When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Which is better: using the stock leaf springs with a lift kit or buying a new set of leaf springs for the lift kit? I was looking at a rough country lift kit and it had the option for leaf springs or no leaf springs.
Also what 30" tires can i fit on stock wheels? What is the wheel size for 30" ATs?
Oops - Had 3.5" lift Leafs put on my 2001 XJ by mistake!
Man did I do a dumbass thing. I had a few deals on my ebay watchlist and mistakenly ordered the Pro Comp 5311 3.5" lift Leaf Springs to replace my worn out stock on my 2001 XJ. In my stupor of haste I thought I was ordering stock replacements. The shop struggled to put them on (2.6 hours labor) and when I picked it up I was "shocked" at the back lift. Anyway now I'm stuck with figuring out what I can do to match things up with the rest of the suspension in the most economically practical way possible. I'm not sure what I should do - shock extensions or new shocks? larger sway bar links? front leveling kit? Any suggestions are most welcome!
I used OME lift from Quadratec for my 94 XJ and really like it. I use 30" BFG ATA s and it looks rather good. Used the TC drop kit but only two of the spacers ( 1/2) drop or so. Probably could have got away without using it but had a bit of movement in driveshaft. Understand that these jeeps where not designed for lift kits. If so they would have come with them. That being said its fine to use them however anytime anything is modified or altered there will be gives and takes ( Newtons law). With the OME kit i took one spring out ( notched spring )- first one below the eyelet/bushing main spring. Did this because it sat way to high in the rear. Need any help with it let me know. I did mine meself.
My 97 XJ 4dr 4x4. I have installed an EAG front winch bumper, generic eBay cargo basket and steel D ring rear bumper, a Pro Comp 3" lift (front coil springs, rear add a leafs w/U-bolts, lower control arms, ES3000 shocks front and rear, front sway bar end link and extension brackets. I am running 15x8 Trail Master TM5 steelies with Cooper Discoverer A/T3s 31x10.50x15.
The front bumper is well made, sturdy and fits well. The instructions(if you read or follow them) instruct you to mount the bumper then install the brush guard. Some of the bolts to mount the brush guard are awkward to reach after mounting the bumper and I would recommend to install the brush guard first where you can roll the bumper over and have an easier time securing the hardware for the brush guard. the rear bumper came in raw steel so I had to primer it and then I chose to rattle can bed line it. The fit was good and the finish is well rattle can bedliner. the cargo basket is a cheap China made basket that came shipped in a box the was handled by the American Tourister Gorilla. The round rails where they slip together were deformed and required some reshaping and a little extra influence to get fully seated and the rack assembled, but for $78.00 I was not going through the hassle of returning it and possible having the same problem when the replacement basket was delivered.
The Pro Comp 3" lift has eliminated all tire rubbing issues from rubbing 31s on the stock steel wheels(lower control arm rubbing at full lock) and rubbing on the wheel wells with the 15x8" Trail Master TM5s. It has also eliminated some driveline /suspension slop from a stop. the ride is comfortable and handle road bumps well without being harsh. The lift kit installation also included a transfer case drop kit.
The Trail Master TM5 steel wheels ands Cooper Discoverer A/T3 tires. I bough the wheel on two fronts first was price at $39.99 per wheel and second was looks. they look like a Winston Cup race wheel. I'm not fond of a standard wagon wheel and it seems like everyone and their brother has some sort of steel wheel with round holes. As far as the tires are concerned I have not had the chance to get them out in the mud yet, however I did back into a very soft and wet front yard and the seemed to work well and when clear shed the mud off the tire quickly .The road manners are good, very quiet but not silent and seems to handle the road well.
By request here are some pics of the mounting hardware and locations for the EAG front bumper on my 97 XJ. They instruct to mount the brush guard after mounting the bumper to the vehicle but I would recommend d to mount it to the bumper first then mount the bumper to the vehicle. Some of the locations are a little awkward
and can be difficult trying to stack a flat washer, lock washer and nut vertically.
My experience would say 31x10.5x15, although I do get some slight rubbing on the left rear wheel well when turning right and going over a bump too quickly. I believe it is because my stock springs are weak and did not have much/any arch before the lift was installed. I probably should have replaced the rear springs completely.
