It's a 2000 XJ with '97 axles, 4.56 gears, 3.5" Super Ultimate kit, Ion Alloy wheels, 35" Cooper STT Pro's, SYE/Shaft upgrades, ARB Bull Bar Bumper w/ Warn 9000 winch, fenders trimmed, rear cut & fold with OR Fab rear bumper, Wilderness special edition roof rack, nice stereo and probably some more stuff I can't remember!
If your considering a lift for your XJ or other jeep etc. Do yourself a favor like I did go with DPG . You may spend a bit more money initially but you save it in the long run. I have the super ultimate 3 1/2 inch set up on my 99XJ and I couldn’t be more happier with it .very solid on road handling and soaks up the bumps silky smooth off-road . If you DD your rig like me and take it on the trails every chance you get . Only thing you’ll get tired of is a sore face from grinning ear to ear.
Great video I'm in the market of a 3.5 lift for my 2001 XJ , I looked at a lot of the e bay and amazon lift kits as well as the put together kits and I'm ordering a lift from DPG off road . Very informative and thank you again calling soon. Eric
I have a 1985 two-door Cherokee XJ with a 2.5 L in-line four-cylinder engine. It has a five speed manual transmission. I’m looking for suggestions on a lift kit for a daily driver. I want to be able to drive out to Moab and do some of the easier trails and then drive home. What do you suggest on Johnn kit and tire size?
I want my XJ solid on the highway, proper enough for light offroad, tires that dont look too small but I dont want to trim my fender, what do you suggest?
Just spoke to 4wheelparts today. I’m looking for a suspension for my 98 xj and they recommended a 3 in kit I’m on 31 with the cut and fold. But now I’m wondering if I messed up
Lotta guys still going big out there. After running lifts big and small, I am completely sold on low COG suspension systems for the true dual purpose rig.
Just got a 99 xj limited on a 4.5 lift running 33's. I bought it in that configuration. I'm not liking the feel on the road, the engine feels like its struggling to maintain 65mph. Everytime I hit a bump, the rig pulls everywhere. ...and the suspension is very stiff. But doesn't sway when turning which is the good point. But I want a happy medium. Something a bit softer, maybe smaller tires, and lowered an inch. Something that'll take me on a road trip and still be able to hit the trails.
Please feel free to call me at (316) 776-9900 and I'd be glad to discuss your jeep in more detail. I drive my XJ daily and it's just as happy at 80MPH as it is on the trail. Our Ultimate or Super Ultimate kits would make a really nice difference!
This is a very important topic for any vehicle owner as having that balance defined by their particular use. I love winter camping and being able to get around in the snow is what I need, but have no interest in going to an ORV park. ORV parks are great for those that do so, but for me it's like running track. Which is why I ran cross country as I didn't like running in circles. An overlander will build differently than a rock crawler oriented person. etc Thank you for the coverage
Great video! I agree with you on a lot of your points, and a lower jeep definitely drives better on the road! If I was building a jeep only for trail riding and maybe some lighter crawling a lower lift, trimmed fenders and bigger tires would go a long way! But if your doing serious crawling, or you are doing high speed Baja style fun in the desert there is no replacement for travel. I think like you said at the beginning of the video, for dual purpose owners a smaller lift does make better sense, but you are certainly sacrificing some capability in doing so!
Overall travel is one thing. The upper bottoming point and the lower extension point will be what they are. How much lift you have just determines the ratio of up vs down travel. On a crawler, you typically want more down travel than up, which comes with a low COG suspension. A taller suspension only makes the rig more top heavy, which is very undesirable in off-camber situations and steep climbs. On a custom built buggy, you can engineer lot's of up travel and a low COG, as you don't have fenders in the way. On an XJ, you are much more limited-without doing really extensive body/fender mods. Lift heights, overall width, spring rates, fender clearance and tire diameter are all crucial elements in determining an individual jeeps performance characteristics. On a baja rig, longer uptravel is needed to absorb large bumps and whoops at speed. Very different set of parameters from the average daily driven/weekend warrior trail rig. Running 60mph through the desert on stock Cherokee axles is a recipe for disaster! My XJ on 35's drives great on the road, but does not take a backseat on the trail either! Excellent combination of on and off-road capability.
Different strokes for different folks. 35's and "minimum" trimming aren't 2 things that go together. 35's just require more trimming. Unfortunately, the Safari snorkels have been discontinued for the XJ's.
Hi great video by the way, just a coloured information I have been looking for so thanks for that, I have a 97 XJ. I want it to have a more Grece Evey stance, I have looked at several options from Davies Autosport which commonly use a 3 inch old man emu lift kit with 265/70/16 TYRES, this is the look I really want to create do not wish to trim fenderwells, my local garage have said they would prefer to use 2 inch lift due to the angles which you have mentioned before in the video, my question is do you think that a 2 inch lift will be enough to give me the look but I want, I want the TYRES to just a tiny bit wider than the fenders, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks in advance Chris.
Thanks! Been building XJ's for over 20 years now with lifts from 1" to 8" and everything in between. Definitely come to some conclusions as to what I prefer for the best all around suspension set ups...
Of course! Having said that, depending on what year XJ you have, fender trimming becomes important when fitting certain tire sizes. The bigger the tire, the more room needed.
Lol this was basically a 15 minute ad. But... you got me sold, i’ll be ordering one of these for my comanche and if I like it i’ll be buying one for my project cherokee as well. So what do you think is the best size lift for a 31” tire? I’m staying on 31’s because I think that’s the largest size that fits in the stock wheel well
I believe the Up Country Cherokees were about an inch taller than the other XJ's from the factory. Our advertised lift heights are based on a non- Up Country jeep. Of course, after all these years, none of these jeeps are sitting at the same height they did when they were new, so it's common to get more lift than advertised because most Cherokees are no longer sitting at "stock" ride height.
