Thatrooper515

First time lifter here. Decided this thread is where to post instead of making a new one.
I have a 2000 jeep cherokee, the 4.0l I6. Stock now. I have put plenty of thought into lifting and read countless forums and have finally decided to go for it. About a month or two before I start so i have enough cash on hand to comfortably begin.
I don't need a huge lift. The jeep won't see any serious trails, farm land and some rough hunting spots along with some moderate mud. They just look awesome too! I have been mainly looking at the the rough country 4.5 lift. With the full leaf packs.
http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_...lift_kits.html
I think the cheaper 4.5inch is the way to go. The x series seems to just be stouter and a diffrent t-case drop kit? (only took half a semester of auto tech so I'm not the smartest guy when it comes to this.) I have a good idea what to expect. Buy the kit, and plan on new tires, possible sye and new driveshaft, as well as having the gear ratio changed. Also head of adjusting speedometer for tires and what not?
I plan on running 33-35in BFG mud grapplers on a 16in wheel. And getting some fender flares. Money is an issue so I may do the lift with a buddy who's in college to become a diesel mechanic. He hasn't done one before but he has necessary tools and more know how than me when it comes to suspension. Having it done professionally is still an option for me though.
Anything big I'm missing here? Any advice appreciated.

Nperryman

This isn't them buy it is 90 degrees similar to this. Would lift shackles be a bad idea? I've heard of shackle relocators but I don't know if I want to get them just yet.

RSAJEEP

Hi Guys

Are the XJ an TJ track bar relocationg brackets the same or are they different from each other?

BNJeepsta

Is that a bracket welded to the stock shackle??

dukie564

they should be the same yes.

RSAJEEP

Awesome thanks man, a guy got a TJ one for a good price here locally. But I want to be sure of the bracket before I buy it.

ebowman85

So it looks like i am going to go with either the RC 3" lift or the zone 3" lift. Looks like the kits have the same parts so the only difference is the RC kit is 99 cents cheaper haha. so what company would you guys recommend?

dukie564

RC > Zone as far as a company goes. Call Jeff at RC (1-800-222-7023 x125) and you can get 10% off for being a forum member. Great customer service also.

BotakBeng

M14x20x120
I got them from McFaddenDale for like $4 ea.

Nperryman

Idk. This isn't my shackle I just posted a picture to someone response about what my shackle angle looked like. My question is with a 90 degree shackle angle, would it be a bad idea to get lift shackles? I already know about shackle relocators

BNJeepsta

A longer shackle will help return the shackle to a better angle.

dukie564

how do you figure that? A shackle that is vertical to begin with will remain vertical regardless of length.

BNJeepsta

What I was thinking is that if the shackle was longer it would push the leaf pack down, making the leaf longer. Now that I think about it it would only raise the rear of the jeep higher, not change the angle. Sorry for the misinformation, it wasn't intended.

DieselD

Its not a bad idea, but it won't fix your problems. Just buy some shackle relocation brackets. I did. I would probably just build my own next time. Terribly simple, especially if you just weld it in.

Nperryman

Well I'm not necessarily worried about the angle right now I just need another inch or inch and a half of lift. Just wanted to make sure it wouldn't push my shackle the wrong way and make it even worse