[Jeeper1692]

Hello all, im new to the site and to jeeps. I have a 1997 XJ Cherokee, and im looking at starting off-roading soon. I live in guam, so there is a lot of mud and red dirt to off-road on. My mom bought the jeep to pull our boat with, and we bought it from a mechanic/electriction. It looks like he did some stuff to it and rewired the inside for the stero system. I dont think he did any lifts, but it does look like he added bigger tires, and from my understanding, he did take it off-roading once-in-a-while. I would really like to be able to take on prettty much anything on the island, so i was thinking about an 8" lift, and tires that would fit it well. Any suggestions on what kits to look at, what tires would fit best, and what kind of lift i would need?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks much, Jeeper1692

[dcorn]

Be prepared to pay big bucks and replace everything in the suspension and steering if you want to go that high. Also tell your mom that you won't be able to tow the boat anymore, and she won't be able to get in the Jeep either. You'd also have to spend big bucks on 37" tires because anything smaller will look stupid.

Go with a 3.5" lift, you'll be happier in the long run. Or get a different vehicle.

[4pointOH1998]

^ x2

For what you're saying, you pretty much want something to occasionally mud with. 8" is really a little much for what you described. 3.5-4.5 will probably suit you fine

Go with a 3.5 - 31's or 32's
or 4.5 - 33's

[boondocksaint]

^ what he said.

4.5" lift and 33" tires and proper driving will get you through just about anything you need to get through..

I wouldn't go with an 8" lift unless you drive it off road more than on.

[paccepounder]

What everyone else says. If you really want to go 8 inches, be prepared to spend some money. Dont just look at the lift kit prices, do your research, if you plan on running 33 inch tires or greater, (which I would assume by that much lift you are) you are going to need atleast a new rear axle, and something to beed up the fron too. Although many may argue, (with that size lift and tires) you are running a lot greater chance of hurting the wonderful uni body also. So you should look at frame stiffeners and a cage. Its all things to take into consideration. Its going to run you some cash. You may just want to start with 3.5 to 4.5 lift, some 32 inch tires, and work you way up from there.

[DeepJeep]

I personally wouldnt run 33's on a 4.5 without a good amount of trimming. Youll just end up stuffing your tires a lot.

[lyleorszulak807]

Dude all he needs is a 4" body lift, that would take care of it. Then it would look awesome!

[Jason, aka: Jeepin.com]

His front axle should be just fine for up to 35" tires. It's a high pinion housing, and he'll have the larger late model u-joints, so other than lower gears and maybe a locker, he's pretty much good to go. Mud and dirt trails are far more forgiving than big boulders.

If he's got the Chrysler 8.25" rear axle, he's good to got here too since it should have the late model 29-spline shafts. If he's got the D35, then yes, I'd definitely recommend swapping that out for something more substantial.

I have to agree with everyone else in that 8" is pretty tall, and probably taller than is needed for what it sounds like you're wanting to do with the vehicle. Depending on the size of your boat it could have a negative impact on your towing ability, but that will have as much if not more to do with your tire size and gearing as anything else.

[boondocksaint]

Originally Posted by lyleorszulak807

Dude all he needs is a 4" body lift, that would take care of it. Then it would look awesome!

ah, how stupid of me. i totally forgot about the body lift....i believe pro comp is still the only manufacturer though...

[jccJeep]

Originally Posted by boondocksaint

ah, how stupid of me. i totally forgot about the body lift....i believe pro comp is still the only manufacturer still though...

i can fit 35's without lift right? or do i need a body lift

[lyleorszulak807]

body lift! x2 Everyone should go out there and get the body lift.

[Motorcharge]

Originally Posted by lyleorszulak807

body lift! x2 Everyone should go out there and get the body lift.

gimme the money for it and i will

[xjfever]

I need a body lift, and a suspension lift for the jeep, then we'd both look better.

[ep191]

you guys are way late, i picked up my 12 inch body lift from pro comp 3 weeks ago, flexes so much better now, i can almost get my front tire on top of the house.

[tnecj5]

anybody have any advice for a lift and axles on a 78 cj5?