Howler_GT

WHOA!!!! You were not kidding. Thems CLOSE.

I will have to throw a set of wheel spacers I have as a stop-gap.

muddeprived

Backbone is the way to go. You get 3-in-1 with that system. A winch plate, steering box brace, and tow points I'm already saving up for that system. I was planning to get some tow hooks for up front but why bother since i'm saving for this.

Howler_GT

Well, that just got put on backburner.
Decided to dive in and get dirty(er)
The rear leafs are OUTTA THERE.

No screwing around. New leaf packs.

I cannot believe how hard it is to find just lift kit components. Everyone wants to sell you a full KIT.
<<---Gotta stop doing THAT, its starting to feel good.

After alot of lookin I found that 4WDH has rear leaf packs w/3" of lift.
They are, I believe, reasonably priced at $159 ea.
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.aspx?partID=7064

NOW to try and convince the "other-half" that I NEED THESE.
I think THAT would be harder than installing them

muddeprived

Those are good springs. I read alot of feedback about their leaf springs and it's mostly "ride great, good springs".

okcjeeper

How much lift are you wanting? Reason I ask is you can get some for I thnk 3.5" at summit for a bit less..

offroadnut36

You can get basically everything you need for a lift from this site.
Might be a bit edpensive though.

www.topguncustomz.com

Howler_GT

I do not wish to any higher than where its at right now.
2". Any higher then that, I will have to take MORE things into consideration which I do not want to.

I have had some bad dealings with Summit in the past and I refuse to order anything from them <EXPLETIVE, plural>
I believe the 3" leafs will give me just what I want in the back (figure they will settle in a bit.)

This way I can ditch the 2" spring blocks and get my rear swaybar (Which I intend to use) to be positioned where it should in relation to the rear tire.

My front coil spring spacers are awesome. (Belto...yours are coming ) The front lift will be alot better once I can get the new insulators installed and throw out the rotting original units.
I did however purchase (2) extras just in case the rear springs do not settle as much as I believe they will. This way I can throw an extra insulator in the mix to give me an extra 3/4" or so.

Then come the new shocks. The GC w/ UpCountry Package Monro Sensa-Trac shocks are a direct-fit and have an extra 3" of travel...perfect.
IIRC Monroe is the only one that still offers shocks for the GC w/UpCountry package.

Once everything is in and working properly (settled in) then I will size up "Lil Red" for some new treads and perhaps some nice rims.

I sent Santa a text to put an XJ BackBone on my Christmas list. NOW I have to be good THAT will be painful.

Howler_GT

New leaf springs arrived, I almost have everything I need for a w/e job.

Someone asked about shocks:

REAR: 1986-92 Jeep Commanche rear shocks Monroe SensaTrac #37029 will give 3" more travel than stock Xj rear shocks. Not direct-fit. Barpin will have to be transferred to new shocks.

FRONT: 1997 Grand Cherokee w/UpCountry package front shocks Monroe SensaTrac #37193, will also net 3" more travel. These ARE a direct-fit.

Wow: New shocks, new front lifts, new rear leafs, roof-mounted lights, CCV oil separator, diamond-plate door sills. Soon to come: 31"x9.50 Firestone Destination A/T's.. I do any more and I will have to get this thread moved to the Builds section

BlueXJ

Howler you could market those BB spacers. They are much nicer than the rubber ones and won't get soft and lose the height. How much was the rubber isolater? It and your weled up pieces for say around $50 and you are still gonna make a profit to pay for your time.

Howler_GT

I am looking into producing them. The use of the CNC Mill at work is ok w/shop foreman as it is a fairly "new" machine and any practice (on work time or not) is smiled upon. So off work-time practice is really liked.

My rear shocks came in today.
I removed the plastic packaging retainer and let it extend.
WOW Thems long suckers.

It is starting to rain. No garage to work in.
Well that has never stopped me before.
Alot easier than changing a TH350 in 18" (and accumulating) of snow. At least I don't get frost-bite and don't have to shovel it out to work on it.

On the slate for this long holiday weekend:

Change: Both rear leafs. Both rear shocks and transfer the barpins. Install QuadraTech's longer bumpstops (have to drill and tap broken bolts) If time permits--install a 3/4"-1" TC drop.

SAD NEWS: Our favorite digital camera has left us.
The beloved JamCam has been with us for many years and has given us nothing but great pictures. It was recently forgotten, by yours truly, on the roof of our 94 Sport one fateful Sunday morning and was thrown off at 45MPH.
JamCam survived the ordeal but has succum to its injuries and passed away early last night. You shall be missed my friend.
There will be a short grieving period while we attempt to gain funds for a replacement.

