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If you are here reading this and looking for ways to improve your Jeep adventuring experience, this means that you have got the passion to explore the unknown, tread challenging trails, and find your own way. The best companion you can get for your off-road adventures is the beastly Jeep Cherokee XJ. However, if you plan to foray into the wild, you will need to come prepared.
To further improve your Jeep Cherokee XJ’s suitability for off-road use, we suggest that you use the best equipment and accessories available on the market. The lift kits are nearly invincible when you want to do some heavy-duty, off-road driving, and it’s a good idea to invest in a good quality product.
With the right kind of lift kit, you will feel more confident and able to enjoy more memorable off-road adventures regardless of the type of road on which you choose to ride. Lift kits are undoubtedly one of the best Jeep accessories you’ll need to possess. They not only give you a good ground clearance, but these also add more aesthetic appeal to your Jeep Cherokee XJ.
Besides ensuring your safety, the best lift kits for the Jeep Cherokee XJ also offer maximum satisfaction on unsurfaced roads and fun-filled tracks. Although these factors are very important, choosing the right kit from a variety of options available is not an easy task.
The lift kits come in various price ranges and with various features, designs, finishes, and functions to choose from. Out of all of these, you need to find the one that perfectly meets the needs of your Jeep Cherokee XJ. To make your task easier, our team has reviewed more than a dozen products, then analyzed and compared them with each other to handpick a few to recommend the highest.
Read on to find the complete and unbiased reviews of each product selected by our team. If you are in a hurry to order, then we simply suggest that you go with our editor’s pick: Rough Country 2″ Adjustable Lift Shackles (see Amazon). This product provides an easy at-home installation and an easy ride with up to 2 inches of elevation.
#1. Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit | N3 Shocks
The first lift kit on our list comes from an industry leader—Rough Country—and this all-inclusive lift kit has everything you need to get started. It is a significant upgrade over the previous model and includes a set of front-lifted coil springs to level the vehicle and provide a clearance for up to 31″ tires.
This kit includes Rough Country N3 Premium shocks: stage-variable valving and high-pressure, nitrogen-charged shocks that provide a perfect blend of off-road action and smooth ride quality. These shocks offer up to a maximum of 36kN tensile strength for a long duration of impressive vibration dampening for a smoother ride.
The Rough Country lift kit also features natural rubber bushings and attractive, metallic silver paint. Besides its eye-catching looks, it additionally gives your Jeep Cherokee XJ the perfect blend of performance, protection, and style. We were impressed to find that Rough Country stands behind its products with a lifetime replacement warranty, although the shocks/struts only have a 3-year warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Unmatched ground clearance
- Precision laser cut materials
- Levels the front with the rear
- Premium N3 shock absorbers
- Leaf spring suspension system
- Fits 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ
User/Customer Reviews
Most users have said that installation is a breeze and that the kit includes everything you’ll need except for an adjustable trackbar. Some people have said that the lift is slightly higher than expected but that it is a good thing if you are starting out and new to lift kits and off-roading. A few customers have warned that the installation process—including the removal of old shocks—takes a total of about 7-8 hours.
Conclusion
The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit (fits) 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ is a well-built kit that works as a perfect replacement for your factory parts to provide you with a smooth ride. It includes premium N3 shock absorbers to give you the best performance both on- and off-road. Overall, we feel this product is of great value for the money.
#2. Rough Country X-Series 4.5″ Lift Kit
The next product—the 4.5in X-Series Suspension Lift Kit (see more)—is also from Rough Country. It is designed to conquer any trail, rock course, or challenging course and still ride smoothly on the street. It is a complete lift kit designed to fit with 32”x11.5” tires on your Jeep Cherokee XJ.
Rough Country excels at optimizing driveline angles with the help of a combination of adjustable X-Flex control arms and a transfer case lowering kit. Both the upper and lower X-Flex control arms come with factory-style rubber bushings by the Clevite brand.
