3" lift isn't enough for 31"

[stinkycheeseman]

The 97 xj has been a project for me! A 3" BDS lifft was put on with love and a hammer. The lift is a true 3"s, yet my 31"s rub on every turn (front only)! The tires are a true 31" on the rig! The flares need to be removed/cut. If I could do it over I would have went with the 4.5 lift and bought an sye/hack&tap and be done! Builder beware! Oh well! It is a simple fix to add an inch or so, and about the same price for the 4.5" (just more labor for me)!

 

[90Xjay]

I am surprised to hear that. I went the with Rusty's 3" AAL and only experiance very minor rub on my left front (that is the side the axle moves over to unless you buy an adjustable drag link). When I load the front end and turn tight to the right is the only time I ever hear a sound. I could just trim the inner well a bit, but it doesn't bother me that bad. I was worried about the fit of 31X10.50- 15's but I called Rusty's twice before buying and got a confirmation on their advertising claim that all of their 3" lifts clear 31's. The reason I just stayed with 3" was to avoid doing everything else I think you need to do with more than 3", I.E. Brake line extension, emergency brake cable extension, drop pitman arm and or adjustable steering link. It just did not fit the ole budget at the time.
I hope you can work yours out for not many more toadskins...

 

[TwistedCU]

Stinky's Xj has the newer narrower wheel wells. Where's it rubbing?

At the front of the wheel wells where the wrap around bumper ends are? I've seen alot of them trimmed there.

Any contact with the LCA's? (just curious)

 

[jeeperjoe]

are you using stock rims?? if not what is the backspace??

 

[stinkycheeseman]

At the front of the wheel wells where the wrap around bumper ends are? I've seen alot of them trimmed there

That is the spot! I have stock rims from an older cherokee!

Stinky's Xj has the newer narrower wheel wells

I was told that by another wheeler. I will compare it to my friend's today!
Thanks for the help!

 

[TwistedCU]

That is the spot! I have stock rims from an older cherokee!

The older rims have the same backspacing as the newer ones. If you cut the bumper ends you should be good to go.

These pix are from another site. The guy removed the flares, airdam (under bumper) and trimmed the bumper endcaps. I'm mainly posting this to show the difference the trimmed endcaps make:

Looks pretty good for all that trimming!

 

[TwistedCU]

'nother one but different

 

[stinkycheeseman]

I tookk the rig out this weekend! The lift was enough for mild fun! The wells need to trimmed! Overall the ride was awesome! It is hard to say which jeep I like better (yj or xj)! Twisted thanks for the pics!

 

[IcyFridge]

steel horse jeep steps **SOLD***

Wouldn't older style bumper caps fit on the newer cherokees? I am looking into this...

 

[IcyFridge]

Re: RE: Re: Good American Company?

I would like to trim my fenders and my bumper caps, but the problem is what the heck do I use to cut the plastic on the bumper?? I don't wanna burn it with a dremel.
Another way would be using older style bumper caps, any word on this?

 

[TwistedCU]

I would try a razor knife to cut them, scoring repeatedly until cut through, but I don't own a dremel. A dremel should work fine, and if you're worried about burning them, go slow. You could trim/sand imperfections.

Try a search and then a post on NAXJA about the endcaps, but I bet you'll get alot of replies saying to just trim them

 

[IcyFridge]

most excellent. Will probably do that this spring. I am going to trim the front bumper endcaps and remove airdam. Leave flares on for now... Don't wanna snap off my endcaps with possible future Baja Claw tires...

 

[stinkycheeseman]

Darn that check engine light

Now I want to add more lift to my rig! I want to squeeze 32". I wonered if I should just trim the wells or add more lift? I have the 3" bds complete susp. package, and maybe I should just add daystar spacers and shackles? Has any one one done either?

 

[TwistedCU]

RE: Transfercase rattle on a 99 TJ

If your LCA's are stock you should replace them for 4.5" of lift. I have run mine with the stock arms for a few months now but I just ordered a set of adjustable LCA's yesterday. Might as well adress that when you do the BB.

You should probably get an adjustable track bar too.

You might still need longer bumpstops for 32's @ 4.5" though.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

RE: Back in the saddle again!

I've been saying all along that 3" is only enough lift for 30" tires, but there's many that disagree. XJ's have tight fenderwells and need more lift than most jeeps to clear larger meats.

Be sure to distinguish fender rubbing from control arm rubbing. It's most common for oversized tires to rub the lower control arm at full lock, when using stock rims. It's even more common when the front axle is not recentered after a lift, by modifying the track bar or mounts.

Add a budget boost spacer to each front coil (1.75") and either shackles or lift blocks or a combination in the rear, to level it out. You'll need longer lower control arms in the front, and can do either the SYE or up to a 1" transfer case drop.

If you go higher, compare the angle of the rear pinion with the transfer case rear output, they should be parallel if using the stock driveshaft. Shim the rear axle accordingly.

 

[TwistedCU]

RE: Gone for a while...

My TC drop is 1.5". Skyjacker. No vibes and I didn't have to mess with the imfamous factory PITA stud.

 

[stinkycheeseman]

I went with 32"s and they are rubbing. I could cut the fenders and mantain a better center of gravity or I can go up! I will need to look into both methods and way pro's/con's! Thanks again!

 

[TwistedCU]

RE: CJ/YJ/TJ Mods, can you split this thread?

Both options will have the same effect - maintain the ride quality you have now and make room for the 32's. The only difference is the longer shackles in the rear might help the rear flex a bit.

If you don't mind cutting it's free

 

[IcyFridge]

cracked frame

I am thinking of 32's as well. I can stuff my 31's without a problem. 3" with trimmed fron endcaps here.