Lowering 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[@ztjcarolina]

Thank you Martin. Your videos really explain things clearly. Love your Jeep. I just had a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee land in my lap, one owner and she took care of it very well. Excited about things, I had $4000 worth of things done. I purchased the same springs and am anxious to install them. Hope it goes as smooth as yours did.

[@martinbuilt]

That's awesome, congratulations. I'm glad you like and found my content helpful.

[@stevethibodeau8423]

Thank you so much for your video. I don't know when you made this, but this was the most simple easiest to follow recommendation

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you I really appreciate that. I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful. Thank you for watching 😊

[@bungcheese5901]

My man Martin you got "fitment" we call that "decent fitment" when the tires fit nice in the wells and the stance is just right, when you look back at your ride after a drive and just soak it in. Gorgeous car man! Thanks for the videos!

[@martinbuilt]

bung cheese Alright thanks a lot ... someone that understands just because it's a Jeep doesn't mean it has to go up to look good. Thank you for commenting

[@stevemcraemanager7119]

Hey just wanted to tell you I used your vid to replace my springs three years ago . Also install KYB shocks. I drive a 104 miles a day back and forth to work on the highway. The Jeep handles great! But I did park it almost 2 years ago and was driving other vehicles. But have just put it back on the road yesterday. I think I'm going to paint it this winter. There are a few other mods that I did maybe one you have not seen. My Jeep is a 2000 but I have a SRT front bumper. I was looking at some pictures and body lines. And I figured I could make it work. So I ordered aftermarket one made out of fiberglass. When it was delivered I realize it is about 5 inches too wide so I choped 5 inches out the center and bonded it back together. Made a frame that goes behind it. And the bumper is held in place by push button race clips . Also I have Dodge challengers 20 inch rims on it. In the back I ran a spacer adapter to convert the lug pattern. In the front I bought new hubs and rotors it had them redrilled to fit a challenger lug pattern . So the rear poke out about an inch with the spacer but the front are slush. Everything I bought for the Jeep was used or very inexpensive. Except for the front bumper . If I remember right it was around 700 bucks .

[@r.weaver3769]

I hope you get to post pics.

[@kevingivhan7081]

I love this Jeep i have this exact same idea for Goldie she's a 99 4.7 L after getting slotted and drilled rotors I thought to myself this looks like a sports truck why not lower it the crazy thing is that I've had her for about 16 years now she was my dad's first working truck at the railyard but since he's moved on to bigger and better things he passed her down to me and instead of selling her when she was in her prime to sell I chose to keep her because of sentimental value I love this Jeep just spent 4 grand on a new engine

[@martinbuilt]

Yeah I bought my 04 Grand just so I can do some big projects on my 98 Cherokee XJ. Turns out I been having to much fun doing mods to the Grand.

[@ZRZ71]

I just got a wj a month ago and i wanted to put srt8 rims on it. I looked on outube and theres a few that done it already. Looks really nice. Good job. Highway driving at 80mph (well within the speed limit where im from) is TERRIBLE. Want a more confident feeling when im traveling at highway speeds and around curves.

[@martinbuilt]

If you want to help improve the handling you may also check out this video.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHrEf6Cvjr2kobc thank you for watching.

[@r.weaver3769]

This should get rid of the top body “Body bob” side to side. In my quest on mine, KYB, the Addco rear sway bar. Next is these springs. I kinda like the factory 17” Azure I think they call them, wheels, one had bad rash is now my spare instead of the ugly black steel wheel as I bought a good condition used wheel. I remember from my days of “Steering and Suspension” classes, for every inch of ride hight change, center of gravity changes 2 inches. So lowering should give much better handling, but body bobble should diminish. Like Martin said, the new springs have a higher rate due to engineering of manufacture so Cadillac it ain’t, but more race inspired meaning holding tighter grip on road sacrificing plush. I love my Jeep, If mine wasn’t Brilliant Silver, different wheels would be a consideration, Martin’s Jeep screams those wheels, every one is like a painting where no two are alike.