We've done a bunch of them regarding the front suspension, (Old Man Emu springs & shocks, JKS disconnects and trackbar, etc) but we don't have the rear leaf springs for the MJ. Only 2 or 3 places making those any more...
That kit comes with adjustable lower control arms, so I make them slightly longer (maybe 5/16" to 3/8") to add some caster to the alignment settings. With a 3.5" lift, you could do a SYE/ DC shaft conversion, but since it's not a 4.5" to 6" lift, most guys just do a t-case drop if they get a driveline vibe.
@@DirkSanders-wh8vv I appreciate it! I love your how to videos. You cleared up so many questions for me. I’m definitely going with DPG! Can you get the core 4x4 parts in different colors as well?
Long arms are a requirement with big lifts. At 3.5", you can run a long arm, but it's not required. Our Ultimate kit uses either stock control arms or the customers choice of short or long arms, so it's the perfect choice for those who want to go long arm and still have all the rest of this package.
I'm curious which lift to get for my 1999 xj. I moved, now I to drive several hours until I touch dirt. Which lift handles the best on road/highway. I'm looking at either a 2.5 or 3.5. I would prefer a 3.5 but I'm not sure I'm willing to sacrifice comfort on the road.
Both 2.5" and 3.5" kits offer ran excellent combination of ride and handling. The 2.5" kit rides just a little bit smoother than the 3.5", but hard to go wrong either way.
I just bought a 2000 XJ Sport. Its all stock. I am stuck between a 2.5 inch or 3 inch. I don't plan on off roading it a lot at all, but I want it to be capable of going there if I need it. Is there a big difference in basic dailey driving if I install a lift?
The common backspacing for A 15X8 rim is 3.25" to 3.75". Factory is a 15x7 with a 5.25" backspacing, so you'd gain 1.5" to 2" of extra width from the backspacing, plus the rim is an inch wider. I wouldn't go wider than that. I've never seen any rims with less backspacing than 3.25" and they would be hard on ball joints if you had them. Steering function gets wonky if you go too wide with wheels as well...
@@dpgoff-road1737 so to have my tire poke out just past my fender flares. You’d recommend a 15x8 with 3.75? Just to be sure so I can place and order/ Thank you! I would send pics of I could
Looking forward to doing a 2 inch suspension lift on my '91 Cherokee. Any tips anyone can pass on to a new comer? I don't want to worry to much about having to drop my transfer case, or having a longer cv drive shaft. I just want something simple and sweat to get a slightly higher ride, while replacing the worn shocks and leaf springs.
'95 and older XJ's are much less sensitive to driveline vibes than '96 or newer models, so you could run a 2" to 3.5" lift and shouldn't have any drivetrain issues. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss options and details. For a great smaller lift, I'd consider our 2.5" Ultimate kit here: dpgoffroad.com/product/2-5-ultimate-xj-old-man-emu-hybrid-kit/
33" to 35" tires are possible with this kit, depending on fender trim/bumper options. I do like to cut & fold that rear lower quarter panel for extra room if running 35's.
I'm going to be buying a 3.5in super from you guys here shortly. What are the additional items on the super that aren't included with just the ultimate? Also, What are the specs on that front bumper? Thanks...
Hi Todd, the Super Ultimate adds lower adjustable control arms and longer brakelines all around. We also have another kit that has become our most popular that is not on the website. It uses CORE 4x4 Tier 3 upper and lower control arms and their front adj trackbar with double shear bracket. Please call me at (316) 776-9900 to discuss details or place an order. Thanks!
Dirk, what's the difference between the OME CS033RA and CS033RB leaf packs. RA seems to offer a removable leaf making the pack adjustable from 2.5"-4", is that correct? Do you know the spring rates for both leaf packs? Thanks!
The CS033RB is appx 3.5" lift. CS033RA is appx 4.5" lift. You can remove the 3rd leaf from either pack and have a slightly softer pack that nets about an inch less lift. Official specs here: view.publitas.com/arb-4x4-accessories-1/old-man-emu-international-application-catalogue-edition-36/page/184-185
They are a cheaper way to get a wider stance that is needed for a lifted jeep with larger tires. I prefer a wheel with the right backspacing to start with, but for guys who are really married to a certain wheel (factory or JK wheels usually) and want the wider stance as well, a wheel spacer is the only option.
Depending on usage and whether you plan to trim or not, you can run anywhere from 3" to 6" of lift. Obviously, we prefer to keep them lower these days. Feel free to contact me if you have questions...
Low COG systems are shorter and therefore do not require long arms for good control arm geometry. Long arms were developed when lift kits got big as the control arm operating angles are excessive with big lifts. Our Super Ultimate kit comes with your choice of JKS, Currie or CORE 4x4 control arms. Our Ultimate kit doesn't come with control arms, so you can use stock arms or your choice of aftermarket short arms or long arms easily.
I had the stock axles in my 2000, which had stock gears and a low pinion Dana 30 up front. Picked up a '97 XJ parts rig that a customer had a few years back. It had 4.56 gears F&R and a high pinion Dana 30, so I just swapped them into my rig. The HP 30 has better clearance for off-road use and allows a little better front driveshaft operating angle on a lifted XJ, compared to the LP so that came in the '00-01 models.
@@dpgoff-road1737 thanks I’ll look into them, I just know some winches might be hard to get at the release and what not. My buddy’s jeep you can hardly fit your fingers in to move the switch 😜
Depends on whether the fenders are trimmed and how big your tire is. Nonetheless, I am a BIG fan of going wider whenever going taller. I'm running 3.5" backspacing with 35's on my 3.5" kit.
Is that the 97+ ARB bumper? I'm looking at the same one but I know there's one that wraps around as far as the stock front end caps do. I want to make sure I can fit 35s as you have on this one. Thanks!
