Extra lift by modifying axle mounts?

[Root Moose]

I'm sure this isn't a new idea - but I haven't seen/read much about doing it.

What about taking a "lowish" lift like the RE3.5 (or equivalent) and adding another inch to the lift by relocating the front axle brackets up the axle tubes about an inch? I'd be inclined to leave the spring mount in the stock location and run a longer spring - more potential flex, better ride - in theory.

Why am I thinking about this? Coupla reasons...

I'm worried about the ride quality in the daily driver role my XJ sees. I commute about 100mi per day. A lower lift would let the control arms stay closer to stock angles. I know I could do the RE5.5 lift but I don't want to go that high (32x10.5 on 4.5 is my target - max).

My Xj is a 2001 - I have a bare 92 housing (HP, non-disco) to go into it. If I am reconditioning the axle anyway, it shouldn't be a big deal to relocate the brackets while I'm at it. Maybe a weekend's work at the most. I never liked how low the LCA mount was on the axle tube. Hmm, maybe at that point I should make some 4.5 drop brackets...

What do you guys think about moving the axle brackets? With a 3.5" lift should I bother with adjustable LCA and UCAs? Just thinking about placing the axle in the correct location in the wheel well to minimize trimming is all (damn salt belt).

T!

r@m

[Yucca-Man]

I'm sure it's been covered using all the correct technical terms, but moving the control arm mounts on the axles will change your geometry and I'm pretty sure will affect handling. However...if a 4.5" is your goal, why not use Drop Brackets on the frame end of the control arms? They will return your control arm angles to near-stock so you'll have the ride back and still be able to flex. Combining DBs and raised axle mounts just sounds wrong in a number of different ways. Add some skid to the axle end control arm mount and call it good...

[red91]

why not use Drop Brackets on the frame end of the control arms? They will return your control arm angles to near-stock so you'll have the ride back and still be able to flex.

Wouldn't this kinda defeat the purpose of going to 4.5 ? Those brackets hang down about what 2 inches ?? Sounds like you could get snagged up on something with those.

Your friendly neighborhood STALKER ! :worship:

[Bender]

Raising your axle mounts won't give you more lift... it will only change the angles of your control arms.

The springs and their mounting locations are what dictate how much lift you have.

[BrianJr]

I have no experience moving the brackets. However, I have the RE 4.5" superflex lift and it rides at least as well as stock.

Putting the 32" MT's effected the ride a lot more than the lift. I've been told that 16" rims make for a nicer ride than 15" rims but I have not tried that yet.

-Brian

I'm worried about the ride quality in the daily driver role my XJ sees. I commute about 100mi per day. A lower lift would let the control arms stay closer to stock angles. I know I could do the RE5.5 lift but I don't want to go that high (32x10.5 on 4.5 is my target - max).