need a lift...

[smoser1122]

I want to put a lift on my jeep yj. I am thinking 3-4 inches to start. I dont know where to get started. I am looking for some ideas on what is the best way to go about this? Which one should i buy? I need one that is fairly easy to install, I dont have a ton of tools. And I want to get this done in the next two weeks. The Jeep is down and out from WP this weekend, but could be up and running in a day or so. I dont want to drop a ton of money on this prodject, but dont want to get a crappy product. I have been researching for two days and dont know whether to go with a full suspesion lift or shackles with a body lift, or a add a leaf system... as you can see i am at a crossroads and would like the insight of people who know about this stuff. I would appreciate any insight, seriously any!! Thanks guys. :weld:  :zoooom:

[luvmyxj]

buying a lift mainly deals with budget.this kit seems reasonable,i don\'t think i\'ve ever heard anything bad about rubicon express.
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/SuspensionSystems/Product.aspx?part=RE5515
installing usually takes a decent set of sockets,a jack ,jack stands,pb blaster and a breaker bar, angle grinder or sawzall for more stubborn bolts.
you could do a spring over which is the cheapest, but its a ongoing debate weather it should be done or not.

[smichaelR22]

first question: why do you want a lift?

more clearance?
bigger tires?
rubing issues?
just the look?
do you plan to go bigger later?

[MrMindless]

If you want 3-4\", a springover will get you more than you want.  It\'ll lift you the axle tube plus spring plate plus spring pack thickness so you\'re looking at 5\" or so.  That\'s absolutely the route I\'d go on a budget though.  springover and 35-36\".

Otherwise new springs is really the way to go unless yours are really saggy and whipped.  add-a-leaf setups are usually pretty stiff.  smike can tell you about that.  paul I think had pretty good luck with those add a leafs on whipped stock springs though.

[jeepfd16]

Ive always liked the spring over for someone on a budget.

[smichaelR22]

i cheated and put short add-leafs in my CJ 4\" lift springs so the add a leaf arc matched the 4\" arc.  after 2 years, they have settled quite nicely in the rear, and are just a little limited in the front.  scrambler was a bastard pack that got it done sprung over with tired 4\" springs.

[smoser1122]

I guess i am going to do a spring over. I am trusting your expertise. Are there any surprises I should know about with the spring over? Will I need to change the length of my drive-shaft? And should i get longer shocks? I am buying a springover right now and will keep you guys informed of my progress, and of course I am going to ask questions. To answer your question smichael, I am getting a lift for two reasons. One is obviously the look. And two, on sunday i got hungup twice and don\'t want that to happen again.:-D  :-D



Ok here is the deal. i have been reading alot on SOA\'s and the main thing i keep hearing is that I need to install a SYE $200 and a CV driveshaft swap $310 on top of the $310 kit. I saw a rough country 4\" kit that list for $449+$70 shipping. Am I just missing something here? Do I not need all that stuff for the SOA? $500 does not seem bad for new springs and shocks, with all the hardware needed including the brake line relocation parts. Anyone think this might be good? I am just up in the air cause the reviews are mixed, most are really happy. The people that aren\'t, expected too much I think.

[Wingman]

I\'d go with longer brake lines so that you don\'t have to relocate mounting.  Longer shocks will be necessary.  The SYE will be a huge benefit for multiple reasons.

In general, the SOA is more work intensive than an out-of-the-box spring lift.  That\'s where you \"save $\" if you are doing the labor yourself.  If this is your first stab, keep things simple.

[Ryan_25]

You will most likely have to change some steering components with a spring over. And you will need a sye and CV shaft with a spring over or drop the t-case down a inch or two.

Longer shocks should also be installed.

[smichaelR22]

i still didnt hear a tire size that he wants to go too....

[meangreen]

I did a spring swap on my cj and I like it. The only draw backs that I can see is that when you first get the new springs they will be stiff until they settle in (about a year) and the other problem is that the springs will hang up on stuff on the trail. but with a good set of 33\" and a 4\" lift you will be suprised at what you would be able to do.

this is what I would put in becuse it comes with everything you need.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/87-96-Jeep-YJ-Wrangler-4-Rough-Country-Lift-Kits_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem20ac3029a1QQitemZ140327791009QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[smoser1122]

Thanks again guys. The product you were pointing out on ebay is the one I was looking at. I am probally going to keep my 30\'s on for a while til I have more funds. Then posibally 33\'s or I\'ll go with a body lift too and fit some 35\'s under there. I am taking the steps slow, I just want to do something now that I have the money. As you all know, I will want to do more and find more things to do down the road.



Greece isn\'t so bad!

[smoser1122]

Just an update, I did purchase a lift kit today. I bought a rough country 4\" suspension lift. I upgraded the shocks with nitro shocks. And along with it I purchased lift shackles, only 1 1/4\", but I think it will add that little bit extra that makes all the difference in the world. The kit should be here in the next couple days, I will keep you guys informed of my progress as we go along.

[Wingman]

The biggest difference will come when you put a good set of tires on it.  Traction is paramount.

Hope your install goes easy.

[gCracker]

I would stay away from the extended shackles until you actually need them. The extended length can cause wierd steering issues and cause more instability. It would be worth upgrading to a stronger set of shackles if they are not includedin the kit