The Jeep XJ Lift Kit Instructions. The Jeep XJ is definitely one of the most famous all-terrain vehicles of all time, known for its beauty, dependability, and performance both on and off the road. The Jeep XJ was produced between 1983 and 2001, covering nearly 20 years and surviving the demise of American Motors, which was then purchased by Chrysler in 1987. The Jeep XJ is frequently considered as one of the most influential vehicles in launching the modern SUV frenzy that has engulfed the current consumer market.
The Jeep XJ’s ability to do everything well was a major factor for its popularity. Despite being substantially smaller than the outgoing Jeep SJ, the XJ kept the majority of the previous model’s interior room, making it a popular consumer car. It was very lightweight and used a variety of relatively inexpensive engines, which helped sell the XJ. In addition to its civilian appeal, the Jeep XJ was the first non-military 4×4 to use unibody construction. This greatly improved the XJ’s off-road capabilities.
The Jeep XJ is now a popular model among Jeep fans and off-road enthusiasts alike. Despite the fact that certain XJ models are nearly 40 years old at this time, they are still highly regarded for their off-road capabilities. Because of their prominence in the off-roading arena, a Jeep XJ lift kit is one of the most popular and well-known modifications you can make to your XJ. A lift kit will not only provide you extra ground clearance, but it will also allow you to use beefier all-terrain or mud tires on your XJ.
In this tutorial, we will go over the fundamentals of selecting a Jeep XJ lift kit, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of the popular modification.
What Are the Advantages of Buying a Jeep Cherokee XJ Lift Kit?
There are a variety of reasons why you would want to install a lift kit on your Jeep XJ, the most of which revolve around boosting off-road performance. Having said that, some people choose to raise their Jeep for cosmetic reasons. In any case, the majority of the same issues apply. This is especially true given the Jeep XJ’s unibody design, which limits alternatives such as body lifts for those looking for merely cosmetic changes.
The Off-Road Advantages of a Jeep XJ Lift Kit
If you’re seriously considering a lift kit for your Jeep XJ, chances are you’re off the road very frequently. On light off-road trips, even standard Jeep XJs are capable all-terrain vehicles. However, more experienced off-roaders are aware that some difficulties can only be overcome with some more height.
The increased ground clearance is the most obvious reason to upgrade to a Jeep XJ lift kit. A stock Jeep XJ has approximately 7.3″ of clearance between the ground and the front and rear differentials. While this is sufficient for most purposes, certain extreme off-road terrain necessitates more than a regular XJ can handle. With Jeep lift kits delivering up to an 8″ raise, you’ll be able to easily clear practically anything.
Another reason some Jeep off-roaders choose for a raise kit is increased approach angle. Jeep lift kits increase ground clearance while also raising the front bumper and overhang over the front axle. As a result, a lifted Jeep can traverse a steeper inclined surface than an unlifted Jeep XJ. A lift kit also increases suspension articulation, which enhances traction when one wheel is raised higher than the other.
Finally, the extra body clearance allows lifted Jeep XJs to wear larger tires than a Jeep without a lift kit, which is beneficial for both off-road and aesthetic purposes. Because most genuine off-road tires demand a significant amount of clearance, an XJ raise kit can allow you to run larger tires than you would otherwise be able to.
The Aesthetic Advantages of a Jeep Cherokee XJ Lift Kit
The Jeep XJ has a unibody construction, unlike other Jeeps and cars with body-on-frame construction. As a result, one of the most common methods of boosting automobiles only for aesthetic reasons does not apply to the Jeep XJ. With vehicles where the body can be separated from the frame, a body lift is possibly the cheapest and easiest way to gain a few inches for appearances. Because the Jeep XJ’s body and frame are interdependent, a body lift isn’t a possibility. As a result, customers searching for an aesthetic lift have many of the same alternatives as those looking to lift their Jeep XJ for functional reasons.
