Gettin my first lift on this 96 XJ and got couple quesitons.

Been looking at people pics to see how high lift i want and seeing stuff like..

2.5" Rusty's & 2" BB.

Does this mean we're talking about in total a 4.5" lift? And what exactly is a BB? Maybe if i understood what this bb was i'd be able to answer my first question, just don't know enough about this stuff yet.

thanks yall

It makes no sense to try to figure out how much lift you want until you're decided what size tires you want to run on it, because generally we try to intall only enough lift to insure that the tires clear the fenders and other parts of the vehicle when used in an off-road situation.

So, my advice would be to consider what type of off-roading you're going to be doing, in what locales, and what size tire will be necessary to clear the obstacles in those situations most of the time. Based on that analysis, decide what tire size and configuration you want.

Then, decide how much lit and what type lift you want to install in order to clear that tire.

By the way, on unibody Jeeps or other vehicles, you won't be able to install a body lift, so a suspension lift is your only option.

Also, after you figure out what the new tire size will be, then you need to compute what your new differential gear ratios will havre to be. As a starting point, select a gear ratio that will give you the same equivalent gearing as present, plus about 10 to 15 perent more (lower) ratio to be able to turn those big tires. If the tires exceed 33", you should also consider brake upgrades.

Hey Bob thanks for all the information cause my learning curve is still pretty steep. I really hate to admit this here, and hopefully one day this thing will mainly be an offroader, but for now it's my DD and I'm lifting mostly for aesthetics. Been looking at pictures to see what size lift I should be aiming for and 2" w/ 30s or 31x10.50s seems about right. Hopefully 2" will be enough to accomodate 31s, she won't be doing too much off roading for now, at least nothing too rocky.

Real glad ya got me thinking about differential gear ratio w/ this new size tire. I've been wondering about how larger tires are gonna effect the actual drivetrain, and what I need to do about it. Prob need to get my speedo recalibrated after its all done too. if i'm just on the road would i be risking anything by leaving the stock differential gear on there a while?

Bradley... Lifts and biger tires serve a purpose when driving on really rugged trails. It AIN'T smart to turn your DD into a trail ready Jeep if you ain't going on trails that REQUIRE those things.
The lift and big tires will load up the engine to the point that you will never be able to use high gear again.. Your milage will suffer. Your horsepower will suffer..
Starting at lights will suffer and burn clutches.. Even the clutches in automatics.
So when lifting and installing bigger tires one should FIRST plan on which gears he will need and install them either FIRST or at the same time as the lift and tires..
When you see lifted vehicles they are lifted for a REASON! Not just to look neat at the mall..
As built your vehicle will perform it's best and will negociate most off road chores.. MAybe you should leave it alone until you find a trail it WILL NOT travel..
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I'd reccomend starting with the lift then measuring what tire/rim combination will fit your rig.

I have a 3" lift and 30x9.5x15" tires with no rubbing or clearance issues at all.

31x10.5x15" tires rub the sway bar in front at full turn and run into the leaf springs in the rear. I could add wheel spacers and cut the fenders but it's just not worth it for another 1/2" taller tire for me.

Luckily I tried a set of 31's off another Jeep and found the clearance issues before buying my tires.

I agree with Mr. john. Just lifted my TJ and I went pretty extreme. With what your thinking of, I think the tires will look and do fine for what your doing. In fact they will fill the wheel wells and look great. My other Jeep is a 01' Lerato and I bought it with a larger tire than usual to boot. No speed-o change was necessary. If you want to get some well clearance, throw a 1 or 2' lift on it, body lift. But I wouldn't go to far. Have fun and get to know what it can do before going beyond what you need. The trasition can be extensive keep that in mind.

yes yes big thanks

Was that reply a ($m@rt @$$) reply Jim? Was I wronge in saying that?

Good job Steve...you've calmed down a bit, huh?
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Much appreciated. I'm trying to be calm at the same time my Jeep is coming out of the shop today. I've got no fingernails left to chew on.
You know what I've done to mine, but it's all about stance and approach. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />