Lift Kit

[lumberjim]

I'm fixing to put a lift kit on jinx's Grand Cherokee. I want it to look like this one:

has anyone ever done this? I don;t expect that i'll be able to do it myself......I'm gonna have to find a shop that is capable.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Why? Expecting a deep snow winter? Raising it higher has an adverse effect on handling, braking and stability.
Plus the neighbor's cat will have to jump higher to walk on the windshield.

[Hoof Hearted]

I never did see the point of lifting street vehicles. The point of lifting vehicles (4x4s) is so the vehicle body can clear higher water levels. Lifting the body does NOTHING for clearance of the differentials.
The differentials remain the same height, with the exception of taller tires, and even then...what do you really gain?

Don't listen to me, I drive a 2-seat American sportscar.

[lumberjim]

well, i put big gnarly tires on our jeep, and they pretty much fill up the wheel wells:

[lumberjim]

and, hoof, it does improve angles of approach, departure, and breakover.

[Beestie]

Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce

Why?

Jinx has rediscovered these:

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by lumberjim

and, hoof, it does improve angles of approach, departure, and breakover.

The lift kits I've seen, lift the body off the frame. That will improve the approach and departure angles, although you shouldn't need that unless you're doing some serious off roading. But since the chassis remains stock height, it won't help with high centering...you'll still play see-saw trying to get over that log.

The big tires look good when they fill the wheelwells. Better than the pictures of the red one with half the wheel well empty.

[lumberjim]

yeah, i guess breakover remains unchanged, and maybe just stronger springs would cure the bottoming out issue when loaded down, but i prefer the higher stance.

[fargon]

There is no reason to jack up a Cherokee. This makes them unstable, and will put undo strain on the front and rear drive lines. You can bash around the woods just the way it is. and still be able to drive home no problem.

[cjjulie]

Originally Posted by lumberjim

well, i put big gnarly tires on our jeep, and they pretty much fill up the wheel wells:

You need to cut out the wheel wells.... Go HERE to get good tech assistance...

[Spexxvet]

We have one of those "shelf" things that fit into the hitch recptical. The problem is that when it's full, it tends to scuff the ground when we go over bumps, etc. Would a lift kit help that? Can one be put on a minivan? Could I just jack up the rear, like muscle cars in the 70s? Would either of those solutions have a negative impact?

[Hoof Hearted]

Originally Posted by lumberjim

and, hoof, it does improve angles of approach, departure, and breakover.

You make a good point...but I guess I didn't think a Jeep would have that much of a problem with those areas to begin with. At least not the problems I have with my low slung 'vette with a mile of hood out in front of me. However, if there is one thing I have learned after having owned this vette for 16 years...EVERY car enthusiast has their OWN idea of what looks good to them. My cup o' tea may not be yours...and whatever makes the driver happy is what is important...not what others think.

Spexx, I would not jack up the rear end like the muscle cars of old...IMO, that puts too much weight and strain on the front end components. You may want stiffer springs or shocks to give you better clearance. Or drive slower over bumps so you don't bounce onto the bump with the shelf when the tires come down the speed-bump/incline.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by cjjulie

Go HERE to get good tech assistance...

That's about 9 miles from my Mother's house, cjjulie.

Bottoming out on the new tires? loaded for vacation? Stiffer springs will make the ride rougher, even progressives when you're that close to the end of travel. Lifting the body 2" should do it but it will probably cost you the same amount for 2" or 4", so whatever looks good to you. Lifting 6", or more can get into replacing components that just aren't long enough, like steering, hoses and stuff. I doubt you want to make it look like Bigfoot.

edit; After answering Spexxvet, I realized Air Shocks would work for LJ too, if you only need an inch or two when it's loaded.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by Spexxvet

We have one of those "shelf" things that fit into the hitch recptical. The problem is that when it's full, it tends to scuff the ground when we go over bumps, etc. Would a lift kit help that? Can one be put on a minivan? Could I just jack up the rear, like muscle cars in the 70s? Would either of those solutions have a negative impact?

I'd try Air Shocks on the back, to bring it back up to normal ride height. They will, however, make it ride stiffer as you increase pressure. Remember, every pound you put on the back porch is like 10 in the back seat, you don't want it to... wag the dog.

[cjjulie]

Yes well isn't that something - maybe try going to the forum