2000 XJ BUILD QUESTIONS

[HumaneSocietySteve]

I am currently setting up a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport and need a little guidance...

1. What is the best expedition tire size for the 2000 XJ where I don't have to modify the wheel wells and don't have to go over a 3 inch lift?

2. What is the least expensive way to get the lift I need based on question #1? Is there a basic kit anyone can suggest?

Will be using this rig in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Light to medium trail use. Back roads, logging roads, etc. Probably an 80/20 road to trail ratio.

Thanks in advance... Steve

 

[SheepnJeep]

I'm currently using 235/75r15 Cooper adventurers. No rubbing that I have noticed without any lift. You *Might* get 215/85r16 tires to fit with a little lift. If I was going to invest any money in a lift kit I would only go for an Old Man Emu setup. Very high quality in the long run and it won't ruin your car for road driving. You could source an add-a-leaf in the back and some coil spacers in the front as well as longer shocks all around to gain a little height.

If it was my plan of 80/20 driving I would skip the lift kit and spend the money on storage or gasoline for more adventures!

 

[hxcjohnny]

Without trimming, 31" tires are the max. I would recommend a 30x9.5 if you're using factory wheels. If you use a 16" wheel, a 245/75r16 is about as big as you can go. Old man emu makes a GREAT product. I can't speak highly enough of their lifts. They are pricy, however. If you want an inexpensive lift, you could use coils from a 93-98 grand cherokee V8 paired with coil spacers up front. Shackles and a small spacer in the back would get you 2-3" total lift. Takeoff shocks from a JK rubicon are a fantastic upgrade. They can normally be found for $100-$150 for a low mileage set.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

We have 31"x10.5" KM2s (actual height 30") on Jeep Ravine wheels with a 2" budget boost on my daughter's '97 XJ 2-door. Great look...no rubbing experienced. We're using JK Rubicon shocks, BTW.

 

[91AzXJ]

I have 31x10.5-15 Falkens on factory alloys with a 3" lift and RE LCAs & Trackbar with no rubbing at all. It rides just a bit better than stock and handles much better.

 

[ZONE ZERO]

I've been in the process over the last 3 years of building my 2001 cherokee as an expedition truck. As it sits now I run a 3 inch rustys offroad lift kit with the heavy rated springs BDS shocks and front track bar, iron rock off road sway bar extensions (non disconnect) and AUSSIE locker in the rear. I can clear 255/85r16 maxxis bighorns with no rub front or rear on Liberity rims with a 1.5 wheel spacer. I just installed an ARB bumper still no issues. I have built a flat carpeted platform extention and use a 6 inch memory foam mattress that I cut to fit the wheel wells. I also added screens to the back windows with magnets.
It's a great on road set up that does everything off road I expect from the set up.
I can kick you some picture if your interested

 

[MudderNutter]

I strongly recommend looking into frame stiffeners to go with any XJ that will see trail use (if you plan on keeping the jeep for a long time). They are a cheap way to strengthen and protect your unibody. The full kit from HD Offroad is the way to go http://hdoffroadengineering.myshopify.com/products/xj-frame-stiffener-se

If you want to see all of the benefits just google some information on NAXJA... or click the link below:
https://www.google.com/search?q=nax...8#q=naxja+frame+stiffeners+site:www.naxja.org

 

[sharkoverland]

I am on the same path with the 99 XJ overland setup. My XJ is stock right now, Debaiting on do roof rack, storage ,ETC and just wheeling it stock.