JT Spencer said:
I am looking for an xj, probably 88-94 range . I am wondering what lift and tire size for the Rubicon trail, and a little more aggresive runs I would need. Also, on the whole axle thing, I am lost on Dana 30,35,44. What do xj's come with, and what will I need?
My Guess is 6" lift and 35's. Also, do I need long arm or would the standard 6" lift from Rusty's work? I will be using this as a trail rig for me and my wife + 2 girls. Yes the a/c must work!! Of course I am looking for a good starting point before I tackle the dif and gearing choices. I am hoping to not buy a lift and then realize I got the wrong one later. Aren't we all.. Thank for any tips.
JT Spencer
wow, there are alot of variables there... to start with -
the year of the cherokee -
1989 - 20 gallon gas tank = standard
1991 - u joints in front axles (no CV)
1992 and late '91 odbII system with Check engine light that stores engine codes and the diagnostics machine can pull them w/o the light actually being on
for the rubicon trail - you can do all of it stock (with all the bypasses) so it all matters as to how deep you want to get into.
MOST cherokee's came with the Dana 30 front axle and Dana 35 Rear axle
some have the chrysler 8.8 rear and some (rare as hell) had the D44 rear axel. Many posts as to how to tell the difference... (search)
for a 6" lift long arms are the way to go (look ad the Lower control arms [lca's]) on cherokee's and notice how short they are. a long arm allows for much more flex and articulation (needed fro Rubicon, Fordyce...)
Long arms also make a much nicer ride on the road (as the angle of the LCA doesnt change as much as the short [stock] arm)
Rusty's - good company for partial lifts, however many people have had problems (search for "rustys" and see what people are saying about the company before you shell out a ton o money)
Im not sure as to your skill and time spent offroad and the like, but if you are brand new to the 4x4 sport, slap a 2" coil spacer in front and a 2" AAL in the back for a cheap budget lift and get some 31x10.5r15's and drive around, try stuff.
i think skid plates and skill outdo any lift and tire combobecause they build skill. wheeling is expensive (ask anyone who does it). and lifts only make you think u can do things that are trickyier (i cant spell) and break more expensive stuff. (like axles, T-cases, Oil Pans, hubs, radiators, and steering boxes)
if however you are still set on the lift and 35" tires, then seriously search and find what you need, starting points include:
SYE (slip yoke elminator)
Rims w/ less backspacing than stock
d44 swap (stock axles cant handle 35" tires off road)
4.88 gears (rock crawling becomes crawling)
fender triming and/or bumpstops
lockers (for rubicon,fordyce...
BUDGET - how much do you really want to spend on this?
there are a ton of posts covering all of these topics, look around before you decide on anything...
good luck with your Cherokee to be