The lift kit is incomplete without Rough Country’s premium N3 shocks, and the twin-tube, nitrogen-charged N3 shocks give you a comfortable and smooth ride with 10-stage variable valving. The manufacturer stands behind the product with a limited lifetime warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Made from stainless steel
- Front adjustable trackbar
- Unmatched ground clearance
- Premium N3 shock absorbers
- Backed by a Lifetime Replacement Warranty
- Fits 1984 – 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4WD
User/Customer Reviews
Many people who have tested the lift kit have confirmed that it is of really good quality and performs well by providing good ground clearance. Those who have installed the lift kit have said that the installation went smoothly, but you will need the right tools and probably need to hire mechanics to do it.
Conclusion
The Rough Country X-Series 4.5″ Lift Kit (see Amazon) is one of the superior quality lift kits that fits 1984-2001 models of the Jeep Cherokee XJ 4WD. With fully adjustable flex arms and 10-stage variable valving, along with high-pressure and nitrogen-charged shocks, it delivers incredible performance. Overall, this is one of the best lift kits money can buy.
#3. Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit
This next lift kit also comes from Rough Country, and these 3-inch accessories are one of the best items you can use to give your Cherokee XJ a perfect blend of protection, performance, and style. With high-quality N3 shock absorbers for on- and off-road use, these give you unmatched ground clearance.
The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit is designed to be compatible with 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models; and, once installed, it maintains a smooth, factory-like finish. This kit levels the front with the rear and gives you a smooth ride on all types of terrains.
The control arms come with Clevite brand OEM-style rubber bushings for better performance. We were impressed to find that the product is also backed by Rough Country’s Lifetime Replacement Warranty and a 3-year warranty on shocks/struts.
Product features and specifications
- Unmatched ground clearance
- Maintains a smooth, factory-like ride
- Backed by a Lifetime Replacement Warranty
- Clevite brand, OEM-style rubber bushings
- Premium N3 shock absorbers
- Levels the front with the rear
User/Customer Reviews
Consumers who wanted a bit of ground clearance on their 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models tried this lift kit, and they had good results with improved performance and maintaining a smooth ride. While some users have said that it was easy to install the lift kit, some other customers have mentioned that you will still need to purchase rear spacers, rubber stoppers, a front steering damper, and a 1” transfer case lowering kit.
Conclusion
The Rough Country 3″ Lift Kit is a solid and nice replacement lift kit that fits perfectly like the factory kit and offers a smooth and improved performance both on- and off-road alike. It works well with different models of the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJs. Overall, we feel that the product provides a good value for the money.
#4. Rough Country Control Arm Drop/Relocation Kit
This Rough Country Control Arm Drop/Relocation Kit is a tall lift kit that is designed to fit your Jeep XJ Cherokee like a dream. It lets you ride over manholes and other obstacles of the road without feeling a single thing. The ride feels as nice and smooth as when you had stock gear.
With the help of this kit, you can conveniently lower the upper and lower control arm mounting points, enabling the XJ Cherokee to be lifted nearly 4.5″. By lowering the control arm mounting points, you can significantly reduce the arms’ angles and thus substantially improve the quality of both ride and handling.
Installation is simple and can be done at home with the help of support—provided by Rough Country—and using easy tools. However, some drilling may be required to complete the setup. We are pleased to note that the manufacturer backs up its product with a lifetime warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Reduces control arm angle
- Improves ride quality and handling
- Minor drilling required
- Easy home installation and support
- Rough Country’s Lifetime Warranty
User/Customer Reviews
Most users are elated with their purchase of the Rough Country Control Arm Drop/Relocation Kit because it provides an improved ride quality and better articulation. They also hold up well on challenging terrains and off-road conditions. A few customers have warned that the predrill size they give you in the instructions will be loose, so you will need to go down about two sizes to get a perfect fit.
Conclusion
The Rough Country Control Arm Drop/Relocation Kit is a great value lift kit designed for the Jeep Cherokee XJ, and it works as expected. Those who have some common mechanical knowledge can do the installation by themselves using simple tools. Overall, we feel that this lift kit gives you a smooth ride and has a great overall value.
#5. Rough Country 2″ Adjustable Lift Shackles
If you want a perfect aftermarket lift kit to work with your Jeep Cherokee XJ, check out this kit by Rough Country. The adjustable shackles provide up to 2 inches of rear-end lift, and the installation is as easy as 1-2-3. It takes less than 45 minutes to set it up correctly as well.
