Looking at buying a cherokee got some Q's about lift, etc...

[siminsez01]

So i'm looking at buying a '97 cherokee, but i got some questions and i figured you guys would be able to help.

First, are there any big differences between the SE and Sport packages (other than interior trim, better stereo, nicer wheels)? SE is def so much cheaper from where i'm sitting....

Second, i would want to run 31's and would therefore need a 3.5" lift i understand. Will the 31's rub? Will i need to lower the t-case or will i be okay? I have a friend running 31's and 3.5" lift on an 88 cherokee with no vibration...

Third, since the SE doesn't come with the roof rack, is this something that will be easy to install myself?

Any help will be greatly appreciated....

 

[mingez]

Well, first off and congrats on a great decision!! The XJ is a very awesome vehicle and I love mine.
There aren't any major differences accept creature-comfort type things. (Interior as you pointed out.)

BUT, you WILL need to drop your Tcase. The 97+ models are prone to driveline vibes. Your friend has an 88 I believe, thus no vibes. Different angles, etc. You should do an SYE too. Even if you have no vibes. Just better.

 

[siminsez01]

Thanks for the info mingez. BTW, any way you've ever towed with your XJ after the lift. I'm looking to be able to pull a small boston whaler, like 15 feet...nothing huge.


What about installing a roof rack(similar to stock)....anyone got any comments on that?

 

[TwistedCU]

If you want to tow, look for one with that factory tow package. This will ensure the larger Chrysler 8.25 rear axle and a transmission cooler (if an automatic).

As for the roof rack, I've seen Surco racks for around $200 plus shipping.

With the 3" lift, yes you will need to address the driveline angle. Transfer case drop, shimmed rear axle, or a SYE are methods you can try. Shims on the rear axle and a TC drop would be a cheap and easy solution if you're on a budget.

You keeping the TJ???

 

[XJNick]

Hi,

Traditionally, the SE models only came with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. The Sport and other packages will likely have the 4.0L 6-cylinder engine. Oh and a manual transmission might hold up better to towing.

-Nick :!:

 

[jps4jeep]

Whats wrong with the TJ?

 

[siminsez01]

Nothin wrong, just need some more power(sick of the 2.5 on the highway) and a bit of a change. I put money down on a '97 cherokee with a 6cyl 4drs and only 80K. I'm planning on rusty's 3" add a leaf kit and then i'll do a t-case drop if necessary. Gonna run 31's....should look pretty sharp. No mods to the XJ until i sell the TJ.

Anyone know anyone lookin for a TJ!?!

 

[TwistedCU]

Sounds like me a few months ago.

I was set on a sizeable lift and tires for the XJ, but I missed my Wrangler so bad I bought a cheap one to fix up and modify. Now the XJ is looking at a 2" BB (just got here this weekend) :roll: .

You'll love the Cherokee, but you'll miss the Wrangler.

 

[siminsez01]

I GOT THE XJ. From what i can tell it needs an alignment, but that's about it. Got a great deal.

Twisted, what is a 2" BB?? U gonna run 30's i'm guessing?

 

[XJNick]

Anyone ever used this?

I GOT THE XJ. From what i can tell it needs an alignment

My Jeeps are always out of alignment, or so it seems. Brake Check does lifetime alignments though, which is a really good deal. They see me alot :mrgreen:

Congrats on getting the XJ!

-Nick :!:

 

[FiCJeep]

Grand Cherokee brakes

BB is a budget boost and yes i have an XJ with 3" lift and tow a 17ft boat every now and then and it does just fine.... ive got 31"s on mine

 

[TwistedCU]

I GOT THE XJ. From what i can tell it needs an alignment, but that's about it. Got a great deal.

Twisted, what is a 2" BB?? U gonna run 30's i'm guessing?

Nice! Post a picture if u can...

2" lift that uses spacers up front and either an Add-a-leaf or shackle or block in the rear as opposed to replacing the springs.

This is the one I have, and I'm planning on running a 245x75x16, which is a 30.5"x9.50" tire on a 16" wheel (a stock Rubicon comes with the Goodyear MTR's in that size).

I'm mounting them on these 16x8 with 5" backspacing and I am going to attempt to paint the centercaps black. If they look like hell I'll toss 'em:

I'm also looking for a set of stock Grand Cherokee control arms to help avoid rubbing (they are angled while the XJ arms are straight)

I'm hoping it will look the way Jeep should have had them looking in the stock form...

[edit] the 2" spacer lift you have on your TJ is what many refer to as a "budget boost"

 

[siminsez01]

Sold the Jeep! Parts for sale!

I'll get some pictures this weekend (goin up to Laconia, NH for bike week).

I've been kinda torn on the lift:

Decided on these wheels 15*8 with 4" BS. 34.95 on quadratec . The jeep is white, so they should look sick as a contrast.

(I like em better than the round hole 397's). Tires are TBD upon the lift i choose. So are rims (might run 15*7's if i get 30's).

So here's what i'm down to:

Rusty's 3" AAL with 31's
Rusty's 3" New Leafs with 31's
Budget boost(probably spacers and shackes) and 30's

Either way, the tires will be mudders.

I'm just thinking of avoiding rubbing any way i can and if it means going for a smaller tire that will fit the wheel well better then so be it.

I know higher is better, but not having to hack off fenders to avoid rubbing is a big plus in my mind.

Twisted, do you have the budget boost on your xj already?

 

[TwistedCU]

Nope, haven't put it on yet. Sitting in front of me on my desk. It's killing me, it won't be much longer...

To avoid rubbing you have a good wheel backspacing that you chose. I don't think it will be an issue.

Here's a couple of pics of Xj's w/ 2" BB and 30x9.50's. My tires will only be 1/2" bigger than these which is only 1/4" more into the wheelwells:

Oh, and I sent ya a PM.