Jeep XJ 2 Inch Lifting are best option for us. Although extreme lifting might require you to dig deep into your pocket for a suspension upgrade, a small upgrade can be a viable option for most of us.
Now that we’re talking about lifting your suspension, who can forget the most notorious vehicles for lifting? I love it!
That’s right, even non-jeep enthusiasts can agree that Jeeps set the standard for lifting, and the Jeep XJ holds its own.
Instead of going all out, give your Jeep XJ a 2 Inch lift to start. Always follow the “One step at a time” approach. There’s no question that XJ 2 inch lift isn’t for experts, it’s more for beginners.
Since our article is aimed more at newbies than experts, we will provide all the basics and recommend some good jeep XJ 2-inch Lift kits.
For your future endeavors, you can also learn about some extreme options for Jeep XJ lifts,
Table of Contents
Basics of Jeep XJ 2 Inch Lifting
If you are reading this article, chances are you already know about lifting or you saw a lifted Jeep and thought “Oh, I should do that too”. In case you are unfamiliar with Jeep XJ Lifts or lifting in general, here is a crash course.
An Introduction to Jeep XJ 2 Inch Lifting
You should learn what lifting is before giving your Jeep XJ suspension a boost. That is, if you don’t already know.
Lifting is simply raising your vehicle’s suspension to better handle rough off-road terrains. Jeep grand Cherokee, XJ, etc. might not be able to do extreme off-roading with a 2-inch lift kit, but it can give it a small boost.
Jeep XJ lift kits are the only option, as some vehicles come pre-lifted from the factory, but this isn’t the case with XJ.
Lifting your Jeep not only improves its performance off-road, but it also makes it look bulkier. Most of us lift only for that reason.
Although cosmetics are not the only reason for the Jeep XJ 2′′ lift, it can also be used to improve struts, increase tire size, which can provide better stability, ground clearance for off-road driving, and best of all, allow you to install bigger tires.
Although a 2-inch lift only provides small benefits, such as a bigger tire size and a bulkier look, you can always upgrade to a better and more extreme lift.
What types of lifts are available? What is the best way to install them? Do you have these thoughts? Let’s take a closer look at the types.
Types of Jeep XJ 2 Inch Lifting
Several types of lifts can be applied to your jeep, starting with the basic XJ body lift, ranging from 2-3 inches up to 6.5 inches.
But only if your pockets are deep enough. It’s not just about pockets, it’s about your enthusiasm and motivation for going extreme. For any Jeep XJ lift upgrade, you can find kits in different price brackets on the market.
However, before you start spending, you should know a bit more about lift types.
1-3 inch Jeep lifts and spacers
Beginner-friendly and cheap jeep XJ lifts include body lifts and spacers. A 2″ to 3-inch lift can easily make the Jeep XJ look better at a low cost.
To add extra space between your body and the frame, you only need to spend a few extra dollars.
Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s not! In order to install extensions, you may need professional tools and assistance.
Just body lifts are purely cosmetic, they don’t increase your ground clearance or provide any additional benefits while off-roading, and they don’t increase your ground clearance.
Alternatively, Spacers can boost your vehicle’s ground clearance by 1-2 inches without requiring major modifications.
Simple enough, you just put spacers on top of your coil springs to lift your vehicle. It is a very common and affordable way to increase tire size on Jeep XJs with 2 inch lifts.
While both body lift kits and spacers cost a few bucks, spacers are a better option in this price range than XJ body lift kits.
Heavy lifting – Coil Spring lifts, Short Arm lifts, and Long Arm lifts (3.5-6.5 Inches)
We primarily cover Jeep XJ 2 inch lift kits, which do not require any of these options, but what’s the harm in learning?
Off-roading enthusiasts who aren’t just looking to increase the tire size and cosmetics of their vehicle should consider any of these options.
Keep in mind, however, that they are not the most budget-friendly Jeep XJ lift kits. I feel that even in this Jeep XJ lift kit review, it’s necessary to scratch the surface of these options.
It might not be the cheapest Jeep XJ lift option that you are looking for but it will provide your vehicle with a lift of 1.5-3.5 inches.
If you use coil springs, you can give your vehicle a boost and get some good off-roading performance out of it. For McPherson struts, you might also need better shocks.
The next two lifts on the list are short arm lifts and long arm lifts, which are both designed for extreme off-roading enthusiasts.
XJ jeeps lifted with these can work wonders off-road. In short arm lift kits, coil springs are included, as well as longer front and rear control arms.
You can boost your vehicle up to 3-6 inches with these. Unlike Jeep XJ body lift kits, these kits drastically alter the suspension of your Jeep XJ.
Because of the difference in center of gravity and driving, using them as a daily driver is not recommended.
The best jeep XJ lift kit that you can install is the long arm lift kit. These lift kits are for professionals and can raise your vehicle about 6.5 inches.
These are not cheap XJ lifting options, because they require heavy-duty aftermarket control arms and professional installation.
They can crawl and conquer any terrain. The installation of these kits requires welding and a professional.
With these, you can forget about daily driving. They are not like the Jeep XJ 2 inch lift for only installing 31s.
Best Jeep XJ 2 Inch Lifting
Following all the basics, your interest must have piqued, I know, I know, you are probably thinking about medium to extreme lifts.
However, remember that “slow and steady wins the race” so take one step at a time. A 2-inch lift can increase the tire size on your Jeep, as well as improve its cosmetics.
Additionally, a bit of ground clearance can be gained. For just a little scrape on your bank account, you can lift your Jeep XJ 2 inches and install 31’s or even 32’s in some cases.
