The GF wants to lift her stock 2001 Cherokee. I know very little about the Cherokee and leaf spring lifts. I'm looking at a Rusty's 2 or 3" add-a-leaf or shackle kit. I do not want to get into any drive-line issues. What's the biggest it can go without other problems? Any recommendations on which kit? What size tires can be stuffed in there after the lift? Thnaks, <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I've lifted an 89,91 and a 97 Cherokee with the Old Man Emu 3" lift. This includes new rear leafsprings, front coils, urethane bushings, nitro shocks and a transfer case drop kit. We opted for the medium spring rate on all 3. The soft is proboly a better ride but with winch bumpers and loads of camping gear the extra capacity is nice.

We didn't need the T drop on the 87 or the 91 but on my 1997 the rear driveline got some vibration around 45MPH so we put it in. Went away immediatly and only took about 10 minutes to install with a good floor jack. All 3 Jeeps fit 31" mud tires after the lift. 30x9.5x15 is a good all around size for XJ's, doesn't affect the handling much and your speedo is still close.


I don't have any advice on the add a leaf or spacer type kits for Jeeps. I did a add a leaf and torsion bar crank on my Toyota 4 Runner and it rode terrible. The back end was so stiff it actually handled worse than before the lift. Had to repace all the shocks and leafsprings to get a decent ride out of it.

I've heard good things about Rubicon Express lifts as well. After 3 years on the OME kit my Jeeps still rides great.

Thanks for the input. I couldn't find the OME 3" though - just the 2". The RE site was down for maintenance yesterday too so I'll check them again. We may stick to the 2" and 30's to keep gas milage and cost down. She doesn't want to wheel that hard - likes the paint job. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Just put the 3" rough country on my 2001 Cherokee this weekend. It wasn't too hard of a job. It now has 255/70/16 General AT2's and I'm pretty pleased with it.
Ill post before and after pics if it helps u decide. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Before with 207/70/16's.

After with the Rough Country and the 255/70/16's.


And compliments to Rough Country......I called them three times to ask questions before I ordered the kit, they always answered the phone before the third ring and had answers to my questions right away! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

(And, oh yea............Get the good Craftsman spring compressors, not the cheap Harbor Freight ones. One of the HF's broke and scared me S$%^tless, could have shortened me to neck height! Plus, the Craftsman work so much easier!) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Hey Waco Some of them Cedar trees have a brownish tent to em.. What's that all about?
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Ya, the neighbors decided to burn on flag day, nearly toasted the house. Their still a little brown.
But the sky stays brown this week....all the Cedars a smokin (sporing). Is kinda weird to see them do it one at a time. Guess thats why I'm sneezing!
(Darn Cedars bother everyone with their sex life!) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Thanks! I'll have to check them out when I get home from work. Can't see them on my computer here. Can't believe the HF spring comp broke...That could take a chunk outa ya. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rodent.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" /> I'll borrow some decent ones. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

i lifted all 4 of my cherokees. 3 inches is the easiest & shouldnt effect driveline. you shouldnt even have to lower the tcase. i would highly suggest that you get a spring pack on the leafs. aal's are short term & a total pain in the ass to put in. you can get 30's under a 3 inch lift nicely without cutting fenders. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the info. Why the full spring pack if the existing springs are in good shape? What makes the aal a PITA? There was a really good write up by Berkeley Johnston on here too about doing a 3.5" lift. He solved the driveline vibes w/3* shims at the axles - better than lowering the T-case.

Hey Waco, your's looks sharp. Was that an add-a-leaf or full spring pack? Think we'll have to do the 3" - it's nice. Same Cherokee Sport and color as the GF. When she sees it I know the BB will be out of the question. Visa loves me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />