WRITE UP: Bone yard 3.5"-4" XJ lift!

this is not my original thought but rather a collection of research I have done online...


Parts needed

front coils

89-97 T-bird/Cougar springs V6 or V8, either will work... but the v8 is a little stiff (cost around $20 or less at the bone yard...

notes: you will need to make a coil adapter or mod the coil bucket top from the donor T-bird

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=68842

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rear lift...

there are a few cheap options for this...

option 1 (the cheapest) : S10 bastard pack

pros: CHEAP!

cons: could be a little more flexy, can be a little rough, but not too bad

cost: around $30 for donor leafs, up to $60 for hardware (u bolts, center pin, spring clamps)


Option 2 (flexy beast): XJ/XJ bastard pack, with autozone $30 shackle

notes: similar to the S10 bastard pack but not as much lift in the spring, and has a longer shackle, as a result it will FLEX like mad!

cost: $30 more than the s10 bastard pack

http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/s10-springs-bastard-pack-1380/


http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=204654_0_0_

NOTES: your leaf springs and shackle bolts should be tightened with your Jeep on the ground! and should only be torqued to around 65 ft/lbs

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Shocks:

Jeep JK Rubicon shocks

cost: free-$50 take off

these are good for 2"-5" maybe more with extensions or bar pin eliminators

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now you need to worry about tuning the front end

problem 1 your caster is WAY OFF!!!

this is fixed by shimming the lower control arms... shims can be made from metal and can be stacked... they can also be found in XJs in the bone yard

however, stock arms will limit your front axle down travel, as a result you might want to clearance the axle side lower control arm mount, or get a set of after market lower control arms...

NOTE: a better option would be new lower control arms that are adjustable, or at the very least lengthened, cost can very... expect to pay around $130 for a set of fixed control arms for 3-4 lift

cheap option for control arms are WJ rear LCA... they are tough and can be modded to different lengths with very little work


Problem 2: front axle shift

easy fix... and if you lifted your Jeep then you do have it...

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoTrackbar.htm


Problem 3: Alignment

easy to do at home

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAlignment.htm


you might have some rear drive line vibes... if so you need to shim the rear axle and install a transfer case drop...

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoTCdrop.htm


you will also need longer brake lines: brake lines from 95 yj (front) 96 dakota (rear)

if you are looking to go above 4" you could do the s10 pack and a shackle, as well as a coil spacer on to of the front springs...

however you will have no choice but to get lower control arms, anything over 5" and you have to get uppers as well...

you also will need a new track bar and it would be best to go double shear

there will also be issues with the rear drive line, you will need a slip yoke eliminator...

it also seems that you can use JK REAR upper control arms as front upper control arms for our XJs

Thanks... see junk yard upgrades thread