So, if your rear was sagging, and wanted 2" above stock what would you do

[mattyblazer]

Hi,
I am looking to lift up 2" to 3", my springs in the back are shot, so leafs are a good idea, add a leaf is good if I get 2 years out of it, right now the jeep has skyjackers holding the back where I want it, but I would like the suspension to do that.
The Jeep is 2001, and is getting bumpers this week so I'm trying to figure out the most cost effective move here.

[Brasscatz]

Most cost effective will probably be using shackles and possible a lift block, or building a bastard pack leaf spring from something like an S10.

[abebehrmann]

Most cost effective will probably be using shackles and possible a lift block, or building a bastard pack leaf spring from something like an S10.

Yeah, I think you should be able to get around 2'' of lift by using the bottom 3 leaves from the s10 pack in place of your stock bottom 3. Should only need the s10 leaf packs and new centering pins. Total cost would prob be ~$50.

[07Negative]

A bastard pack or new leafs. I wouldn't do a shackle on beat leafs. It'll make ur situation worse & it's lipstick on a pig kinda situation.

[4.3LXJ]

One full length leaf from the S10 rear spring should do it.

[mattyblazer]

what about buying one? which one would you buy?

[4.3LXJ]

You should try for any of them that offer a full length add a leaf. Stay away fromn the short ones. We don't usually say Google is your friend but if you google "cherokee add a leaf" you will have more choices than you want. However Rubicon Express has a good reputation for their stuff

[nickyg]

When my wife's rear started sagging I suggested a lil diet and exercise. It's hard to type with broken fingers and black eyes.
All jeep stock springs will eventually sag. mine had a 1 inch droop in it. I did the s10 bastard pack and pretty happy with it. I added 1 s10 leaf and I got almost 2 inches of lift.

[Brasscatz]

When my wife's rear started sagging I suggested a lil diet and exercise. It's hard to type with broken fingers and black eyes.
All jeep stock springs will eventually sag. mine had a 1 inch droop in it. I did the s10 bastard pack and pretty happy with it. I added 1 s10 leaf and I got almost 2 inches of lift.

Lol I was waiting for somebody to go there

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

[denverd1]

New leafs or bastard pack with a shackle

[NW99XJ]

:nothingtoadd:

All good info here for the most part.
If you are looking for the best of the best replacement leaf springs, go with either Deaver or Old Man Emu.
Deaver will have more options and are built to order (iirc)
Old Man Emu springs USED TO BE of some of the highest quality and best performing that money could buy. Rumors are starting to circulate that they're made in china now...

If you ARE on a tight budget, there is a ton of advice out there on how to build a bastard pack.
Basically using parts of leaf spring packs from other vehicles to assemble your own. (S-10's, MJ's, Rangers, Etc... all have the same width of spring as an XJ)
Keep in mind when doing this, you'll most likely have to replace the center pin/bolt. Also removal of the shackles can be tricky if your jeep has seen salted roads...
rust will force you to replace a lot of hardware.

I would definitely stay away from putting shackles on any sagging leaf set.
And of course, you'll want to avoid lift blocks like the plague.
Both of these solutions will net you the lift height you're looking for, but will put undue strain/stress on the leafs themselves, or promote axle wrap... both of which will net you more breakage than anything.

By the sounds of it, you've already made your mind up to replace the leaf springs, and this is a good direction to go.
Your budget will dictate just HOW you go about doing this.
One last hing I would recommend, is when you R&R a shackle and leaf spring assembly, its a good idea to replace the worn, and what will most likely be corroded leaf spring eye bolts.
Swapping in some new ones (with a little anti-seize) will make this project a lot easier in the long run.
When I did mine, I used the bolt kit from Jack-it. (http://www.jackit.com/suspension-parts/leaf-springs-and-components/spring-eyebolt-kits/jac1022.html)
http://www.jackit.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/j/a/jac1022.jpg

[denverd1]

you could always lower the front and put a big sound system in it. And add some 26" rims. :smiley-scared003:

[Cheromaniac]

So, if your rear was sagging, and wanted 2" above stock what would you do

Take viagra and go to the gym. ;) I'm sure the wife would be very happy. :D

[4.3LXJ]

Take viagra and go to the gym. ;) I'm sure the wife would be very happy. :D

But not in that order. It would be embarrassing :keegirl:

[Brasscatz]

But not in that order. It would be embarrassing :keegirl:

Lol, it's not polite to point at people at the gym, eh? Especially an all guys gym

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 because my microwave couldn't do it

[denverd1]

there's a johnny knoxville skit in there somewhere....

[mattyblazer]

Thanks for all the answers, I think I want to replace with new or rebuilt.
Hunting down a good deal gets confusing, any preferences with sellers?

