XJ lift: Suggestions?
 

Hi,

I recently acquired a '91 Cherokee Laredo and I'm looking for advice or
suggestions on lifting it. It is a 4.0L 5-speed with part time 4x4 on
3.07 diffs on dana 30 & 35c axles. I understand that I can run 31x10.5
tires on the stock rims with a 3" lift. Sounds like a good compromise
for a communting vehicle with some weekend offroad ability that won't
cost a fortune.

Questions:

1) Is 3" enough for 31" tires? I don't plan on serious rock crawling;
mostly old logging roads. I do hope to add quick disconnects for the
swaybars. I don't mind installing steering stops or trimming fenders if
required.

2) I'm pretty sure the 3.07s will be too high for the 31" tires so I'm
gonna replace them. I have heard some say that 3.73s are ideal for 31"
tires, while others swear that 4.10s are the way to go. I suspect 4.10s
will be better off-road, but will I curse them at highway speed in 5th gear?

3) I'm also thinking about lockers. I can't afford two detroits. Maybe a
lesser model (EZ?) on the rear only? If I'm changing my rings & pinions
anyway, will I save on effort by installing locker(s) at the same time
or can I put it off 'til later.

4) Should I consider replacing either the dana 35c or the dana 30 when
regearing? Do I need bigger cases for 4.10s? Should I think about a dana
44 in back? There seem to be alot of dana 60s in the salvage yards.
Would these be suitable?

5) I'm considering using salvaged F150 coils on front and Dakota leaf
spring packs in back for my 3" lift. Anybody out there tried this? Any
extra shimming or spacers required?

6) Given my intended use (significant highway communting, weekend woods
trails, fairly light loads) what sort of shocks should I consider?

7) Will I need new lower control arms?

8) Will I need a slip yoke eliminator?

9) Will I need to realign the drive shaft or drop the transfer case?

10) Will I need to extend or re-route brake lines?

11) What makes a Laredo different from a non-Laredo XJ?

Any suggestions and advice on any of the above questions is greatly
appreciated. Can't wait to get off road in my first Jeep.

Thanks,

Steve

Re: XJ lift: Suggestions?
 

man u sure are going nuts with dana 44's and lockers and all this just so
some 'weekend offroad ability'



"Steve" <nospam@devnull.com> wrote in message
news:6s8Ma.31250$PD3.102657@nnrp1.uunet.ca...
> Hi,
>
> I recently acquired a '91 Cherokee Laredo and I'm looking for advice or
> suggestions on lifting it. It is a 4.0L 5-speed with part time 4x4 on
> 3.07 diffs on dana 30 & 35c axles. I understand that I can run 31x10.5
> tires on the stock rims with a 3" lift. Sounds like a good compromise
> for a communting vehicle with some weekend offroad ability that won't
> cost a fortune.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1) Is 3" enough for 31" tires? I don't plan on serious rock crawling;
> mostly old logging roads. I do hope to add quick disconnects for the
> swaybars. I don't mind installing steering stops or trimming fenders if
> required.

disconnects are great


>
> 2) I'm pretty sure the 3.07s will be too high for the 31" tires so I'm
> gonna replace them. I have heard some say that 3.73s are ideal for 31"
> tires, while others swear that 4.10s are the way to go. I suspect 4.10s
> will be better off-road, but will I curse them at highway speed in 5th
gear?
>

personal choice I guess.


> 3) I'm also thinking about lockers. I can't afford two detroits. Maybe a
> lesser model (EZ?) on the rear only? If I'm changing my rings & pinions
> anyway, will I save on effort by installing locker(s) at the same time
> or can I put it off 'til later.
>

depends on the locker, some u need the gears out anywazs to install.


> 4) Should I consider replacing either the dana 35c or the dana 30 when
> regearing? Do I need bigger cases for 4.10s? Should I think about a dana
> 44 in back? There seem to be alot of dana 60s in the salvage yards.
> Would these be suitable?

some might bolt right in, some need to be modded,,, not sure.