That is an ARB BullBar bumper. They have 2 styles for the XJ- Pre '97 and '97-01. Mine is the newer version, which had to be trimmed along with the fenders to fit 35" tires.
Really depends on your view. Some would argue that their jeeps value isn't much more than a good suspension and they can't justify it. For the rest of us, our jeeps are keepers and we have no problem spending the money to do it right. Tags, taxes and insurance are cheap and these jeeps are so reliable that it makes sense. I have WAY more money tied up in my Cherokee than it books out for, but it's so much fun to drive that I'm perfectly happy with it.
Hi I’m looking to pick up the 2.5 will this also work with towing to increase towing from 2500 to the 5000 mark? Not going that high just for towing a 3200lb pop up camper.
The OME leafs have that flat overload on the bottom, which adds some substantial backbone over the stock leaf capabilities. I don't know any official towing ratings though.
I have a long arm 4.5 inch lift and have had a great difficulty dialing in the "alignment" on the front end. It is all quality components. The issue is that as the front suspension compresses and extends the geometry with the trackbar seems to cause the front end of the vehicle to move left and right causing it to "sway" slightly from side to side. It has a drop bracket for the track bar. 4 Wheel parts has replaced the track bar twice and its better....but still spooky on the highway. Just about everyone I talk to about this seems to "know" this is an issue.....but I can find absolutely nothing about this online or on UA-cam. I'm not talking about the death wobble associated with worn bushings. Absolutely everything under my Jeep is new. It's just the weird side to side motion as the suspension compresses and extends. Any pointers from viewers would be appreciated.
Hard to say for sure without seeing the jeep, but I wonder if you're experiencing bump steer. There are multiple "kits" on the market that alter the operating geometry between the trackbar and the steering drag link. Those 2 linkages need to stay parallel with each other. If you do a drop pitman arm but don't relocate the trackbar the same amount, you will get bump steer. If you relocate the trackbar and don't drop the pitman arm the same amount, the same thing can happen. Trackbars swing in an arc, so technically speaking, all jeep axles move side to side slightly as you drive. You shouldn't have tracking or sway issues based on that. If your issue is actually more SWAY related, that's usually any combination of a lift that's too tall, softer springs or shocks and/or no front swaybar. If it's a wandering issue, it could be related to the steering box or other bad/loose front end suspension or steering components.
That is an ARB BullBar bumper. It comes with the guard already welded on. The one I have is for the '97 and newer body style, so you'll have to trim it if trimming the fenders for bigger tires. They also have one available for the older body styles that will work on the newer one's and won't require trimming. We carry those at DPG Off-Road. If you have any questions or would like to order one, please call (316) 776-9900.
It's an ARB BullBar bumper. We have them or you can get them at different off-road stores. Mine is for the '97-'01 models and has been trimmed along with the fenders to fit bigger tires.
How do your lifts handle with extra weight? I love the look of the jeep in the video but I want to build my jeep as a "overland" vehicle. I'll drive it as a daily but I want to be able to take it north and do slme trails and camp. Or take the tent off and go play at the sand dunes. There is.t really any rock crawling here in MI so itll be more of a trail/camping/daily. These leafs hold up to the weight?
In short- YES. The OME leafs are some of the strongest on the market. They also have that overload on the bottom for heavier weights. In those rare occasions where someone has extreme added weight, we use the 4.5" leafs in the 3.5" kits. One customer of ours is a musician and carries a LOT of heavyweight in back of her XJ. That set up works well for her and her jeep is heavy. OME also has specific extra leafs for these packs that would make these HD packs really heavy. Never had to use those yet...
Hi Parker, the front suspension is no problem for the MJ, but the rear leafs are a problem. The Commanche trucks have been out of production for so long that there's not a lot of options available for good leaf springs, since they are different than the Cherokees. We could do a custom built set of leaf springs, but they would be expensive. I think there may still be a couple of aftermarket leafs available for the MJ, but not sure...
Hack & tap is a SYE- just a different version than an AA style. This is always an option, but at 3.5", a lot of our customers just do a t-case drop if needed. If running taller than the 3.5" kit, I would recommend the SYE/CV shaft conversion, as operating angles are excessive. The good news is that the '95 and older XJ's are less susceptible to driveline vibes than the '96 and newer models.
@@dpgoff-road1737 From what i can see the only SYE/CV parts that are available are the parts from Rough Country. Are these any good? Or should i try to get a oversea delivery with better brands?
@@silboersma4774 There are multiple options out there for SYE's. Advanced Adapters has been around forever and is the go-to for those who want a full replacement SYE that requires splitting the t-case. I've been running hack & tap style SYE's for 20 years with zero issues. The biggest problems people have with those units is generally installer error...
Guys who run 6" lifts are all about appearance, look at me, look at me. They are scary off road. I have a 3.5" on mine, and there are very few places i can't go, and the places I can't go, I wouldn't want to
hey thanks for the video . What shocks do you prefer ? I am running a 6.5" long arm lift with 35's Not going bilstein or fox been there ...Any other suggestions? THanks.
Hi Jay, I have been a fan of the Old Man Emu shocks for a long time. A lot depends on spring rates, mounting locations, etc, but they are my favorite...especially with low COG packages running Old Man Emu springs.
@@dpgoff-road1737 Appreciate the response bud. I'm just using the stock spring mounting location. Can you tell me what model of the D man emu shocks would be best for that application or what ones you used? Thanks
That jeep runs a 4.56 gear ratio. I might normally run a 4.88 or deeper, but I actually drive this jeep at 80mph+ on the freeway, so the 4.56 spins the motor a little slower at those speeds.
@@dpgoff-road1737 so the 4.56 gears would be better for doing 80 on the highway? I don’t want to get 4.88 and have the rpm too high at higher speeds. Also, what locker setup do you recommend? Have you used e lockers?
