TheRustyKey

Is anyone running rustys front 4 link? Is there any clearance issues? Binding while flexing? I have a 98 xj and want to ditch the short arm lift. And go long arms. Radius arms are not out of the question but. I want the adjustability of a 3 link. But the piece of mind of a 4 link. I take this rig overland here in az. So 70 percent off road and 30 percent on road. I daily it to work but also drive it to the trail and beyond.

Kuro89

No binding or clearance issues on my Rusty's 4 link, been happy with it. Remember to bump stop if you like your fenders...

ElMartillo

1998 for reasons of rust damage and parts wear, I am replacing front axle assembly, U/L control arms, putting in Zone 3” coils. Recommendations for track bar and tie rod assemblies given the above info.

Thank you!

CJG

Since I need all new tires I've decided to go for new rims, too. I've never liked the factory rims and mine are all pitted anyway and not worth restoring. I'm replacing them with cheap but handsome, black steel rims with faux beadlock. So my question is –

Since I'm replacing the OEM wheels, IS THERE ANY ADVANTAGE IN INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE RIMS, THEREBY INCREASING THE SIZE OF THE TIRES, WITHOUT NEGATIVELY IMPACTING CLEARANCE OR HANDLING?

That's my question in a nutshell. What follows are some specs that you might want to factor in – but maybe not necessary. Anyway, here you go:

While my XJ is 4WD, my driving is 100% streets and freeways; I don't take it off-road so I don't need, nor do I want, aggressive, knobby, loud, rough-riding tires. And I have no plans in the future to lift my Cherokee.

The only downsize I know to upping the size of the wheels & tires are the clearance issues. But I'm clueless when it comes to this type of customization so I don't know what other issues to factor in that may effect handling. I'm working with a reputable tire shop but I'd feel more confident getting real world advice from the guys here who've made these changes specifically on XJs.

I believe the original factory tire size was: 205/75R 15

The original wheel size is: 15x7

For 10 years I've been running: 215/75R 15

Wheel size recommended by the tire shop: 15x7 or 15x8

INTERESTING, BUT THE TIRE SHOP QUOTED ME TIRES FITTED TO A 15X8 RIM BUT THEN, ON THE ESTIMATE, THEY STATE THAT THEY RECOMMEND A 15X7 RIM. AGREE? DISAGREE?

Tire sizes recommended by the tire shop: 225/75R 15 or 235/75R 15

Thanks in advance for your expertise and opinions!

SimpleDad

CJG I'll throw some things out there (more in the hope that someone else will chime in than that I have something too useful).

Wider rims = a little bit wider stance. It also might need more offset than stock. You should search the forum on what offset you need for 15X8 rims with no lift 2.5l 2wd.

Wider rims are more likely to debead when aired down, but that doesn't sound like an issue for you but kind of an ironic change considering the beadlock look

Wider stance will improve handling, make steering a little harder, put more wear on bearing hubs and ball joints, and make springs/shocks feel softer. If the rims are heavier than what you have they will also contribute to the wear and springs softness plus decrease fuel economy.

Taller tires risk rubbing in the wheel well, improve the ride quality, and because they are heavier and add unsprung weight contribute to the negatives I listed above. The tires you listed also are a little wider, so that will add to a little worse fuel economy, a little more wear, a little harder steering.

Wider tires provide more traction but also more rolling resistance so they worsen fuel economy. You can go to https://tiresize.com/calculator/ and see that actual sizes of the tires you listed. Then on this site there should be some posts where you measure from your axel to your fender and get a rough estimate what size tires you can fit without rubbing.

Very Red XJ

• For narrow tires, the 7" rim holds the tire better and you'll get fewer flats
• XJ's come with a 5 or 5-1/4 " backspacing - replacement wheels should come close to that

Very Red XJ

"Add a lift" additional spring lief on an old spring pack usually don't last long and will begin to sag
245/75/16's are typically used on 3" lifts to prevent rubbing
For 32" tires, you'll need about a 4-1/2 " lift or give up travel and add to your bump stops
Long arms are recommended (lower control arms)
Regearing is HIGHLY recommended
The front axle should be up graded or at least add Crome molly axels

CJG

Thank you SimpleDad! Just saw your response. Just the kind of knowledgeable, deep dive I was hoping for. Think I'll play it safe and use the same size rim as the OEM ones. Thanks again.