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you. I'm glad you liked this video and found it helpful and informative. I don't regret it all, lowering at the 1" it has improved the handling of the vehicle it definitely looks a lot better with the 20" wheels and filling in the wheel well. Then, with the addition of the Addco rear swaybar, that was a huge improvement in handling. I wonder if I were to convert the rear to a 4 link suspension if that would also help the handling of the vehicle.

[@r.weaver3769]

@@martinbuilt Got the Addco sway bar, holy moley, night and day difference. Now to get the springs. I must say, the twenties look natural on yours. Mine is Brilliant Silver so I would continue with silver wheels, but 20s look interesting, but first things first.

[@ctdope]

Hello Martin. Question: Does the Jeep ever bottom out or rub the body from lowered? My 1st WJ had those replica wheels and tires, same size also, and it never rubbed anything, but I left it at stock height because I lived in the N East with snow. Now I live in Florida, and have a 2nd WJ, and I'm thinking of lowering it now. But I'm worried about tires coming into contact with body over speed bumps or being weighed down with passengers. Thanks for your help. Btw, I found these exact shocks, and lowering springs online. Want to do this before end of summer 2023.

[@MusicSoundPlayer]

That must be fun to drive. Narrow sidewalls, solid axles and a V8.

[@codenamecordon]

MusicSoundPlayer what do you mean exactly? I've driven a GC (granted, a diesel) and the only thing I didn't like was the ride, on-road handling could have been better. Lowering and lower sidewalls should help that, no?

[@bungcheese5901]

codenamecordon I think he was being serious, solid axles usually can take more beating in most cases

[@lakrabid]

Glad to see you back. Although I would like to take a WJ up higher lol.

[@DL-by8el]

Martin I have 04 wish mine was black, it is the maroon I really like it but it needs some suspension work. Is this lowering kit from stock height? What tires and rims. I know you said 20". I currently have no rust on the frame but see a bit of rust on suspension items. I have a 2" budget lift that was put on in 09 I think it should removed. I have only had the jeep about 2 months. I think the budget lift is causing stress on my suspension. All of your suspension looks so nice. Has it all been replaced from stock or do you live where where there is no snow. What number of ranchero shocks do you have? Sould I dump the lift before working on suspension items? I need new tires so I need to decide.

[@martinbuilt]

The suspension is 1 inch lower than stock. The tires are a 245 50 R20. Yeah I live in southern Nevada there is no snow. I also have a 98 Jeep Cherokee XJ it looks just as good underneath. All the suspension components are stock have never been replaced. But just recently I did build a set of lower adjustable control arms. I have since replaced the Rancho Shocks with Gabriel Max Control. I would personally recommend bilstein's

[@majhmr6257]

Will you be doing any XJ-related videos anytime soon? Your videos have really helped on my build. I'm very interested in your 4.0 engine modification recommendations.

[@strictlyxjs8750]

awesome. i was waiting for this video.

[@margaretgarcia8931]

We have a 2001 Jeep grand Cherokee Laredo, with 153,000 miles on it and my niece refuses to drive it because it rides too high and is difficult to control. We have so far had the suspension worked on to the tune of three thousand dollars, so it's all good. i understand that older model Jeeps tend to "sway" a little bit. I have driven behind it and I can't see that "sway " effect but riding in it you can feel it a little. it rides Kinda like a 1990's Toyota Highlander with it's high center. We wondered if we could lower the vehicle for a safer feeling for her and eliminate the sway? How low can we go?

[@StockCarGuy]

H&R springs are good as well lower a bit more but not excessive.

[@WildGoose_F12]

Excellent video! Curious to know what mods you had to make to get the 20” wheel to fit. Any spacers, etc? Did you have to do any brake modifications? Any info is appreciated! Also, you have convinced me to become a subscriber!