@@DustySteel 4.56 is better with 35" tires at 80mph than 4.88 is. I really like TORQ lockers for lunchbox style. I prefer Air Lockers if going selectable.
@@DirkSanders-wh8vv lockers would be cool! I would like something that works best for ice and snow though so I’m leaning more towards lsd front and rear. It would be nice to be able to lock in though for those really tough situations. I need to do more research and might start making content about my 2 door XJ.
Website is up and running. I did see a technical issue a day or 2 ago, but I think it's fixed now. Feel free to call us if you have any questions. Thanks!
Later model XJ's ('97+) just don't have as much room in the fenderwell as the older models had. I'd rather trim and run a lower COG suspension, but to each their own on that.
I live in Vegas and my Jeep club has been harping to up my lift and go something bigger than my 3in zone lift on 31’s. I’ve been battling back and forth with 4.5-6.5 32in-35in tires but I’m pretty sold on a shorter lift sticking to 4.5 max and running 32-33in tires with long arms. Now to find the right lift I’ll have to check your site
I've built many jeeps over the last 20 some years with everything from 2" to 8" lifts. I'm completely sold on smaller, low COG suspensions with trimming to fit bigger tires. MUCH more stable and driveable all around! Give me a shout if you want to discuss details, options, etc...
We can ship you the kit, but you'll have to find someone to install it if you don't want to tackle it yourself. Any decent mechanic can do it and we're a phone call away if they have any questions. Thanks!
Many options for SYE's out there. Advanced Adapters is used a lot, as are some of the lower cost options. RE "Hack & Tap" is a lower cost (and controversial) SYE, but I like them. Problems with those are usually related to installer error more than anything else...
I have the same arb bumper and snooker on my xj. Love the look.
I have a 1990 jeep cherokee Laredo I just saw you're video and I am ready interested in buying one of these 3.5 lifts kits
Please call us at (316) 776-9900. Thanks!
Thanks Doug. I just picked up a’98 limited with 102k miles
Could you do a full walk around of your Jeep xj please. It's a beautiful XJ
It's a 2000 XJ with '97 axles, 4.56 gears, 3.5" Super Ultimate kit, Ion Alloy wheels, 35" Cooper STT Pro's, SYE/Shaft upgrades, ARB Bull Bar Bumper w/ Warn 9000 winch, fenders trimmed, rear cut & fold with OR Fab rear bumper, Wilderness special edition roof rack, nice stereo and probably some more stuff I can't remember!
If your considering a lift for your XJ or other jeep etc. Do yourself a favor like I did go with DPG . You may spend a bit more money initially but you save it in the long run. I have the super ultimate 3 1/2 inch set up on my 99XJ and I couldn’t be more happier with it .very solid on road handling and soaks up the bumps silky smooth off-road . If you DD your rig like me and take it on the trails every chance you get . Only thing you’ll get tired of is a sore face from grinning ear to ear.
Thanks David!
Sold me!
You sold me my TJ lift, couldn't be happier with it. I'll be calling you again in a couple months once I find a decent minimal rust XJ :)
Sounds great. These jeeps are getting cheap enough that we might as well have both!
DPG Off-Road my thoughts exactly!
Great video! This guy knows his jeeps
Thanks!
Very informative! Will be ordering 3.5 inch lift for my xj through you soon!
Sounds great Justin! Feel free to call me if you have any questions...
I'm in total agreement with you. I'm running a 3.5 with 35s handles great on roads, feels very stable when off camber/hill climbs.
Thanks! These low COG jeeps will run circles around those big behemoths we used to build.
Great video I'm in the market of a 3.5 lift for my 2001 XJ , I looked at a lot of the e bay and amazon lift kits as well as the put together kits and I'm ordering a lift from DPG off road . Very informative and thank you again calling soon. Eric
Sounds great! You'll love it...
I have a 1985 two-door Cherokee XJ with a 2.5 L in-line four-cylinder engine. It has a five speed manual transmission. I’m looking for suggestions on a lift kit for a daily driver. I want to be able to drive out to Moab and do some of the easier trails and then drive home. What do you suggest on Johnn kit and tire size?
Please call us at (316) 776-9900 with questions about suspension packages. Thanks!
I want my XJ solid on the highway, proper enough for light offroad, tires that dont look too small but I dont want to trim my fender, what do you suggest?
Just spoke to 4wheelparts today. I’m looking for a suspension for my 98 xj and they recommended a 3 in kit I’m on 31 with the cut and fold. But now I’m wondering if I messed up
Feel free to call us regarding suspension kits at (316) 776-9900.
So glad I found this video I almost prefer a 6.5 kit for 35s and was worried I was opening a can of worms
Lotta guys still going big out there. After running lifts big and small, I am completely sold on low COG suspension systems for the true dual purpose rig.
Just got a 99 xj limited on a 4.5 lift running 33's.
I bought it in that configuration.
I'm not liking the feel on the road, the engine feels like its struggling to maintain 65mph.
Everytime I hit a bump, the rig pulls everywhere.
...and the suspension is very stiff. But doesn't sway when turning which is the good point.
But I want a happy medium. Something a bit softer, maybe smaller tires, and lowered an inch.
Something that'll take me on a road trip and still be able to hit the trails.
Please feel free to call me at (316) 776-9900 and I'd be glad to discuss your jeep in more detail. I drive my XJ daily and it's just as happy at 80MPH as it is on the trail. Our Ultimate or Super Ultimate kits would make a really nice difference!
This is a very important topic for any vehicle owner as having that balance defined by their particular use. I love winter camping and being able to get around in the snow is what I need, but have no interest in going to an ORV park. ORV parks are great for those that do so, but for me it's like running track. Which is why I ran cross country as I didn't like running in circles. An overlander will build differently than a rock crawler oriented person. etc Thank you for the coverage
Thanks!
