Jeep Cherokee XJ Budget Lift Kit

Jeep Cherokee Xj Lift Kit Jeep Cherokee Xj

Jeep Cherokee XJs are as plentiful as they are cheap, and as such they make for a great entry-level rig for those who are new on the wheeling scene. Typically, new wheelers want to get in on the action, but don't have the deep pockets for the serious hardware. Fortunately, XJs are incredibly capable in stock form, and very minor mods can elevate the Cherokee to the status of a respectable trail machine.

Our pals over at Rubicon Express, a company known for manufacturing quality suspensions, have been successfully lifting Jeeps since 1996 and offer an entry-level system for the XJ that proves affordability and quality are not mutually exclusive. The Rubicon 2-inch Budget Lift is not only functional, but is very affordable. For a cool $259.95 you get spacers, an add-a-leaf, four shocks, and a rear brake-line extension. Quite the deal, especially if your XJ is in need of new shocks anyway.

This system is perfect for a guy who might want to give his Jeep a better stance, or for a new wheeler who needs a little more performance on the trail. Rubicon Express recommends 30x9.5-inch tires with this setup.

While we were busy working on Project 'Con Artist at Off Road Evolution in Fullerton, California, they happened to have a customer's XJ in the shop getting the Rubicon Express kit installed. We decided to give our newer wheeling friends out there some love and show what goes into installing a quality kit on a budget.

For just under $260, you get everything you see here: Two spacers, two add-a-leaves, four shocks, and a rear axle brake-line extension.
For just under $260, you get everything you see here: Two spacers, two add-a-leaves, four
With the vehicle secured and the wheels and tires removed, we got to work freeing the rear axle from the stock spring pack.
With the vehicle secured and the wheels and tires removed, we got to work freeing the rear
We then separated the lower leaf from the pack and put the new add-a-leaf in place.

The modified leaf pack was the reattached to the axle.
Next, we removed the stock rear brake line and replaced it with the braided stainless steel line that was provided by Rubicon Express.
Next, we removed the stock rear brake line and replaced it with the braided stainless stee
The rear was wrapped up by installing the new Rubicon Express shocks.

Bottom Line
We measured this XJ before and after the lift and found that it gained slightly more than the two inches advertised. The owner reports that his XJ rides nicer than before and that he is extremely happy with the setup. The Off Road Evolution crew had the Jeep transformed in just a couple of hours and we'd recommend this setup to anyone looking to give their XJ a boost-or to anyone who is looking to replace the worn shocks on their XJ.

Moving to the front of the XJ, the sway bar endlinks were disconnected, and the existing shocks were removed.
Moving to the front of the XJ, the sway bar endlinks were disconnected, and the existing s
We then removed the coil spring retaining clips and then the coil springs.
Next, the Rubicon Express spacers and coil springs were reinstalled.

With the springs back in place, we reinstalled the retaining clips and the Rubicon Express front shocks.
With the springs back in place, we reinstalled the retaining clips and the Rubicon Express
Before
After

SOURCES
Off-Road Evolution 1829 W. Commonwealth Avenue Fullerton CA 92833 714-870-5515 www.offroadevolution.com	Rubicon Express 3290 Monier Circle Rancho Cordova CA 95742 877-367-7824 www.rubiconexpress.com