new jeep calls for new lift and tires

[jharrison13]

i just got a 98 cherokee and i am putting a new lift and tires on i was wanting to go with just a 3.5-4.5 lift not sure if i wanted a 3.5 with blocks to make the 4.5 or just spend the extra and go for the 4.5 lift, then i come to the question of what tire size? 31 or 32 i dont want to trim. also i wanted to go 10.5 in width but i wasnt sure what width of rims? i have an extra set of deep dishes from my cj that will fit but i also heard that stock rims will fit with th 10.5 width and it gives more clearence? is that true? any help will be great.

[steph74]

common answer is save your money and get the bigger lift you can afford....
I know a lot of people are advising against using blocks (and I still don;t get it despite all research)

I personally am very happy with my 3" bastard lift and 235's but I am dreaming on getting a 4.5" and bigger tires... just have to wait for spare money lol

[4.3LXJ]

To answer your question, 10.5 will fit on stock XJ rims. The nice thing about this combo is that it will fully stuff. It may touch the rear of the rear flare, but will not do any real damage. I have run 31" swampers on an XJ with no lift successfully. I currently use this tire combo till I upgrade further.

If you think you want a 4.5", then get it. A 1" block is no big deal though on an XJ. I currently use one. The problems come with using taller blocks on stock springs. But the stouter the spring, the less of a problem there is with blocks. If you do go with the taller lift, I would suggest factoring in an SYE. At this height though you can use a stock drive line if it is set up properly. However many people just don't be able to do this. However if you want to not get one, I can give you instructions that you must follow if you want to do it successfully.

[jharrison13]

i was already planning on putting on a sye but i was trying to figure out which one to go with, if i should get the one with the replacement shaft or the bolt on one that you cut. what do you guys think? also do you guys think i will have any rubbing with a 3.5" and 31x10.5 tires with stock rims?

[bigjim350]

The only rubbing you may get with the stock wheels, would be the tires rubbing on the lower control arms when turning all the way one way. And as far as which SYE both are good, but the replacement shaft one is stronger. Do you know which transfer case you have? Also I don't think the CJ wheels would fit it, I thought they were a 5x5.5 lug pattern, where the XJ is 5x4.5

[jharrison13]

i think they will fit i havent tried yet? i will check and get back on that. also with the 3.5 lift it will rub on the lower control arms, so do i need to get some offset wheels so they wont? if i do that will i need to do some trimming on the trim?

[bigjim350]

Its not a gurantee that they will rub the lower control arms, and even if they do, it should not cause any damage. But if you do decide to get some different wheels, I dont think you would need to trim with 3.5" and 31"

[4.3LXJ]

Rubbing on the control arms only happens in tight turns. Just back off a little on the steering wheel. No biggie.

[jharrison13]

sounds good so i will go with 31's with a 3.5 lift and sye and some extended brake lines, anything else i should order?

[bigjim350]

Do you have an idea of which brand lift your gonna go with? Can't think of anything else you need, well except to post some pic of the new Jeep :D

[jharrison13]

not sure what brand there are alot out there, i wasnt wanting to go over 600 or so i am not going to be doing very much offroading, in this mainly just on trails to go camping and around the farm, so dont need the most high tech yet, just a little more ground clearence. so make some suggestions to look at. same thing for the sye? make some suggestions.

[bigjim350]

Well I would recommend Rough Country, but I am a little biased. I have been very impressed with their customer service and warranty. However they don't sell a 3.5" kit, they have either 3" or 4.5". As far as the SYE goes, do you know which transfer case you have? NP242 or NP231?

[bluedragon436]

As far as lifts... that is all up to you... I mean if you are just wanting a nice decent look and clearance.. you can pick up an AAL 4.5" kit from Rough Country for $459.99.. and that would def. give you some clearance for those 31's...

For SYE... I have found this deal for the SYE (http://www.oconeeoffroad.com/servlet/the-1950/Jeep-Slip-Yoke-Eliminator/Detail).. It only shows 97-01 Wranglers, and 88-95 models.. but when I contacted these folks they said it would work correctly with the 98 model 231J that I have... and that once installed I could use a stock front DS with this one... so just a thought for ya..

[jharrison13]

i am putting on a 3.5 lift will a drive shaft out of a 96 cherokee work? i assume the ds are the same for a 96 as it is for a 98 i have a 96 here that has a blown motor but i am keeping it for parts.

[bigjim350]

Are you talking about using the front driveshaft on the rear of the 98 after you put on the sye? If so, yes it will work.

[jharrison13]

the front drive shaft off a 96 on the rear of a 98 with a sye,

[jharrison13]

does anyone know the length of the front drive shaft of a 96 cherokee, rought country said that theres is 34 in so hopefully the front is 34 i just have to jack it up and get under it and measure it but it is frozen to the ground right now.

[prcjeep]

Heres a link for front ds lengths... Im not sure if you have the d30 front but just open it up and look up your specs and it will tell you
http://www2.dana.com/pdf/J321-CV.PDF
http://www2.dana.com/pdf/J321-CV.PDF

[jharrison13]

thanks for your help guys by the looks of that info it looks like the front drive shaft will be to short. if anyone has a 98 cherokee with a 3.5 lift with a SYE can you measure your DS for me and the same thing for a 4.5 lift i am still considering a 4.5 lift with a SYE.
Thanks Again Guys