Great video! I agree with you on a lot of your points, and a lower jeep definitely drives better on the road! If I was building a jeep only for trail riding and maybe some lighter crawling a lower lift, trimmed fenders and bigger tires would go a long way! But if your doing serious crawling, or you are doing high speed Baja style fun in the desert there is no replacement for travel. I think like you said at the beginning of the video, for dual purpose owners a smaller lift does make better sense, but you are certainly sacrificing some capability in doing so!
Overall travel is one thing. The upper bottoming point and the lower extension point will be what they are. How much lift you have just determines the ratio of up vs down travel. On a crawler, you typically want more down travel than up, which comes with a low COG suspension. A taller suspension only makes the rig more top heavy, which is very undesirable in off-camber situations and steep climbs. On a custom built buggy, you can engineer lot's of up travel and a low COG, as you don't have fenders in the way. On an XJ, you are much more limited-without doing really extensive body/fender mods. Lift heights, overall width, spring rates, fender clearance and tire diameter are all crucial elements in determining an individual jeeps performance characteristics. On a baja rig, longer uptravel is needed to absorb large bumps and whoops at speed. Very different set of parameters from the average daily driven/weekend warrior trail rig. Running 60mph through the desert on stock Cherokee axles is a recipe for disaster! My XJ on 35's drives great on the road, but does not take a backseat on the trail either! Excellent combination of on and off-road capability.
Thank you I ll be giving you a call soon ,thanks for the honest info
Sounds great! Talk to you soon...
What front bumper is that, looks great
ARB Bull Bar.
thanks for the video. I am process of a daily driver & weekend hunting/exploring forest service roads/fire access trails Jeep. I appreciate the ideas.
Thanks!
Do you carry Currie or Savvy lift kits? Also what do you think about Iron Rock lift kits? Trying to compare everything before pulling the trigger.
We do carry Currie, but our Old Man Emu Hybrid kits are in a class by themselves...
I want a long arm lift kit that can go up to 35s with minimum trimming to run Napier v2 fender flairs and an official arb safari snorkel
Different strokes for different folks. 35's and "minimum" trimming aren't 2 things that go together. 35's just require more trimming. Unfortunately, the Safari snorkels have been discontinued for the XJ's.
Hi great video by the way, just a coloured information I have been looking for so thanks for that, I have a 97 XJ. I want it to have a more Grece Evey stance, I have looked at several options from Davies Autosport which commonly use a 3 inch old man emu lift kit with 265/70/16 TYRES, this is the look I really want to create do not wish to trim fenderwells, my local garage have said they would prefer to use 2 inch lift due to the angles which you have mentioned before in the video, my question is do you think that a 2 inch lift will be enough to give me the look but I want, I want the TYRES to just a tiny bit wider than the fenders, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks in advance
Chris.
Sorry- Just saw this! This is a good convo to have via phone. Please call me if you still want to talk. (316) 776-9900
Incredibly informative, Great video!!
Thanks! Been building XJ's for over 20 years now with lifts from 1" to 8" and everything in between. Definitely come to some conclusions as to what I prefer for the best all around suspension set ups...
Can you do a walk around of the XJ? Or do you have a link of additional pictures of this rig? Looks great!
More details on this jeep here: dpgoffroad.com/dpg-rigs-2/
Solid information.
Thanks!
This is thorough and well done!
Thanks!
Is there a way to avoid cutting anything like fender wells and have the Ultimate kit?
Of course! Having said that, depending on what year XJ you have, fender trimming becomes important when fitting certain tire sizes. The bigger the tire, the more room needed.
Lol this was basically a 15 minute ad. But... you got me sold, i’ll be ordering one of these for my comanche and if I like it i’ll be buying one for my project cherokee as well. So what do you think is the best size lift for a 31” tire? I’m staying on 31’s because I think that’s the largest size that fits in the stock wheel well
These kits will not work on the MJ Comanche, as the leaf springs in the XJ are not the same as the leafs in the MJ. A 3.5" kit would be nice, but...
I have a 98 xj with the upcountry Package. How does the lift kit work with this? Would a 2 inch lift really be 3 inches?
I believe the Up Country Cherokees were about an inch taller than the other XJ's from the factory. Our advertised lift heights are based on a non- Up Country jeep. Of course, after all these years, none of these jeeps are sitting at the same height they did when they were new, so it's common to get more lift than advertised because most Cherokees are no longer sitting at "stock" ride height.
What 3.5-4.5 lift kit would you recommend for a 1986 Jeep Comanche. I’m thinking of running 31 inch tires.
We've done a bunch of them regarding the front suspension, (Old Man Emu springs & shocks, JKS disconnects and trackbar, etc) but we don't have the rear leaf springs for the MJ. Only 2 or 3 places making those any more...
@@dpgoff-road1737 Ok. I’ll call in the coming weeks. I’m getting some engine work done early next week.
@@luispinedo965 Sounds good!
With the 3.5 Super Ultimate do you need longer driveshafts or control arms?
That kit comes with adjustable lower control arms, so I make them slightly longer (maybe 5/16" to 3/8") to add some caster to the alignment settings. With a 3.5" lift, you could do a SYE/ DC shaft conversion, but since it's not a 4.5" to 6" lift, most guys just do a t-case drop if they get a driveline vibe.
Will this kit work fine on the 2000 XJ with the low pinion Dana 30 or would I need to do a swap?
Low pinion Dana 30 is not a problem with these kits.
@@DirkSanders-wh8vv I appreciate it! I love your how to videos. You cleared up so many questions for me. I’m definitely going with DPG! Can you get the core 4x4 parts in different colors as well?
@KrspyKrmMcDs Sounds good! Yes, We can get the Core parts in multiple colors.
@@KrspyKrmMcDs Yes.
