FrankH
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Boulder/Longmont
Hi there, relatively new member here,
I've been slowly gathering parts for a 3" lift on my '98 XJ Classic for some time now, but have yet to decide on a set of springs.
Here are the parts I already have purchased:
31" BFG A/Ts
JKS sway bar disconnects
RE hack and tap SYE
XJ front drive shaft (to use in the rear)
And I am having a local member build me a set of LCAs w/a flex joint on one end and a factory style bushing on the other.
Most of these have been purchased used or from other members to save money, as I'm on a college student's budget, but want to use the best parts possible.
As for shocks, I've run generic white twin tubes on a previous rig and was less than impressed, so I will purchase OME Nitrochargers, Bilsteins, or if money permits, 2.0 FOA emulsions just as soon a i get the springs.
Now, back to the springs.
My main goals are to retain or improve upon factory ride quality, while providing enough lift to clear 31" tires with only minor bumper end cap trimming. Through my research I've found that to do this I will need good shocks as well as a relatively soft spring rates.
Rear: Leaf springs
I've been mostly looking at OME springs, since they seem to be the only ones in this height range that have the level of quality and spring rates I'm looking for. However, most don't provide 3" of lift. From what I've seen, most people get 2-2.5" inches. I don't normally carry much of a load since its my DD, but I don't want it to sag horribly when it is loaded with camping/wheeling gear. Here is the spring rate info for OME leafs:
CS034RA (OMEJC1A) 5 leaves in pack, 148lbs/inch s.r. 230mm free height
CS034RB (OMEJC1B) 5 leaves in pack, 148lbs/inch s.r. 205mm free height
CS035RA (OMEJC2A) 4 + 1 overload, 137/257lbs/in s.r. 235mm free height
CS035RB (OMEJC2B) 4 + 1 overload, 137/257lbs/in s.r. 210mm free height
According to ARB, one "A" spring should be used and one "B" spring should be used to account for the constant weight of the driver.
From what I've read, a lot of people remove the overload leaf in the CS035RA/B packs. Am I right in thinking this will provide a 2.5" lift and a 137 lbs/in spring rate? or would the CS034RA be better for my application? In both cases I will probably eventually add an MJ shackle to get 3"
Front: Coils
There are really only three coil sets on my radar screen, OME930, OME934 and Rusty's 3" coils.
OME 930:
160 lbs/in and avg. lift height of 1.75" (1.25" spacer required for 3")
$149 per pair before shipping
OME 934:
180 lbs/in and avg lift height of 2.5" (.5" spacer required)
$149 per pair before shipping
Rusty's 3":
Available in 150 or 180 lbs/in spring rates and net 3" of lift
$99 before shipping
The 150 lbs/in Rustys seem to be my best bet, since an extra spacer (more $$) wont be required, as well as them being cheaper. But I've heard bad things about Rusty's products, however most Rusty's bashing doesn't involve their springs. But I have heard on one occasion of a guy who actually experimentally measured the rate of a Rusty's coil and found it to be very off. (this was a 8" lift spring however)
This is all just a lot of web wheeling though,
I guess I would just like to know, given all these options, what those of you with more experience than me would recommend for as close to 3" of lift as possible using quality parts that will maintain a good ride quality.
Sorry for the long post...
I've been slowly gathering parts for a 3" lift on my '98 XJ Classic for some time now, but have yet to decide on a set of springs.
Here are the parts I already have purchased:
31" BFG A/Ts
JKS sway bar disconnects
RE hack and tap SYE
XJ front drive shaft (to use in the rear)
And I am having a local member build me a set of LCAs w/a flex joint on one end and a factory style bushing on the other.
Most of these have been purchased used or from other members to save money, as I'm on a college student's budget, but want to use the best parts possible.
As for shocks, I've run generic white twin tubes on a previous rig and was less than impressed, so I will purchase OME Nitrochargers, Bilsteins, or if money permits, 2.0 FOA emulsions just as soon a i get the springs.
Now, back to the springs.
My main goals are to retain or improve upon factory ride quality, while providing enough lift to clear 31" tires with only minor bumper end cap trimming. Through my research I've found that to do this I will need good shocks as well as a relatively soft spring rates.
Rear: Leaf springs
I've been mostly looking at OME springs, since they seem to be the only ones in this height range that have the level of quality and spring rates I'm looking for. However, most don't provide 3" of lift. From what I've seen, most people get 2-2.5" inches. I don't normally carry much of a load since its my DD, but I don't want it to sag horribly when it is loaded with camping/wheeling gear. Here is the spring rate info for OME leafs:
CS034RA (OMEJC1A) 5 leaves in pack, 148lbs/inch s.r. 230mm free height
CS034RB (OMEJC1B) 5 leaves in pack, 148lbs/inch s.r. 205mm free height
CS035RA (OMEJC2A) 4 + 1 overload, 137/257lbs/in s.r. 235mm free height
CS035RB (OMEJC2B) 4 + 1 overload, 137/257lbs/in s.r. 210mm free height
According to ARB, one "A" spring should be used and one "B" spring should be used to account for the constant weight of the driver.
From what I've read, a lot of people remove the overload leaf in the CS035RA/B packs. Am I right in thinking this will provide a 2.5" lift and a 137 lbs/in spring rate? or would the CS034RA be better for my application? In both cases I will probably eventually add an MJ shackle to get 3"
Front: Coils
There are really only three coil sets on my radar screen, OME930, OME934 and Rusty's 3" coils.
OME 930:
160 lbs/in and avg. lift height of 1.75" (1.25" spacer required for 3")
$149 per pair before shipping
OME 934:
180 lbs/in and avg lift height of 2.5" (.5" spacer required)
$149 per pair before shipping
Rusty's 3":
Available in 150 or 180 lbs/in spring rates and net 3" of lift
$99 before shipping
The 150 lbs/in Rustys seem to be my best bet, since an extra spacer (more $$) wont be required, as well as them being cheaper. But I've heard bad things about Rusty's products, however most Rusty's bashing doesn't involve their springs. But I have heard on one occasion of a guy who actually experimentally measured the rate of a Rusty's coil and found it to be very off. (this was a 8" lift spring however)
This is all just a lot of web wheeling though,
I guess I would just like to know, given all these options, what those of you with more experience than me would recommend for as close to 3" of lift as possible using quality parts that will maintain a good ride quality.
Sorry for the long post...
