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- Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 1993 to 1998 Tires General Information and Specs
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All Lift & Tire questions go here!!!
Hey all, new to forum and just started a build in the build section (a build named sue) and I have a few question about lift height. I did use the search function on all 1500 posts of this thread but couldn't really piece together an answer, lol. So my 99 XJ 2 door, 4.0L, AX15 is going to get a lift, just torn on how high. This won't be flexing everyday and will be a DD for the most part with the occasion hunting and fishing weekends, have a 2007 commander that is my daily and I plan on keeping it, so DD practicality isn't that big of a deal. So from experience, should I run the 4.5, or 6.5 lift? I plan on running 33's but will those look too small with a 6.5? I'd up grade to 35's but that's way down the road after either a 8.8 or regear. So basically I think the 4.5 is the more practical option but I really want the 6.5. Another fear I have is the 2 door wheel base and the 6.5 being too tall? Any input is appreciated guys.
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I am new to this game as well, but i will give you my opinion, 6.5" is overkill unless your fishing spots require you to do some serious crawling to get to them. 33s on a 6.5" lift would look fine to my eyes.
4.5" lift is where you start having to do a bunch of other things besides the lift itself. ALC, SYE, ATB, and stuff like that. NewKindOfClown posted a nice little chart that shows the minimum and suggested mods for each lift height. It is a very useful tool.
It sounds like you plan on doing pretty much with your XJ as I will be doing with mine. I am sticking with a 3" lift and 30X9.5 tires. It should get me where I want to go and still be a reliable easy to insure vehicle. With the only slightly larger than stock tires it wont hurt the fuel mileage too much, a good thing for me because a few of my fishing spots are well off the beaten track and I will have to bring enough gas in with me to get back to the nearest gas station The money I save from not having to pay for all the extras of a taller lift will be put into things that will make off road travel easier, air locker for the rear, lunchbox locker in the front, bumpers and a winch.
4.5" lift is where you start having to do a bunch of other things besides the lift itself. ALC, SYE, ATB, and stuff like that. NewKindOfClown posted a nice little chart that shows the minimum and suggested mods for each lift height. It is a very useful tool.
It sounds like you plan on doing pretty much with your XJ as I will be doing with mine. I am sticking with a 3" lift and 30X9.5 tires. It should get me where I want to go and still be a reliable easy to insure vehicle. With the only slightly larger than stock tires it wont hurt the fuel mileage too much, a good thing for me because a few of my fishing spots are well off the beaten track and I will have to bring enough gas in with me to get back to the nearest gas station The money I save from not having to pay for all the extras of a taller lift will be put into things that will make off road travel easier, air locker for the rear, lunchbox locker in the front, bumpers and a winch.
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Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler
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Hey all, new to forum and just started a build in the build section (a build named sue) and I have a few question about lift height. I did use the search function on all 1500 posts of this thread but couldn't really piece together an answer, lol. So my 99 XJ 2 door, 4.0L, AX15 is going to get a lift, just torn on how high. This won't be flexing everyday and will be a DD for the most part with the occasion hunting and fishing weekends, have a 2007 commander that is my daily and I plan on keeping it, so DD practicality isn't that big of a deal. So from experience, should I run the 4.5, or 6.5 lift? I plan on running 33's but will those look too small with a 6.5? I'd up grade to 35's but that's way down the road after either a 8.8 or regear. So basically I think the 4.5 is the more practical option but I really want the 6.5. Another fear I have is the 2 door wheel base and the 6.5 being too tall? Any input is appreciated guys.
I am new to this game as well, but i will give you my opinion, 6.5" is overkill unless your fishing spots require you to do some serious crawling to get to them. 33s on a 6.5" lift would look fine to my eyes.
4.5" lift is where you start having to do a bunch of other things besides the lift itself. ALC, SYE, ATB, and stuff like that. NewKindOfClown posted a nice little chart that shows the minimum and suggested mods for each lift height. It is a very useful tool.
It sounds like you plan on doing pretty much with your XJ as I will be doing with mine. I am sticking with a 3" lift and 30X9.5 tires. It should get me where I want to go and still be a reliable easy to insure vehicle. With the only slightly larger than stock tires it wont hurt the fuel mileage too much, a good thing for me because a few of my fishing spots are well off the beaten track and I will have to bring enough gas in with me to get back to the nearest gas station The money I save from not having to pay for all the extras of a taller lift will be put into things that will make off road travel easier, air locker for the rear, lunchbox locker in the front, bumpers and a winch.
