NewKindOfClown

You're a damn good spotter, especially for a vehicle you've never led before. I think I earned some bragging rights, though

The kit probably comes with a 1" shackle, while the Quadratec sale is only the leaf springs.

dukie564

Thanks, and you certainly did

concealer404

That makes sense.

Any input on what rear leafs to get? I suppose my choices are:

1) Quadratec "heavy duty" http://www.quadratec.com/products/56010_11.htm
2) Rockauto OMIX-ADA "heavy duty"
3) Rancho 1.5"
4) OME "Heavy Load" 2" http://www.quadratec.com/products/16090_5056.htm

Obviously options 1 and 2 would use the Rancho AAL i got, 3 and 4 would not.

Also a little worried about option 4 maybe giving too much rake? Or am i worried too much about the 0.5" difference on paper?

NewKindOfClown

You won't notice a .5" difference, and some people actually prefer to have the rear sit a little higher if they carry tools, a spare tire, etc.

concealer404

Gotcha.

So would you recommend i just go with the OME 2" HD pack? They should fit fine with the Rancho shackles and whatever else i got from the kit, yes?


Apologies for the noob questions, i'm way more at home discussing suspension options for my Miata.

NewKindOfClown

We all start somewhere. I've asked some ridiculously stupid questions on here in the past, and I still do on my Camaro forums cause I don't know jack about IFS or SBCs.
I have no experience with any of those brands/sellers, so i can't really provide much input. I'd imagine they're all pretty similar. Many people will tell you not to use an AAL. I'll say if you need to buy leaf packs, you might as well buy full ones that are designed for the height you want. You will also want to get a longer shackle to maintain a good angle, so a combination of a new full leaf pack and a longer shackle would be my suggestion.

concealer404

Ok, so just to make sure that the Rancho kit comes with a 1" shackle (which would give another 1" of lift, right?) here's a picture. Are they in there? (Ok, that might have been a REALLY dumb question, now that i look closer again.) I'm still not understanding how a 1.5" pack would work in a 2.5" kit based on the picture, which is what arrived to me.

99superjeep01

Lol my tires are taller than a miata.

ebowman85

does anyone know of a decent site like discount tire direct but has the firestone tires? i really wanted to order form them since they have free shipping and free mounting and balancing but i really want the firestone tires...

91chero

Hi everyone. I just put a 4.5 inch RC lift on my XJ. I put new 4.5 leafs on it and what I am seeing is that the front eyes of the leafs have about an inch of wiggle room in there mount. Every time I pull out or back up while turning I hear a moderately loud clunk. Ive had someone watch the springs when I do this and the clunk is coming from there wiggle room in the mount. They slam to the other side and make said sound. I'm wondering if this is a manufacturing error or are all the leaf pack front eyes thinner than stock. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jeep-XJ-Cher...item3cba237d99

this is what I got and who I got it from but as I stated I have full leaf pack not aal

NewKindOfClown

Simple question: Are they mounted in the proper direction? the larger bushing should be at the front, with the smaller bushing in the shackle at the rear.

xj guy

tomorrow will be day four of installing my lift... I know this project is dragging, but once I post pictures you will get an idea of how rusty everything was!

And I cannot describe how good it will feel to be done! I ran into quite a few things that slowed me down -wrong bushings, seized bolts inside bushing sleeves, hand tools, nobody who ever installed a lift before, broken bolts and much much more. But all I have left now is just to put the new leaf packs in (got em all ready to go) I did forget to buy new shackles.... So I'm going to have to put these ones back in for the time being. and then I just have to install the rear shocks and torque everything down.

I have read plenty of threads on how to get new shock bolts in, but how can I get the old one out? The nut inside the frame is spinning and I think we stripped the inner one. can I just cut the head and hammer the bolt into the frame housing and fish a new bolt in?

NewKindOfClown

Best of luck with everything. That's what we did with mine. Broke the rear upper shock bolts, and fished new ones in. Worked like a charm.

concealer404

Mine aren't real far off.

Miata is way more fun to drive either way.

99superjeep01

Personal preference, I love my XJ. But there are definitely times where a zippy little sports car would be fun!