Nice video,My 99 Xj has almost 400,000 Mile's and is just like New...
They are great vehicles!
Why not a long arm setup?
Long arms are a requirement with big lifts. At 3.5", you can run a long arm, but it's not required. Our Ultimate kit uses either stock control arms or the customers choice of short or long arms, so it's the perfect choice for those who want to go long arm and still have all the rest of this package.
I'm curious which lift to get for my 1999 xj. I moved, now I to drive several hours until I touch dirt. Which lift handles the best on road/highway. I'm looking at either a 2.5 or 3.5. I would prefer a 3.5 but I'm not sure I'm willing to sacrifice comfort on the road.
Both 2.5" and 3.5" kits offer ran excellent combination of ride and handling. The 2.5" kit rides just a little bit smoother than the 3.5", but hard to go wrong either way.
I just bought a 2000 XJ Sport. Its all stock. I am stuck between a 2.5 inch or 3 inch. I don't plan on off roading it a lot at all, but I want it to be capable of going there if I need it. Is there a big difference in basic dailey driving if I install a lift?
The new suspension will ride even better than stock!
Great video!
Loved this!!
Thanks!
I’m currently on 3in 31x10.5x15.
But I want a wider stance at least 2inches past my fender flares.
What wheel offset/backspacing would you recommend??
The common backspacing for A 15X8 rim is 3.25" to 3.75". Factory is a 15x7 with a 5.25" backspacing, so you'd gain 1.5" to 2" of extra width from the backspacing, plus the rim is an inch wider. I wouldn't go wider than that. I've never seen any rims with less backspacing than 3.25" and they would be hard on ball joints if you had them. Steering function gets wonky if you go too wide with wheels as well...
@@dpgoff-road1737 so to have my tire poke out just past my fender flares. You’d recommend a 15x8 with 3.75?
Just to be sure so I can place and order/
Thank you!
I would send pics of I could
Looking forward to doing a 2 inch suspension lift on my '91 Cherokee. Any tips anyone can pass on to a new comer? I don't want to worry to much about having to drop my transfer case, or having a longer cv drive shaft. I just want something simple and sweat to get a slightly higher ride, while replacing the worn shocks and leaf springs.
'95 and older XJ's are much less sensitive to driveline vibes than '96 or newer models, so you could run a 2" to 3.5" lift and shouldn't have any drivetrain issues. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss options and details. For a great smaller lift, I'd consider our 2.5" Ultimate kit here: dpgoffroad.com/product/2-5-ultimate-xj-old-man-emu-hybrid-kit/
With that lift you talk about(old man emu 3.5” ) did you have to use a slip yoke and or a trans drop kit? I have a 1993 xj
Probably won't need any drivetrain upgrades on a '93. '96 and newer are more sensitive to vibes.
On your website it says this Jeep has 33s. On the video you said 35s. Just wondering what I could fit with this kit.
33" to 35" tires are possible with this kit, depending on fender trim/bumper options. I do like to cut & fold that rear lower quarter panel for extra room if running 35's.
Great video. Im sold!
Thanks! After building these newer low COG rigs like this, I would not build one of mine with a big lift again.
Do you have recommended shops that do the installation? Not sure of your location but I am in NM.
We are in Kansas, but ship these kits all over the USA. Any mechanic with good basic skills can install these kits. Pretty straight forward.
I'm going to be buying a 3.5in super from you guys here shortly. What are the additional items on the super that aren't included with just the ultimate? Also, What are the specs on that front bumper?
Thanks...
Hi Todd, the Super Ultimate adds lower adjustable control arms and longer brakelines all around. We also have another kit that has become our most popular that is not on the website. It uses CORE 4x4 Tier 3 upper and lower control arms and their front adj trackbar with double shear bracket. Please call me at (316) 776-9900 to discuss details or place an order. Thanks!
Dirk, what's the difference between the OME CS033RA and CS033RB leaf packs. RA seems to offer a removable leaf making the pack adjustable from 2.5"-4", is that correct? Do you know the spring rates for both leaf packs? Thanks!
The CS033RB is appx 3.5" lift. CS033RA is appx 4.5" lift. You can remove the 3rd leaf from either pack and have a slightly softer pack that nets about an inch less lift. Official specs here: view.publitas.com/arb-4x4-accessories-1/old-man-emu-international-application-catalogue-edition-36/page/184-185
Where do you stand on wheel spacers to widen the footprint of the xj?
They are a cheaper way to get a wider stance that is needed for a lifted jeep with larger tires. I prefer a wheel with the right backspacing to start with, but for guys who are really married to a certain wheel (factory or JK wheels usually) and want the wider stance as well, a wheel spacer is the only option.
I have a 96 xj and I'm trying to run 33s what size lifr should i get
3.5" for 33s and 35s
Depending on usage and whether you plan to trim or not, you can run anywhere from 3" to 6" of lift. Obviously, we prefer to keep them lower these days. Feel free to contact me if you have questions...
why dont you make long arm kits?
Low COG systems are shorter and therefore do not require long arms for good control arm geometry. Long arms were developed when lift kits got big as the control arm operating angles are excessive with big lifts. Our Super Ultimate kit comes with your choice of JKS, Currie or CORE 4x4 control arms. Our Ultimate kit doesn't come with control arms, so you can use stock arms or your choice of aftermarket short arms or long arms easily.
@@dpgoff-road1737 at what height is it necessary to do a long arm kit ?
@@ninofajardo1288 Some still run short arms on taller lifts, but if running 4.5" and above, I would definitely run long arms or drop brackets.
@@ninofajardo1288 we now also offer these hybrid kits in a long arm version as well!
Why did you change the axle on your Jeep to a 97?
