XJeepCheep

so you are saying go bigger! Lol!

achorlian

So I'm changing my shocks since I'm lifting 3.5 inches...

Time for the rear upper shock bolts to come out...they all break of course...

Drilled out the bolts and tried feeding new ones in through the top but there is not enough space BECAUSE there is a lip that has formed from the top from drilling into the metal..

Any tips on getting rid of the excess metal?

As most of you will know it's a tough spot to get into with most tools.

Much appreciated

XJlimitedx99

You could try the next size up drill bit, but it might still leave a burr. Maybe you could get in there with a round file and work a little magic to sneak the bolts by.

You could use a dremel tool. Feed the grinding disk in from the top so that the neck of the tool is hanging down where the bolt should go and the grinding part is up top. Remove material.

mrshaft696

man up and cut a window in the floor, drill & replace with bolts... full access.....

jedijeb

I guess I got lucky. I changed the shocks on my 85 when I bought it three years ago, and it most likely still had the original shocks on it. The original owner said he never changed them. The rear bolts came out like they were brand new. The lower fronts on the other hand, I had to cut them to get the shocks off

XJlimitedx99

Why in the world would you tell him to drill through the floor? No need for that.

Definitely got lucky with the rears! Why would you have to cut a bolt that you can access the top and bottom of?

XJeepCheep

What is a better axle swap, a factory XJ Dana 44 or the 8.8?
I still can't pull the trigger on what axles I want in the Cherokee and have found an abundance of the ones mentioned. I originally wanted to do 1 tons (Dana 60's or Chevy 14 bolt) but everyone is talking me out of it.

NewKindOfClown

8.8 if grinding and welding isn't an issue.
D44 if you want a direct swap

XJeepCheep

The grinding and welding isn't an issue. I was just wondering what one is stronger?

Basslicks

There's argument on both sides of the fence for that one. I'd give an edge to the 8.8 - especially if you get c-clip eliminators for it.

XJeepCheep

thanks man!
so the 8.8 is stronger even know it had the c clips or only if you delete them?
Ny the way long time no chat! Lol

jedijeb

They were completely frozen up, and when I put wrenches on them they just rounded off what was left of the flats on them. I tried a cold chisel, but was taking forever, I finally got two Visegrips on the top and bottom and was able to break the bolts. I greased the new ones really well after installing them for when I need to remove them the next time.

I only had a propane torch here, had I been at Dad's I would have just melted them out

Barry Hause

I am posting this for my son, who now owns my Cherokee Classic xj 1996. We put a 3 inch Rough Country lift on it and are studying the tire question. I found these nearby on CL.

https://jackson.craigslist.org/wto/6165185967.html

Seems like a good deal but not sure about fitment.

Can anyone shed light on this?

This is the tire size. They come with the rims: LT255/75R17

TIA

SatiricalHen

Good deal, needs wheel adapters to work. 5x5 bolt pattern wheels and we have 5x4.5. I know a few guys running jk take offs

Barry Hause

When you say wheel adaptors, are you talking about spacers?