[cpttuna]

On my 99, I went with new heavy duty rear springs and a budget boost from Teraflex. I also put the good Monroe shocks on.

[jimmixj]

I can't help it! Every time I go to new posts and see that headline pop up I think of what ANY stand-up comedian would do with that question.:smiley-laughing021: It really brings out the juvenile in me! Not that that little bastard has to travel far to get out, just ask my wife or better yet my ex!

[Mudderoy]

Hi,
I am looking to lift up 2" to 3", my springs in the back are shot, so leafs are a good idea, add a leaf is good if I get 2 years out of it, right now the jeep has skyjackers holding the back where I want it, but I would like the suspension to do that.
The Jeep is 2001, and is getting bumpers this week so I'm trying to figure out the most cost effective move here.

Yep shackles, but in the near long run leaf replacement. It will just get worse with time.

[mattyblazer]

I think I'm going with this for now, then change or rearc later
Rubicon Express RE1410 2.5" Add-A-Leaf for Jeep XJ

[mattyblazer]

Rough Country 670N2 - 3-inch Suspension Lift Kit with Premium N2.0 Series Shocks for Jeep: Cherokee XJ 4WD : Amazon.com : Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41uVKYj70ZL.@@AMEPARAM@@41uVKYj70ZL

Rough Country 670N2 - 3-inch Suspension Lift Kit with Premium N2.0 Series Shocks

is this any good, price is right

[XJ Wheeler]

Since your rear leaf springs are already sagging it would be best to replace with new leaf packs, if you can swing the added cost.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[mattyblazer]

If I can put something decent together for under $500 delivered i'm all over it. I am just looking for some ground clearance for water snow etc

[XJ Wheeler]

If I can put something decent together for under $500 delivered i'm all over it. I am just looking for some ground clearance for water snow etc

I bet you can find that same kit with full packs for around $100 more. Although shipping may be a little more too.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[mattyblazer]

I got Amazon prime, they usually have whatever I need with free second day shipping

[XJ Wheeler]

Seems they want to raise the price a good bit for kits with full leaf packs to over $500. But you could get the kit you listed and add some springs. These Rubicon Express leaf springs are cheap enough you would come in under $500 by about $40 plus you could sell the add a leafs to make back some.

Rubicon Express RE1463 3.5" Leaf Spring for Jeep XJ:Amazon:Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/217ihCiVonL.@@AMEPARAM@@217ihCiVonL

Just a thought...

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[mattyblazer]

Seems they want to raise the price a good bit for kits with full leaf packs to over $500. But you could get the kit you listed and add some springs. These Rubicon Express leaf springs are cheap enough you would come in under $500 by about $40 plus you could sell the add a leafs to make back some.

Rubicon Express RE1463 3.5" Leaf Spring for Jeep XJ:Amazon:Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006GJKFHW?cache=a12596f8ac6ff74582cebb9eb18aa007# ref=mp_s_a_1_1&qid=1393788274&sr=8-1)

Just a thought...

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.
is rubicon express ok? and I was looking to max out at 3", will 3.5 require adapters for steering or the drive train?

[4.3LXJ]

No, you will be fine. Have fun

[XJ Wheeler]

is rubicon express ok? and I was looking to max out at 3", will 3.5 require adapters for steering or the drive train?

Rubicon Express is actually one of the better brands. I've had one of their 4.5" kits on mine for nine years, and still have all their parts, no problems.

The only difference will be that it may set a little higher in the back. You don't have to go with these, Rough Country (or another brand) may have their leaf springs cheaper, or at least comparably priced. I more so just wanted to give you the suggestion that you can piece the rest together, and may even put a better performing system together.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[mattyblazer]

I'm just trying to cover the bases, the most of the driving will be on the roads, recently I was driving in a significant snow storm, although there was no problem, I would feel better if I was just a little higher without air shocks

[XJ Wheeler]

I'm just trying to cover the bases, the most of the driving will be on the roads, recently I was driving in a significant snow storm, although there was no problem, I would feel better if I was just a little higher without air shocks

For sure, and the way you're going about it is just about the best (replacing springs instead of spacers and such). 3" will still have similar driving characteristics as stock so you should be good with a little more altitude.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[mattyblazer]

I've been down this road with fords and chevys, I just know that these forums can be a great help with user experience

[XJ Wheeler]

I've been down this road with fords and chevys, I just know that these forums can be a great help with user experience

No doubt, i've learnt tons from this place!

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[mattyblazer]

Now I'm thinking S-10 bastard pack for the back? Lots of youtube video on it
What years work?

[4.3LXJ]

Any of them with rear leaves