Eh folks.

Brand new to the Jeep world. Just bought a 1986 Jeep Cherokee with a 2.5L 4cylinder 4speed. 4wheel drive. Haven't even picked it up yet.
The more I read the happier I am with it. She's pretty basic but clean and mechanically sound. So I'm told... Hahahah!

Looking for some info if any of yah can point me in the right direction. I will be doing searches but while I'm here... What is the most reasonable lift to start with for this Vehicle. Looking to keep it on the cheap but not chincy. From what I understand, just under 31" tires will fit on it stock. With a 4" lift you gotta start adding tranny extenders or lengthen the drive shaft. How bout a two inch lift?
Looking to score a decent bush bar or front off road style bumper and a roof rack. Any ideas on where to start looking? Been checking Ebay and craigslist plus Kijiji.
Really glad I found you guys and hope to learn alot here.
She ain't pretty but hope to make some changes soon and update you folks while getting some advice.
Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum. That's pretty clean looking for an '86. I would go over it and check for rust, or any damaged/broken parts before worrying about lifting it. With a 2" lift you can fit 31's just fine.

Welcome. Do some searches on Google about bastard packs and budget boosts. There is a plethora of info. And that looks pretty clean from here.

Welcome. I would also make sure everything is sound before dumping cash into a lift. As for lift, dont use a 2 in doughnut lift. Get a 3 in spring set, you can find one cheap on craigs list.Then dont screw around with gimicky crap.Get a locker.With a 3 in lift a locker and tires, you will go where most just dream of.BTW I love the 2.5, gas is expensive.

Welcome to the forum from Florida. Everyone here has pretty much covered the basics. Fluid changes and a good TuneUp, you'll be good to go.

Id just go ahead and get a 3 inch lift.. shouldnt have to do any mods at that height. Then again im not very familiar with the 2.5 platform..
My 88 which was an i6 and had a 231 tcase had about 5 inches of lift with no tc drop or sye..no problems what so ever..

Welcome to the fourm!

Thanks for the warm welcome and quick, helpful replies.

XJ88. What are the dimensions roughly of your roof rack? That's right along the lines of what I'm looking for.

45x60 Surco rack, they are cheap, and light weight, perfect for a little bit of gear and a spare.
Here is a side view:

Welcome from England Daddyo, To give an idea I recently fitted 3" AAl lift with 31 muds.
I to have the 2.5 td not sure if yours is petrol or not.

Seems you've got the info...

Welcome to the group

Xj88 Thank you. I like that. Clean and not to bulky.

bullettooth2008 Looks sweet. Deisel is rare here from what I understand. Mine is Petrol. Wish it was a deisel. I could save a ton of money. Seems bigger then 3" lift. Whats AAI?

If you have any questions about the racks shoot me a pm

Welcome to the site

Welcome