Hypothetical question here. If I were to get this MJ I'm looking at with a D35 and were to swap a Chrysler 8.25" from an XJ into it could I just use an XJ lift kit? Seems to work in my head but I'm not too sure on the leaf springs. Anyone done this before?

 

its not bolt in mj's come spring under the axle so to put an xj axle in you would have to weld new spring perches under the axle or you could put the axle under the springs like an xj and lift the front to match
edit:also the mj leafs are longer and the center pin is farther back so no xj springs wont work

 

 

Exactly what I was looking for. So I take it that they mount up just the same then? Just S.O.A. instead of S.U.A. This should be interesting. If i get get it i will post a full build on it.

 

i edited my top post they wont bolt up

 

Mostly, just need the longer shocks/ brakeline because it ends up being a pretty decent lift.

You may need a degree shim though, as I'm not totally sure on the pinion angle you end up with

 

i think the mj leafs are 1.5" longer off the top of my head so xj springs wont even reach the other mounting hole and i think the center pin is also about 1.5" farther back too on mj springs so xj springs just wont work either way so u can go spring under for lift but just not with xj springs might be able to do a mj bastard pack ??

 

Im talking about having an MJ with anx XJ rear axle and XJ suspension. If the XJ springs are shorter I can always do a longer shackle i would assume. I'm sure someone has done this here..

 

Ok, just to restate some of what has already been said. MJ leaf springs will NOT work in a XJ beacuase they are to long. XJ leaf springs will NOT work in a MJ because they are to short. Longer shackles will not help you use the XJ springs in the MJ.

Replace the centering pin on the MJ springs so that it will properly locate the leaf springs in a SOA configuration . Bolt the 8.25 in with some new u-bolts and it will net between 3.5 to 4.5 inches of lift in the rear depending on how worn out the MJ springs are. Now lift the front with the proper components to match the amount of lift you get by doing the spring over swap in the rear.

Additional parts that may be needed:
Longer brake lines
Longer shocks
Shims for the rear axle
Transfer case drop or SYE
Adjustable front control arms, upper and lower
Adjustable track bar

Suggestion, buy a 4.5 AAL kit with everything you need. Use all of the front pieces and resell the AALs.