4.5" lift is where you start having to do a bunch of other things besides the lift itself. ALC, SYE, ATB, and stuff like that. NewKindOfClown posted a nice little chart that shows the minimum and suggested mods for each lift height. It is a very useful tool.
It sounds like you plan on doing pretty much with your XJ as I will be doing with mine. I am sticking with a 3" lift and 30X9.5 tires. It should get me where I want to go and still be a reliable easy to insure vehicle. With the only slightly larger than stock tires it wont hurt the fuel mileage too much, a good thing for me because a few of my fishing spots are well off the beaten track and I will have to bring enough gas in with me to get back to the nearest gas station The money I save from not having to pay for all the extras of a taller lift will be put into things that will make off road travel easier, air locker for the rear, lunchbox locker in the front, bumpers and a winch.
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Lift or trim?
So here are my questions, I'm using my 97 Cherokee as a daily driver, but I still want to hit the trails occasionally, should I do a lift, or trim my fenders? I'd like to be able to fit bigger tires preferably 33's, but I'd be happy with 31's. I know with the bigger tires that I would have to re-gear, but for a daily driver is it more practical to trim or lift?
CF Veteran
So here are my questions, I'm using my 97 Cherokee as a daily driver, but I still want to hit the trails occasionally, should I do a lift, or trim my fenders? I'd like to be able to fit bigger tires preferably 33's, but I'd be happy with 31's. I know with the bigger tires that I would have to re-gear, but for a daily driver is it more practical to trim or lift?
Beach Bum
When wheeling, I still rub the tires (small amount) on front fenders with 31"s and 4.5" lift. Maybe it's the way I drive it..
If I could do it over again I would trim fenders and use flat flares with a 2" Old Man Emu lift, maybe 3"
The front wheel wheels changed in size a little for the 97+ models, I believe a bit smaller.
If I could do it over again I would trim fenders and use flat flares with a 2" Old Man Emu lift, maybe 3"
The front wheel wheels changed in size a little for the 97+ models, I believe a bit smaller.
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I would like to put 33's, but is trimming enough to put 33's with no rubbing? Would I need to add any other parts other than gearing and fender flares if I can fit 33's?
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Shock boots, worth the extra few bucks or just for show? I know in the bicycle world that shock boots tend to hold more grit in and cause wear. I can't count the number of bikes I worked on that had the shocks and forks wear out early because of suspension boots. Mostly because of people having the out of sight out of mind attitude, and I know I am guilty of it from time to time too
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
Shock boots, worth the extra few bucks or just for show? I know in the bicycle world that shock boots tend to hold more grit in and cause wear. I can't count the number of bikes I worked on that had the shocks and forks wear out early because of suspension boots. Mostly because of people having the out of sight out of mind attitude, and I know I am guilty of it from time to time too
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Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I've had em on for about 6 months, a little mud, a lot of road driving. I took one loose the other day and didn't notice any wear or gime inside the boot. I also zip tie both ends of mine up to try and prevent any dirt from entering.
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So they are basically more for show than anything. I just want to know because I will be ordering my shocks next week and if boots actually sealed up the shafts well I would order them at the same time, but I would rather put the $20 for boots into something like gas
Beach Bum
If you run gravel roads or fire roads a lot than you may want shock boots on the rear. My Bilstein 5100 came with them already installed and they seal up well with small vent holes on the bottom.
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There's the difference. Bilsteins put vent holes. Regular one trap dirt. They would be good to protect from rock dents
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I am just getting a set of Pro Comp to do me till the spring. As much as I hate spending money twice I just can't spring for the better shocks at this time. The previous owner lifted the back of the jeep about 3", but it looks like the OEM shocks were reused. I am going to lift the front to match, and replace all the shocks and next spring when I have a bit more money on hand I will upgrade the shocks.
My finacial short comings are due to trying to get 2 vehicles on the road at the same time, my XJ and a 1992 Dodge Stealth. I just put the last part on the Stealth today
My finacial short comings are due to trying to get 2 vehicles on the road at the same time, my XJ and a 1992 Dodge Stealth. I just put the last part on the Stealth today