New “to me” xj questions.
01-03-2019, 12:22 PM
#1
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
New “to me” xj questions.
Hello, I’ve just purchased an 89 xj 4wd to use for getting around while I’m at work in the oils fields in North Dakota. It has what I would assume to be the stock 30 year old suspension on it. My question is, what does everyone think about putting a small aftermarket 3” lift on it? It has the Dana 30 CAD rear axle so I know I don’t want to do anything too extreme to it. It runs extremely well for being 30 years old and I have gone through and done an entire fluid and filter change on everything. I won’t be abusing it at all just a 4wd ride to get me out to location in the mud and snow and around town to the grocery store. Would a lift that size open up a wormhole of issues? Would I need an SYE and new driveshaft at that hight? Thank you to all! Happy new year!
Last edited by Ericharroun; 01-03-2019 at 12:35 PM.
01-03-2019, 01:18 PM
#3
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Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
any lift of 4" or less will net you the least headaches and improve overall look, function and general usability look at zone for your budget lift needs
Last edited by tinytrax78; 01-03-2019 at 02:32 PM.
01-03-2019, 01:59 PM
#4
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Hello, I’ve just purchased an 89 xj 4wd to use for getting around while I’m at work in the oils fields in North Dakota. It has what I would assume to be the stock 30 year old suspension on it. My question is, what does everyone think about putting a small aftermarket 3” lift on it? It has the Dana 30 CAD rear axle so I know I don’t want to do anything too extreme to it. It runs extremely well for being 30 years old and I have gone through and done an entire fluid and filter change on everything. I won’t be abusing it at all just a 4wd ride to get me out to location in the mud and snow and around town to the grocery store. Would a lift that size open up a wormhole of issues? Would I need an SYE and new driveshaft at that hight? Thank you to all! Happy new year!
Your rear axle is a Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25 (maybe a Dana 44?) not a Dana 30 CAD, that axle would be on the front.
01-03-2019, 02:35 PM
#5
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
For what you are saying you are wanting to do it sounds like an "upcountry" suspension rebuild is right up your alley. It'll get you about 1.5 inches over what a stock XJ is without going too crazy and you'll be able to easily run 235/75R15s on there with no rubbing or anything else. And it'll be a fully refreshed suspension if you replace all the bushings and whatnot which I strongly recommend on a 30 year old XJ.
Your rear axle is a Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25 (maybe a Dana 44?) not a Dana 30 CAD, that axle would be on the front.
Your rear axle is a Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25 (maybe a Dana 44?) not a Dana 30 CAD, that axle would be on the front.
01-03-2019, 06:57 PM
#6
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Hello, I’ve just purchased an 89 xj 4wd to use for getting around while I’m at work in the oils fields in North Dakota. It has what I would assume to be the stock 30 year old suspension on it. My question is, what does everyone think about putting a small aftermarket 3” lift on it? .................................................. . I won’t be abusing it at all just a 4wd ride to get me out to location in the mud and snow and around town to the grocery store. ....................................
Well since you asked for opinions:
No need to lift 89 XJ three inches to get around on snowy and muddy roads. It is very capable vehicle as is, but adding rear axle (True Trac ?) limited slip and buying a set of tire chains would probably be money well spent.
It's best to stay home and wait it out if the roads are so bad that you can not get around in that.
Just saying
🤔
01-03-2019, 08:42 PM
#7
Seasoned Member
If you don't have access to a shop and tools to do the work, North Dakota winters are not favorable to doing any suspension work at all.
I think your on the right track, check, change and service the entire jeep to the best of your ability. Check the 4wd for proper operation, the CAD is vacuum actuated and prone to failure. If it is operating properly, your lucky. If not, there are a couple of things to do to eliminate the vacuum concern.
Put a good set of tires on it, drive it thru the winter and then look at lift and other things when it warms up.
I worked just out of Minot for 1 winter, well 6 weeks. lol I headed back to Texas asap.