I thought choosing a lift would be Easy because i know my Limits, BUT
I know I want a mild lift for my 1998 CherokeeSport. I even know why i want 2.5 inches, and not 3 or more---i do not want to deal with the expense of more parts needed to be replaced, or repaired (now a specialty part if it's lengthened, etc from stock), changed drive angles or driveability onroad. I would LIKE TO run 33" tires...but i know 31"ers will suit my needs just fine, with the added articulation such a lift added will provide. I even was/kinda am ready to pull the trigger on the Superlift 2.5 inch kit, but, after looking here, and lots elsewhere, i am unsure. Here is why: I want a COMPLETE KIT, as in, once i order, i don't want to hear/find out "Oh, you don't need a new sway bar----or etc or whatever----but yeah, it WOULD drive better/closer to stock, had you got it....and yeah, we make it, but that's an "extra", you have to specify it when ordering". Upfront...i am not a mechanic, and though i have always had an intrest in this stuff and know a little more than the guy who just drives his car, and doesn't---i don't know all the nitty gritty of this. I have a general knowledge; i'm not a master mechanic anything. My mechanic, when this all gets done----he's doing the install, not me. So when i drop off my Jeep, with everything in the back, i want everything to be there.
Next, with the Superlift kit, you get an add a leaf....i'm fine with that, but then....if i can't get a 2.5 kit (and i have yet to find one) with just all new leaf packs, i was going to buy OEM ones to replace the old and add the new leaf---just because that's how i look at things. I plan on keeping this jeep a LONG time, and only want to do all this, once. I figure the springs currently there are 20yrs old; sagging, etc....so makes sense, sense i'm going to all this trouble. But does it make sense to YOU---the ones that really know this stuff?
I'm looking for specific recommendations, and the reason why "this" instead of "that'. For what it's worth, i've seen 2 cherokees with Rusty's Off road lifts, and have visited the website. He even has tire and wheel packages, which i like, BUT---he doesn't have a 2.5 lift, AND even with his "packages", he lists lots of options----but i don't know how necessary they are. I've said elsewhere (my 1st post)----this isn't gonna be a "magazine" rig; i know what i expect and want it to be when done. And no, i don't care if a complete lift costs 2000.00----if you can tell me why i need those extra parts, i'm all ears.
Also, i do want to add one last reason i don't want to go any higher than i have to, and perhaps driveabilty/high center of gravity covers it....but fact is, i've been in 2 rollovers (not Jeeps); i don't need, or want, to make my ride any more prone than necessary. Understand, i LOVE how my Cherokees handle now, from the factory----i'm ok with changing that a little to gain other things....but i don't want to go any further than I feel i have to, to get where i want to go.
With the holidays coming up----thus all the SALES---I made this my 1st technical question post, in the hopes any info given freely here, would help me decide/figure out a kit to purchase, and perhaps find a deal, to boot. Who knows; i might get lucky.
Thanks for listening; i appreciate, and look forward to, any and all help/response.
Last edited by 9998Cherokees; 11-18-2018 at 03:49 PM.
Reason: edited for clarity
I know I want a mild lift for my 1998 CherokeeSport. I even know why i want 2.5 inches, and not 3 or more---i do not want to deal with the expense of more parts needed to be replaced, or repaired (now a specialty part if it's lengthened, etc from stock), changed drive angles or driveability onroad. I would LIKE TO run 33" tires...but i know 31"ers will suit my needs just fine, with the added articulation such a lift added will provide. I even was/kinda am ready to pull the trigger on the Superlift 2.5 inch kit, but, after looking here, and lots elsewhere, i am unsure. Here is why: I want a COMPLETE KIT, as in, once i order, i don't want to hear/find out "Oh, you don't need a new sway bar----or etc or whatever----but yeah, it WOULD drive better/closer to stock, had you got it....and yeah, we make it, but that's an "extra", you have to specify it when ordering". Upfront...i am not a mechanic, and though i have always had an intrest in this stuff and know a little more than the guy who just drives his car, and doesn't---i don't know all the nitty gritty of this. I have a general knowledge; i'm not a master mechanic anything. My mechanic, when this all gets done----he's doing the install, not me. So when i drop off my Jeep, with everything in the back, i want everything to be there.