This lift kit comes with polyurethane bushings—an all-important piece of hardware that you need to do the installation by yourself. If you do not have much mechanical knowledge, you may need to seek help from a professional. The kit fine-tunes the rear suspension of your Jeep Cherokee XJ and helps you gain an additional 2 inches of rear lift.
Rough Country provides easy home installation of their product as well as support in case of any problems. Once installed, you can see an improved and marked difference in ride quality. We are impressed by the fact that the product comes backed by a lifetime warranty by the manufacturer as well.
Product features and specifications
- Fits 4WD/2WD
- 2″ lift shackles
- Easy at-home installation
- Two hole adjustments
- Rough Country’s Lifetime Warranty
User/Customer Reviews
Most people have said that installing the lift kit was easy and that it gave them a good ground clearance for a better and smoother ride on challenging terrains. Users also love the price point, making the lift reasonable for everyone’s budget at its current cost. A few customers have warned that the product comes without any instructions even though all hardware is provided, though.
Conclusion
This is a well-designed and well-built lift kit that comes with everything you could possibly need for installation. It has an easy installation process and offers a good ground clearance and smooth ride. Overall, we feel that the Rough Country 2″ Adjustable Lift Shackles (see Amazon) are one of the best products money can buy.
#6. Zone Offroad 4.5″ XJ Suspension System
This lift kit from the Zone Offroad brand comes with new front coil springs that are capable of handling just about anything that comes their way. Being specially designed for off-road use, you have only a 2″ bump stop extension that is supplied to help the wheel go back and forth drastically.
These coils are strong enough to sustain any kind of pressure. They can be smashed all the way to the bottom and still come back with vigor. While this does not mean that they are stiff, the key lies in using the right size of wire with the right spring rate to give you a smooth ride.
Unlike the cheaper products available on the market, the Zone Offroad 4.5″ XJ Suspension System for the Jeep Cherokee XJ is made in the USA. It comes with extended sway bar links that help in reducing the body roll, as well as brake relocation brackets for easy installation at home.
Product features and specifications
- Fits the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models
- Made in the USA
- Black nitro-charged shocks
User/Customer Reviews
Customers who have bought the product have greatly benefited from its use, and they have mentioned how smooth the ride felt after installation. Several users have said that the shocks do not look or feel cheap whatsoever and that they delivered a performance exactly as expected.
Conclusion
The Zone Offroad 4.5″ XJ Suspension System (shop now) for 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models is an ultimate kit that contains everything you need to lift your vehicle and improve its performance on all types of terrains. At this price, we feel that this product offers good value for the money.
#7 Supreme Suspensions – Rear Lift Leveling Kit for Jeep Cherokee XJ
This rear-lift leveling kit for the Jeep Cherokee XJ is from the Supreme Suspensions brand, and it is compatible with 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ (2WD, 4WD) models. The kit comprises of two rear, steel lift shackles; a supreme suspensions pro pack; and installation instructions.
This lift kit is designed in a way to lift your vehicle by up to 2 inches to give you just enough ground clearance for bumpy surfaces. We were impressed by the fact that the product allowed the vehicle to maintain factory ride quality after installation. Please bear in mind that alignment is always recommended after altering the height of a vehicle, though.
The Supreme Suspensions lift kit (see Amazon) not only lifts your ride to increase the ground clearance, but it also improves the overall appearance of your vehicle. This kit lets you fit the larger custom rims and tires to give more adjustability to your suspension lift project. It also has a simple ‘bolt-on’ installation that does not require any special tools.
Product features and specifications
- Easy ‘bolt-on’ installation
- No special tools needed
- (2x) Rear lift shackles
- Installation instructions
- Supreme Suspensions “Pro Pack”
- Fits 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models
- Designed to lift your ride by 2in.
User/Customer Reviews
Those who have bought the lift kit have said that this kit came across as a cheap and easy way to increase the lift by a few inches on their Jeep Cherokee XJ. Users have also stated that the kit contains everything you likely need for the installation, so no special tools are required. A few customers have complained that the kit is slightly on the expensive side, though.