>
> 5) I'm considering using salvaged F150 coils on front and Dakota leaf
> spring packs in back for my 3" lift. Anybody out there tried this? Any
> extra shimming or spacers required?

never tried.


>
> 6) Given my intended use (significant highway communting, weekend woods
> trails, fairly light loads) what sort of shocks should I consider?

depends on the ride you want, u want good offroad emus or something, it will
feel bad on the road



>
> 7) Will I need new lower control arms?

need.... no... but better ones will give you better joints and better
flex...

>
> 8) Will I need a slip yoke eliminator?

its hard to say, ive seen 3 inch kits, that in fact went up 4 inches or
more... a sye kit was required.


>
> 9) Will I need to realign the drive shaft or drop the transfer case?

not with a sye kit. but a sye kit means you buy a new 500cdn$ CV driveshaft


>
> 10) Will I need to extend or re-route brake lines?

I found on the xj with 3 inches, that you needed to lengthen them,,, it was
just pushing it...and if you get full drop on one side PLUS the wheel was
turned hard over, it was too short...

>
> 11) What makes a Laredo different from a non-Laredo XJ?

trim package?


>
> Any suggestions and advice on any of the above questions is greatly
> appreciated. Can't wait to get off road in my first Jeep.


dunno,, plan on spending alot of money,,, after disconects and control
arms,,, and hope u dont need the SYE kit... cus that plus the driveshaft,,,
plus the hack and tap, or taking the T case apart to install the SYE might
be above your head...


>
> Thanks,
>
> Steve
>


good luck.

Re: XJ lift: Suggestions?
 

If you are going to 31" tires you will survive with the Dana 35 but no
promises. They like to break unless you promise to only go on logging roads
and stay off the rocks. The Dana 30 is also plenty strong enough for your
tires and what you want to do. If your XJ has ABS brakes then the front
axles will have the stronger 297x u joints and that is a plus. Also consider
getting some rocker panel protection from someone like boulderbars.com or
the like. A three inch lift will be just fine for 31" tires. You will need
to do some fender trimming if you disconnect your front sway bars and go off
road, with the sways connected it wont really rub. I run 31's right now and
have 4.56 gears in anticipation of having 33" tires. 3.07 would be
unbearable with 31s if it were me. You should do 4.10 gears for 31's and
consider 4.56. Another option for you if you promise to stay at 31" tires is
to put in someone's used 8.25 out of their xj that they just spent a fortune
upgrading.
I would also consider a lockright locker for your front or rear. They are
cheap and reliable at your tire size and can be had for 240 bucks or so. No
tax and free shipping if you buy from Bob Supplee or Dora Fang. Expect to
spend a lot on just these things, its not cheap.
3" lift of decent quality 500 bucks
31" tires installed (BFG or better)650 bucks
Lockright locker 240 bucks
regear front and rear diff to 4.10 500 bucks parts, 500 labor
Rocker panel protection 250 bucks.

What area of the world are you in? If in Southern California I can hook you
up big time with resources and help. If not go to www.naxja.org and learn a
lot. Congratulations on the XJ have fun!!!
KH


"MX-Pilot" <no@spam.thxs> wrote in message
news:TB8Ma.29961$x4o.2241@news04.bloor.is.net.cabl e.rogers.com...
> man u sure are going nuts with dana 44's and lockers and all this just so
> some 'weekend offroad ability'
>
>
>
> "Steve" <nospam@devnull.com> wrote in message
> news:6s8Ma.31250$PD3.102657@nnrp1.uunet.ca...
> > Hi,
> >
> > I recently acquired a '91 Cherokee Laredo and I'm looking for advice or
> > suggestions on lifting it. It is a 4.0L 5-speed with part time 4x4 on
> > 3.07 diffs on dana 30 & 35c axles. I understand that I can run 31x10.5
> > tires on the stock rims with a 3" lift. Sounds like a good compromise
> > for a communting vehicle with some weekend offroad ability that won't
> > cost a fortune.
> >
> > Questions:
> >
> > 1) Is 3" enough for 31" tires? I don't plan on serious rock crawling;
> > mostly old logging roads. I do hope to add quick disconnects for the
> > swaybars. I don't mind installing steering stops or trimming fenders if
> > required.
>

Re: XJ lift: Suggestions?
 

