neeland

alright so here is whats going on. I originally had a 3500 dollar budget on my build. Well due to several factors that has now been cut down to 2500 so now i have two roads that i can go down and im having a hard time deciding. Here are the options Id like to hear your opinions

the base: 98 cherokee sport 112K miles HP 30 up front C8.25 29 spline trac lok. DD and weekend wheeler. 2 or 3 trips to big offroad parks a year.

#1Go big or go home:
8" IRO LA 1800 shipped
Sye on ebay 175 shipped
Nice used 35s 500 local
total:2475
thoughts: This option gets me the biggest and best flex. I know ill have to get gears with the 35s but i will deal with 3.73 till the money comes in lil by lil for gears. I want it to be big and beastly but this seems like just the bare essentials. Im married and have 2 kids so extra money doesnt come along to often and this is probably where it would sit for awhile

#2 big list
RC 6.5 short arm 1000 shipped
SYE on ebay 175 shipped
Nice used 33s 300 local
Front tube bumper 265 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-r...Q5fAccessories
Rear bumper 235 shipped
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-J...Q5fAccessories
Undecided between a used or cheap winch for 500, or 456 gears front and rear
Total 2475

The reason for going with decent used tires right now is to see what I like without committing to a brand new set. Option 1 if i dont have enough flex out of the 35s i may go to 33s for the extra room ( dont really wanna cut the fenders but probably just gonna take the flares off) Option 2 if I decide the 33s arent where I want to be ill throw the spacers and AAl I already have back in and be on 35s. Wanted to clarify my reasoning behind used tires. I can get them cheap and ride on them for a year and then decide if im happy with what I have or want to change and ill buy a brand new set.

So reallly its the same amount of money either way. My biggest concerns are getting the short arm and not being happy at all. Im worried that 3 days after I get it all done ill wish I was on 35s as that was my original goal. I dont know im just at a loss here. My wife is tired of hearing me talk about it and cant provide a opinion. so lets hear your thoughts guys. Im really at a crossroads here and want to start ordering stuff next week

After I have read all this it seems like alot of rambling but I wanted to paint the whole picture lol. Thanks for any help in advance guys

neeland

Thought atleast someone would have an opinion here.

garb.man

It takes a bit of time for responses, esp, if ya want an EXPERIENCED response, ive come to notice!!

Poloboy406

I would go with option 2. You can always go bigger later, but a lot of guys that go big, often end up going smaller later.

I would say go with option 2, you will have a much more complete rig that way. Plus... a 6.5" lift is more than you probably think it is.

Maybe hold off on the winch and get drop brackets for the short arms? that way the ride would not be as rough. Thats a big lift for short arms and no drop brackets.

Just my two cents

phillyxj570

I would go with #2 also. If you go with the 35's your going to have to dump alot more cash in it because you will have to re-gear no questions asked. You can get away with 33's without re-gearing. JMO. Also don't forget you will also need a cv drive shaft for the rear with both options.

neeland

Yea I already got the drive shaft out a xj at the junkyard. This is my 4th xj an 5th jeep. All my other Cherokees were on 33s an I really wanted to hit that 35 mark. I got extra money built in to those prices for incidentals too. I just was considering the money id save going with the exact an best lift I want first. So I'm not losing money next year when I want to put a long arm on. I've done that too many times an end go kicking myself for it.

jfiedler

I would def say option 2. im running 5.5 re long arm kit and it is PLENTY high. 33 your gonna have to cut fenders. Height will let you run them but lift dosnt make the wel wells wider! I found out first hand on this one. Bent the crap outta my fender flexing look at some build threads and get a good idea of everything than throw tour own little twists into it.

neeland

Yea ill probably look into taking the flares off. I plan on running a 33x12.5X15 on a 8 in rim with 4in back spacing. I'm gonna see how it does for a couple weeks an if I have to take them off an cut I will. I was just gonna try an avoid it if at all possible. Also been thinking about using the 500 at the end of list 2 for a aussie locker up front. I know some people will say not to do it on stock shafts but I wheeled a 88 yj on 38 with 373s for 2 years an it had a turdy five in the rear an a HP 30 up front open on both an I never had a problem. I think a lot of that has to do with how much skinny pedal you like to use. Myself I wanna crawl up something not bash on it. So the lunch box up front may get put in place of a winch

Aoneisdone

rc 6>5 with sye through them elimanate the tube bumper bc you prob gonna need to have a driveshaft made for the sye thats about 200 dollars

kennedy07jk

I would go with a long arm lift if thats what your wanting, to begin with. Because your not going to be happy. I would personally go with the 6.5" longarm ( call iron rock they should give you free shipping). Run the 35s You will definately have to cut, you will end up cutting them anyways. GO BIG

Gatchmo5710

go 6.5 and 35's. Looks the best imo! You will need to trim but not to much. and get rear bumper later and regear now

jcwclm

6.5 with 33's LA's add some recovery points and a winch. Lunchbox lockers if you have some extra cash.

neeland

Got a front drive shaft off an xj. Got it cleaned up already. Plan on using that. Thanks tho.

I could call IRO an see bout that cuz they are sayin 204 in shipping which is insanity

Bustedback

I think you're asking for problems when you install a 6.5 lift with short arms.

neeland

I'm worried about it to but if its not gonna be 6 inches I'm not even gonna waste ny time an money cuz I'm not about to hack the fenders all to hell an back. It's just not gonna happen. Alil trim sure I don't mind. But I have no desire to do much more than cut the lip off an roll it under. It's just my personal preference that my daily drive an a vehicle I'm still paying on not be cut up like that. If it was a trail rig I'd do it in a heart beat. May call IRO when I get home an see if I can get a 6.5 or 5.5 la with free shipping. That would bring me almost to the price of the short arm I'd just loose a bumper basically