[@martinbuilt]

Dr C I had to make no modifications to get these wheels to fit the largest tire I could get to work was a 245/50R20. Discount Tire did Mount one other tire that was larger on there for me and we tried to make that work but in the left and right turn the tire was touching the inner fender well.

[@WildGoose_F12]

martinbuilt Thanks! I’m probably going to give it a shot. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@martinbuilt]

Dr C You're welcome and thanks for subscribing.

[@amonmcranny2654]

Nice looking wheels and tires! For the rims, what does the +34mm figure refer to? Rim height or width or something else?

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, That is the offset of the wheel from Centerline

[@evanhart5537]

Thank you for the video. Did you have to cut the bump stops due to bottoming out in turns? Also, your rear shocks don't return to fully extended? Or did you have a string holding them closed?

[@evanhart5537]

And same for your front ones? My Bilsteins return to the extended position.

[@martinbuilt]

Evan Hart I cut the bump stops because they were bottoming out just in normal driving not only just the turns. And the this brand of shocks are hydraulic not gas charged

[@renelopez1267]

Looking at your 04 wj I like the way srt8 wheels look on it What tire size do you have on those 20”s And how many inches you lifted in order to fit the 20”s on the wj

[@alanrichardson9175]

I have a 2' lift kit I was considering installing on my 2001 WJ4.0 , 2'spacers new Shocks and springs,But ,I thought about the look of lowering it. What advantages or disadvantages it may create? Especially with the 4 wheel drive,Will lowering it effect the overall performance in 4 wheel drive?

[@martinbuilt]

Probably the worst thing you're gonna notice with a lowered vehicle is you have a limited suspension travel and that is the reasons I had to shave the bump stops. But with a lowered center of gravity there is less body roll, it does handle better. the fwd is not affected besides the best performance rally cars in the world are four wheel drive/AWD. Thank you for watching.

[@RANDOMNATION907]

Thanks for the tutorial. I'm disabled and need to lower my 2000 WJ just a tad to make getting in and out a little easier. Now I know what to buy and how to do it. Thanks and Take care. Update: did you have to adjust the alignment any? Did it make the steering wheel off center or anything?

[@martinbuilt]

miscellaneousone This does not affect wheel alignment or affect the steering wheel centering position at all.

[@marcogarciabautista853]

Greath job Martin....thank you!!!!

[@WILDWES953]

What are those wheels, brand. Do you have adapters on it? Looks nice black

[@martinbuilt]

OE wheels, got them for www.carid.com/oe-performance-wheels/129b-black-50409766.html No adapters. Thank you!

[@Djamoekjouw.]

Hello Martin.....i like to watch you videos and am a big jeep fan living in holland and hungary...i just became the owner of a grand cherokee 4.0 from 2001. My friend told me that there is a recall on this car from crysler because they say its better to put a trailer hook to protect the benzine tank. When a car hits the backside of the car it could end in a big fire. Your a jeepman so i was thinking if you have any idea to make the jeep saver? Is there e bullbar idea ffor the back side of the car.....greetings!

[@martinbuilt]

jaja djamoekjouw I just recently heard of the same thing and watched a few videos on KZbin about it. I do have an idea for that the project itself would be huge to fix the problem. I don't know if you recall but Ford Pinto had the same issue and the one thing that the two have in common is that the spare tire is located above the fuel tank and by doing so they have to lower the fuel tank to give it proper clearance in the trunk area or in the hatchback portion of the vehicle. You can go to your Chrysler dealer they will install a trailer hitch for free. That's what I've heard anyway. My 04 came with the trailer hitch already.

[@pn1018]

Hi! How about the panhard's ? Must they be adjustable? I mean to center the axels after lowering ?

[@martinbuilt]

The only that would effected would be the front axle. I never did check it, but I will and maybe I'll need to build an adjustable track bar. It's always somethin

[@mikemorales4830]

When you upper 2.5 inches on of these jeep actually you dont need to make any other mod . I think if you lower just 1 inch will not affect, am I right Martin?