In other words:
Sorry guys. I am not gonna have pics for awhile. Camera took a sh**.

Howler_GT

Well, 15 minutes into changing ONE rear leaf, I was looking for my snow shovel.


A little good news/bad news.

GOOD NEWS: 2" blocks came out easy as did the lower shock mount.
BAD NEWS: Front bolt stopped "coming out"
GOOD NEWS: Spins freely and turns.
BAD NEWS: Stuck in inner sleeve.
GOOD NEWS: I can almost get front of spring out, have to cut bolt and twist.
BAD NEWS: Can't get UPPER shackle bolt out.
GOOD NEWS: LOWER bolt is loose and almost out.
BAD NEWS: Won't come out all the way..crappy hitch in way.
GOOD NEWS: Wanted to get rid of Class 2 hitch
BAD NEWS: Bolt behind bumper won't come out.
GOOD NEWS: Already have grinder w/ cut-off wheel.
BAD NEWS: Starting to rain...hard. Brake line pulled tight...too tight
GOOD NEWS: Old out, NEW in. Stopped raining. Unbolted brake line from axle.
BAD NEWS: Rear axle shifted rearward from floor jacking.
GOOD NEWS: Chain and come-along...got it lined up and bolted down.
BAD NEWS: Ran out of ambient light. Started raining AGAIN
GOOD NEWS: Tightened everything up (swaybar too) Put tire on.
BAD NEWS: Way past dinnertime....I am starving, wet and real dirty.
GOOD NEWS: Little woman said she'll run to McD's
BEST NEWS: She said she would buy.

Started at 5:30. Put last tool away at 8:15. Don't even have shock installed.
Good thing I can use the Laredo tomorrow to go to work.

Howler_GT

Ok taking a little break from work to get a smoke and something to drink.

What I have gotten accomplished so far today:

Hardware store run first thing. Picked up (2) Grade 8 9/16 x4" bolts (2 washers, lock and nut too) for rear of springs.
Finished removing the derelict Class 2 receiver.
Removed passenger's side spring WITH NO PROBLEMS.
Used old rear bolt (wire wheeled and anti-siezed) to install new spring pack.
Have spring all mounted in and even took time to trim the longer u-bolts.
Broke of both shock bolts on passenger's side.
Removed all my tools from the rear and pulled up carpeting (found holes galore)
Drilled thru center hole in shock mount.
Oriented myself inside w/ step-drill in cordless
Gauged where old bolts would be and drilled away.
Only off by a little bit. But step-drill can cut sideways.
15mm socket hammered onto welded nuts. Breakerbar and SNAP. No more broken bolts.
Trip to hardware store for (4) 3/8 full thread bolts 2 1/4" long/ 8 standard nuts and 16 5/16 washers (5/16 washers are snug on threads and make installing from underside easier)
Pushed bolt w/ washer in topside hole.
Threaded nut w/washer underneath (pushing them as far away from each other as possible)
Took old shock and ground top bushing hoop to release the barpin.
Took new shock (92 Commanche) and pressed barpin in using a couple sockets and the bench vise.
Squeezed my fat butt under for last time on this side and installed the shock.
Had to put nut on the ends of bolt and use socket w/ 3/8 breakerbar to make some room between the two new mounting bolts so the barpin could slide in. (Pulled sideways and slightly bent bolts.)

All thats left to do is:
1. Button-up the driver's side w/ new hardware, new shock mounts and new shock.
2. Install the 3/4" TC drop. I have (8) 2"x2"x3/8" stainless steel plates (scavenged from work) that I drilled a 9/16" hole in the center of, for use as my TC drop spacer.
3. Install 1 more stock coil spring insulator in the front-end (just to even things out a bit/ waiting for rear springs to settle-in) and install the new Front shocks (96 ZJ w/ UpCounrty Package) At least I don't have to make another hardware store run as the Monroe SensaTrac shocks have new lower mounting hardware.

Im tired but feeling quite good.

BlueXJ

Sounds like you have has fulfilling day and it just is 3:30pm you still have a lot of daylight left.

Howler_GT

Yes.
And now its 5:30 and have the entire rear leaf spring swap finished.
With the exception of the TC drop...that is NEXT.

I have a lead on a nice SYE that uses a custom fixed yoke (Basically a hackNtap set up) and I can use a stock FRONT driveshaft. Gonna need something.
Went to spin the Sport around in driveway and all I felt was d/s shake.
Is that normal RIGHT AFTER springs?

BTW: I can fit 2 fists between tire and w/w. I am counting on some settling.
If not I better start fabbing a heavy rear bumper.

muddeprived

Might wanna check this out:
http://www.performanceoffroadcenter....adecc150b6a574

That's what i got. Best damn deal i could find.