Time for a lift. Suggestions?

BFA · #1 05-30-2007, 02:14 AM

I not interested in how to do it (I can search for that later) but what products you guys use and what you recommend.

I have almost 230,000 miles and I know my springs are shot so since I am going to replace them anyway, I wouldn't mind adding a little bit of lift.

I have the stock-optional plus-size tires on (Long Trails) and I am not looking to put anything bigger on, especially since I just got the tires in January.

I want to keep as smooth a ride as possible while I am on the highway.

Anything else I should replace while I am doing this?

Thanks in advance.

Andytron · #2 05-30-2007, 03:10 PM

A couple of questions for you. How tall are you planning on lifting your truck? IMO a 2" lift looks OK with stock or slightly larger tires whereas stock tires with a 4"+ lift looks a bit strange. Depending on what your desired lift height is, somebody will point you in the right direction as far as lift brands. The height of your lift will also dictate what else may or may not need to be repaired or replaced under your Cherokee. Don't forget that a lifted vehicle will drive differantly than a stock one. FWIW my brother has a 4.5" Rubicon Express lift on his XJ and as far as I know he's quite happy with it. However I think he's running a 31" tire.

woodbutcher44 · #3 05-30-2007, 09:39 PM

A set or front springs from a gc with a 5.7 for the front and the same for the rear will give you aprox 1.25 to 1.5 in of lift and ride great with no need to change any other parts. the stock shocks work with this .

BFA · #4 05-30-2007, 10:28 PM

Andy, yeah, not much. Probably not larger than 3" since I am using 225/75/15 tires.

I'm not getting the lift to be able to anything more off-road than what I have in the past so I'm not worried about that aspect.

I'd probably be interested in hearing about 2-3" lifts, if anyone here has one that size for a Cherokee or has any suggestions.

Thanks.

woodbutcher44 · #5 05-30-2007, 10:38 PM

Sorry I was thinking zj not chreokee.
I got to look closer ?

BFA · #6 05-30-2007, 10:45 PM

No worries, I've done that plenty as well.

Yeah, lifting the Jeep in the pic.

BFA · #7 05-31-2007, 01:35 AM

Looking at a couple of kits, some come with track bar relocation parts, front lower control arms/links, transfer case drop kit, or some combo of them.

What besides the coil and leaf springs do you need? U-bolts pretty much come with all of them for the rear springs.

Is the track bar relocation needed with a 3" lift?

I read somewhere someone didn't use the front lower control arms/links that came with it, do they need to be replaced?

There seems to be no consensus on what all is needed if you just look at the different packages.

Will the stock shocks work if they have already been replaced and work fine?

Anything I am missing?

fishfighter · #8 05-31-2007, 01:52 PM

I had read from end to end.All kits out ther just confuse me more and more.Being that you plan to keep stock tires,you really don't need to lift it.The more I had read,adding a 2" body lift kit should work with tires as big as 31x10.5x15,then again I'm confused too!I'm hoping someone will guide me on this.

BFA · #9 05-31-2007, 11:11 PM

I put on the optional size stock tires so they are bigger than the small stock tires it came with. The tires do pretty much fill up the wheel well and a lift is not required. But, since I need to replace the springs anyway, might as well lift it a little bit. Unfortunately, all of the small lifts come with add-a-leaf springs.

I'm looking at the Rancho 3" that comes with the springs and lower control arms. Is there anything else that needs to modified such as the track bar, transfer case, etc? I see those on the other kits for a 3" lift but don't know how essential they are.

Anyone do a 3" lift and not modify anything else but the springs?

krabysniper · #10 06-01-2007, 05:11 AM

3" you should really think about shocks and brake lines (you can relocate the mounting bolt hole for the front steel lines and straighten them a little to aleviate the need for longer front lines). You can relocate the axle end mounting hole to accomadate the lift without track bar replacement, but if your bar is already worn and needs replacement. get an adjustable with a rebuildable, greasable, Johny Joint. Also make sure the pinion angles are reasonable. If you pick up any vibes after lifting three inches you can take some of the strain off the u-joints by lowering the transfer case 1".