New kid

[Pieguy 360]

Hiya everyone

My dad and I just bought a 99 Cherokee Sport.
I want to upgrade it, but I have no clue about anything, seriously. First will probably be the lift kit. I was thinking
2"-3", and was wondering what brands/ kinds you guys would recommend. We're on a budget, but have all the time needed. Also, I'm not going to be doing real heavy stuff. Oh ya, advice on 30"+ tires would be nice too. :)

Really appreciate the help guys :)

[RandyT]

Welcome!
99 XJ's are awesome, but I may be bias. :D
I got all the stuff to lift my XJ used and and I bought Kevins XJ rock sliders new. So it can be done on a budget. Also check out jeepforum.com for ideas and tips.
Hope to see you on the trail someday.

[AZXJ]

Welcome to the club,

Stay tuned to http://Desertfab.com/ for our 94XJ build.

[My Green Jeep]

Welcome...welcome...

Nice to meet you and welcome to our
ever growing club!!!

[TrailJockey]

Welcome to the club.:) If your going to be in AZ let us know.

[daniel]

well at least you got one answer:D good luck on keeping in a budget I dont think XJ are a budget kind of jeep:p But thAts just what i think;)

[sms1688]

well at least you got one answer:D good luck on keeping in a budget I dont think XJ are a budget kind of jeep:p But thAts just what i think;)

I dont think Any jeep is a budget JEEP. I have spent as much on its upgrades then I have buying the jeep and I am no where near where I want to be.

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

Welcome......Jeeps can be built on a budget...Once built, Then after a few months you have a new budget!

Jason

[CooL_DaD]

just like everything else ...it ALWAYS goes over budget...
Welcome ............

[Erich]

WELCOME, your going to love this site, the people here are the best. Ive had my Jeep 2 months, wasnt planning on doing a lift until I wore my original tires out. However, I now have 33's and a fully capable rig. This site just made it to easy not too. Everyone was so helpfull and welcoming. I hope you find the same...

[Pieguy 360]

Haha, sorry I haven't got on in quite awhile
but thanks for all the replies :)

I've been doing a lot of research, and haven't come up with much. I think spring spacers would be the best for my needs - they're cheaper. And I would really like to find some fender flares. Unfortunately, I can't fine either.

Any good ideas?

[camp crocker]

Welcome......Jeeps can be built on a budget...Once built, Then after a few months you have a new budget!

Jason

Hey buddy, I am trying to get some info about a run this weekend, Dec 30th, to crown king, would love to take the boys up on sunday, any info would be great, thanks, camp

[Gordon]

Welcome to the "Madness", ha ha, and no, you just can't do anything to any Jeep and keep it on a budget! Ain't gonna happen.....it wouldn't be prudent.....
just say, "Budget? What's a Budget?" and just get it over with and accept the fact that it's way to much fun to just do one thing to your Jeep. You gotta dive in and go for the 'Gusto"

You have heard the old saying of what Jeep means, haven't you?

It means "Just Empty Every Pocket" because once you start, you just want to do more as you learn and play!

Any way, Welcome to the group again, er, I mean the Club....
We think you are going to like it here!

[Gordon]

OH, and about the lift....You will want to start out with 3 inches.....thats the best for tire fitment for a 31 inch tall tire with a minimal of rubbing, mainly from turning tight while flexing and usually only on the inside of the fender well. Second, if you plan on mostly street driving, you might want a good all terrain tire for longer road wear and good handling street use. Now if it is just mainly for off road use only, then the sky is the limit on what type of gnarly tire you want.

Now, on most Cherokees, when you lift it 3 inches or more, you might have a drive shaft vibration from the rear drive shaft. That can be taken care of several ways, but the most budget minded one is to install a 1 inch drop in the transmission cross member to better align the rear axle and drive shaft. A more expensive way is to install a slip yolk eliminator on the back of the transfer case and also get a new drive shaft made for it that has the correct parts for that application.

What else? Hmm? Oh yeah! You really need a brand spanking new, set of AZVJC decals to go on both sides of your Cherokee! They are almost guaranteed to improve the horse power and gas mileage of your Jeep! Well, they might help you get some waves from other Jeepers out there on the road anyway! Ha Ha! Also they help out when you might have some trouble on or off the road by letting others know that you are part of one of the best clubs around and with some of the nicest people too!

OK, I think that I've said enough for tonight, so, once again, Welcome to the club!

[AZG23]

set your budget....then add $35k to it...

[ArizonaXJ]

First, welcome to our world....it is a fun and crazy place :aagh:

XJ's are a blast to build and run.
Whatever you think that you may find yourself getting into; double it!!!
I went with a 4.5" lift and wish that I would not have listened to the wife and gone with a 6".
Get yourself a good 4" lift, 31's, SYE (slip yoke eliminator), new drive shaft and forget those flairs for the fenders. They will only get in the way. Bob them off nice and neat The fenders). Once you get the lift, tires, SYE, get some sway bar disconnects, some sliders (you can make these easily enough. We did), and a locker. The go explore until your hearts content(never happens really. Always some place else to see).
The AZVJC stickers do a lot for your Jeep also. As soon as I put mine on, I was able to crawl waterfalls like you wouldn't believe. They have got to be the best traction aiding device ever.......Even my wife in her XJ noticed a significant improvement in the over all performance and abilities of her Jeep once those stickers were applied.
I have even heard that is you get the AZVJC emblem tattooed on your body some where, your driving abilities instantly become a cross between a baja driver, and a WE Rock champion.


Oh, that "budget" thing....thats all relative!!!!!

[ROKBITR]

Welcome to the thunderdome!

I look forward to seeing you out on the trail soon. Oh wait! Here is the perfect opportunity for you...:D

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/showthread.php?t=29121

Oh by the way, I noticed an immediate difference in my crawl ratio with the AZVJC stickers too! :laugh2:

Adam

[amber.hodge]

Welcome :)

[Pieguy 360]

hahaha, wow

I'm really going to have to do my research, 'cause I don't half of what you guys said. The sticker things sound cool, no idea what they are though.

maybe I should give you guys a bit on my situation:
-I'm 14, no liscense (or permit, for that matter)
-my dad's a handyman ( who I only see every other weekend) and is REALLY short on work right now, plus I don't have a job

sooooooo, as much I don't want it, I definately have a budget. However, I definately plan to build on my XJ over the years.

Thanks a WHOLE lot for the advice, but can ya guys limit it to beginners with no money? Haha

Oh, and that XJ trip in Sedona sounds incredibly awesome, but I can't go. I've got freshman crap to do