Happy Jeepin'
TexasTaz38
I think your on the right track, check, change and service the entire jeep to the best of your ability. Check the 4wd for proper operation, the CAD is vacuum actuated and prone to failure. If it is operating properly, your lucky. If not, there are a couple of things to do to eliminate the vacuum concern.
Put a good set of tires on it, drive it thru the winter and then look at lift and other things when it warms up.
I worked just out of Minot for 1 winter, well 6 weeks. lol I headed back to Texas asap.
Happy Jeepin'
TexasTaz38
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01-03-2019, 08:48 PM
#8
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
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Well since you asked for opinions:
No need to lift 89 XJ three inches to get around on snowy and muddy roads. It is very capable vehicle as is, but adding rear axle (True Trac ?) limited slip and buying a set of tire chains would probably be money well spent.
It's best to stay home and wait it out if the roads are so bad that you can not get around in that.
Just saying
No need to lift 89 XJ three inches to get around on snowy and muddy roads. It is very capable vehicle as is, but adding rear axle (True Trac ?) limited slip and buying a set of tire chains would probably be money well spent.
It's best to stay home and wait it out if the roads are so bad that you can not get around in that.
Just saying
🤔
01-03-2019, 08:59 PM
#9
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
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If you don't have access to a shop and tools to do the work, North Dakota winters are not favorable to doing any suspension work at all.
I think your on the right track, check, change and service the entire jeep to the best of your ability. Check the 4wd for proper operation, the CAD is vacuum actuated and prone to failure. If it is operating properly, your lucky. If not, there are a couple of things to do to eliminate the vacuum concern.
Put a good set of tires on it, drive it thru the winter and then look at lift and other things when it warms up.
I worked just out of Minot for 1 winter, well 6 weeks. lol I headed back to Texas asap.
Happy Jeepin'
TexasTaz38
I think your on the right track, check, change and service the entire jeep to the best of your ability. Check the 4wd for proper operation, the CAD is vacuum actuated and prone to failure. If it is operating properly, your lucky. If not, there are a couple of things to do to eliminate the vacuum concern.
Put a good set of tires on it, drive it thru the winter and then look at lift and other things when it warms up.
I worked just out of Minot for 1 winter, well 6 weeks. lol I headed back to Texas asap.
Happy Jeepin'
TexasTaz38
01-03-2019, 09:26 PM
#10
Seasoned Member
If you're looking to just get some larger meats under the XJ trim the fenders and be done, cheap or free depending on what tools you have available.
If you're looking to breath some life back into the 30 year old suspension I'd search for the smallest yet most complete lift possible and buy that AND trim the fenders for more room.
If you're looking to breath some life back into the 30 year old suspension I'd search for the smallest yet most complete lift possible and buy that AND trim the fenders for more room.
01-03-2019, 09:37 PM
#11
CF Veteran
Part time is the same as 4 hi or 4low is on any other vehicle, unless it has full time, or AWD. Also if you don't what to hack up your fenders like people are suggesting you can fit 31s on a 3" lift with minimal trimming.
01-03-2019, 09:37 PM
#12
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If you're looking to just get some larger meats under the XJ trim the fenders and be done, cheap or free depending on what tools you have available.
If you're looking to breath some life back into the 30 year old suspension I'd search for the smallest yet most complete lift possible and buy that AND trim the fenders for more room.
If you're looking to breath some life back into the 30 year old suspension I'd search for the smallest yet most complete lift possible and buy that AND trim the fenders for more room.
01-03-2019, 09:38 PM
#13
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01-03-2019, 10:05 PM
#14
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Yeah, I'd just put some more aggressive tires on that sucker and put a simple small lift on (three inches or less) you'll be good to go with new bushings, springs, shocks, arms, and overall better feeling Jeep. If you rub a bit, trim a little here and there or spring for some flares (Bushwackers, Napier, DIY)
01-03-2019, 10:56 PM
#15
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