lifting a zj

NORCALHOLLER

Member
Joined
Apr 11, 2005
Location
asheville nc
i have a 95 jeep ZJ.. all wheel drive.. i have heard storys about lifting them... something about the front mess's up all the time.. can someone set me right.. i was going to get a rustys 5.5 long arm running 33s..
 
I assume when you say all wheel drive you mean you do not have the ability to select 2wd with your transfercase. If this is the casem, then you have the 249 t-case. It is not a bad t-case, but it supposedly an easy swap to a 231 or 242 (I have never done the swap though). As far as lifting, you will definately need a longer or an adjustable front track bar, more than likely a rear one as well. I am not sure what comes in the Rustys kit, but just keep this in mind. In a nut shell, there is nothing worng with lifting a ZJ
 
I lifted my '98 4.5" about 5 years ago and I have had no problems except that I should have gone long arm at least in the front, it would ride a little better. I have heard questionable things regarding Rusty's kits, I would check out http://www.nagca.com before making a decision.
 
I had a '96 on 6.5" and 37's (cut to hell) and the only issue I had was the front driveshaft. Ended up getting a 1310 yoke from chase at ECGS and lengthening a '78 bronco front shaft to install in it. The t-case didn't give me any issues, and is still holding up fine. But it is a reletively easy swap if you want a part time case.
 
BigClay said:
I assume when you say all wheel drive you mean you do not have the ability to select 2wd with your transfercase. If this is the casem, then you have the 249 t-case. It is not a bad t-case, but it supposedly an easy swap to a 231 or 242 (I have never done the swap though). As far as lifting, you will definately need a longer or an adjustable front track bar, more than likely a rear one as well. I am not sure what comes in the Rustys kit, but just keep this in mind. In a nut shell, there is nothing worng with lifting a ZJ
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Ive swapped from a 242 to 247/242 then back to 242 its no problem switching them out... and a zj is great offroad mine goes as good as my buddies with long arms and lockers and i'm only 3inch with 34s!!!!!:beer:
 
go with the long arms. I used to wheel mine on 33s and it is short arm. I wish it were long arm, it would be a smoother ride.
 
Clayton offroad for the long arm. Doesnt the front axle on an awd have cv joints instead of u-joints?
 
I am in the market for long arms (waitning on funds just like everyone else) and I am going with Claytons.
 
No problems lifting them, I would recommend swapping the NP249 out for a 231 or a 242 either will bolt in and the shifter will work too. The weak link with the full time drivetrain is the CV front driveshaft and axle shafts. XJ shafts bolt right in place of the CV shafts and the front diveshaft on a 93-95 should have u-joints at both ends, 96 is the first year for the CV driveshaft.

The biggest problem with the NP249 case is the viscous coupler which will cause binding when turning and drivetrain chatter while cornering. Also if the wrong fluid is used in it it will burn up faster the proper fluid is available at most dealership it is made to protect the viscous coupler in the 249 the clutches in the NV247 and NV245(WK and XK).
 
if your gonna wheel a zj decide first if you really like it cause its gonna be a real pita to get their. my setup is a 97 zj with 4.0,42re,231,xj hp 30,chromo shafts,aussie locker,trussed,explorer 8.8 rear,31 spline shafts,welded tubes,aussie locker,488 gears,custom 4 links front and rear(I DO NOT RECOMEND ANY LONG ARM KIT THAT HAS A RADIUS ARM FRONT)6 in springs,custom skids, bumpers and 8k winch. and 35-12.50-15 xterrains. i have wheeled it for 3 years in its current state and it still impresses the hell out of everyone with near vertical climbing ability at 114" wb. it will flex over trenches or car sized rocks and the body stay level never lifting a tire. however if i were to do it again id left it on 33's and done axle swaps. as for a lift i suggest the new rough country 4 in kit. they got a bad rap for their crap control arms but now they have changed the links and started using a flex joint. get a good track bar with a heim on one end (not rustys)also look into a heavy tie rod. the zj is a great platform but its heavy ,the unibody will start poping at the seams no matter how much you reinforce it and my problem is now i am limited to trying to not bust the glass in the rear when i get in a tight spot. so theirs my 2 cent good luck and if you need a set of bumpers im selling mine.
 
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