help properly re-doing my rear 4.5 lift

erykv1 · Mar 5, 2015

Hello

,

I bought a cherokee not too long ago, not knowing 100% about lifts. I was told it had a 4.5" rough country lift kit on it. The front checks out, but the rear of my XJ looks like this:

From what I can tell, its a spacer, stock leaf springs(?) and some sort of a shackle relocation bracket.

Currently I don't have any issues with it, but I would like to do a proper full leaf setup before it sags over time. After some rough searching I have found two alternatives:

Rustys 4.5" Leaf Springs
Rubicon Express 3.5" Leaf Springs (they lift higher than advertised?)

I'm open for any suggestions. I'm just afraid of buying rear leaf's and it lifting higher than the front giving a weird raked look. Would I keep that shackle relocation bracket or remove it?

Thanks in advance for any help/advice!

mako my day · Mar 5, 2015

re 3.5 will be perfect.

ehall · Mar 5, 2015

RE 3.5 will sit high so you will need stock height shackles to go with them

If you want to keep the shackles you could get some lighter 3" leafs, like RC or OME or something

erykv1 · Mar 5, 2015

from what I've read, the 3.5" RE leafs actually lift 4.5" (or more) but I am not sure how they will sit w/ the shackle drop I have (as ehall mentioned)

steveareno · Mar 5, 2015

Have a telephone conversation with Dirk at DPG Off Road (you can find them on the web or a search on this site). There are several questions to address, e.g.; how high, SYE?, degree wedges? length of brake lines, front springs, bump stops, what size tires? If you change tire size, what about gearing?, etc.

The issues and new parts is almost endless, and you need to make a plan of use, tire size and lift height; these are the core of the plan and every thing else will evolve around those decisions. If you change one thing, you will most likely change many.

You are already modified, and you need a complete list of existing modifications and modifications that need replacement.

Also a search for this site of lifts, lift height, OME and RE would be valuable to you.

erykv1 · Mar 5, 2015

steveareno said:
Have a telephone conversation with Dirk at DPG Off Road (you can find them on the web or a search on this site). There are several questions to address, e.g.; how high, SYE?, degree wedges? length of brake lines, front springs, bump stops, what size tires? If you change tire size, what about gearing?, etc.

The issues and new parts is almost endless, and you need to make a plan of use, tire size and lift height; these are the core of the plan and every thing else will evolve around those decisions. If you change one thing, you will most likely change many.

You are already modified, and you need a complete list of existing modifications and modifications that need replacement.

Also a search for this site of lifts, lift height, OME and RE would be valuable to you.

there is currently no SYE but a transfercase drop, that is next on the list of things to do / replace. I want to fix the lift first because I believe the CV length will change depending on the rear lift (distance from the transferacse to the center of the u-joint cap on the diff yoke).

thanks for the reply.

Kittrell · Mar 6, 2015

erykv1 said:
there is currently no SYE but a transfercase drop, that is next on the list of things to do / replace. I want to fix the lift first because I believe the CV length will change depending on the rear lift (distance from the transferacse to the center of the u-joint cap on the diff yoke).

thanks for the reply.

If the driveshaft angle changes, it will not likely be in your favor.

It might be good to look at the overall picture as far as what lift components are actually on the Jeep. It could be more in your favor just to replace the whole lift. I would start there. Lets talk about what is actually on the rig (front to back) and what you are looking for out of your lift.

Johnnie Walker · Mar 6, 2015

OME HD leafs, HDOR bolt in shackle relocator brackets and maybe current shackle. Pending what you need/want lift wise.

bentroia · Mar 7, 2015

My experience...

1997 Country, Old Man Emu CS033RB rear springs provided 4 inches of lift. A year later the center of wheel to fender measures 21 and 1/2 inches. The ride is firm, and it drives great fully loaded. Empty is also rides great, controlled, and on the firm side, not at all harsh. This is with the Old Man Emu Sport long shocks.

I am pleased with it. A great balance between handling - load capacity - comfort. This set up may not flex as much as a softer spring. I have not done any RTI measures.

Rear brake line extension is needed. Also, longer bump stops may be needed depending on tire size and fenders (pre-post 97 - mods ect).

help properly re-doing my rear 4.5 lift

erykv1

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mako my day

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ehall

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erykv1

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steveareno

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erykv1

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Kittrell

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Johnnie Walker

Piece of Fish!

bentroia

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