More Flex, More Traction: The Performance Advantages of a Jeep XJ Lift

The Jeep Cherokee XJ has long been a legend in off-roading circles. With its  anybody design, solid front and rear axles, and rugged simplicity, it’s a platform that begs to be modified. One of the best upgrades you can make to take your Cherokee to the next level? A quality Jeep XJ lift.

At Rusty’s Off-Road, we’ve spent decades designing, building, and testing suspension systems that don’t just look good, they perform in real-world conditions. Whether you're crawling over slick rock or tackling muddy trails in the woods, lifting your XJ offers a serious performance edge. Let's break down what that means.

Why Lift Your Jeep XJ?

Straight up, lifting your XJ opens up more than just tire clearance. It gives your suspension more travel, which translates to better flex and traction. That extra articulation helps keep all four wheels on the ground, even on uneven, rocky terrain, so you don’t lose grip when you need it most.

A proper XJ lift kit also improves approach, departure, and break over angles. That means fewer hang-ups on boulders, tree stumps, or ruts. You’ll get further down the trail with less damage and more confidence behind the wheel.

Suspension Flex = Off-Road Capability

Flex isn’t just about looking cool as your Jeep leans sideways through an obstacle. It plays a direct role in traction. The more your suspension can move without unloading a tire, the more surface contact you maintain. That gives you more grip and less wheel spin.

At Rusty’s, we engineer our Jeep XJ lift systems to increase suspension articulation without throwing off the geometry of your drivetrain or steering. From adjustable control arms to custom shock valving, every component is built to work in sync.

Daily Driver or Weekend Warrior? We’ve Got Options

Not everyone needs a hardcore rock crawler. Some XJ owners want a smoother ride and a bit more ground clearance for daily use or light trails. Others are building a purpose-built rig that lives for steep climbs and deep mud.

We offer multiple XJ lift kit options tailored to your driving style. Whether you're adding a mild 2-inch lift or going all-out with a long-arm setup, our kits include everything needed for safe, reliable performance. No guesswork. No shortcuts.

Built, Tested, and Proven at Rusty’s

Every lift kit we make is designed and tested in our Alabama facility. We don’t outsource. We don’t cut corners. Our R&D team and test drivers thrash each design through trails, races, and real-life conditions before it ever sees a customer’s rig.

That’s the “Trail Tested Tough” difference. We build it like we’re going to run it ourselves, because we do.

Quick FAQs

Q: Will a lift ruin my ride quality?

Not at all. A properly tuned kit can actually improve ride quality over bumps and uneven roads.

Q: What tire size can I run with a 3-inch lift?

You can comfortably fit 31" tires with a 3-inch lift and some minor trimming.

Q: Do I need a slip yoke eliminator with my lift?

If you’re lifting over 3 inches, we recommend one to prevent driveline vibration and protect your transfer case.

Things to Watch Before Installing a Lift

Lifting your Jeep changes more than just the height. You need to think about brake lines, bump stops, driveshaft angles, and alignment. That’s why our kits come with the right parts from the jump, so you're not left hunting for extras mid-install.

We also give you the flexibility to build out as you go. Start simple and upgrade over time, or go all-in from day one. Either way, you’re covered.

Final Thoughts

A lifted XJ is more than just eye candy, it’s a serious performance upgrade. With more flex and more traction, you can go farther, get stuck less, and have more fun out on the trail. At Rusty’s Off-Road, we’ve been wrenching on these Jeeps for nearly 50 years. We know what works because we’ve lived it. Our Jeep XJ lift kits are designed to give you confidence, durability, and that unbeatable trail presence only a Cherokee can deliver.

So whether you’re just getting started or building your dream rig, trust the team that builds, tests, and backs every part they sell. Rusty’s Off-Road, built to take you further.