: 1) Is 3" enough for 31" tires?
On road, no problems - off-road you may have a little rubbing but probably
not enough to do damage.

: 2) I'm pretty sure the 3.07s will be too high...
Depends on your intentions. If it were me, I would run 4.10 with a five
speed. With 3.07 & 31's, you will never see 5th gear without a tailwind. For
"significant highway commuting" 3.73 or 3.54 may be better suited. If you're
thinking of swapping the rear end, hold off until you see what a used rear
end has in it. An easy swap would be a D44 with 3.54 from another
Cherokee... see them all the time on eBay.

: 3) I'm also thinking about lockers.
Can't help too much here, not enough experience. I would consider lockers as
the last thing to do in your driveline mods. Get your gearing right and then
worry about traction.

: 4) Should I consider replacing either the dana 35c or the dana 30 when
regearing?
The D35 gets a real beating. It doesn't explode as soon as it sees
resistance but it is the weakest link in your driveline. If you want to run
a locker, it would be wise to upgrade. As stated above, the easiest swap
would be a D44 from another Cherokee... I wouldn't bother with a D60 unless
you are planning on some really hard core stuff. Keep your D30, it's a good
axle.

: 5) I'm considering using salvaged F150 coils on front and Dakota leaf
spring packs in back for my 3" lift.
I've read a bit about this and apparently it works. I would prefer new
springs myself.

: 6) Given my intended use what sort of shocks should I consider?
Rancho RC9000's are highly praised. The RC5000's are very stiff. Lots of
other good shocks out there too. If you buy a lift kit with shocks you'll
save a bundle.

: 7) Will I need new lower control arms?
Not likely, check the bushings though.

: 8) Will I need a slip yoke eliminator?
Not likely, every XJ is different but most claim no significant vibration
with 3" lift.

: 9) Will I need to realign the drive shaft or drop the transfer case?
Shims may be all you need. Another option is a t-case drop.

: 10) Will I need to extend or re-route brake lines?
You may need to extend the rear chassis-axle line. Front lines should be
okay if you relocate the hold downs but if you are going to be disco'ing
keep a very close eye on them. Front lines off a YJ give an extra 3" IIRC.

: 11) What makes a Laredo different from a non-Laredo XJ?
Strictly trim differences. There were significant differences in the
Limited, Up-Country, Briarwood packages.

-Brian




"Steve" <nospam@devnull.com> wrote in message
news:6s8Ma.31250$PD3.102657@nnrp1.uunet.ca...
: Hi,
:
: I recently acquired a '91 Cherokee Laredo and I'm looking for advice or
: suggestions on lifting it. It is a 4.0L 5-speed with part time 4x4 on
: 3.07 diffs on dana 30 & 35c axles. I understand that I can run 31x10.5
: tires on the stock rims with a 3" lift. Sounds like a good compromise
: for a communting vehicle with some weekend offroad ability that won't
: cost a fortune.
:
: Questions:
:
: 1) Is 3" enough for 31" tires? I don't plan on serious rock crawling;
: mostly old logging roads. I do hope to add quick disconnects for the
: swaybars. I don't mind installing steering stops or trimming fenders if
: required.
:
: 2) I'm pretty sure the 3.07s will be too high for the 31" tires so I'm
: gonna replace them. I have heard some say that 3.73s are ideal for 31"
: tires, while others swear that 4.10s are the way to go. I suspect 4.10s
: will be better off-road, but will I curse them at highway speed in 5th
gear?
:
: 3) I'm also thinking about lockers. I can't afford two detroits. Maybe a
: lesser model (EZ?) on the rear only? If I'm changing my rings & pinions
: anyway, will I save on effort by installing locker(s) at the same time
: or can I put it off 'til later.
:
: 4) Should I consider replacing either the dana 35c or the dana 30 when
: regearing? Do I need bigger cases for 4.10s? Should I think about a dana
: 44 in back? There seem to be alot of dana 60s in the salvage yards.
: Would these be suitable?
:
: 5) I'm considering using salvaged F150 coils on front and Dakota leaf
: spring packs in back for my 3" lift. Anybody out there tried this? Any
: extra shimming or spacers required?
:
: 6) Given my intended use (significant highway communting, weekend woods
: trails, fairly light loads) what sort of shocks should I consider?
:
: 7) Will I need new lower control arms?
:
: 8) Will I need a slip yoke eliminator?
:
: 9) Will I need to realign the drive shaft or drop the transfer case?
:
: 10) Will I need to extend or re-route brake lines?
:
: 11) What makes a Laredo different from a non-Laredo XJ?
:
: Any suggestions and advice on any of the above questions is greatly
: appreciated. Can't wait to get off road in my first Jeep.
:
: Thanks,
:
: Steve
:

Re: XJ lift: Suggestions?
 

I've got 235's (29") with 3.07 gears and the crawl speed is too high
to suit me even with the smaller tires. I'm not into climbing
boulders but the rock patches and washouts on the hills up in the
Hayman burn area have me wishing for either a) higher ratio diffs or
b) a 4:1 tc or c) a good kidney belt or d) all of the above. Those
3.07's are too tall even for the highway.

On Tue, 1 Jul 2003 04:52:18 UTC Steve <nospam@devnull.com> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I recently acquired a '91 Cherokee Laredo and I'm looking for advice or
> suggestions on lifting it. It is a 4.0L 5-speed with part time 4x4 on
> 3.07 diffs on dana 30 & 35c axles. I understand that I can run 31x10.5
> tires on the stock rims with a 3" lift. Sounds like a good compromise
> for a communting vehicle with some weekend offroad ability that won't
> cost a fortune.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1) Is 3" enough for 31" tires? I don't plan on serious rock crawling;
> mostly old logging roads. I do hope to add quick disconnects for the
> swaybars. I don't mind installing steering stops or trimming fenders if
> required.
>
> 2) I'm pretty sure the 3.07s will be too high for the 31" tires so I'm
> gonna replace them. I have heard some say that 3.73s are ideal for 31"
> tires, while others swear that 4.10s are the way to go. I suspect 4.10s
> will be better off-road, but will I curse them at highway speed in 5th gear?
>
> 3) I'm also thinking about lockers. I can't afford two detroits. Maybe a
> lesser model (EZ?) on the rear only? If I'm changing my rings & pinions
> anyway, will I save on effort by installing locker(s) at the same time
> or can I put it off 'til later.
>
> 4) Should I consider replacing either the dana 35c or the dana 30 when
> regearing? Do I need bigger cases for 4.10s? Should I think about a dana
> 44 in back? There seem to be alot of dana 60s in the salvage yards.
> Would these be suitable?
>
> 5) I'm considering using salvaged F150 coils on front and Dakota leaf
> spring packs in back for my 3" lift. Anybody out there tried this? Any
> extra shimming or spacers required?
>
> 6) Given my intended use (significant highway communting, weekend woods
> trails, fairly light loads) what sort of shocks should I consider?
>
> 7) Will I need new lower control arms?
>
> 8) Will I need a slip yoke eliminator?
>
> 9) Will I need to realign the drive shaft or drop the transfer case?
>
> 10) Will I need to extend or re-route brake lines?
>
> 11) What makes a Laredo different from a non-Laredo XJ?
>
> Any suggestions and advice on any of the above questions is greatly
> appreciated. Can't wait to get off road in my first Jeep.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Steve
>


--
Will Honea <whonea@codenet.net>