I had the stock axles in my 2000, which had stock gears and a low pinion Dana 30 up front. Picked up a '97 XJ parts rig that a customer had a few years back. It had 4.56 gears F&R and a high pinion Dana 30, so I just swapped them into my rig. The HP 30 has better clearance for off-road use and allows a little better front driveshaft operating angle on a lifted XJ, compared to the LP so that came in the '00-01 models.
does the XJ in the video have 35s ? love the stance !
Yes, 35's. Thanks!
I have the same bumper, what is the best winch for it ?
There are multiple winches that will fit these bumpers. I've always preferred Warn myself.
@@dpgoff-road1737 thanks I’ll look into them, I just know some winches might be hard to get at the release and what not. My buddy’s jeep you can hardly fit your fingers in to move the switch 😜
What backspacing would you recommend for a 4.5 inch lift?
Depends on whether the fenders are trimmed and how big your tire is. Nonetheless, I am a BIG fan of going wider whenever going taller. I'm running 3.5" backspacing with 35's on my 3.5" kit.
Is that the 97+ ARB bumper? I'm looking at the same one but I know there's one that wraps around as far as the stock front end caps do. I want to make sure I can fit 35s as you have on this one. Thanks!
That is the '97+ bumper, but it's been cut to match the fender trimming.
What is that front bumper?
That is an ARB BullBar bumper. They have 2 styles for the XJ- Pre '97 and '97-01. Mine is the newer version, which had to be trimmed along with the fenders to fit 35" tires.
@@dpgoff-road1737 I like that one more streamline than some of the others I saw.
@@garykarczewski6678 ARB makes really nice stuff...
Is it worth putting one of these on a 2000 XJ sport?
Really depends on your view. Some would argue that their jeeps value isn't much more than a good suspension and they can't justify it. For the rest of us, our jeeps are keepers and we have no problem spending the money to do it right. Tags, taxes and insurance are cheap and these jeeps are so reliable that it makes sense. I have WAY more money tied up in my Cherokee than it books out for, but it's so much fun to drive that I'm perfectly happy with it.
Hi I’m looking to pick up the 2.5 will this also work with towing to increase towing from 2500 to the 5000 mark? Not going that high just for towing a 3200lb pop up camper.
The OME leafs have that flat overload on the bottom, which adds some substantial backbone over the stock leaf capabilities. I don't know any official towing ratings though.
Do you have links or a catalog? Wanna do 31 10.5's 96 Cherokee sport. Probably 2.5 lift.
Hi Scott, most everything we have is on our website at www.dpgoffroad.com Feel free to call me if you have any questions at (316) 776-9900. Thanks!
I have a long arm 4.5 inch lift and have had a great difficulty dialing in the "alignment" on the front end. It is all quality components. The issue is that as the front suspension compresses and extends the geometry with the trackbar seems to cause the front end of the vehicle to move left and right causing it to "sway" slightly from side to side. It has a drop bracket for the track bar. 4 Wheel parts has replaced the track bar twice and its better....but still spooky on the highway. Just about everyone I talk to about this seems to "know" this is an issue.....but I can find absolutely nothing about this online or on UA-cam. I'm not talking about the death wobble associated with worn bushings. Absolutely everything under my Jeep is new. It's just the weird side to side motion as the suspension compresses and extends. Any pointers from viewers would be appreciated.
Hard to say for sure without seeing the jeep, but I wonder if you're experiencing bump steer. There are multiple "kits" on the market that alter the operating geometry between the trackbar and the steering drag link. Those 2 linkages need to stay parallel with each other. If you do a drop pitman arm but don't relocate the trackbar the same amount, you will get bump steer. If you relocate the trackbar and don't drop the pitman arm the same amount, the same thing can happen. Trackbars swing in an arc, so technically speaking, all jeep axles move side to side slightly as you drive. You shouldn't have tracking or sway issues based on that. If your issue is actually more SWAY related, that's usually any combination of a lift that's too tall, softer springs or shocks and/or no front swaybar. If it's a wandering issue, it could be related to the steering box or other bad/loose front end suspension or steering components.
@@dpgoff-road1737 great detail...gives me a few points to check. Thanks for your response.
@@davesnothereman7250 You're welcome! Hope you get it figured out soon.
Where can I find that winch bumper and brushguard
That is an ARB BullBar bumper. It comes with the guard already welded on. The one I have is for the '97 and newer body style, so you'll have to trim it if trimming the fenders for bigger tires. They also have one available for the older body styles that will work on the newer one's and won't require trimming. We carry those at DPG Off-Road. If you have any questions or would like to order one, please call (316) 776-9900.
Where can i order that same front bumper guard?
It's an ARB BullBar bumper. We have them or you can get them at different off-road stores. Mine is for the '97-'01 models and has been trimmed along with the fenders to fit bigger tires.
How do your lifts handle with extra weight? I love the look of the jeep in the video but I want to build my jeep as a "overland" vehicle. I'll drive it as a daily but I want to be able to take it north and do slme trails and camp. Or take the tent off and go play at the sand dunes. There is.t really any rock crawling here in MI so itll be more of a trail/camping/daily. These leafs hold up to the weight?
In short- YES. The OME leafs are some of the strongest on the market. They also have that overload on the bottom for heavier weights. In those rare occasions where someone has extreme added weight, we use the 4.5" leafs in the 3.5" kits. One customer of ours is a musician and carries a LOT of heavyweight in back of her XJ. That set up works well for her and her jeep is heavy. OME also has specific extra leafs for these packs that would make these HD packs really heavy. Never had to use those yet...
@@dpgoff-road1737 awsome, ill be calling to talk to you guys tmrw.
can you make an MJ kit?
Hi Parker, the front suspension is no problem for the MJ, but the rear leafs are a problem. The Commanche trucks have been out of production for so long that there's not a lot of options available for good leaf springs, since they are different than the Cherokees. We could do a custom built set of leaf springs, but they would be expensive. I think there may still be a couple of aftermarket leafs available for the MJ, but not sure...
