I own a 1998 jeep cherokee se edition 2wd with 146,000 miles on it. I'm driving on bald tires and the stock 15 inch rims. I like to do a little off roading but my tires are bald and my jeep sits kinda low I like the aggresive look on the lifted jeeps can I just buy bigger tires and rims and put them on my jeep? or do I have to lift it in order to do that? I also want tires that save on gas but are still capable off road I want my jeep to be a daily driver but still able to go off road and minor rock crawling maybe. I'm completley new so I'm not sure what questions to ask what type of set up should I get and how much would it cost? Thank you.

 

So you want bigger and more aggressive tires that still give you good gas mileage and will fit without lifting the vehicle so you can go rock crawling with a 2wd XJ? And you want to have other people do all the research for you on pricing and what set up would work best for you? Piece of cake.

 

Not necessarily. "Rock crawl" just enough to go over curbs and rock roads once in a while or drive through the mud. I live in the city and i know I have a 2wd Cherokee I don't need a lift I just want tires that make my jeep taller but I'm not sure if I need to lift my jeep in order to do that? I have 15 inch rims i really don't know anything about cars sorry if I sound kinda stupid

 

Check out the link in my Signature for some ideas on lift kits. You might be able to get one in the "for sale section" for cheaper. How much are you looking to spend?

Anytime you put larger (heavier) tires it is going to hurt your MPGs a bit. Anytime you add any weight for that matter. The engine has to work harder to turn them. As far as tread goes, sounds like any All-terrain would be best for you. No reason to throw fast-wearing mud tires on a rig that has no 4x4 and will spend all its time on the pavement.

 

Generally cheap little lifts (1-3"),come in a few general forms.

You have the block (to lift leaf spring (rear)) and spacer (to elongate the coil spring in the front). Spacers are fine but blocks damage your leaf springs over time and can deteriorate and loosen becoming in-safe.

Then you have spacer and lift shackle kits. Spacer once again Is fine. Shackes are a better choice than blocks.

Third cheap way involves a space and an add-a-leaf that you add to your leaf pack. The add a leafs also can cause damage over time and they tend to ride pretty rough.

The best way is to get longer coil springs, new socks, and FULL leaf packs. You can piece together pieces from different rigs or buy then out right. Probably not going to be worth the money when lifting a 2wd for looks but may be as it's your DD. Old man Emu sells a wonderfully riding kit.

 

Considering what u have (2wd), personally I would not sink money onto it lifting/tires. If I want a little more grip, get some at's that fit your rig, see what it will do. The time, money, and effort in a lifted 2wd seems futile to me. Lipstick on a pig. Not trying to be crass, just is what it is.

Sry. I edited it to say "not sink money"...

 

Tires won't fix the suspension issues just get some stock size with tread on them and call it good. While you are at it, if the tires are bald, the brakes are probably in sad shape too.

 

Says someone who has never had a VW BUG pass them on a trail.

To the OP: You could probably run 31" tires without lifting.. If you don't mind trimming the flares. BUT as said above the only way you will maintain MPG with bigger tire is via regearing the axle. If you also LOCK that axle, you will be able to OUT-WHEEL a 4x4 without lockers.

 

^^I have to agree!^^
Personally I think it is a waist of time and money to put a lift on a 2 wheel drive. But you can go with a little larger then stock tire. You can go wit a 235x75-15. That would be the largest size that you would be able to fit without a lift and you won't have any tire rub.

 

Thank you for letting me know ill just buy all terrain tires for it no need for a lift. I'm looking to spend around 650$ to 800$ awhile back I jumped my jeep and got some air and smashed down pretty hard ever since my ride is kinda bumpy will getting new coil lift springs help stabalize my jeep?

 

Yeah, Like I said the largest you will be able to fit without a lift or cutting your fenders and no tire rub would be 235x75-15.

 

Bug doesn't weigh hardly anything, it's definitely not a 3,500+ lb boat anchor like a Cherokee.

 

I can honestly say, I have never had a vw bug pass me on the trail....

 

That and they would NEVER MAKE IT BACK THERE.