Information needed: will be installing a 5.5" lift on my 96' cherokee

[rscanl05]

Hey peoples

I am new to the jeep scene, and need some information...

I am looking to install the Rubicon Express 5.5" lift on my 96' cherokee...And was wondering if there are any additional parts that I may need to purchase??

It was recommened that I purchase a CV drive shaft and a slip yoke eliminator...

My jeep is automatic 6.0 HO I6 with the NP-242 transfer case.....

Will my jeep provide sufficient power if I run 33s?? or will I have to change the gear ratio...

Any other information about lifts or drivetrain in general would be very useful....

Thanks

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by rscanl05

Hey peoples

I am new to the jeep scene, and need some information...

I am looking to install the Rubicon Express 5.5" lift on my 96' cherokee...And was wondering if there are any additional parts that I may need to purchase??

It was recommened that I purchase a CV drive shaft and a slip yoke eliminator...

My jeep is automatic 6.0 HO I6 with the NP-242 transfer case.....

Will my jeep provide sufficient power if I run 33s?? or will I have to change the gear ratio...

Any other information about lifts or drivetrain in general would be very useful....

Thanks

Most lift kits provides just enough pieces to get the Jeep X amount of inches higher. Very few, if any, kits provide ALL the pieces you need to make the Jeep relatively drivable.
At 5.5" (RE lifts tend to run higher than advertised) you will need a SYE and CV rear driveshaft. With the 242 your choices of SYE are limited to basically an RE hack & tap kit or you can put together your own combo for a SYE using a Spicer yoke (I cant recall the part number right now). You will also need a CV rear DS for it.
I havent looked to see what all is included in the RE kit but usually kits dont include bumpstops. If you run 33s, you will need bumpstops or you will have to trim some sheetmetal, it doesnt matter how much lift you have.

EDIT: I just had a look at the RE kit. You didnt say if you are getting the long arm or the drop bracket kit. I dont know why the drop bracket kit doesnt come with a drop pitman but you should consider one. The RE kits do have front bumpstops but you need rears also.
You can definately drive the Jeep with the stock gearing and 33s but you wont be happy with it for long. Going up 6" and running 33s is an expensive undertaking. It amazes me the number of people who think you can just buy a lift kit and your done. The truth is, thats just the beginning.

[rscanl05]

I was planning on just purchasing the drop bracket kit, will I have to make any modifications with the front drive shaft?? I was actually gonna go with a smaller lift, but decided that since Im goin to be spending an insane amount of money, I may as well go all out.....

Thanks for the info..

What kind of jeep are you rollin on?

Do you have a recommendations on the best website or supplier to purchase these parts from??

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by rscanl05

I was planning on just purchasing the drop bracket kit, will I have to make any modifications with the front drive shaft?? I was actually gonna go with a smaller lift, but decided that since Im goin to be spending an insane amount of money, I may as well go all out.....

Thanks for the info..

What kind of jeep are you rollin on?

Do you have a recommendations on the best website or supplier to purchase these parts from??

Ive got a 3" lift using a mixed bag of used parts on my 96 XJ. My wife has a 99 TJ with 2" and we have a 95 YJ that had an RE 4.5" lift. Ive retired the YJ after many good years of off roading.

Here are a couple more forums to gain info from.
http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums/index.php
http://www.naxja.org/

I like NAXJA best.
For RE stuff try DPG Offroad. Dirk runs it and hes a stand up guy with fair prices and tons of knowledge. There are probably a hundred RE dealers out there though. At any given time some will be better on prices than others, sometimes you can luck into a sale or free shipping. You'll just have to shop around. Your front DS should be fine. Keep in mind that RE springs tend to run a little taller than advertised, especially if you dont have heavy bumpers or a winch, so with a 5.5 lift, you will likely get well over 6". If that the case, you may be stretching that front DS alittle.

[rscanl05]

Thanks for the links....

I was also wondering if I were to go with a smaller lift like a 4.5", would I be able to fit 33's and would I have to purchase these additional parts.....

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by rscanl05

Thanks for the links....

I was also wondering if I were to go with a smaller lift like a 4.5", would I be able to fit 33's and would I have to purchase these additional parts.....

You can get by with 4.5" and 33s. My personal feeling is that 4.5" is too high for stock length control arms. I think the control arm angle is too steep and ride and handling will be sacrificed. If you drive it daily, I think either drop brackets or long arms are the way to go at that height. Lots of people do it though, so I may be off base. You will still need a SYE and rear DS with 4.5". Count on getting 5+ out of the 4.5" lift.

[1997 blue sierra]

I'm not sure what comes woth RE 5.5 lift either. You will need longer brake lines, shocks, trac bar, bump stops, control arms, and a rear driveshaft. Also maybe longer u-bolts as well.





quote=Ray H]You can get by with 4.5" and 33s. My personal feeling is that 4.5" is too high for stock length control arms. I think the control arm angle is too steep and ride and handling will be sacrificed. If you drive it daily, I think either drop brackets or long arms are the way to go at that height. Lots of people do it though, so I may be off base. You will still need a SYE and rear DS with 4.5". Count on getting 5+ out of the 4.5" lift.[/quote]

[misfitXJ_97]

On a 4.5" lift you can run 33's you just got to cut the fenders. You also dont need a SYE, I would say that you should get one but you dont need it right away. I got a 4.5" lift with 33's and i used the drop brackets for the t-case. Im not sure if mine has stock length control arms or not, but i havent had a single problem with my setup, but the ride was nice and it was a good force on the trails.