xjboobiebouncer

I have a 1998 xj sport with a 4.5 rustys lift. Stock axles. Currently have 32 inch super swampers on the stock 15” rims but want to get a 2nd set for street tires as it’s my DD. I’m looking for 20” rims and 1.5” rough country spacers (y’all will blast me for that setup) but I’m wondering what size tire I can run on the rims (not rubber bands), what offset I should get on the rims (as I’ve heard they can rub against the brakes and also make it harder to turn), and if I’ll have any issues running big rims on the xj. I don’t want them to stick out past the frame too much

Rubicon640

I picked up a mildly worn 98 for $150 from a family friend. It’s for my son, he’s 14 now, so we have some time to build it into something nice.

The lift is something I pieced together...Old Man Emu HD springs front and rear. 2” spacer up front. Blistein 5100 shocks. Core 4X4 control arms and HD track bar/bracket. All the bushings and other factory suspension components were replaced as well. Rough Country 1 ton steering, new ball joints, Power Stop calipers and rotors with SS Tubes stainless brake lines front and back. 1.5” wheel spacers with some JK wheels and 285/70/17 Falken AT3’s. Tons of time scrubbing and wire brushing everything underneath and then undercoating and painting it all for a factory fresh look.


Front bumper was trimmed, as well as the back of the front flares. It still hits a little, so I need to trim a bit more, but planning on a winch bumper, which should fix that. Rides like a dream over the destroyed factory stuff I took off.

DapperZ

What did you use to undercoat? I am wanting to do this and am wondering what to use!

Old Man Minimalist

That level of detail is what I like to do. You will give me a run for my money! Very nice. But you got a '98 for $150?

larryb

Beating the horse again but here is my plan for my 93 XJ 2-Door:

Rear:
Ironman Relocation Brackets = 1-1/2” Lift
Crown 4886185AA Springs = 0-1/2” Lift
Monroe 37027 Shocks
Energy Suspension Spring Bushings
Daystar Bump Stops

Front:
OME 2930 Springs = 1-1/2” Lift (w/warn front winch)
Monroe 37083 Shocks
RE 1396 Bump Stops
Coil Spring Spacer as needed

Going to be running 235/75 X 15 tires and not needing a big lift for logging roads with washouts chasing chucker's..
I will be doing the HD track bar and poly sway bar bushings in the front when I upgrade the front end.

Remarks welcome and please let me know if this combo will work.....................

XJTPD

Hi.
I'm buying a Cherokee soon and looking at lifting it about 3-5 inches. I am currently looking at a Rusty's off road 3 inch add-a-leaf kit for $370. There are much more expensive three inch lifts on the website, and this is the cheapest. Will this lift be total crap or would this be a good choice for daily driving and minor off-roading. If not, what type of lift should I do. I am willing to spend more if I have to. I am also wondering if I should just buy the Rusty's add-a-leaf and put different shocks in.

XJTPD

I'm not entirely sure on this but I believe you will need to get some hub adaptor spacers for those wheels. I think the lug pattern for a JL is different from an XJ, but they make adaptors to solve that issue.

larryb

Anyone have a comment on on lift kit choices listed above?? I'm hoping the rear is not too low but I want to keep around 2 to 2-1/2".

NM_offroader

I just bought my first Jeep, a stock 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. It needs tires but I also want to put a 2 inch lift on it. My question is - should I lift it first and then decide on what size tire to buy? (For what it's worth, I'm probably going to get BF Goodrich all terrain T/A KO2.)

I don't want to get the stock tires, and then decide they look goofy after the lift.

Buckwheat65

Hello from the Southland!! I have a 2000 Cherokee 4x4 that I am converting to my hunting rig. Zero rock climbing for me. Just a hunting rig on muddy trails from time to time during deer and turkey season. At first, I thought HEY! I will jack it up with a 4.5 suspension lift and 33/12.50's and I am set. Well, after joining the forum and reading all of the massive amount of information, I have discovered it is not that simple. There are a lot of things that may or not need to be done with that set up. Brake lines, drive shaft, different gear ratio and on and on. I am not going to the top of a mountain. I am going in the swamp on old logging roads in the deep south. With all that said, I want it to have a little beefy look with my rattle can camo paint job that I will eventually do. Here is the question. What is the biggest lift I can do without having all the additional expense of all the other crap that would have to be modified or changed out with a 4.5" lift. What would be the biggest mud tire I could stuff under the rig. I don't mind if I had to do a slight trim on the fender. I think you know what I am looking for. Your suggestions and ideas are much appreciated........Thanks

Edwards.anthony

I'm currently running an RC 3-inch lift (actually 2inches) and I'm moving to a stinky fab long arm with RE rear leaf springs and spacers on the front. I've been looking at shocks and I want to run Bilstein 5100 series shocks. but I can't find any 4.5 inches lift all I can find are 3-4 in and 5-6 inch lift shocks. I daily drive this and overland/trail in my free time. so I'm not sure about skyjacker, and I have N02 shocks from RC that are ok but I got a shackle relocation from them and it was defective, I have emailed, texted, called, and even left a review on their website. (to no one's surprise the review was deleted) and they have ignored all attempts of contact. So I don't want to give a ****ty company any more of my money. my budget for shocks is 400$ and I want nice highway speeds (65mph) and some decent travel on the trail. I've seen people suggest using Bilstein 5100s on 4.5-inch lifts but then never link any product page.

rldstover48

Hi, All

I'm thinking of going with a Rough Country 1-1/2" lift kit, Am looking at Toyo Open Country A/T III tires, 235-75R 15, just going to put on original rims I like the rims


, just want a little more lift will essentially be a DD, with some sand driving for surf fishing with my grandson as soon as my daughter gives in a little lol. Looking for thoughts and/or advice.

Much appreciated forwarded

EZEARL

Probably a decent kit for an XJ with a good stock suspension. Lift shackles when used on worn out leaf springs isn't a good idea. Your XJ seems to have a good amount of sag to it although it is a GOOD looking rig. Measure from the center of the wheels to the bottom of the flares. Stock height measurements are 17 1/2" for the front and 17" for the rear.

Max Conrad

That is indeed a good looking XJ. Honestly after everything I’ve been through with my lifted xj… regearing, rebuilding both diffs, rebuilding the engine, etc etc, my advice would be to restore it to original ride height with fresh leafs—maybe add a leaf—and put whatever size tires will clear with no rubbing once that’s done. Tires is traction, the lift only makes room for the tires (i know, duh…) I do love those rims as well. I’ve actually considered buying a set of those to run a bit smaller tire for daily driving (running 31s now). The more lift you add, the more stuff you gotta do to make everything work with the lift—and daily driving does suffer. The XJ was a very capable rig stock; but there’s lots to spend money on keeping these aging vehicles going… relays, clockspring, water pump, crank and cam position sensors… all kinds of fun stuff that likes to go out an inconvenient time. That’s just my $.02. If I had it to do over again I’d stay as close to stock as possible and focus on keeping the Jeep looking sharp and running well.

rldstover48

Thanks EZEARL and Max Conrad, my first thought originally was to stay stock, and even though this rig has decent ground clearance I noticed driving at night I get a lot of bright lights in my face lol. So that's why I first thought of a small lift, but now with both of your very much appreciated comments I'm going to work on getting it out of the worn out state first, leaf springs first and new fronts if needed, along with bushings and bolts haven't measured yet but will. They make the same tire I'd like to get in a 225 75-15 which is stock as well, after I get it mostly OEM stable some day down the road maybe a lift, but by that time maybe I won't want to as I do like three low center of gravity that this has that most jeeps don't.

Thanks again have a good day