Great vid! Thank you. Would you need a SYE or 'hack-n-tap' and a different drive shaft with a 3.5 - 4.5" lift on a '92 XJ?
Hack & tap is a SYE- just a different version than an AA style. This is always an option, but at 3.5", a lot of our customers just do a t-case drop if needed. If running taller than the 3.5" kit, I would recommend the SYE/CV shaft conversion, as operating angles are excessive. The good news is that the '95 and older XJ's are less susceptible to driveline vibes than the '96 and newer models.
@@dpgoff-road1737 Thanks!
@@dpgoff-road1737 From what i can see the only SYE/CV parts that are available are the parts from Rough Country. Are these any good? Or should i try to get a oversea delivery with better brands?
@@silboersma4774 There are multiple options out there for SYE's. Advanced Adapters has been around forever and is the go-to for those who want a full replacement SYE that requires splitting the t-case. I've been running hack & tap style SYE's for 20 years with zero issues. The biggest problems people have with those units is generally installer error...
@@dpgoff-road1737 Thank you! Would i be able to run a Stock drive shaft with a hack&tap style SYE?
Guys who run 6" lifts are all about appearance, look at me, look at me. They are scary off road. I have a 3.5" on mine, and there are very few places i can't go, and the places I can't go, I wouldn't want to
Well said!
hey thanks for the video . What shocks do you prefer ? I am running a 6.5" long arm lift with 35's Not going bilstein or fox been there ...Any other suggestions? THanks.
Hi Jay, I have been a fan of the Old Man Emu shocks for a long time. A lot depends on spring rates, mounting locations, etc, but they are my favorite...especially with low COG packages running Old Man Emu springs.
@@dpgoff-road1737 Appreciate the response bud. I'm just using the stock spring mounting location. Can you tell me what model of the D man emu shocks would be best for that application or what ones you used? Thanks
@@dpgoff-road1737 I am not seeing the old man emu available for a 6.5" lift on a Cherokee xj. What would be your next pick?
@@jaybourbon8608 please call me on this. There are a number of variables that come into play at 6.5" of lift that can affect shock lengths and needs.
@@jaybourbon8608 I have the OME long travel shocks in front and the shorter shocks in back with the JKS weld-on shock mounts.
Nice XJ! What back spacing would you recommend with 33s on 3 to 4.5 inch lift on 15x8 rims?
Thanks! I prefer a backspacing range from 3.25" to 3.75" in that application. My wheels are 3.5" backspacing.
Good info
Thanks!
What Gear ratios does the jeep in the video have?
That jeep runs a 4.56 gear ratio. I might normally run a 4.88 or deeper, but I actually drive this jeep at 80mph+ on the freeway, so the 4.56 spins the motor a little slower at those speeds.
@@dpgoff-road1737 so the 4.56 gears would be better for doing 80 on the highway? I don’t want to get 4.88 and have the rpm too high at higher speeds. Also, what locker setup do you recommend? Have you used e lockers?
@@DustySteel 4.56 is better with 35" tires at 80mph than 4.88 is. I really like TORQ lockers for lunchbox style. I prefer Air Lockers if going selectable.
@@DirkSanders-wh8vv lockers would be cool! I would like something that works best for ice and snow though so I’m leaning more towards lsd front and rear. It would be nice to be able to lock in though for those really tough situations. I need to do more research and might start making content about my 2 door XJ.
@@DustySteel Lotta people poo-poo on lockers in ice and snow who have never ran them. Lockers all day long for me!
What happened to the dpg website ? Ready to lift my LJ!!
Website is up and running. I did see a technical issue a day or 2 ago, but I think it's fixed now. Feel free to call us if you have any questions. Thanks!
I know you mentioned running 35s and at 80 mph...out of curiosity what gear ratio is in this one?
4.56 gears
What size is that lift
That is our 3.5" Super Ultimate Hybrid kit- tuned to about 4". Link: dpgoffroad.com/product/3-5-or-4-5-super-ultimate-xj-old-man-emu-hybrid-kit/
I have a 4.5 inch lift on 31s. I don't want to cut my fenders tho. thing comes so close to rubbing in the rear it's not even funny
Later model XJ's ('97+) just don't have as much room in the fenderwell as the older models had. I'd rather trim and run a lower COG suspension, but to each their own on that.
I live in Vegas and my Jeep club has been harping to up my lift and go something bigger than my 3in zone lift on 31’s. I’ve been battling back and forth with 4.5-6.5 32in-35in tires but I’m pretty sold on a shorter lift sticking to 4.5 max and running 32-33in tires with long arms.
Now to find the right lift I’ll have to check your site
I've built many jeeps over the last 20 some years with everything from 2" to 8" lifts. I'm completely sold on smaller, low COG suspensions with trimming to fit bigger tires. MUCH more stable and driveable all around! Give me a shout if you want to discuss details, options, etc...
DPG Off-Road appreciate that man I will check out the website and see what y’all have to offer
your links are broken
Do you know anyone that can do this for me in Dallas Tx?
We can ship you the kit, but you'll have to find someone to install it if you don't want to tackle it yourself. Any decent mechanic can do it and we're a phone call away if they have any questions. Thanks!
Hiya: curious if you got one, if you found someone in Dallas, and your experience. Thx
Suggestions for slip yoke eliminator? Building my 2000 xj going with Rubicon express 4.5 lift kit and 33”s
Many options for SYE's out there. Advanced Adapters is used a lot, as are some of the lower cost options. RE "Hack & Tap" is a lower cost (and controversial) SYE, but I like them. Problems with those are usually related to installer error more than anything else...
Great video mate, kinda all depends on what you are doing with your Jeep etc
Thanks!
Please I have the same type and I want to sperk it like this,so how much will it cost me(jeep cherokee 1997 model)