Lift For 1987 Cherokee????????

I have a 1987 cherokee pioneer and i am looking to buy a 3 1/2 in lift for it. I am wondering if you can get the lift kits that say cherokee xj or do you have to buy one that says pionner. thanks

All the 84 to 2001 Cherokees are XJs.

http://www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep_lift_kits_suspension/default_cherokee.php

Is it better to get an add a leaf in the back or just use blocks?

Simple answer is neither. Blocks above 1" will allow for a very BAD situation called axle wrap, where either from alot of torque or fast hard braking actually allows the axle to roll around itself permanently damaging the springs. AAL's (add a leaf) will lift it some but over time will eventually wear out and start to sag like most xj's I've heard of are so prone to. Best thing to do is get a full leaf pack and shackles for the back which will be the best to prevent any damage and last longest. Don't forget though to lift a cherokee and do it right requires alot more than just lift springs, you need springs, shocks/struts, brake lines, bump stops, and depending on vehicle maybe SYE (slip yoke eliminator), and cv driveshaft. Lifting a vehicle takes alot of money and more time than lowering one but in the end is alot funner.

Do you have any advice or tips to give me if i use an add a leaf. i am on a tight budget so i don't think i can buy all new leaf springs

If you're on a tight budget and want to get around 3 inches of lift I've read articles online (haven't tried it for myself yet) that say you can use the leaf springs from an early 90's S10 2wd as the arc is higher and the springs are the same width. Here's a link I found that talks about doing the budget lift. It won't ride as good as a normal lift kit if you use the coil springs they're talking about but it'll give it the look.

http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/Suspension_Steering_Axles_and_Brakes/Budget_Lift.htm

For the front if you want to lift it and keep a decent ride then I recommend using the ACOS (adjustable coil over spacers) which allows you to lift from anywhere between 1 1/4" and about 4". In that article it talks about using ford and yj shocks they will work but you have to press out the new bushings and old ones keeping the old ones in tact and good shape then press the old ones into the new shocks takes time but it does work I did that for mine and after fighting with it and alot of wd40 got them out and pressed in.

There are A LOT of options to consider man... It's really going to depend on what you can do/who you know that can do it for you... Personally, I'm doing a 3+" lift on my girls rig for under $50. (w/o a SYE)

Ask me how...

ie- the pick & pull, (scrapyard) is your friend! Its just a matter of learning what does/doesn't work.

Alright Thanks for the info. I have another question though. When i first start my jeep cherokee (1987) it runs good when cold but when it warms up it starts to run bad. It's like there is no power it's just flat. Does anybody know what could cause this.

It could be a number of sensors causing it when the get warmed up, main ones that seem problematic are the tps and cps. It seems lately there's been alot of people on here with cps failures. Search the forum for cps and you'll find alot of info about them.