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Rough Country 3" Lift

14K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  chuck2000xj  
#1 ·
Hey guys/gals,

I am new to the forum and just recently purchased a 1996 Cherokee (XJ) with the Chrysler rear end. I am looking to lift it and seemed to have settled on the Rough Country 3" lift kit WITH the rear leaf springs. I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on this kit and what additional parts I will need that do not come with the kit. (As best I can tell, the kit comes with springs, new leafs, shackles, and shocks). For example, would it be wise to replace stock bushings with polyurathane? Basically, I would love to hear from anyone who has lifted their Cherokee 3 inches (especially those who used a Rough Country Kit) and what else had to be purchased in order to make the suspension work properly.

Also, I am looking into wheels for after the lift and have decided on the 15x8 "American Racing 767" style, black, wheel. Any thoughts on these? Several companies make a very similar wheel (Cragar, Pro Comp, RCX) and I was wondering what the best price someone has found? I am planning on running 31x10.50 Michelin Tires.

Thanks for the information! And I will be posting pictures soon!
 
#2 ·
i am currently running the rough country 3" i love it have no complaints. Only regret is not going bigger from the beginning lol. but i also run the treadwright tires there cheap and there good to. the lower control arms of rough countrys are also good from what i can tell i have not one problem of anything from rough country, and there customer service is amazing. Very VERY helpful. What ever you do, do not put on anything Rusty's. I bought there trac bar thinking it was good, but its crap and broke on me. I just recently bought the JKS front trac bar and its very very good, the parts and quality of the jks is very good. hope this helps.
 
#3 ·
I have heard from quite a few people with the 3 inch lift and almost all of the said they wish they went with the 4.5 in lift instead.......it's not much more and looks better......and you can always upgrade to bigger tires later
 
#4 ·
I have the Rough Country Series II lift in 3 inch and love it. I do wish I went bigger like the 4.5 inch BUT, you go in to another whole $$ bracket doing that. With the 3 inch you don't need a SYE or drop pitman arm along with other parts that are needed to be able to drive it properly. The kit flexes like crazy! I love it. I do recommened the rear extended shackles and front disconnects to get the full effect. Also, you can upgrade the shocks that come with the kit. DO IT!!! They ride so much nicer than the original shocks that come with the kit. I run 30's on 15's and the only time they rub is because I have the front sway arm disconnected and I'm not bump stopped yet. Here's a trial flex pic. If you go to Rough Country make sure you talk to Ryan. He's awesome.

Image
 
#5 ·
That's a really nice picture. :thumbsup:
 
#8 ·
Leaving right from work on friday the 29th and headed there. Staying fri and sat nights. It's Halloween weekend. And you def want the disco's off. It makes a BIG difference! :eek:
 
#9 ·
I totally agree with everyone. I am running 3" RC and no complaints except wishing I went bigger from the beginning. I am now in the process of figuring out the cheapest way to go from 3 to 4.5 without buying a whole new kit. Go 4.5 if you can afford it.