Conclusion
The Supreme Suspensions – Rear Lift Leveling Kit for the Jeep Cherokee XJ is an easy-to-install lift kit that provides nice, factory-fit hardware for your vehicle. There are no modifications needed beforehand, and it gives you a smooth ride on all types of terrain. Overall, we feel that this product offers you a good price to performance ratio.
#8. Rough Country Adjustable Long Arm Kit
This is yet another Rough Country lift kit that comes with extremely long arms to maintain optimum alignment and provide optimal articulation. The lower control arms are easily adjustable, and they feature a high-clearance design comprising of OEM-style rubber bushings.
The flex joints feature a huge 2.5″ diameter body and 1.25″ thread, and they are fully greaseable for a smoother ride. There is also a heavy-duty, 0.25″-thick crossmember and upper joints that can pivot up to 20 degrees. The lower joints can move up to 35 degrees.
The kit is comprised of adjustable upper control arms, adjustable lower control arms, a long arm crossmember, a transfer case skid plate, and hardware fittings with a transfer case. We are pleased to inform that the manufacturer stands behind their product with a lifetime warranty.
Product features and specifications
- Adjustable long arm
- No drilling required
- Extreme travel long arms
- Flex joints
- 0.25″-thick crossmember
- Lifetime warranty
User/Customer Reviews
Many users have said that this is one of the cheapest long arm kits you can find for the Jeep Cherokee XJ, and that—once installed—it provides a smooth ride. Users have also mentioned that the lift kit is easy to install and provides a good lift to your vehicle. People have also mentioned that everything lines up very smoothly to give you an amazing ride. A few customers have complained that it is hard to find bits for the frame, however.
Conclusion
The Rough Country Adjustable Long Arm Kit is specially designed to fit the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models. The lift kit comes with all the hardware needed for installation, so you do not need any special tools. Overall, we feel that this adjustable long lift kit is just what you need to enjoy a smooth ride.
#9. Supreme Suspensions – 3″ Front + 2″ Rear Suspension Lift
This is another lift kit from Supreme Suspensions, and it provides 3 inches of front and 2 inches of rear suspension lift. It is compatible with the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ (2WD 4WD) models, but it does not work with the Cherokee XJ vehicles that come with welded bump stops.
This product includes high-density Delrin spring spacers, high-strength steel lift shackles, installation instructions, installation hardware, and the Supreme Suspensions “Pro Pack.” The installation process is easy, although it takes about 2-4 hours to fully set up to achieve the right height on your vehicle.
With the help of this 3-inch front and 2-inch rear suspension lift, you can get the adequate ground clearance to fit the larger custom rims and tires you want on your vehicle. The premium aftermarket technology, along with the product research and development, make this lift kit one-of-a-kind.
Product features and specifications
- Fits the 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models
- 3-inch front and 2-inch rear suspension lift
- 2-hour to 4-hour installation process
- Made from alloy steel
User/Customer Reviews
Many users have said that this lift kit is cheaper than those found at local stores, and it arrives faster. Additionally, the installation is super easy. A few customers have warned that, although installation is easy and instructions are provided, it still takes a lot of time. Some people have also said that the bolts don’t quite line up and install in the right places.
Conclusion
The Supreme Suspensions – 3″ Front + 2″ Rear Suspension Lift is designed to fit your 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ. It not only improves the overall look of the vehicle with custom wheels and rims, but it also lets you enjoy a more comfortable ride on bumpy terrains. Overall, we feel that this product is a good value for the money.
Buying Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Lift Kit for a Jeep Cherokee XJ
While all of the lift kits reviewed above have been carefully selected by our team to suit your needs, you will still need to make your choice carefully. Choosing the right kit can be tricky, but finding exactly what works best for your specific vehicle makes all the difference between a good and a great ride. Here are a few things that you need to consider before making your final decision.
#1. Ease of installation
It goes without saying that the product you choose should be easy to install and not take more than a few hours. Who wants to spend an entire day trying to install a lift kit? It can become an annoying experience, so cut it short and choose a kit that comes with installation instructions.
