SeriousOffroad

the instructions will tell you how to extend your existing hard lines. No need to buy new brake lines.

ch3rokee

What is the lowest bs that will work on a stock 97 cherokee with a 15x7 and 235/75r15 without sticking out past the flare? I want to buy rims with a 3.75 bs but im not sure if they fit.

mvktr2

It's 5:00AM and I'm outside measuring from my center wheel to the bottom of the fender flare...

When I bought the jeep over a decade ago it had 32" wild country MTs on stock wheels. Replaced those with 31" Bridgestone ATs on stock wheels. Replaced those last week with 32" Kenda Klever MTs on Crager Soft 8s.

The original package I took off road a fair bit on fishing trips and it flexed great, would get into the fender just a little(mostly the moulding) every now and again but because it wasn't pushed out it fit better in the wheel well(same with the 31s).

I never knew how much lift was on the cherokee (90 xj) till reading page 3 or 4 of this thread and swiftly ran outside to measure from center wheel to fender flare. If stock distance measures 17.5" front and 17" rear I've got 5" in the front and 4" in the back (sagging leafs me suspects). I'm blown away as I always figured it was 3" maybe 4". FWIW I adjusted my measurements down by a 1/4-1/2" allowing for the space crated by the tire. FYI the lift package has the drop brackets for the lower control arms. The transfer case has also been dropped with what looks like 1/2-3/4" spacers.

Anyhoo the clearance between fender flare and tire in front is 6.25" (didn't measure rear but would guess it to be 4-4.5"). There are (I think they're called) bump stops inside the coil springs but it flexed 2-2.5" of tire up inside the wheel well on the stock rims with 32/31s before. My conundrum is I was hoping not to cut or not to cut very much fender, maybe just enough to go with Bushwacker Flats at some point.

I'm curious about others experience? Also do I really have 5" of lift? I just can't believe it. The thing is I replaced the drivers side brake line when I purchased the vehicle and used a stock brake line purchased at auto zone and it fits. By my understanding a 5" lift would require non-oem/longer brake lines. What gives? Here's the vehicle of which I speak...

Thanks,
Phillip
Sorry to be so long winded!

mvktr2

I did the top of the axle tube to bottom of uni-body frame measurement method and got a reading of 3.5" rear and 4" front lift. Makes more sense and answers my question regarding lift height.

Later today I'll post pics of the lift elements looking for guidance on what brand etc is currently installed.

SteveMongr

I do not recommend removing a leaf ahead of time, or removing one just for a height adjustment.
The stock coil spring isolaters can be double stacked as a way to level jeep, gives 5/8" lift.

Stock control arms usually are not worth replacing the bushings in. Easier and sometimes cheaper to replace the arms with new stock arms, they come with bushings. Once you hold one of the arms in your hand and realize how flimsy they are, you will want to replace them with real arms anyway.

I do not see shackles or shackle bushings mentioned in your list.

FYI. There are three manufacturers that make CAD, control arm drop brackets. All require a 4.5" minimum lift. Homemade ones can use less lift.

gunmetal_nightrider

For some reason Bluebyu on here had me thinking about going to 5.5 inches of lift...not much more to do compared to a 4.5 lift. So my question is....can i get an AAL and put it in my Zone 3 inch pack to make 4.5 pack and then add the shackle that zone sends with the 4.5 kit? Would it work or am i missing something important?


Yes the kit comes with lca and im putting in a SYE and longer brake lines, trac bar, tie rod etc.

SteveMongr

My 4.5" lift still sits over 5". It is three years old and been bottomed out many times.
By using a 3.5" leaf pack with degree shim, all you should need are adjustable shackles, you can adjust from 4.5" to 6" lift (as long as pinion angle is correct). I have Clayton 3-way adjustable and have to run them on the lowest setting with a 3.5" leaf pack.
I would like to lower my rig, but it will cost too much. lol

mikesignal

he has the OME cs033RA leafs. They are 4.5" full pack and 3.5" with one leaf removed. I guess it depends on how high he wants to go and also be level with the front. I'm not sure what you get out of the 2934 coils. I thought they were only 2.5" over stock,but might be higher. I would think a spacer will be needed.

SteveMongr

I see, that is convenient, another plus for OME.
Would it be the second largest leaf, next after the one with bushing ends?

mvktr2

From top of axle tube to unibody frame I got 10.5 front and 9.5 rear. Below are various components I took images of. Please help me figure out what is installed on my xj so I can order/upgrade proper replacement parts.

Here goes, in descending order:
1-drop bracket control arm mount
2-control arms-stock
3-center-link & track bar
4-driver side brake hose, shock, spring
5-driver side coil spring and stabilizer bar link

mvktr2

And more images are:
1-T-case spacers 11/16"-3/4"
2-T-case/tranny support

mvktr2

Finally the rear, Images in descending order:

Need anything else? What kind of lift is it? From unibody to top of axle housing it measures 10.5" in front and 9.5" in rear. Thanks a bunch!

1-Leaf Spring & U Bolts
2-Leaf Spring Front Attachment 1
3-Leaf Spring Front Attachment 2(view from on top of leaf spring)
4-Leaf Spring Rear Drop Attachment
5-Leaf Spring Section view from underneath

chipmaker

Looks like a 3"-4" add-a-leaf kit to me. IMHO the only thing worth saving maybe the coil springs. Other than the coils, CAD's, and add-a-leafs everything looks to be factory even the shocks.

peligro113

IIRC you remove the 3rd leaf from the top to get 3.5" of lift. I didn't buy new arms because I'll be installing long arms within 6 months or so but I need to replace the stock bushings since they are shot along with every other rubber bushing in the suspension.

I didn't list shackles because I am unsure whether I'll need them at 3.5"

peligro113

What brand and material do you think would work best for the spacers