That being said, there are alternatives to short or long-arm lift systems for lifting your Jeep XJ. In a moment, we’ll go over those in further depth. The increased ride height and ability to run wider tires are the key visual benefits of a Jeep XJ lift kit.
What Are the Negative Effects of a Jeep Cherokee XJ Lift Kit?
Few things are completely ideal, and while Jeep Cherokee XJ lift kits provide benefits that cannot be obtained by any other modification, they also have drawbacks. The majority of the disadvantages of a Jeep XJ lift kit are the same as those of other cars with a lifted center of gravity.
While the XJ came standard with revolutionary Quadra-Link suspension designed to reduce rollovers, a raise kit negates that safety feature. Extreme cornering with a raised center of gravity might be harmful if you are not careful. On the subject of handling, certain Jeep lift kits have the unpleasant side effect of making road handling worse. A lift kit’s suspension geometry adjustment can conflict with the factory alignment and steering characteristics. You’ll very certainly have to deal with such concerns later on.
Another potential disadvantage is lower Jeep XJ gas mileage. Because the vehicle’s chassis is lifted, air resistance increases, resulting in a less aerodynamic overall form. This effect is amplified for individuals who use larger and more grippy tires, which increase frictional resistance with the road. You should anticipate to lose a few MPGs when you combine the two.
Types of Jeep Cherokee Lifts and Considerations
While the general goal of a Jeep Cherokee XJ lift kit is pretty same no matter which route you take, different types of lift kits have particular benefits. Most people think of coil lift kits when they think about Jeep lift kits. While coil lifts are the most frequent and popular form of Jeep lift kit, there are additional kits available with varying degrees of off-road capabilities. Because body lift kits aren’t an option for the Jeep XJ, there are four popular types of lift kits available.
Budget Jeep Cherokee Coil Spring Spacers
Installing coil spring spacers is the most cost-effective technique to raise the ride height of a Jeep XJ. A coil spring spacer set is not only the cheapest way to lift your Jeep Cherokee XJ, but it is also the simplest to install of all lift kit alternatives. XJ coil spring spacers are straightforward. They are, in essence, little components that sit on top of the OEM coil springs. This increases the gap between the frame and the lower suspension components. They are usually composed of metal, rubber, or polyurethane, with the latter being the most popular.
Jeep XJ budget boost improvements, like all of the other systems on this list, offer advantages and disadvantages. As previously said, a Jeep budget boost has that moniker for a reason. Finally, most coil spring spacers cost between $30 and $100, making them dirt cheap. As a result, they’re a fantastic choice for individuals wanting for a little extra clearance without investing in a new suspension system. Furthermore, coil spring spacers provide a constant amount of extra clearance. So, if you’ve determined exactly how much extra clearance you require, changing height dynamics is no longer a guessing game.
Because coil spring spacers do not modify the spring rate of your Jeep XJ, the spring rate will remain the same. This can be viewed negatively, particularly by those trying to increase the ride quality of their Jeep. That being stated, Jeep XJ coil spring spacers are the greatest alternative for individuals wishing to cheaply lift their Jeep.
Coil Lifts for the Jeep XJ
When it comes to Jeep XJ lift kits, most people think about coil lift kits. A Jeep XJ coil raise kit, as opposed to coil spring spacers, replaces the stock coil springs with a new set of longer and potentially stronger springs. This largely refers to the Jeep XJ’s front suspension, as the XJ chassis uses leaf spring packs in the back. As a result, most Jeep XJ coil raise kits include extended front springs and modified rear leaf spring packs. A Jeep XJ coil lift kit will provide you with anywhere from 2-3.5″ of additional suspension lift.
When compared to spacers, there are numerous advantages to upgrading to coil springs. Finally, factory Jeep XJ springs are almost certainly on their final legs at this time. The suspension spring rate will be refreshed with a new set of Jeep XJ coil springs. It will also allow you to tailor your spring rates to your specific requirements. A coil raise kit can also increase suspension articulation, which can bring extra off-road benefits. Furthermore, replacement XJ springs are reasonably priced, ranging between $400 and $850.