[@martinbuilt]

@@mikemorales4830 yes lowering it did not seem to affect any of the suspension.

[@bill3641]

Martin, I just watched your lowering video and have a question. Given the reaction from your shocks when you disconnected them , the seem to not be gas charged. If so, is there a reason for that? Maybe a smoother ride ?

[@martinbuilt]

You are right they are not gas charged. Those were installed when I bought the vehicle. And personally I did not like them at all the rear one started making quite a bit of noise. I have since replaced them all with gas charged shocks much better ride and quieter.

[@r.weaver3769]

Looks good

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you 😊

[@imchriscapone]

i read through the comments and still didn’t find an answer to my question so imma ask anyway i wanna get the same rims i already seen the size of wheels and rims in the description so i don’t need that info i just wanna know if they will fit on my 01 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with stock ride height or if modifications need made...i mean do they rub when hitting bumps or when turning the wheel all the way in either direction?

[@martinbuilt]

Yes, they will fit, no rub. If they don't rub on a lowered JGC it definitely won't rub on a stock height Jeep Grand.

[@sethswartout5279]

What tire size are you running with the 20s? Also what is the width on the 20s?

[@martinbuilt]

I'm running Michelin Premier 245/50R20 tires on 20x9 OE Wheel +34mm

[@Joeyyy574]

I’m looking to do the 2 inch lower coils and it’s rwd do I have to modify anything besides the bump stops

[@martinbuilt]

With a 2" drop you may need to remove the bumpstop and the bumpstop holder altogether and then replace them with a screw in type bumpstop similar to what I did to my Dodge Dakota here's a link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKHOqmiMdrurmKc

[@Joeyyy574]

I put the 2 inch lower coils on and I see no difference do u know that could be ?

[@codenamecordon]

How do you like handling and stability after lowering it?

[@martinbuilt]

it does handle better. You definitely want to trim the bump stops. Maybe a little more stable. If you add the Addco rear sway bar it'll corner great.

[@xXtoyhippieXx]

are those the srt8 wheels..i would like a set for my 2001 along with dropping my jeep atleast 2 inches .IMO kinda pointlest raising up a jeep that 2wd

[@martinbuilt]

ToyHippie They are a knock off the srt8 wheels. Made by OE wheels. If you go 2 inches you'll be literally sitting on the bump stops.

[@gaviota0076]

@@martinbuilt Could you trim that out of the bump stops? Im thinking of just about 2inches (H&R kit) she's a 2002 2wd.

[@StockCarGuy]

@@gaviota0076yea, mine is 2wd as well, how do the h&r springs ride and would you recommend?

[@muhammadayyad9321]

I want to do a 2" drop, but im worried about not changing the shocks for shorter ones, and i was also told id need a shorter drive shaft. Whats your opinion?

[@martinbuilt]

I personally don't think you're going to need to change the shocks I could be wrong about that let me have a look at how much shock travel I have left on a 1 inch drop and I think you're going to be okay on the drive shaft but I had to shave off quite a bit of my bump stops just to keep them from hitting all the time and that was with a 1 inch drop with a 2-inch drop I think you need to make bump stop modifications are you going to be slamming him all the time.. we're you planning on running 18 or larger diameter Wheels?

[@muhammadayyad9321]

@@martinbuilt i already have 18s, but my tires are 255/55, they rub so i ordered fender flares and they should be coming in soon. How much did you have to shave off the bump stop? Ill just double that, and let me know on the shocks. I just bought top qaulity monroes which broke the bank, cant afford to switch those out and im not even sure if there are shorter stocks on the market for the WJ. But thanks i appreciate the response.

[@martinbuilt]

@@muhammadayyad9321 I would say I removed 1 inch off the bump stops. It cuts quite easy with a razor knife.

