As the title states, I am getting ready to purchase my first Jeep. A 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ, to be more precise. It is pretty much stock, and has about 149,000 miles on it. I know i am going to want to lift it 3 inches, and i was wondering if you all could help me out with some recommendations. First, what are some problems i should look for off the bat? What's known to be bad on these that i should look for? Then, what are some kits you could recommend to use, and what tires would you recommend to put on it? Id like to put 31"s on there, the Nitto Terra Grapplers in particular. I don't plan on going off roading very much, and Im using the jeep to transport me to and from school (300 miles one way). I'd like it to ride smooth, and obviously dont want to have to worry about much wobbling while driving at highway speeds. Do I have to worry about axles? Are there any common problems i should be aware of? What would be your recommended tire size for a 3 inch lift? What is the best fix for the headliners, because this one doesn't have one. I appreciate any responses

 

00-01 heads are known to crack so watch out for that. Lift wise, 3.5in. rubicon express, reasonable price, very pleased with ride height and over all quality. Check your rockers and the underbody in general for rust. You should be fine with stock axles and if you're keeping it on the road mostly then you shouldn't real;y need a slip yolk eliminator but i would recommend 4 degree axle shims. Check/change all the fluids regularly and you should be fine. Jeep mods get addictive, be warned.

 

I look for rust first, on the floor pans and rockers mainly.
Looking at fluids can tell a lot about it's condition and maintenance, or lack thereof.
Check the transmission fluid, should be red and not smell burnt.

Oil should also look good with no froth on dipstick.

Coolant should be relatively clean. If it is rusty looking than the rust is most likely from the engine block.

Look for fluid drips at back of motor where it meets transmission. Oil? Coolant?
All my jeeps had an oil drip there but if you see coolant back there than it's a bigger issue (freeze-welsh plugs).

If the jeep has no hitch than that's a plus, you know it has not been towing.

Do all the doors line up and close properly?

Then when you get it home, replace ALL fluids including in axles. Check motor mounts and tranny mount. Replace serpentine belt and radiator hoses. Give a full tune up. Check all drive-line joints including front axle joints. Standard stuff when buying a used vehicle that is over 10 years old.

 

4 degree shims all around?

 

On the rear.

 

Just the rear axle. The shims can return the drive-line angles to proper spec after a lift. They rotate the axle. I also run 4 degree shims with a 4.5" lift
The front drive-line will be fine. It is a double-cardon drive shaft.
This picture shows a bit of the shim. It's the wedge between the leaf-spring and spring perch. U-bolts should be replaced with new ones when removing them.

 

so 4 degrees for a 3 inch lift would be fine? i dont want to go bigger than that and have to deal with modifying the drive shaft and all that stuff. what would be a good kit to buy and what would be a good set of tires for it?

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a short arm kit?

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=adva...short+arm+jeep


This book would be a great start for you.
It does take a tremendous amount of research and searches to understand all the details and issues.
Most of the time the questions have already been answered. So a google search with your question and the word 'jeep' or 'cherokee xj' added to it will net great results from different forums.

 

Dirtbound offroad sells a hack and tap slip yolk eliminator that allows you to use a factory front drive shaft in the rear. Kit is 100 bucks and a drive shaft should run you around 10 bucks from your local jy.