Next, with the Superlift kit, you get an add a leaf....i'm fine with that, but then....if i can't get a 2.5 kit (and i have yet to find one) with just all new leaf packs, i was going to buy OEM ones to replace the old and add the new leaf---just because that's how i look at things. I plan on keeping this jeep a LONG time, and only want to do all this, once. I figure the springs currently there are 20yrs old; sagging, etc....so makes sense, sense i'm going to all this trouble. But does it make sense to YOU---the ones that really know this stuff?
I'm looking for specific recommendations, and the reason why "this" instead of "that'. For what it's worth, i've seen 2 cherokees with Rusty's Off road lifts, and have visited the website. He even has tire and wheel packages, which i like, BUT---he doesn't have a 2.5 lift, AND even with his "packages", he lists lots of options----but i don't know how necessary they are. I've said elsewhere (my 1st post)----this isn't gonna be a "magazine" rig; i know what i expect and want it to be when done. And no, i don't care if a complete lift costs 2000.00----if you can tell me why i need those extra parts, i'm all ears.
Also, i do want to add one last reason i don't want to go any higher than i have to, and perhaps driveabilty/high center of gravity covers it....but fact is, i've been in 2 rollovers (not Jeeps); i don't need, or want, to make my ride any more prone than necessary. Understand, i LOVE how my Cherokees handle now, from the factory----i'm ok with changing that a little to gain other things....but i don't want to go any further than I feel i have to, to get where i want to go.
With the holidays coming up----thus all the SALES---I made this my 1st technical question post, in the hopes any info given freely here, would help me decide/figure out a kit to purchase, and perhaps find a deal, to boot. Who knows; i might get lucky.
Thanks for listening; i appreciate, and look forward to, any and all help/response.
you are WAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY overthinking this..first, you wont find much 2.5 inch kits...just not popular. If thats what you want you will have to "build" your own kit mixing and matching parts. 2, a half inch differrence from a 2.5 inch lift to a 3 inch is not going to make a noticeable difference being "turn over" prone..3, you say you would be fine with add a leafs, but the fact of the matter is once you actually experience the ride quality you will hate it. Ask me how i know hahah
just get a 3 inch kit. Theres nothing "extra" that is required that doeant come in majority of kits. Its not a big enough height change to require a whole lot changes. A 3 inch lift is the most popular for xjs, so just rake a lookd at the full leaf packs from zone, rustys, iron rock offroad and pick the one that you like best as all are quakity.
LOL....yeah; i've been told that a time or 2....thousand.
Not a trait i'm proud of....but at least this is just a lift kit,
At any rate, i do get what you are saying....and as to AAL vs all-new rear spring packs, yes, your thinking was/is mine, too.
That said, i've looked at a few 3" kits, most notably, Rough Country. But, even there, once i read some reviews, and other comments, i get the impression they mayne aren't as solid a choice as i thought. ALSO---i get the impression their are pieces not included in their "complete" system.
So i'm still left wondering what is a good, solid, COMPLETE system, even were i to go to 3 inches of lift? Also----with 3 inches of lift...will 31" tires fill the wells and not look out of place/small?
This last bit may sound silly/subjective, but i remember when the new (now old) style Ram pickup came out....i thought they looked stupid as all get out with those huge wheel openings, especially the rear wheel openings, and comparatively small factory tires.
In fact, i still think that setup looks silly.
I appreciate your viewpoint, and will keep considering...thanks for the food for thought
Last edited by 9998Cherokees; 11-18-2018 at 07:20 PM.
Reason: added info
LOL....yeah; i've been told that a time or 2....thousand.
Not a trait i'm proud of....but at least this is just a lift kit,
At any rate, i do get what you are saying....and as to AAL vs all-new rear spring packs, yes, your thinking was/is mine, too.
That said, i've looked at a few 3" kits, most notably, Rough Country. But, even there, once i read some reviews, and other comments, i get the impression they mayne aren't as solid a choice as i thought. ALSO---i get the impression their are pieces not included in their "complete" system.
So i'm still left wondering what is a good, solid, COMPLETE system, even were i to go to 3 inches of lift? Also----with 3 inches of lift...will 31" tires fill the wells and not look out of place/small?
