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Product Summary

Rubicon Express 2" Budget Lift

Manufacturer: Rubicon Express

Product: 2″ Budget Lift Kit

Price: $230 - $260

The Good:

It seems to be cliche for this class, budget, of product, but it doesn’t go without saying that this is a great price.  Most people I’ve talked to about this lift kit from Rubicon Express say they can’t get over the price.  And they’re right on with this lift coming in in the mid $200 range.

Unlike some budget Cherokee lift kits, one benefit to the Rubicon Express Budget Lift Kit is that it comes with shocks.  Unfortunetly, theres a lot of ‘budget’ kits out there that are either poor build quality or lack even the few necessary components to perform the simple lift, like shocks.

Even though it’s a budget kit, it is of the highest build quality.  The Rubicon Express Budget Lift Kit comes with great installation instructions that can be found on Rubicon Express’ website here.  I wouldn’t say installation is a breeze, because every install has it’s problems, however, installation is very straight forward and with those instructions provided by Rubicon Express, it makes installation just that much easier.

The Bad:

I can hear you saying it now, “what’s the catch?”.  Well, while this offer probably doesn’t sound like it’s too good to be true, it still has its catches.  For one, the ride’s definetly a bit rougher and stiffer than stock.  This is mainly do to the add-a-leaf stiffening up the back suspension.

Also, don’t expect to be able to throw 33″ inch tires under your XJ after you’re done with your install.  You’re looking at most at a 30″ tire with decent articulation.  (Checkout my article on Lift Kits and Tire Clearance)  Obviously because this is not a complete suspension kit you’re not going to get quite as much articulation as you would with say a 3″ suspension kit.

The Bottom Line:

The price speaks for itself on this one.  If you’re looking for a little extra clearance and don’t want to break the bank, then you should definetly consider this as an option.  If you’re looking to throw 33’s under your Cherokee, you should probably look at something a bit bigger.  Without the risk of sounding completely redundant, if this fits your budget and into your plans it’s a good deal.

Kit Includes:

  • 1.75″ Coil Spring Spacers
  • Add-A-Leaf 2″ Half LE
  • Replacement Center Pins for Leafs
  • 18″ Brake Line
  • 4 Twin Tube Shocks

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Product Summary

Goodyear Wrangler MT/R

Manufacturer: Goodyear

Product: Goodyear MT/R

Price: $169 (31×10.5×15) - $187 (33×12.5×15) at TireRack.com

The Good:

These are great offroad tires.  Big, knobby, steel reinforced sidewalls, and just plain good looking.  The Goodyear MT/R can really handle well offroad and given the steel reinforced sidewalls, they make you feel a little more comfortable that you won’t puncture that unfixable spot.  These perform amazing in mud and snow conditions.  They give your vehicle an amazing stance and really do look great.  On road you can expect good handling in adverse weather conditions be it rain, snow, or just every day driving.

The Bad:

If you thought you got poor gas mileage before, prepare to start spending some extra bucks at the pump every month with these.  If you’ve been using normal All-Terrain tires, you’ll most likely see a drop of a couple MPG after you throw these on.  They are a bit pricey when compared to your general All Terrain tires.  They wear a bit faster than I’d like as well.  The other thing to note is the road noise.  The road noise is noticabley louder.  So if you’re already go a noisy ride, prepare for just a bit more.

The Bottom Line:

If your Jeep Cherokee doesn’t see much off the road, you may want to consider purchasing some All Terrain tires.  If you want to be able to go anywhere and don’t mind the reduced MPG, the noise, and the cost then this is the tire for you.  It is absolutely a great performer off the road.  snowwrangler

I put a pair of 31×10.5×15’s on my ‘91 Two-Door Jeep XJ and these did absolutely amazing.  I was able to easily drive through 3 feet of snow and plow through large snow drifts without ever getting stuck.  Off the road in muddy conditions, these did just great.  Very little slippage and great grip.

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