Rusty's Lift/Wheel/Tire Package worth it?!
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,825
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Year: '99 and '91
Model: Cherokee
You may not NEED control arms. My lower control arm (LCA) bushings are shot so I got some new ones for a WJ (they have fancy anti-nhv bushings and are curved which helps fit wider tires on stock wheels).
Its something that could wait until after you lift if you wanted.
Its something that could wait until after you lift if you wanted.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Sweet thanks! I'll go and try and see if I don't need any control arms, I did read some people have even pushed it to 6" with rough ride but wouldn't suggest going over 3.5" without buying new ones cause all the kits that come with one are usually the same stock size.
Now time to look for some tires/wheels and shocks!
Now time to look for some tires/wheels and shocks!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 842
Likes: 6
From: Escalon, Ca
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4litre
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 842
Likes: 6
From: Escalon, Ca
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4litre
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 842
Likes: 6
From: Escalon, Ca
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4litre
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 842
Likes: 6
From: Escalon, Ca
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4litre
The T-bird coils and the S-10 leaf springs compliment each other very well, I chose to modify my jeep to accept the 3" longer springs. Mainly because 3 outta 4 of my bolts broke trying to remove the stock springs.
It's quite a bit stiffer than stock, which I prefer because its a jeep not a minivan.
It's quite a bit stiffer than stock, which I prefer because its a jeep not a minivan.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 4.0 L
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 842
Likes: 6
From: Escalon, Ca
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4litre
If you've lifted the front of your jeep 3" and left the stock track bar in its stock location then your front axle is most certainly not centered and your coil springs are definitely leaning.
You have 2 options, adjustable track bar or drill a new hole for the stock track bar.
You have 2 options, adjustable track bar or drill a new hole for the stock track bar.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 842
Likes: 6
From: Escalon, Ca
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4litre
Think of the track bar and axle like a triangle
The axle is A-B and the Trackbar is C-B and the ride height is A-C. If you lift the vehicle and make A-C side of the triangle longer without lengthening the hypotenuse then point B will be closer to line A-C, basically you axle won't be centered!
The axle is A-B and the Trackbar is C-B and the ride height is A-C. If you lift the vehicle and make A-C side of the triangle longer without lengthening the hypotenuse then point B will be closer to line A-C, basically you axle won't be centered!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 689
Likes: 2
From: Longview, TX
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Think of the track bar and axle like a triangle
The axle is A-B and the Trackbar is C-B and the ride height is A-C. If you lift the vehicle and make A-C side of the triangle longer without lengthening the hypotenuse then point B will be closer to line A-C, basically you axle won't be centered!
The axle is A-B and the Trackbar is C-B and the ride height is A-C. If you lift the vehicle and make A-C side of the triangle longer without lengthening the hypotenuse then point B will be closer to line A-C, basically you axle won't be centered!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 842
Likes: 6
From: Escalon, Ca
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4litre
Me use big words cause eye smart.
I use trig every day, that's a common word is sheet metal pattern development.
I don't know a better to describe lifting without addressing the track bar without using the triangle analogy.
I use trig every day, that's a common word is sheet metal pattern development.
I don't know a better to describe lifting without addressing the track bar without using the triangle analogy.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 1
From: Frankfort IL
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Wow! So many awesome replies from amazing people.
Truly appreciate for reading this topic and lending a hand!
Thank you as well for who listed parts what they got going for theirs, definitely helps me decide on what parts I should probably get. Haha.
Do you think 31x10.50-15 BFG A/T do the job? Around 650 a set, any close tires that match in performance for a better bang for buck? (Would be cool to find some type of wheel combo that's comes mounted and balanced).
Is there a huge difference between HD springs and non-HD? Should I get HD springs on front if I ever plan to have a winch or get it and upgrade when I do have the winch? (6-8 months from here)
I heard it's best to not mess with spacers or shackles and just get your desired height as planned, so I'll go with maybe some springs from either Rubicon Express, OME or RC.
Wondering if it's worth it to also buy some Bilsteins 5100 instead of the typical kit shocks.. Is the ride that noticeable?! I am a picky dude in finding the perfect ride and an extra $200 to get those shocks seem worth it if so they fit.
So list so far..
- 3" coils and leaf springs from either Rubicon Express/Rough Country/OME
- Longer brake lines from either a YJ or save time and buy the part online
- Some 31" tire that'll do the overall job and wheels that work.
- Adjustable track bar
- (?) So, I don't need a t-case drop kit? Is it worth $26 to at least buy it and install incase?
- (?) Do I need front & rear control arms? If so, look for WJs instead of aftermarket XJ?
- U-Bolts
- (?) Are new bushings needed or a steering stabilizer? My XJ kind of likes to wander a tad bit and someone did tell me my steering components are a bit loose but nothing terrible.
- (?) Sway bar disconnects helpful?
- (?) Buy a new tie rod or from ZJ
And.. I think that's it!
Truly appreciate for reading this topic and lending a hand!
Thank you as well for who listed parts what they got going for theirs, definitely helps me decide on what parts I should probably get. Haha.
Do you think 31x10.50-15 BFG A/T do the job? Around 650 a set, any close tires that match in performance for a better bang for buck? (Would be cool to find some type of wheel combo that's comes mounted and balanced).
Is there a huge difference between HD springs and non-HD? Should I get HD springs on front if I ever plan to have a winch or get it and upgrade when I do have the winch? (6-8 months from here)
I heard it's best to not mess with spacers or shackles and just get your desired height as planned, so I'll go with maybe some springs from either Rubicon Express, OME or RC.
Wondering if it's worth it to also buy some Bilsteins 5100 instead of the typical kit shocks.. Is the ride that noticeable?! I am a picky dude in finding the perfect ride and an extra $200 to get those shocks seem worth it if so they fit.
So list so far..
- 3" coils and leaf springs from either Rubicon Express/Rough Country/OME
- Longer brake lines from either a YJ or save time and buy the part online
- Some 31" tire that'll do the overall job and wheels that work.
- Adjustable track bar
- (?) So, I don't need a t-case drop kit? Is it worth $26 to at least buy it and install incase?
- (?) Do I need front & rear control arms? If so, look for WJs instead of aftermarket XJ?
- U-Bolts
- (?) Are new bushings needed or a steering stabilizer? My XJ kind of likes to wander a tad bit and someone did tell me my steering components are a bit loose but nothing terrible.
- (?) Sway bar disconnects helpful?
- (?) Buy a new tie rod or from ZJ
And.. I think that's it!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Thank you! Why 2in leaf w/ 1in shackle? What's the difference between having a 3in leaf? Curious.
I'm going to check all of those out and the duratracs! Any good recommend size of wheel for 31x10.50-15?
I'm going to check all of those out and the duratracs! Any good recommend size of wheel for 31x10.50-15?