Best 2 Inch Lift For Jeep Cherokee Xj

A two-inch lift for your XJ should improve ground clearance without compromising daily drivability. Finding the best 2 inch lift for jeep cherokee xj means balancing off-road capability with on-road comfort. This guide breaks down the top kits, installation steps, and key considerations to help you make the right choice.

Lifting your Cherokee XJ by two inches is the sweet spot. It gives you room for bigger tires, better approach angles, and a more aggressive stance. But not all lift kits are created equal. Some ride harsh, others sag quickly, and a few just plain fail. Let’s find the ones that work.

The market has several solid options for a 2-inch lift. We tested and reviewed the most popular kits based on ride quality, durability, ease of installation, and price. Here are the top contenders.

Top 3 Lift Kits Compared

These kits represent the best value and performance for most XJ owners. Each has its strengths, so consider your driving style.

Rough Country 2-Inch Lift Kit: Affordable and proven. Uses add-a-leaf in the rear and coil spacers up front. Good for budget builds. Ride is stiffer than stock.
Zone Offroad 2-Inch Lift Kit: Includes full leaf springs instead of add-a-leafs. Softer ride, better articulation. Slightly more expensive but worth it.
Old Man Emu 2-Inch Lift Kit: Premium option with nitro-charged shocks and parabolic leaf springs. Excellent on-road manners and off-road control. Highest price point.

What To Look For In A 2-Inch Lift Kit

Not all kits are complete. Some leave out critical components. Here’s what a quality kit should include.

Coil Spring Spacers Or New Coils

Front lift comes from either polyurethane spacers on top of the stock coil springs or completely new coil springs. Spacers are cheaper and easier to install. New coils offer a better ride and more consistent lift height.

Rear Leaf Springs Or Add-A-Leaf

Rear lift is achieved with either new full leaf springs or an add-a-leaf inserted into your existing pack. Full springs are superior. They restore sagging arches and provide proper load support. Add-a-leafs are a budget fix that often makes the ride harsh.

Shocks

Stock shocks are too short for a 2-inch lift. You need longer shocks to maintain full suspension travel. Some kits include shocks, others don’t. Factor this into your total cost.

Brake Line Brackets

At 2 inches of lift, your stock brake lines might be tight at full droop. Brackets relocate the lines to prevent stretching. Some kits include them, but you can buy them separately cheaply.

Track Bar Relocation Bracket

A 2-inch lift shifts your front axle slightly to the passenger side. A track bar relocation bracket centers the axle again. This improves steering feel and tire clearance. Not all kits include one, but it’s highly recommended.

Installation Overview

Installing a 2-inch lift is a weekend job for most DIYers. Basic mechanical skills and common tools are required. Here’s a step-by-step outline.

Safety First: Jack up the Jeep, support it on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
Remove Wheels: Take off all four wheels. This gives you access to suspension components.
Disconnect Sway Bar: Unbolt the front and rear sway bar links. This allows the axles to droop freely.
Remove Shocks: Unbolt the old shocks. They will be compressed and may need persuasion.
Install Front Spacers Or Coils: For spacers, unbolt the upper coil retainer, insert the spacer, and reassemble. For new coils, compress them with a spring compressor and install.
Install Rear Springs Or Add-A-Leaf: For full springs, unbolt the old pack and bolt in the new one. For add-a-leafs, disassemble the leaf pack, insert the new leaf, and reassemble.
Install New Shocks: Bolt in the longer shocks. Make sure they are oriented correctly.
Install Track Bar Bracket: Bolt the relocation bracket to the axle side track bar mount.
Install Brake Line Brackets: Attach brackets to the frame to lower the brake line mounting point.
Reattach Sway Bar: Reconnect sway bar links. You may need extended links for proper geometry.
Reinstall Wheels: Torque lug nuts to spec. Lower the Jeep.
Check Alignment: Get a professional alignment. Toe and caster angles will be affected.

Tire Size Recommendations

A 2-inch lift allows for larger tires. The most common size is 31×10.50R15. This fits without trimming on most XJs. You can sometimes squeeze 32-inch tires, but expect rubbing at full flex. Stick with 31s for a hassle-free setup.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Even experienced mechanics make errors. Here are pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping The Track Bar Bracket: Your axle will be off-center. This causes poor steering and tire rub on one side.
Using Stock Shocks: They will bottom out and limit droop. Replace them.
Not Torquing Bolts: Suspension bolts must be torqued to spec. Loose bolts cause clunks and can fail.
Ignoring Sway Bar Links: Stock links may be too short. Extended links prevent binding.
Forgetting To Recheck Bolts: After 100 miles, retorque all suspension bolts. They settle in.

Cost Breakdown

Budget for the full install, not just the kit. Here’s a rough estimate.

Lift Kit: $200 to $600
Shocks: $100 to $300 (if not included)
Track Bar Bracket: $30 to $60
Brake Line Brackets: $15 to $30
Alignment: $80 to $120
Total: $425 to $1,110

Prices vary by brand and location. Shop around for deals.

Ride Quality Expectations

A 2-inch lift will change how your XJ rides. Expect a firmer feel, especially with add-a-leafs. Full leaf springs and quality shocks can maintain near-stock comfort. The trade-off is better off-road capability. On-road handling will be slightly less precise due to increased body roll. This is normal.

Maintenance After The Lift

Lifted Jeeps need more attention. Check these items regularly.

U-Bolts: Retorque after the first off-road trip.
Shock Bolts: Ensure they are tight.
Leaf Spring Bushings: Inspect for wear.
Steering Components: Lifted Jeeps put more stress on tie rods and ball joints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I install a 2-inch lift on my stock XJ without other modifications?
A: Yes, but you should add a track bar bracket and longer shocks. Brake line brackets are also recommended for safety.

Q: Will a 2-inch lift void my warranty?
A: It can void suspension-related warranty claims. Check with your dealer.

Q: How much ground clearance does a 2-inch lift actually add?
A: About 2 inches at the differentials and frame. Tire size also affects clearance.

Q: Is a 2-inch lift enough for light off-roading?
A: Yes. It clears most trails and rocks. For hardcore rock crawling, consider a 4-inch lift.

Q: What is the best 2 inch lift for jeep cherokee xj for daily driving?
A: The Old Man Emu kit offers the best ride quality for daily use. The Zone Offroad kit is a close second at a lower price.

Final Recommendations

For most XJ owners, the Zone Offroad 2-inch lift kit is the best balance of cost, ride quality, and performance. It includes full leaf springs, which make a huge difference. Pair it with quality shocks like Bilstein 5100s for optimal results. If budget is tight, the Rough Country kit works, but expect a stiffer ride. For the best possible on-road comfort, invest in the Old Man Emu kit. It’s expensive but transforms the driving experience.

Remember to factor in all the extras. A complete lift includes shocks, track bar bracket, and brake line brackets. Skipping these compromises safety and performance. Take your time during installation. A well-installed 2-inch lift will serve you for years.

Your XJ will look tougher, perform better off-road, and still handle daily commutes. That’s the beauty of a modest lift. It opens up new possibilities without ruining the car’s character. Choose wisely, install carefully, and enjoy the upgrade.