Hi guys, i hope im in the right category for my post.. but i jus bought a 88 cherokee laredo tht is now my new toy.. Ive always had a car n worked on that but have always loved going wheeling in trucks.. So here it is my first project vehicle. there for not the most mechanical when it comes to the suspension side of things.. It currently has a 2.5" spacer lift on 31 super swampers... i wanna get it to a 4-5" inch lift wit 33s its got dana 35 rear end so im aware wit 33s ill prolly blow tht up wheelin but then its jus time to upgrade.. so my question for you guys is i wanna buy everything kinda seperate, so should i keep the spacers and add 2-3" suspension lift and wht do i need.. Coils, shocks, wht should i do in the rear end? wanna keep everything under 500 or so.. pls help any input is helpful input..

 

Keep a eye out in for sale section. Most of the time there is 4.5 inch parts for sale. Or 3 inch parts for sale then add your budget boost to it. You wont get a full kit for under 500 so pieces is all you got. The rear axle you can replace with a chrysler 8.25 or a d44 out of a 87 cherokee. My d44 cost 200 at my junkyard. 8.25 you should be able to get for under 200, more like 100. Depends on what kind of wheeling you do is to if it will hold up to your abuse.

 

alright sweet ill have to check tht out.. and by budget boost or u referring to the spacers?

 

Yeah, spacers are considered budget boost, but I run them and shackles and love both, so no harm there. If you find an 87-89 cherokee be sure it has the tow package, otherwise the rear axle is still a D35. Cheapest way to go is 99 and up and you'll get a C8.25 with 29 spline. A little weaker than a ford 8.8, but still respectable. I've beat the crap out of mine and haven't had any issues. Plus it all depends on what kind of wheeling you do. If you're smart and easy on the gas you can do a lot with your D30/D35 combo. But if you have to money, I would just upgrade. Ford 8.8 is a good way to go as well. and you get disc brakes. The front is a bit harder to upgrade but still very doable. Waggy 44's are a good swap, but the bolt pattern is 6 on 5.5, i believe. If you can weld, this is always a good option since you'll have to change the axle from leafs to coils and control arms. If not, a D30 with alloys will hold up pretty well under most conditions. Are you planning on locking either? Lockers bring in a whole different set of equations. Lockers for C8.25 are limited, so take that into consideration before buying one. Also you're going to want to think about regearing as well, but it's not completely necessary if you don't wheel a lot and you like to drive your rig on the road. I know there's other opinions out there, so this is just my opinion. Enjoy man, jeeps are fun, and cherokees can be amazing if done right. Welcome to the forum!