Suspension Overview
A wide range of lift kits is offered for the downsize Jeep Cherokee XJ, ranging from very mild lifts to killer setups requiring a lot of follow-up modifications.
When I decided to lift my own vehicle a few inches, I was looking for a suspension system that would give me room for bigger tires, higher ground clearance, and enough flex for mild off-roading without compromising on-road driveability too much. Also, since motor vehicle regulations in Germany are very strict, it was mandatory to be able to have the kit certified by the TÜV to keep the XJ street-legal.
After reading tests in Four-Wheeler magazine and on the
web, and getting some suggestions from other XJ owners, I went for the a
The 3″ system (JC301KS) consists of:
- replacement front coil springs (JC30F)
- replacement rear leaf spring packs (JC25RS)
- replacement lower front axle control arms
- track bar relocation bracket
- Skyjacker Hydro shocks (H7016 front/H7018 rear; not shown)
Directly after the installation, which took about 11 hours total (a single-person job — yes, it is possible!), the truck gained a true 3″ in the back, and a surprising 3.5″ in front. Riding on 31″ Yokohama Super Digger Vs on the stock 7″x15″ aluminum rims, the total height gain has now settled in at ca. 5 1/4″ in front and 4 1/2″. The ride is pleasantly firm without being stiff, and quite comfortable for a lifted fourwheeler.
If you are looking for a well-balanced lift for your XJ, you should definitely consider the Skyjacker kit. The following pages cover the installation of this system in my XJ. While some of the information specifically applies to the Skyjacker suspension package, you may find some useful tips and hints, even if you plan to install a different lift on your vehicle.