So I just bought a completely stock '98 cherokee and have just begun putting my 4.5' Zone Offroad lift on.
Before I put the lift on, I got 33x12.50 tires and some cragar steelies with 4' backspacing.

I put the rear lift on today (front goes on tomorrow) and noticed that it seems like the tires are almost rubbing the leaf springs.. I don't know if I did something wrong or if I just need spacers? Like I said, the wheels have 4' backspacing and I just figured that would be enough. Am I just worrying too much, did I do something wrong, or do I definitely need spacers?

Please help, a quick answer would be awesome!

P.S. If spacers are needed, could anyone recommend some reliable/cheap spacers for me to use? I actually quite like the wheels sticking out farther, and in Texas, fender laws are practically nonexistent. Just trying to conserve money for future jeepgrades.

 

Stock BS is 5.25............1.25 MORE than what you state you have.

How about a pic?


And did you cram a 12" tire in a 7" wheel????????

 

here is the pic from the front. it isn't letting me upload two pics at a time cuz I'm on the app. the wheel is 8"! I wouldn't do that haha.

edit: got both pics. the first is from the back of the jeep looking forward.

 

I don't see a problem with that spacing. Looks fine to me. Is it rubbing anywhere?

 

I literally finished the lift 2 hours ago. I just wanted to see if it looked wrong to anybody else. I'll check the front after I lift it tomorrow and see if I may need spacers up front. side question;

should I take my rear sway bar off?

 

most people will say take it off. I flexed offroad and it popped out of the end link so I just took it the rest of the way out and haven't missed it one bit.

 

Looks fine.

 

How about a finished picture. I just ordered the same kit.

 

yea looks fine

 

Get rid of the rear sway bar junk in fact some XJ's came without them at all. Your BS on a 15x8" wheel is correct a 3.75-4" is the correct ones. and no problems with a 12:50 tire in 33's or 35's I run both with my 4 1/2" lift.


NEVER use spacers for anything just a Band-Aid for not having the proper wheel which you do.


You do have SB disconnects on the front don't you? When you installed your gears and such did you also do lockers at the same time for those tires and do an SYE. For a lift like yours you need Adjustable HD upper and lower CA's also for the front differential to center it up and set the pinion angle. A Dbl. Shear adj. track bar is a good idea as well as upgraded steering for that size tire at the least a V-8 ZJ upgrade.


Here are photos of my 4 1/2" lift with Cragar's 15x8's with 3.75" of BS running 33x12:50x15's

 

Lol man you love posting pics of your jeep. but I would too if mine were that pretty

 

I am actually in the process of lifting the Cherokee still... I got extended sway bar links for the front and those go on tomorrow. my jeep is actually 2wd currently, as I got an insanely good deal on it. even with a 4wd conversion, it'll cost so much less then a 4wd in this condition. I have no lockers and 3.73(?) gears. I think. I got lca's but no uppers, and just a track bar relocation. I asked around and people said my stock steering stabilizer would be all good so I'm just runnin that currently. if I need a beefier one, that'll come in the future.

also, I've been creeping on the forums for awhile.. I strongly believe your jeep is the mos beautiful on here. I love those switches on your pillars inside haha

 

Ok I'll try and stop its not much to show really was just really showing clearance of tire and leaf






You never stated it was a 2wd so most does not apply here. You need to fill out your User CP so you can get better advice, it really helps. My guess it would be a 3.55 gear unless it came with trailer towing package.


My XJ is a far cry from being as nice as most here and the only reason I post it is for a comparison of different things. With all I have learned being from asking and lurking here for a long time even before joining my knowledge is limited and still learn every day.