i have a 1987 cherokee it has 6 inchs of lift and 33 by 12.5 tires on fifteen inch wheels and i have been having the problem of when i really get on it i wind up getting my straps ripped off my rear yoke and having to spend a few hours to tap out the strap bolts. then the other day i was over enthused and took off kinda fast resulting in the same problem but this time it pulled my rear axle off the lift block putting my tires into the wheel wells..........this is a real frustarting problem and keeps me from playing around. can anyone tell me what to do to prevent this? also im planing on running 35s and am wondering what gear ratios to upgrade to.


would really appreciate your knowledge.

The yoke saddles (which hold the U joint bearing cups) are probably out-of-round, allowing just enough play in the U joint to tear it up. You either need a new yoke or take it easy.

As for the axle....... how tall are your lift blocks? Unless they are HUGE, something else failed, like spring perches, U-bolts, etc. Maybe go for smaller lift blocks and more arch in the springs.

As for gears...... what do you have now? IMO go for the shortest gears you can find.

With 6 inches of lift if you're using blocks any taller than 2 inches you are going to cause extremely bad axle wrap which could be assisting in the problem with the yoke. As for the yoke a popular option for the "craps" that hold the ujoint in is to swap them out for u bolts as it provides a little more strength than the small bolts that will easily break as you have seen. The ubolts can easily be picked up at most auto parts stores for pretty cheap. Also curious as to with 6 inches of lift are you still using the factory DS and SY or have you installed a SYE and CV shaft?

Ditch the blocks and DIY right! Also google budget lift.

http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/Suspension_Steering_Axles_and_Brakes/Budget_Lift.htm

BTW.. I'm running the same flavor tire in the BFG MT variety with only a 4.5" lift that's actually sagging in the rear. So it's more like 4" in the back. Little trimming to the fenders goes a looong way.. Plus she's hella more stable in the off-camber area at this height.

Here's an even better solution for you.

http://www.claytonoffroad.com/index.aspx?sdr=/get.doc.aspx&qs=LD:Parts%20List&l=make!model!modelEx&p=Jeep!Cherokee!XJ

Sure, LOL if you're stinkin' RICH!!!

Um... dave.. That link give a whack error message for me?

*EDIT*- Found it by way of navigating.. Goto- http://www.claytonoffroad.com/

Click on Products, then ::Hard-Arm Suspension::, then ::Jeep Cherokee::

With the money i'm going to be getting back from uncle sam and baby bush I'm going to get their rear coil conversion and rusty's front long arm conversion with 8 inch springs. The thing i like about that rear coil conversion kit is that you can use the JKS ACOS units on them as well giving you the ability to adjust the height at all 4 corners precisely.

hey thanks for all the info its going to help alot.......................And i got more i just went and bought a 85grand wagoneer for a hundred dollars with front end damage(whole front clip need replaced and possible frame damage) and i bought it for the axles its a dana44 in the fronnt and i think its called a j20 out back...........i never heard of the j20 and i was wondering how good it is? and also i need th specks of how to fit them under my cherokee pics and detials on the vaccum stuff that is sitting on my front axle now like what it is and is it important..........ive got big plans and there will be more questions thanks for all help and info!:runaround: