Kenny's 4.5" Rough Country Install on Jeep Cherokee

[@adamslosar2177]

I have 3 XJ with RC kits. Never had a problem. Do your maintenance!

[@jessehunt5454]

What size rim did you use? 15x8? Or 15x10

[@DustySteel]

After reading a few of the comments I think it’s funny how many people ask the same questions without looking to see if someone else has already asked that question.

[@flaco9557]

how has the lift held up so far? there's a lot of talk in the forums about how the Rough Country bushings would not last very long

[@ratsleds8034]

Hows the engine push 33s still enough power or way more gas consumption ? What size motor is in the jeep?

[@keithlea6804]

Cut into the pitman arm and use a air chissle to split the pitman arm. 5 minute job. Try a Walters zip disk too cut metal. There the best cut off wheel out there. Can find them at any welding shop or pipe fitter supply company

[@Formerlywarmer]

Yes drive that output shaft side ways ..Buy a snap on bell type pitman arm puller and it’s off in seconds. Those pullers they broke were junk from autozone.

[@stukimball9562]

Great video! I've got a 93 XJ that I'm going to lift with my son. This video was just what I needed. Did you have to put a cv joint in to eliminate driveline vibration?

[@thetrailchasers]

Stu, We did not make any drive line modifications at all. We bought shims for the rear axle, but never installed them. Kenny has not had any vibration issues so far, but every install is different. Good Luck.

[@stukimball9562]

Thanks for the feed back. I've done a few lift installs on other vehicles and know what you mean about every install is different. This is my first XJ so your video was a great way for my son to see what he's getting into.

[@jasongarmon2595]

What’s the specs on those wheels. I like how far they stick out.

[@thetrailchasers]

Hey Jason. Sorry, but I don't know the specs and I lost touch with Kenny a while ago. If I can find out, I will let you know.

[@lh1678]

never seen any other vids installs having this much trouble..why all of the cutting?

[@thetrailchasers]

When you convert the suspension from the factory short-arm to a long-arm kit, you have to remove some of the brackets from the frame. If you leave the brackets on the frame, they will interfere with the suspension travel.

[@billywhalin4051]

​@@thetrailchasershow did u end up liking the ride on this lift fixing to possibly buy one

[@dembrowi_n_c.5111]

Should have used an oxy acetylene torch to get that pitman arm off. works every time

[@thetrailchasers]

That would have been great. I have my torch set to my brother in law. Oops.

[@codymsisson]

He's running 33x12.50 r15 Hankook Dynapro MT's

[@codymsisson]

+Matthew Andrews yes, he cut the fenders to fit the 33's. In the past, I ran a 4.5" lift with 31's on my XJ's and never had any issues.

[@DustySteel]

You can fit 33s with no lift if you cut your fenders, bump stop like crazy, run adjustable lower control arms, and fold in the pinch weld in front wheel wells. Won’t be able to flex on people but you’ll be able to droop lol.

[@deadkemper]

I've done two r/c lifts on two different condition xj's ( albeit not long arm) but i know this ..heat is your friend with the bolts.

[@Nowayjose-z2r]

LOLOLOL, like watching the circus. Pitman arms, like tie rod ends and ball joints, smack the area on the shaft and it'll pop. In Minnesota I have never had those issues.

[@fabyan951]

u mentioned u got 33s, did u need any trimming on the fenders or removing the stock flares?

[@thetrailchasers]

fabyan951 Yes, we ended up trimming the fenders and putting on Bushwacker flares.

[@alexdeagle9339]

happy with the kit? any issues with the joints? considering buying the long arm upgrade for my already lifted jeep, but i read many comments stating people have had issues with the joints

[@thetrailchasers]

Alex, I have read the same thing about the quality concerns on this kit. Keep in mind that this is not my vehicle, but so far, Kenny has not had any issues with the lift (that I am aware of). We have been out a few times and he has loaded it down pretty well on a couple of occasions. Definitely do your research, but from our experience so far, there hasn't been any red flags. Good luck.

[@alexdeagle9339]

thanks for the info. yes i did my research, some kits seem to be better and include johnny joints unlike RC, but being from Canada shipping on all those other kits is quite expensive, and we have a couple rough country dealers around so it's my cheapest option by far.

[@dannycastillo3506]

what Dana has?

[@thetrailchasers]

I think it was the standard Dane 30 front / Dana 35 rear

[@J.NOBODY.1]

Nice install video. How much ground clearance did you guys get with the lift? I am looking to buy a jeep and either want to do a 3 inch lift with 31s or a 4.5 with 33s.

[@thetrailchasers]

+Trd Jason I apologize for the delayed response. I do not know what his clearance is, but I can measure it for you when I see him next. Please email me at [e-mail]

[@albertort1]

what kind of rough country lift is it?

[@thetrailchasers]

+albertort1 It's the Rough Coutry 4.5" long arm kit for the XJ

[@muleyhyperpursuit327]

Where did you get the tires

[@thetrailchasers]

Korben Chaston I think he got them at America's Tire

[@puranbridgemal7638]

What size tires do u have???

[@thetrailchasers]

ON this vehicle, they were 33"x12.5" on 15" wheels

[@patrickrodriguez320]

will this rc lift kit work on a 2wd xj?

