I got a 92 XJ with the 4.0 and an auto. It's my first jeep let alone vehicle and I really only need one for my short distance DD, and to go skiing,biking,camping etc. But of course now that I have a jeep I see some wheeling in my future. Right now it sits stock, but I think I want to lift it and get some slightly larger tires under it. But how much is too much as a DD, the most highway it will see is driving about an hour to some of the ski areas nearby but usually about a half hour, the rest of my driving will be around town. So how much lift would you suggest and how big of a tire before I start losing power and handling?


And should I add some skids because some the roads I'll be driving on have some 8+" loose rocks, if so which components/brands?

 

The most common lift/tire set up I have seen people use is 3" and 32's or 2" and 30's

Yeah there are lots on here that go bigger and badder and some that are not lifted at all.

Generally speaking with 2-3 inches you SHOULDN'T have to worry about transfer case drops and extended pitman arms etc etc etc. I say "shouldn't" because every jeep is a bit different.

But yeah....2-3" and 30's 31's or 32's are pretty common.

Hope this helps

also check out this link so you can get an idea.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/xj...up-thread-260/

 

regear it and you wont lose your power. with 31s on mine i didnt lose much power but gas mileage suffered quite a bit.

 

I think the 3" with 32"s looks about right. And will the added tire size cause any major drivetrain problems?
Oh and should I add skid plates because alot of the roads I'll be driving on will be hard dirt with anywhere up to 8" rocks sitting loose?

 

3inch and 31s is what i run on my DD and it handles great and didnt lose much power at all.but its all on what look you like.

 

Thats my problem is I dont want to have to do too much with the drivetrain because there is no junkyard for me to go get gears/axles/parts out of. But from what your telling me, 31-32" wouldnt see terrible performance loss.
Thanks guys, and what about the skids?

 

I am far from an expert but if there is some rough rocky terrain in your future I would go with some rock rails at least, gas tank skid is always nice the more the better in general it all depends on how harsh you are gonna pound it.