While coil spring spacers are without a doubt the easiest lift alternative to install, coil lifts are only little more complicated. Overall, if performance is more important than looks, a Jeep XJ coil lift is the best and least expensive alternative.
Short Arm Lift Kit for Jeep XJ
We’re now entering significantly more severe area. Short arm lift kits outperform Jeep XJ coil spring lift kits in terms of performance. Jeep XJ short arm lift kits typically use and connect to the factory control arms. As a general rule, a Jeep XJ short arm lift kit can tolerate a 3.5″ lift without impacting your Jeep’s daily drivability. Short arm lift kits can sustain more extreme lifts, but beyond 3.5″, suspension and control arm geometry become an issue.
A Jeep XJ short arm lift kit adds greater articulation and ground clearance than a coil lift alone. Jeep short arm kits frequently contain upgraded coil springs and rear leaf springs in addition to extra components such as sway bar brackets and fixed lower control arms. Short arm kits are a popular choice because they do not necessitate any welding or manufacturing.
As lift increases, the vertical forces acting on the control arm and surrounding components produce greater strain on the suspension components. This frequently results in severely poor pavement drivability and reduced ride comfort. There are workarounds for this problem. By installing a drop bracket, the short arm kit can be attached at a lower point, reducing the angle from the axle.
Long Arm Lift Kit for Jeep XJ
Long arm Jeep XJ lift systems are the most extreme lift kits available. They not only enhance the overall amount you can elevate your Jeep, but they also provide the most articulation. In terms of operation, Jeep XJ long arm lift kits are similar to short arm kits. The primary distinction is how they are mounted. Long arm kits install further back on the vehicle than short arm kits. This reduces the total arm angle and allows for improved suspension geometry. As a result, long arm kits are more comfortable when driving on the street.
Jeep XJ long arm kits are really suitable for people who want a significant lift and severe off-road performance. Lifts of between 4″ and 7″ are possible using a long arm kit. That statistic is very specific to long arm lifts. Long arm suspension packages, despite providing more ground clearance and movement, can impede off-road activities. Because the control arm components are longer, they can snag on objects on the ground. This is especially true when the suspension flexes a lot.
A lengthy arm lift has certain additional disadvantages. One of the most major disadvantages is that a Jeep XJ long arm lift requires manufacturing. You’ll need to cut the existing factory brackets to install one. You’ll have to weld new ones further back on the frame as well. They are also far more expensive to purchase than the other options. They are less accessible than most of the other lift choices on this list due to their high cost.
Recommendations for Jeep Cherokee Lift Kits
Because the Jeep XJ is such a popular car to modify, the XJ community has a fairly established list of lift recommendations that they generally adhere to. There are undoubtedly some Jeep lift firms that have a stronger presence in the market than others. Because there are so many different sorts of lift kits for the Jeep XJ, we’ll recommend one of each.
Jeep XJ Lift Kit Rough Country Coil Spring Spacer
Price: $49.95
We’ll start with the least expensive and least time-consuming Jeep XJ lift option. When it comes to aftermarket Jeep parts and upgrades, Rough Country is one of the leading companies. Rough Country, which specializes in lift kits, will feature on this list again and again. That just goes to demonstrate how good they are. Quality materials are essential when it comes to Jeep XJ coil spring spacers. Rough Country spacers are composed of high-quality polyurethane that is guaranteed to last.
Because coil spring spacers are such a basic component, it’s difficult to say anything about them. Most customers who have purchased the spring spacers report that installation takes about an hour if you are familiar with a basic set of tools. Everyone appears to be pleased with the spacers as well, reporting that they lifted their XJs to the specified height. The Rough Country Jeep XJ spring spacers are an unbeatable deal at $49.95. There is simply no better choice if you are searching for a cheap and fast way to raise your Jeep by 1.75.”
