Lift for nmodified KJ Cherokee

[jtg1231]

I have a KJ Cherokee 3.7 L Limited with no modifications and the time is coming for some new shock absorbers. I was curious as to what benefits a 2" lift may provide re off road use and what is involved and what is the most cost effective equipment.

Any ideas would be appreciated
Thanks.

[glend]

A 2" lift is generally considered to be imperative for offroad use of the KJ. You will need to replace the stock springs with longer and stronger ones (shocks alone are not a lift), and the front strut (shock) insert and the rear shocks. There are a fair number of suppliers that have kit for the KJ but stay away from Ironman as they have a bad reputation for sagging within a few months. Most of the chains like TJM and ARB will not sell you anything more than a 40mm lift these days. The best of the kits are put together by KJ suspension specialists like Stu Murchison (at Muchison Products in Brisbane). Stu has special King Springs built at the factory for the KJs (V6 and CRDs) and offers a range of OME shocks and struts depending on what sort of load you want to carry. He also has bump stop extensions. Stu (aka CRDSTU on AJOR) is an AJOR sponsor so he's easy to find over there, or just google Murchison Products and give him a ring directly. Stu has lifts that go up to 3" for the KJ, and that's what I run.

[ick72]

I've had two kj's one with an arb lift and the other with ironman , my ironman springs have not sagged as get been in over a year the kit cost 880 from memory the stu kit is better but is a higher cost . You will benefit from better tyres also but this is an opinion only and only you can say how much or little you can afford

[jtg1231]

glend,
Thanks for your input.

[jtg1231]

ick72. Thanks. Yes tyres will need to be replaced nd a better set will be necessary but not for several months.

[ick72]

If you are coming to the club meeting I should be there if you want to have a look at mine to see how it's sitting on the iron man springs

[glend]

Sorry Todd, I should have added the sag as far as I had heard was on the heavier CRDs

[ick72]

All good I had the silver one also but it's front had sagged but I also think there was more going on with it

[Dave]

Hi guys, I'm on my third set of aftermarket suspension in my KJ CRD. The big prob for me is that I have not only the diesel engine, but a steel ARB bar as well.

I put two sets of OME through the front end between 2006 and 2009, each lasted about 18 months before sagging, and making really bad "asthmatic donkey" like noises. I replaced them with TJM XGS in 2009, which have been really good and have lasted well, although they are getting a bit tired now after doing the Cape in 2011 and our outback trip in April...

TJM quotes two sets of aftermarket springs for the front end. A 40mm lift for the Petrol, and a Heavy Duty 40mm lift for use in a petrol with a bullbar, or the CRD. So my CRD plus bullbar is even heavier. The rear obviously has just the one type of lifted spring.

I have a feeling that my original sets of OME may not have been Heavy Duty, which is why they did not last...

TJM has quoted me $1300 for new springs and Gold XGS shocks (bigger bore than original XGS) front and rear, fitted. This is with a club discount. They also suggest airbags in the rear as it tends to sag when fully loaded (I lose about an inch of height at the wheel arch when fully loaded). GlenD also has airbags for towing. TJM quoted $490 fitted.

I'm saving up!

The 40mm lift is very good. Better quality suspension so better ride, and better performance off road. More clearance, so able to run 245/70/16s instead of the stock 235/70/16 without rubbing. Better load carrying characteristics... Some people have expressed concern that any more than a 40mm lift may require changes to the driveline, although GlenDs suspension has, I believe, been excellent! I was looking at Murchisons website last night, http://www.murchisonproducts.com.au/ unfortunately no prices.

Dave

[jtg1231]

Thanks to everyone. ick72 I couldn't make the meeting but I'll try and catch up next meeting

[ick72]

If your interested in a trip one is on 19 may I should be going and your stock Kj should be ok but you could check and then see the differences in the real world

[jtg1231]

What effect does a lift have on road handling. I've been told it make for a more unstable top heavy ride. As I use mine quite a lot around town I need to be sure Im not taking one step backwards to move one step foward.
Thanksjtg121

[ick72]

A four wheel drive will always have body roll but if the kit is done right and you drive like you have a large car not a race car you should have no problems I'm is a daily drive being our only car and it still drives fine for me and I'm no granny driver .. Of this is all my opinion only

[glend]

Todd is right, it's not a WRX so you can't expect that sort of handling, but in mosg cases a good lift with quality springs and shocks will handle better than stock.