[@muhammadayyad9321]

@@martinbuilt thank you i appreciate it

[@mikemorales4830]

Muhammad, please let me know how was your mod, Im interested on lowering my jeep 1 or 2 inches. But need to know if you make some other mods. Please check if you have to mod your sway bar links and the track bar lenght. Also if you have any question on this matter feel free to ask, I dont know too much but maybe can solve it together. Thanks. And have fun with your project

[@chrisbutler3704]

Factory SRT replica wheels? Any other videos of install or brtter look of those wheels and tires; how do U like them?

[@martinbuilt]

Very happy with them. Looks great and easy to clean.

[@martinbuilt]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYPEoZh5d5Wlbck

[@trevorball29]

Do you still have full turning radius with that tire size?

[@martinbuilt]

Yes I do have full turning radius, it is close to touching the front of the wheel well but it never does

[@trevorball29]

martinbuilt Thank you sir 👍🏽

[@gnarkill6585]

What are the specs on these rims? I’m looking to buy some wheels , what is hat width?

[@martinbuilt]

20x9 OE Wheel +34mm check out the desciption above I have a link to the web site that Discount Tire got them from.

[@gnarkill6585]

thanks just ordered! I didnt notice that in the description i feel dumb now

[@garrettfullthrottleautomot9082]

ive been looking for the owner of this jeep for months what size rims and tires are those please I want them so bad

[@martinbuilt]

OE Performance Wheels. Factory knock off of the SRT wheel.

[@nomasplease7443]

U change the shocks or used factory

[@martinbuilt]

I used factory length shocks

[@FoodStampX8285]

the tires come in a set?

[@martinbuilt]

Buy four at a time that makes a set...lol Michelin 41639 Primacy Tour A/S Tire 245/50R20 amzn.to/2WeD3dM

[@iflytango]

For some reason I thought your grand Cherokee was 2 wheel drive

[@martinbuilt]

yep she's 4wd

[@carlos.f.2400]

What brand are the calipers?

[@martinbuilt]

CFUE24 the brake calipers are OEM factory original. the rotors I got from ATL Autosport off of ebay

[@WILDWES953]

Do those tires rub at all?

[@martinbuilt]

POGO953 no they don't rub at all but you can't go any bigger than that size right there. It is close.

[@WILDWES953]

martinbuilt I was thinking of going with same wheel and tire but a set of 265/45/20. Think itll be to wide?

[@WILDWES953]

I have a 2004 overland 4.7 h.o that were building with a turbo. This thing has all the bells n whistles. It's from California so hardly any rust on it. Flowmaster exhaust dual pipes dumped out in front of back wheel. Sounds awesome

[@ericklaguna1681]

Goood job!

[@martinbuilt]

Thank you, Erick

[@bilobicho5317]

Nice 👍

[@cannibal566]

When I move you move @5:21

[@0185lillulu]

Let me know when your ready to sell lol

[@martinbuilt]

Wait tell I do few more mods

[@pussymagnet1686]

Wat type of rims

[@martinbuilt]

OE Wheels www.oewheelsllc.com/Wheel-Singles/bolt_pattern/5~127/finish_main/Black/size/20x9

[@guswendt]

Lol why lower a 4x4

[@codenamecordon]

Gus Wendt for looks or for better on-road handling.

[@rcarrollmassage]

codenamecordon no...it doesn't improve road handling...it just makes you look like a fucking Cholo

[@codenamecordon]

Bravo25 a what? Anyway, a lower center of gravity improves handling. It's basic physics, really. I've driven some WJs and they're great cars except the on-road handling which really lets it down.

[@williams6550]

Most people don't take their vehicles off road. Hell, the uploader may not even get snow where he's from. I think a slightly lowered WJ on those wheels looks pretty good! To each his own. 👍

[@bungcheese5901]

Doesn't get snow? He owns a BAD ASS xj for offroading and shitty weather. God forbid you want something a bit smoother for a daily.

[@revolutionday1]

Unless you just have a 2WD, I can never....ever....even begin to process why someone would do this.