You should also ensure that the kit you choose includes all of the necessary tools to make the installation process quick and easy. If you have some mechanical knowledge, you may be able to do the installation yourself. Otherwise, you will need to recruit the help of a professional.
#2. Material quality
You will also need to look for lift kits that are made from the highest quality materials so that the accessories are durable and last for a lifetime. Additionally, you should check to ensure that the components have high-strength steel elements that do not fade or rust easily.
Another popular material you may want to choose in the products used to lift your Jeep is high-density polyurethane. It not only has more strength but also adds a lot of elegance to your vehicle. High-density Delrin is yet another material that is more durable than metal and features a good wear resistance as well.
#3. The type of lift kit
One of the most important factors is that you need to consider which part of your Jeep XJ you need to lift. The kits designed to lift the rear side differ from those built to level the entire vehicle. We recommend that you go for a “full lift” kit to bring about a complete improvement to your vehicle.
Please bear in mind that the full lift kits are slightly pricier than the suspension lift kit, though, because the former includes important tools to level the whole vehicle.
#4. Size of tools
The size of the tools in a lift kit is also extremely important, and this is one of the things you need to consider before choosing a lift kit. For example, you need a different size coil spring spacer to lift a Jeep by 4 inches compared to lifting by only 2 inches.
Thus, you need to choose an appropriate lift kit to suit the specific Jeep model that you have. Please remember that a lift kit that does a great job at lifting a vehicle up to 4 inches, but it will not deliver a similar performance when you need to level your Jeep by less than 4 inches.
#5. Price Point
Next, a very important feature that you need to consider is the price point—and your budget—when buying a lift kit for a Jeep cherokee XJ. Lift kits of different capacities come with different price tags. There are some budget-friendly and cost-effective models, but there are also quite a few others with a higher price tag.
If you wish to invest in a buttery-smooth ride on difficult terrain, you’ll want to go for the expensive lift kits. These are more sturdy and durable by comparison to the cheaper ones. However, if you don’t intend to take your Jeep out on rough terrains very often, a budget model may be a good option for you.
Related Questions
What is the maximum number of inches you can lift a Jeep cherokee XJ?
Jeep cherokee XJ owners typically have the liberty to lift their Jeeps as high as they want, depending on the environment in which they wish to ride. On average, you can lift a Jeep between 1 to 3 inches, and the elevation can go to a maximum of 6 inches or more.
However, it must be noted that lifting Jeeps above their average levels comes with some additional expenses. Regardless of how high you lift your vehicle, you will need to maintain and—if possible—improve the stability and performance of your Jeep.
Can I benefit by lifting my Jeep by only 2 inches?
You may choose to lift your Jeep XJ by only 2 inches, yet you will still be able to enjoy some of the benefits of doing so, such as endless adventure on all types of terrains. The ground clearance also keeps your vehicle safe from any form of undercarriage damage.
Regardless of the terrain, that 2-inch increase in lift can make your ride as easy a piece of cake. The only limitations are that it may become challenging for your vehicle to carry a heavy load or not be suitable for you to be able to install bigger tires.
Is it expensive to raise a Jeep XJ?
The price of a lift kit varies a lot, but whatever the case, installing one should not cost you a fortune. You must ensure that the kit is made of premium-grade materials, though. For the kits that come with all of the essential tools included, you can then also choose to elevate your Jeep at any time you wish.
Should I get new shocks with a lift kit?
Some leveling kits need new shocks, but others don’t. Although this is not something you absolutely must do, you may want to consider getting new shocks if you are raising your Jeep XJ to suit your off-road use needs. Also, if the present shocks have more than 20,000 miles of use, we do recommend that you get new shocks in this case.
See Also:
Can You Sleep In A Jeep Cherokee? Is It Comfortable?
5 Best Air Filters For Jeep Grand Cherokees
3 Best Cell Phone Holders for Jeep Cherokee
Does Jeep Grand Cherokee Have 7 Seats
5 Best Radiators For Your Jeep XJ
6 Best Shocks for the Jeep XJ