This last bit may sound silly/subjective, but i remember when the new (now old) style Ram pickup came out....i thought they looked stupid as all get out with those huge wheel openings, and comparatively small factory tires.
In fact, i still think that setup looks silly.
I appreciate your viewpoint, and will keep considering...thanks for the food for thought
The way I would go about doing what you want to do would be piecing it together. I think old man emu may have a 2.5" lift and if they do, that will result in great ride quality. Otherwise I'd get the upcountry package stuff (the factory option which was 2" higher if I remember correctly) then to get the .5" extra you could throw in an extended shackle in the rear and a puck in the front. What I listed here isn't a shopping list per say, but a thinking list to get you along the track you want.
The way I would go about doing what you want to do would be piecing it together. I think old man emu may have a 2.5" lift and if they do, that will result in great ride quality. Otherwise I'd get the upcountry package stuff (the factory option which was 2" higher if I remember correctly) then to get the .5" extra you could throw in an extended shackle in the rear and a puck in the front. What I listed here isn't a shopping list per say, but a thinking list to get you along the track you want.
I agree. Old man emu offers a variety of high quality parts for lower lifts.
Building the kit yourself will likely be the way to go.
For a smooth install on a 2.5" lift you will need:
Coils
Coil Spacers for leveling the front
New Coil Spring Isolators (since you will be in there anyway)
Extended Bumpstops or Bumpstop Spacers
Shocks
Leaf Springs
New Leaf Spring U-Bolts (you don't want to re-use the old ones)
Extended or Adjustable Swaybar Links
Extended Rear Shackles for ride quality (keep in mind they will add about 1" additional lift to the rear)
Leaf Spring & Shackle Bushings
Adjustable Upper Control Arms (Not 100% necessary, but will help with the front pinion angle)
Extended Brake Lines (You could relocate your factory lines, but new lines are much easier)
I would also drop the transfer case 1/4" to 1/2" with spacers.
On a 3" lift you will probably need to add in a new track bar, adjustable lower control arms, and extended e-brake lines.
You will also have to deal with any problems you may encounter with rear drive shaft vibrations.
Being as serious as you are it could take weeks to build your kit & research + find the parts you're after. Ebay and Amazon are your best bets for discount parts.
I used quadratec for my bushings, isolators, coil spacers, brake lines, and bumpstops.
Iron Rock Offroad for leaf spring u-bolts & misc. hardware
Lastly I recommend keeping a detailed spreadsheet of all the transactions.
I used google sheets. It allows me to keep track of all parts, part numbers, costs, invoice numbers, and dates / miles that the parts were installed.
Last edited by craigjacob1; 11-18-2018 at 08:20 PM.
Man did I do a dumbass thing. I had a few deals on my ebay watchlist and mistakenly ordered the Pro Comp 5311 3.5" lift Leaf Springs to replace my worn out stock on my 2001 XJ. In my stupor of haste I thought I was ordering stock replacements. The shop struggled to put them on (2.6 hours labor) and when I picked it up I was "shocked" at the back lift. Anyway now I'm stuck with figuring out what I can do to match things up with the rest of the suspension in the most economically practical way possible. I'm not sure what I should do - shock extensions or new shocks? larger sway bar links? front leveling kit? Any suggestions are most welcome!
For the record: the way I handled this situation was to remove the 3.5" lift springs and install heavy-duty stock springs which gave the stock ride about a 1" lift and is perfect for my street ride. This was far simpler than making everything else right with the larger springs.
Put a 4.5 inch rc lift on a 96. Added relocation brackets and new shackles to the leaves in the rear. I was dumb and didn't measure my before and after lift specs. Now I want to raise the front to level it. Without having to take the shackles off what's best next step. Should I just get 5.5 inch lift coils to out in front? Keep in mind I'm adding a tuff stuff bumper and winch to the front in a month or two. Heavy. So should I just go straight to 6 inch lift coil and shock? I think the back rose about an 1½. Inch. I can't make up my mind. Thanks ps. Don't want to use spacers
09-21-2015, 02:17 PM
Oops - Had 3.5" lift Leafs put on my 2001 XJ by mistake!
