SOA here I come

OK, I have decided...after much thought and input (much of that unsolicited) from many sources here and elsewhere, I will install a SOA lift on my Jeep. I considered pre-engineered lifts from all the big names (Skyjacker, Superlift, RE, OME, BDS, Pro-Comp, Black Diamond, 4WD, FabTech, and so on and so forth) and LongLeaf springs, YJ springs, shackle reversals, body lifts (nah!) and shackle lifts. I will be doing it this week if the parts come in and will take pictures along the way for those interested. I have researched the pros and cons of them all and think the SOA, if done right is the way to go. Feel free to disagree... And be glad I'm not working on your Jeep. HA HA HA!

 

what ya gonna do with your steering?

 

I disagree, but not if you do it right. Most of the time when I put the fs axles under one they have to be SOA anyway, but those don't get driven on the road. Just make sure you do the steering right, and use some kinda link bars in the rear to hold down on the axle wrap and you should be fine. The one we just built bounces like a basketball in the rear when he is hammering on it, but the rear link bars we're gonna do will take care of that problem.

 

The reason I asked about the steering is that when you go soa, a lot of the time the springs will interfere with the stock drag link and/or tie rod configuration. This often forces the owner to have to go with a hi-steer configuaration which is expensive and requires som machining of knuckles. Most often folks go with the flat-top 44's off of broncos...food for thought...

 

Thanks, I will keep that in mind. I decided to go with a new steering system that should line everything up and clear those springs. I dread taking the thing in to get an alignment. It seems people here have no clue about Jeep stuff. I went into a local 4x4 shop today and forget it. If it's not an F-250 PowerStroke with a 10" Fabtech lift and 20" chrome wheels, your a nobody. I mean come on, what reputable 4x4 shop can't talk Jeep? Who else has this problem? Maybe it's just a Florida thing...

 

I am lucky as far as 4X4 shops here goes. I have three main ones, and they build stuff like this.......

 

The one I use does a lot of custom fabrication. He actually enjoys that more then the bolt on stuff.

 

There's one on Ebay that looks like it's more of a bolt on with options you can add on.

Do a search under CJ6.

High5

 

I'm interested in your progress and any problems that arise. I have been evaluating this same project and was highly considering the long leafs but most of the club members are recommending SOA. I am concerned with the steering clearance with SOA so I will like to hear how yours turns out.

 

I was considering long leafs for a while, but the kit from Holbrook (sp?) seemed a little high for what you get with it. I'm sure you cold piece together your own much cheaper with a little homework. That's what it's all about built it the way you want, add the mods your budget and skill allow, and start wrenching. I had a '97 tj for several years and went through the whole process with that, but after I had spent many thousands of dollars rigging it out, I couldn't afford to thrash it on the trail. Not this time. No rocks here in FL, but I envision mud slinging twenty feet high and as much air between sand dunes as I dare.