Jeep XJ Zone Offroad 3″ Coil Spring Lift
Price: $417.84
There is no shortage of Jeep XJ coil spring kits to choose from. The sheer number of options for the most common sort of lift kit might be overwhelming. Of course, the proper kit is ultimately determined by the amount of lift desired. As previously stated, coil spring lift kits are normally good for roughly 3″ of lift without extra difficulties. The Zone Offroad lift kit appears to be the finest combination of performance and pricing among the 3″ coil spring lift choices available.
The Zone Offroad kit will unquestionably outperform the spacers listed above in terms of offroad performance. Zone Offroad states that the kit provides enough clearance for 31″ tires in addition to additional flex and suspension travel. This truly opens the door for some high-quality off-road tires. The Zone Offroad package costs $417.98 and includes everything you need to get started. Two heavy-duty coil springs, rear leaf springs, and u-bolts for installation are included in the set.
Jeep XJ owners who possess the package think the Zone Offroad kit is a good alternative for off-road performance, but it is a little stiff on the road. Be cautious if you spend more time on the road than on trails.
Jeep XJ Rough Country 4.5″ Short Arm Lift Kit
Price: $1,049.95
Rough Country makes another appearance. When it comes to short arm lift kits, there are two options: low-cost and high-quality. We choose the quality recommendation for this guide. There are undoubtedly less expensive solutions for XJ short arm kits. Rough Country, on the other hand, does it best, offering much more than just a standard lift kit. The Rough Country kit includes a transfer case drop kit, an adjustable track bar, stainless steel brake lines, and sway bar disconnects, in addition to their highly popular XJ X-Flex control arms.
All of the Rough Country kit’s components work together to make it one of the most flexible kits on the market. This applies to both on- and off-road performance. Many of the handling issues associated with a short arm lift kit are eliminated by upgrading to N3 shocks. The supplied shocks include 10-stage variable valving and are nitrogen charged, which helps to smooth out pavement vibrations without losing offroad performance. The Rough Country 4.5″ short arm kit is the ideal option if you want a short arm kit that doesn’t skimp on performance.
Rusty’s 4.5″ Long Arm Suspension Kit for the XJ Cherokee
Price: $2,010.00
Rusty’s Offroad is another well-known and well-liked brand in the Jeep community. Rusty’s, like Rough Country, is known for their exceptional build quality and the durability of their lift kits. That certainly applies to their 4.5″ long arm raise kit for the XJ Cherokee. Long arm kits that can provide nearly twice that amount of lift are usually overkill. The Rusty’s 4.5″ long arm kit is designed for people who desire a well-made long arm kit but aren’t concerned with maximal lift.
The Rusty’s kit includes some of the most robust upper and lower control arms on the market, constructed from 2.0″ diameter D.O.M. tubing. As a result, they can withstand a great deal of abuse. This is significant since long arm kits have a propensity to collide with the ground. The Rusty’s kit, unlike many other long arm kits, is bolt-on, with a three-piece cross member. It also employs strengthening brackets on both the inside and outside of the unibody to connect them.
While the Rusty’s XJ Cherokee long arm kit is not cheap, most owners believe it is worthwhile. The kit is more robust and useful than many other long arm kits on the market due to its unique bolt-on design.
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Summary of the Jeep XJ Lift Kit Guide
The Jeep XJ is without a doubt a legend. The Jeep brand is now firmly established as the go-to option for cheap off-road capability. In the majority of circumstances, a basic Jeep XJ will suffice. Those who want to run wider tires or have a more noticeable appearance may benefit from a raise kit. Jeep XJ raise kits come in a variety of styles, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Coil spring spacers are the most cost-effective and simple lift solution. For those searching for additional off-road performance on a budget, a coil spring kit is the way to go. Choose a short arm or long arm kit if you need considerable suspension articulation. Regardless of the path you take, there are plenty reputable XJ lift kit vendors. We also recommend Rough Country, Zone Offroad, and Rusty’s Offroad, three of the most reputable brands in the XJ community.
