Need some suspension help

I'm ready to replace my Jeep's suspension, but I've got some questions that hopefully can be answered. First off, I'd like to find something that's pretty close to stock, but will allow me to run my 31 and occasionally the 33 inch tires without hitting the body. I'm pretty satisfied with the height it's at now, so is there any way to tell what it has now? Would I need a lift to run the 31's or 33's? What about shackles? For a Jeep that's mainly going to be driven on the street, is it necessary to get the ones with a welded brace in the center? Are the ones without the brace prone to side-side lean? Can anyone recommend a package that suits my needs and is of good quality? Thanks in advance for the help.

 

X2 on everything Sparky said. I would go for a lift around 2-1/2" and you should be pleased with it.

 

If I'm reading this correctly, a 2 1/2" suspension lift with stock length shackles SUA should let you run 34" tires without rubbing? Does that mean with the same setup but 4" lift you should be able to run 35-36" tires?

 

So the "H" style shackles are the ones with the center support? Is there any gain aside from strength using those over the stock style with a bolt at top and bottom?

Also, what is the stock shackle length?

 

I ran a 4" lift and 33 inch tires for years. You would enjoy the extra height, and wheel travel. A 4 inch lift is not very high. No reason to bother with a 2.5.

 

I like the origional setup best with 2 inch lift shackles. I don't like spring flip's cause mine went negative on me while on-trail and screwed the whole day trying to get back out! I run 33x10.5x15 Mohawk Havok's on my 71 and have no rub problems or bind-ups and I'm strait stock/no lift.

 

Whose shackles do you use?

Thanks to all for your input.

 

Be careful when you pick out your new shackles. If you buy the 'H' style shackles, you may need to modify the side plates if you buy a lift with military wrapped ends. I believe all you need to do is drill a hole between the existing center hole and the end hole. I chose to go with 4WD hardwares HD shackles for $39.99 the will work with thier military wrapped 2.5" lift.

 

Sud/Sparky, A 4" suspension lift is not a significant lift. The only change I made was dropping the transfer case down slightly to ensure the u-joints of the rear driveshaft would not bind at full droop. The front driveshaft is long enough that it never mattered. Steering geometry was also not an issue. Once you break in the springs and start getting a lot of flex on the trail, your glad you have the extra lift to decrease tire rubbing. The extra ground clearance of the body is also very desirable. If you love jeeps, you will eventually find your way off-road more and more. As far as shackle lifts go, remember that if you want to raise a jeep 2", then you must increase the length of your shackles 4". That is a lot of increased length for a shackle, and it makes the jeep drive poorly. Just my opinion.

 

I would pass on the lift shackles. I would do a heavy duty stock length shackle with the center brace. They may even be a tad longer than stock to allow for the brace. I use BDS on Black Jeep and I am very happy with them. I have 2.5 inch BDS lift springs on Black Jeep and it sits very nice. I run both 33/12.50 Swampers and 33/12.50 Pro Comp mud terrains on it with no issues. It has widetrack width axles. I am very satisfied with this combo.

 

What are military wrapped ends and what do they look like?

I think that a 4" lift on my Jeep would just be a little too high. It already sits kind of high right now, IMO. I'd like to be able to put a plow on it during the winter and don't really forsee myself doing any hardcore offroading. Of course, if someone could tell me how high it would sit with stock springs and shackles, I could be persuaded. Ideally, I'd like to get a set of springs that yield a smooth ride and close to stock height (or close to the height it's at now).

To all - How would I tell if I have a lift or what size lift I have??? Spring count is 8-front, 6-rear.

 

Thanks Lynn. Will definitely get some longer bump stops.

In my search for springs, I've found stock replacements from 4WD and also a replacement set from Rancho (part no: 4406K), which could lift the Jeep up to 1". The Rancho kit is cheaper than the other, but they don't mention anything about ride quality. I'm assuming that what I have on the Jeep now is a stock set of springs, possibly with an extra leaf on the front and rear springs for a count of 8-front 6-rear, so I can imagine what the new stock set will ride like. Anyone have the rancho kit I'm talking about?

 

Boyink, did you have any issues with the Rancho 1" kit that prompted you to remove it? How is the ride quality both on and off road; close to stock?

Lynn, thanks for the recommendation. I checked the BDS kit and it appears to be a 2.5" lift kit. I don't think that will work if I want to use the plow this winter.

I'm also looking at replacement springs at Quadratec and 4WD, but the leaf counts are different in the rear. That is, Quadratec offers a 9 leaf rear and 4WD offers a 5 leaf. Both offer a 7 leaf spring for the front, but what do you think about the rears? I've read about people buying replacement springs and then having problems with the Jeep either jacked up in the rear or sitting too low. Have also read about people replacing springs and then feeling as if they'll be thrown from the driver's seat when hitting a bump. I'd like to avoid both situations. Anyone have any comments on that?

TIA.

 

If you really want to stay with leaf springs and do a nice job, consider this. Take the extra steps involved and upgrade to wrangler width springs front and rear.
The advantages are:
1) your springs will be wider and will not wear out and sag so quickly.
2)Your spring bushings will also be wider and bigger and will not wear out so quickly.
3)You can sneak a little bit of extra wheelbase length by positioning your springs differently.
4)Even though you are using wrangler springs, you will have better articulation than a wrangler because your axle spring perches are positioned closer to the center of the axle.
5) if ever you decide to go spring-over, you have already made one necessary change.
6)You will not have to rule out skyjacker softride springs as an option anymore because they last decently well with the wider springs.
7)They don't look as silly as the stock width skinny springs.


Oh, one more recommendation. Don,t waste your time loosening a single bolt for a 1" lift.