[@cawb805]

makes no sense......

[@rcarrollmassage]

You put on 20 inch rims and tires, you lowered it and screwed up the drive of the vehicle by putting on low profile tires.

[@bungcheese5901]

Bravo25 what? Lower "center of gravity height" look that up. Look up "optimum sidewall flex for racing" Thank me later

[@jordynperez101]

Why in God's name would you lower a jeep? Lol

[@gnarkill6585]

They make 2wd Jeeps , lifting it would be poser

[@mcplutt]

Better handling, easy access, better mileage, better for towing... and so on.

[@BANDIT198455]

Street drivability as some of us do not go off road with them. I cannot stand the body roll of my WJ and am going to lower mine as well.

[@rcarrollmassage]

Why the fuck would you lower a jeep?

[@BigRedtheGinger]

Bravo25 I'm considering lowering my 97 ZJ, but it's a factory V8, RWD, so just to do something different, I wouldn't mind lowering it and taking it to a track. If it was a 4x4, that'd be fucking stupid. The ZJ 249J transfer case isn't designed for performance, it's built for traction off road.

[@bungcheese5901]

Jonathan Garneau-Reid the 249 is built for off-road? IT HAS A VISCOUS COUPLING FOR FULL TIME 4WD AKA SAFE TO DRIVE ON PAVEMENT AKA A TRUE AWD CENTER DIFFERENTIAL. god, the people who bash things always have shit ass backwards. I have a 231... THAT is built for offroading, locked center. Jesus get a clue. Also while we're at it, track your damn zj if you want to, especially if it has a fucking 249 run in full-time 4hi and wreck people. Moron.

[@bungcheese5901]

Jonathan Garneau-Reid 249 better for off-road than rwd (duh) Yes it locks in high range. That makes it an even more versatile t case. Why are you arguing that it locks, the simple fact is that everything mentioned makes the 249 an awesome on road case. The 231 CANNOT be used on dry pavement. There's really nothing to argue about or try to call names. The 231 is better off road because anyone who's ever driven off road will say locked is better than waiting for viscous couplings to transfer power.. the 231 is better because it used a chain to lock front and rear, this is very strong (800+ ftlb and hasn't broken due to power), easier to rebuild, and cheaper to rebuild. End result: way better off-road My only issue is don't sit and tell me the literal best Jeep t case for on road 4wd (true AWD if you have front and rear LSD as well) that can handle turns on dry pavement without drivetrain bind or wheel hop. Like I said you had it backwards, no need to try and insult me. And no I don't care what you drive just said if you have a 249 I hope to God you're smart enough to realize how fucking decent it is for on road performance driving. The 242 is unlocked center and can be used on road as well but it's a piece of shit because it's an open center diff, do you see where I'm coming from?

[@BigRedtheGinger]

bung cheese I never said the 249 is the best t case dumb shit! That's an assumption you made because I said it's better off road than rear wheel drive only. Only reason why I mentioned the 249 is because that is the factory case for V8 ZJs(at least in the 96 and up since my last one was a 96 V8 with a 249, current one is a 97 V8 RWD with Trac Lok). Factory isn't always the best, hence why people swap cases. Before you go on about shit, make sure you understand what is being said you fucking idiot!

[@bungcheese5901]

Jonathan Garneau-Reid I tried to be patient with you and it didn't work. You're the dumb fuck who said the 249 is built for traction off road and not good for performance when it's literally built for on road traction and would be one of the two trans cases you'd want if you wanted true AWD. You're too defensive now to even admit and have a decent conversation. Every time I reply nicely and directly and here you go trying to swear up and down I'm stupid. I'm sorry; I wasn't the one who said the trans case literally designed for on road performance was designed for off road, twat.

[@Kbc_Johnnj]

What lift kit did you do

[@martinbuilt]

Eibach Springs PRO-KIT (Set of 4 Springs) amzn.to/2W6pMF9