[@thetrailchasers]

Patrick Rodriguez I would suspect that all of the suspension components are the same. However, I have never installed a lift on a 2wd, so I am not sure. You should verify with the manufacturer.

[@casualtrips9571]

Patrick Rodriguez why would you waste money lifting a 2wd jeep

[@savagejesusj]

@@casualtrips9571 2wd lmao

[@victorramirez3275]

what size of tires are those

[@thetrailchasers]

Victor Ramirez 33x12.50 R15

[@johnnieves3065]

what is the offset of the rim ?

[@wisonerpinedo3106]

31 o 33?

[@thetrailchasers]

33"

[@maxmichaels3605]

what size tires are those?

[@codymsisson]

+Max Michaels They are 33x12.50 R15

[@phillyburbsbassin3234]

Cody Sisson did he have any issue with angles?? i want this exact lift, i have 32x11.5r15s

[@codymsisson]

Dave Delloso​ We purchased a shim kit for the rear axle but never had to I stall it. So far, no issues.

[@albertort1]

how does it ride on the freeway?

[@thetrailchasers]

Well, Kenny drives like a little girl, so it's hard to tell. Honestly, it has been fine. He bought some angled shims to adjust the angle of the rear axle and we have not had to put them in.

[@HectorGarcia-eo1lq]

Rims are 10x15??

[@thetrailchasers]

Hey Hector. The wheels were 15x9 I think. Unfortunately, I don't remeber what they were and I have not talked to the owner of this rig in a long time. Sorry I wasn't more help.

[@HectorGarcia-eo1lq]

I get it, thank you for your response

[@JoseGonzalez-tw7mw]

What tires is he running?

[@thetrailchasers]

Jose, He is running 33x12.5R15 Hankook Mud Terrains

[@brewskisdodge]

Part number?

[@chrisDoom93]

What size tires?

[@codymsisson]

+chritian jacob d They are 33x12.50 R15

[@chrisDoom93]

+Cody Sisson thanks!! Il be getting the same lift once I fix my tranny and was wondering about wheel size

[@rugged1209]

I've lifted about 20+ cherokees doing another tomorrow I buy lift an sale them alot mainly 97-01 xjs but tomorrow doing another 2 door 95 xj

[@thetrailchasers]

Awesome. Yeah, they are great vehicles and lifts are easy to get. Good luck.

[@benjaminvolesky1653]

20+ wow, I've been in the market in Oregon for an xj 97'-01', what issues do you run into commonly with buying private party?

[@thetrailchasers]

I am not sure if you are in an area where rain/snow/salt is an issue. If so, I would keep an eye out for rust. Other than that, the XJ is like most other vehicles. Sometimes, the 4.0 engine will leak at the back of the valve cover and the oil will drip down the back of the engine. It's not a major fix, but keep an eye out for it.

[@rugged1209]

+Ben Volesky I don't just buy any jeep I'm picky but make sure titles good an clean drive it over 55 hit pot holes on purpose to make sure there is no Death woble, check for oil leaks make sure no rust,and if it has power options check all Windows and locks make sure 4 wheel drive works ,honestly there all very easy to fix just If u do find one just make sure it's up to your mechanical abbillitys to bevsble to fix your self or have money to spend on the problems

[@brainfields7943]

you dont cut with a grinding wheel.... you cut with a cutting wheel

[@KentuckyFriedClassic]

you know what he meant. he used a cut off wheel .

[@greatdaneacdc]

Ever heard of a pickle fork??

[@albertort1]

are u guys running an extended drive shaft or just a tc drop?

[@thetrailchasers]

@albertort1 we did not change out the drive shaft (front or back). If I remember correctly, the new skid plate drops the transfer case down a little bit.

[@jighead81]

so no "rear sway bar".....huh?

[@thetrailchasers]

Steve, Nope! We have an XJ, ZJ, ans my WJ in the group and none of are running the rear sway bar. Consult your local physician before making any decisions, but we haven't had any issues. You just need to be aware of it when driving on the street. You can't roll in to a turn like an Indy car.

[@MrMrsregor]

my xj has *NO* sway bars! : o i like to live dangerously ; )

[@albertort1]

hahaha is not like an xj is really that fast anyways haha im running angled shims but just wondering what other guys are running on their xjs

[@luisalbertoramosherrera4874]

33x12.5x15?

[@thetrailchasers]

Yes

[@4-WHEEL-DRIVE]

sweet , good job , only on a jeep

[@aaronabney8924]

Too bad steve get the 6.5 inch

[@offroadyaris5257]

haha..."too bad, Steve"

[@pra3t0rian]

Need some nEw vids bro!

[@thetrailchasers]

+pra3t0rian I agree! We are headed out to Tierra Del Sol this weekend. I am hoping to get some good footage.

[@calebcook458]

+Trail Chasers have a link?

[@thetrailchasers]

To the latest video? www.trailchasers.net/videos

[@thetrailchasers]

Caleb Cook To the latest video? www.trailchasers.net/videos

[@aymenalkahlani172]

What is are the tires??

[@thetrailchasers]

33" x 12.5" Hankook Dynapro MT

[@aymenalkahlani172]

What wheel backspacing do you recommend?

[@thetrailchasers]

@@aymenalkahlani172 I do not remember what he used and it's been a long time since I've owned an XJ. When I bought my wheels, I called a local tire/wheel shop and asked them. Then I found the wheels I wanted on Amazon.