Before you buy a lift kit, you must consider many factors, the most important of which is the quality of the build and ease of installation.
Due to the fact that it’s a suspension component, it can affect the vehicle’s performance.
Quality suspension parts for Jeep are available from credible brands such as rough country, supreme suspensions, etc.
However, it’s hard to find a 2-inch lift kit for Jeep XJ from some brands, such as Rough Country.
According to Jeep XJ lift kit reviews, we recommend the following supreme suspension product for lifting your Jeep fully, and Rough Country shackles for lifting it only from the back.
Supreme Suspensions – Full Lift Kit For 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ
Specifications:
- Material of high quality with all the required components
- Jeep XJ can be fitted with any 4WD drivetrain
- All installation hardware and instructions are included
- Installation takes just 3-4 hours with minimal expertise.
- Even after installation, it maintains factory riding quality.
- Lift kit at an affordable price
- There is a very tight fit between the buckles and the frame
- Greasing bushings is possible
- Ride quality is maintained at factory levels.
- Shackle bolts were not included
- Amateurs should not follow these instructions
Build Quality of Jeep Cherokee XJ :
Supreme suspensions offers a 2-inch full suspension lift kit for Jeep XJ. This fits all 4WD drivetrain XJs without bump stops.
There are high-density Delrin and high-strength steel components in this 2-inch lift kit for Jeep XJ.
2x High-Density Delrin Spring Spacers, 2x High-Strength Steel Lift Shackles, and 4x Transfer Case Drop Spacers are included in the package.
These components are highly rated for their build quality, which helps eliminate unwanted vibrations and improve alignment.
Jeep Cherokee XJ Installation Ease
These might not be the most beginner-friendly installation options, but a bit of technical knowledge is required.
Although they aren’t the kind of product that can be considered “requires complete professional installation”, a complete newbie might have difficulty.
Installation instructions and hardware are included, only shackle bolts are missing. We recommend you to use M14 2.0 120mm length grade 10.9 (grade 8 in standard).
With these Jeep XJ lift kits, you can improve your ground clearance, cosmetics, and best of all, install 31’s and 32’s on your Jeep XJ.
Jeep XJ 2 Inch Lifting Kit installation tips
After choosing your Jeep XJ lift kit and purchasing it, it’s time to install the suspension components.
The thing about installation is that it is not for absolute beginners, but if you are still willing to attempt it, you can.
In addition to the installation instructions, you might find these tips and resources helpful.
To begin with, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment for this installation if you are doing it yourself.
Since most lift kits require these parts for installation, you should have them on hand.
- 5/8” Wrench/Socket
- 22mm Deep Well Socket
- 24mm Wrench
- 32mm Socket
- Jack
- Jack Stands
- Torque
- Wrench
- Hammer
- Strut
- Compressor
- 8mm Wrench/Socket
- 8mm Allen
- 10mm Socket/Wrench
- 13mm Wrench/Socket
- 16mm Socket
- 18mm Wrench/Socket
- 19mm Wrench
- 21mm Wrench/Socket
Fortunately, you don’t have to purchase these parts; you can rent them at your local parts store.
Watch the video below to familiarize yourself with the modifications required for installation.
If you are getting your lift kit installed from the workshop, be sure to check all the required hardware before scheduling an appointment.
However, a basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance is still recommended when installing a 2 inch XJ lift kit.
You should also get your vehicle properly cleaned and rust spots removed with penetrating fluid before installing your lift kit. Jeeps can develop problems at any weak spot.
Final thoughts on Jeep XJ 2 Inch Lifting
In this Jeep XJ lift guide, we have covered some basic info on performing a Jeep XJ 2 inch lift, no matter whether you are just lifting the Jeep for cosmetic purposes or you want to take it on some serious off-roading adventures, we have covered everything you need to know.
Get your Jeep XJ boosted now if you’re ready for some extreme off-road adventures!
FAQs
Is there a good size lift for a Jeep?
The answer to this question depends on your requirements. If you have some goals in mind, you can achieve the perfect Jeep XJ lift.
What do you hope to gain from this vehicle? Would you just like to lift it to fit new tires, make it look better, or take it off-road?
Furthermore, what kind of off-road adventures are you looking forward to? Do you plan to take your Jeep on muddy tracks or to crawl over rocks?
All of these questions will help you choose the best lifting option for your Jeep. This Jeep XJ lift guide covers all the options available to you. For your perfect ride, you just need to decide and set a budget.
What’s better, XJ 2 inch lift or no lift?
You will always feel that stock suspension is better, but again, it depends on what you need.
Lifting is basically altering the stock suspension. Lifting your vehicle can give you better off road capability, better tire size, and best of all, better looks if you don’t mind some alteration to your ride quality.
What are the pros and cons of cheap Jeep XJ lift kits?
Even if you purchase a cheap lift kit, always read reviews and opt for premium quality ones, even if they are cheap. If you choose the cheapest Jeep XJ 2 inch lift kit, the results can be disastrous for your ride safety.
What are the risks associated with lifting your ride?
It is not dangerous to lift if high-quality parts are used and installed properly. Prevent any disaster by cleaning your vehicle beforehand, and removing any rusty spots.
What is the difference between factory Jeep lift kits and custom Jeep lift kits?
Obviously factory lifts can be better, but they do have limitations when it comes to off-roading and customizations when built to specs and manufactured with all the proper engineering.
Overall, third-party ones perform better off-road because they are more customizable.
Does a Jeep XJ 2 inch lift kit support 31s?
Jeep XJ can easily support 31’s with 2″ coil spacers and shackles.
Jeep XJ 2 Inch Lifting Video Guide
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