I've begun the process of researching suspension lift kits and wheel/tire options for my 98 Grand Cherokee 5.9 LTD. Has anyone added a lift kit to their ZJ and can tell me thoughts? Thanks.

KJ

What is the budget and what are you looking to do (rocks, trails, looks)? Also, what is the Jeep used for primarily?

What is the budget and what are you looking to do (rocks, trails, looks)? Also, what is the Jeep used for primarily?

Great questions. Budget is approx $500 for the suspension and $500 for tires. I like the wheels on the 5.9, so would like to use them if possible. The Jeep is a multipurpose vehicle for me. I use it as a daily driver in the winter and it's used offroad on deep sandy beaches during the summer. The lift and larger tires will mainly be to accomodate the deep sand and ruts.

KJ

Okay....well $500 definitely puts us in a short arm kit although you will have to expand on that budget just a little to do it right. I use the Tough Country 3.5" short arm kit I got at http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/439003.html for around $500 but you will want to also get an adjustable front track bar (I like the Rubicon Express I got from a local shop for under $100) and longer front break hoses rather than using the kit's adapters for both. This set up works nicely off road, but is every bit as comfortable as stock on highway. BTW, I use Rancho RS9000 adjustable shocks which ran about $80 each but the 5000s ride just as nice for around $40 but without the adjustability.

Now for tires, I run Bridgestone Dueler ATs now, but If I were going to run in a lot of sand, I would get the Firestone Firehawk RMTs which it looks like they have rebranded as the Destination M/T. I had these on a YJ I had and LOVED them. They aren't near as noisy as BFGs and others, but paddle just as well IMHO. On a 3.5" lift, I've heard you can run 31s, but if you are going to need articulation, I would stay down in the 30s (or like me LT265/70R16s) so that you can tuck them up in the fenders when needed.

I know there will be other opinions on tires. I am not a tire expert but am running on my experiences. I have never liked the ride of Goodyears and the BFGs are just to darn noisy. I’ve never run anything else.

Okay....well $500 definitely puts us in a short arm kit although you will have to expand on that budget just a little to do it right. I use the Tough Country 3.5" short arm kit I got at http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/439003.html for around $500 but you will want to also get an adjustable front track bar (I like the Rubicon Express I got from a local shop for under $100) and longer front break hoses rather than using the kit's adapters for both. This set up works nicely off road, but is every bit as comfortable as stock on highway. BTW, I use Rancho RS9000 adjustable shocks which ran about $80 each but the 5000s ride just as nice for around $40 but without the adjustability.

Now for tires, I run Bridgestone Dueler ATs now, but If I were going to run in a lot of sand, I would get the Firestone Firehawk RMTs which it looks like they have rebranded as the Destination M/T. I had these on a YJ I had and LOVED them. They aren't near as noisy as BFGs and others, but paddle just as well IMHO. On a 3.5" lift, I've heard you can run 31s, but if you are going to need articulation, I would stay down in the 30s (or like me LT265/70R16s) so that you can tuck them up in the fenders when needed.

I know there will be other opinions on tires. I am not a tire expert but am running on my experiences. I have never liked the ride of Goodyears and the BFGs are just to darn noisy. I’ve never run anything else.

Steve...this is exactly the info. I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to respond. One question I have is if you purchased aftermarket wheels or used the stock ones.

Thanks,

Kevan

I used the stock wheels.