rear. Who here has install a lunchbox in there dana 30 with 3.55's without pulling the carrier? I'm interested in knowing if you thought it was easier in the long run or if you would have pulled the carrier if you had know it would be that much of a PITA. Im not really afraid to grind a tooth or maybe two if it doesnt seem to invasive.
You'd have to grind a couple teeth (with any ratio) to install a lunchbox with the carrier still installed because the crosspin wont slide past the ring gear; and therefore cant be removed.
Personally I say just pull the carrier out.. really doesnt take very long to do.
On the other hand, grinding a couple teeth probably wont weaken it much, barely if even at all.
On the other OTHER hand, if you pull the carrier, that would be a great oppurtunity to replace or upgrade your ujoints while the axleshafts are out because lockers will blow sh***y ujoints apart quickly, which will then destroy the ears on your axleshafts.
Also, I definitely say lockers > lift. Within the first week of getting my 2nd XJ, I locked the front & rear on 30's with no lift. It went places my last XJ (3" on 31's, open/open) wouldnt even dream of going. Absolutely amazing the difference lockers make.
Personally I say just pull the carrier out.. really doesnt take very long to do.
On the other hand, grinding a couple teeth probably wont weaken it much, barely if even at all.
On the other OTHER hand, if you pull the carrier, that would be a great oppurtunity to replace or upgrade your ujoints while the axleshafts are out because lockers will blow sh***y ujoints apart quickly, which will then destroy the ears on your axleshafts.
Also, I definitely say lockers > lift. Within the first week of getting my 2nd XJ, I locked the front & rear on 30's with no lift. It went places my last XJ (3" on 31's, open/open) wouldnt even dream of going. Absolutely amazing the difference lockers make.
Last edited by rompnXJ; Feb 5, 2014 at 08:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 612
Likes: 52
From: north east CT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You'd have to grind a couple teeth (with any ratio) to install a lunchbox with the carrier still installed because the crosspin wont slide past the ring gear; and therefore cant be removed.
Personally I say just pull the carrier out.. really doesnt take very long to do.
On the other hand, grinding a couple teeth probably wont weaken it much, barely if even at all.
On the other OTHER hand, if you pull the carrier, that would be a great oppurtunity to replace or upgrade your ujoints while the axleshafts are out because lockers will blow sh***y ujoints apart quickly, which will then destroy the ears on your axleshafts.
Also, I definitely say lockers > lift. Within the first week of getting my 2nd XJ, I locked the front & rear on 30's with no lift. It went places my last XJ (3" on 31's, open/open) wouldnt even dream of going. Absolutely amazing the difference lockers make.
Personally I say just pull the carrier out.. really doesnt take very long to do.
On the other hand, grinding a couple teeth probably wont weaken it much, barely if even at all.
On the other OTHER hand, if you pull the carrier, that would be a great oppurtunity to replace or upgrade your ujoints while the axleshafts are out because lockers will blow sh***y ujoints apart quickly, which will then destroy the ears on your axleshafts.
Also, I definitely say lockers > lift. Within the first week of getting my 2nd XJ, I locked the front & rear on 30's with no lift. It went places my last XJ (3" on 31's, open/open) wouldnt even dream of going. Absolutely amazing the difference lockers make.
::Regional Moderator::
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,912
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From: Over here...
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.8
Seriously, pull the carrier on the D30. It's easier to do the install on the bench and it'll save you the frustration of trying to do it in the axle. You need to pull the shafts anyway. Pop the bearing caps and make sure they go back on in the same position. Use a big old pry bar with a rag to get the carrier out. It's not hard.




