I have been asked this a Few times so i figured id give a run down of how to get a decent lift put together for the jeep Cherokee and what i would do if i had another stock platform to work with.
First off, get a set of used Chevy S10 leaf springs. Use a band saw and cut the mounting bushings off, throw this under the main leaf of your factory leaf pack. You will need to source longer center pins. I use grade 8 bolts, cheap and easy top find.
http://i.imgur.com/yHnf33J.jpg
Bolt this "Bastard Pack" back in and it should be good for around 4" of lift in the rear.
For the front, you can source a Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ, equipped with the v8. Grab the front springs (good for 1.5" of lift and a stiffer spring rate) and grab the front steering system. (tie rod and drag link) This steering is a huge improvement over stock, and retains the factory geometry.
source yourself a 2" front spring spacer, or if you stack stock spring pads, they are good for about .5" of lift each. 4 pads, 2" lift.
At this point you will be down to shocks and a adjustable track bar and bracket. I prefer the Skyjacker M-95 series shock. they are mono tube, gas charged, and very good on pricing. if it were me, id spend the coin here to get a better than basic shock setup. come take a ride in my xj, you will see what i mean.
Adjustable track bar. i would shop around a bit. Always get a track bar with a bushing on one end! the front end eats up heim joints, and with them at both ends it wont be long.
something like this is what i would recommend. it has the TRE on one side and a bushing on the other. this will let you keep the factory track bar bracket and not have to spent more coin on a new aftermarket one. Just make sure to re torque the bracket after the new parts install!
In short
Junk yard:
S10 leaf springs
V8 ZJ Front steering, and coil springs
New or JY:
Front 2" Coil Spring spacers.
New:
Adjustable Track Bar (TRE and bushing style)
Shocks for 3.5 to 4.5" lift of your choosing. (you get what you pay for in on road ride quality)
Thanks it!
Hope it helps, post up with questions. there are a few things id do quickly there after, but this gives a ncie place to start.
Take Care, Thanks For Being Here!
Bronze.