But I'm the captain

First thread ever so go easy on me
Looking into replacing the worn out suspension on my stock 97 Cherokee sport. I'm happy with the stock height but it seems to be close to the same price for a small lift as it is for stock replacement suspension parts so I thought why not? I've done a LOT of extensive research on the subject as I've never done this before, but as my search gets more specific it becomes harder to find answers. So far I've settled on this kit http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-630x.html

I'm also getting an adjustable track bar and a new steering stabilizer through rough country as well.
My tires right now are 235/75R15 probably keeping them for a while as they're pretty new. I'm going to measure the bump stop height after install. Correct me if I'm wrong but i shouldn't need a SYE kit for 3" lift?
Now my question is regarding the leaf shackles, my stock ones have worn out bushings so I'm replacing them anyway. Would I benefit from having a different length or angle from stock? More specifically with this setup? And is there anything else I should consider or know about before starting this project? It's my daily driver so I want everything I'm going to need to get it done right the first time.
Thanks for all input, I just want to get my facts straight before investing time and money in a lift that I technically don't really need.

Rogue4x4

Normally I don't respond to threads like this anymore, but I'm hoping to talk some sense into you. What kind of "extensive research" have you done? The RC kit AND trackbar are notorious pieces of junk. You can piece together a kit of higher quality for not much money. Don't be lured in by price. When modifying your ride, you get out of it what you put into it. I suggest researching a bit more. As far as an SYE, every ride is different. You may need it, you may not, if you have driveline vibes, then address it. Some other questions you should be asking...do you off-road? If so, how much? What kind of terrain? Plan on going taller in the future? Bigger tires someday? I highly suggest you re-think your plan, it will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. $0.02

XJlimitedx99

I would recommend a 1.5" lift, as opposed to the 3"

Fred/N0AZZ

Avoid the RC lift kits look at something like the Rustys Off Road 3" full spring/leaf lift good quality American made springs and leafs (just over $400). The RC's tend to sag in a very short time if you do a search here you will see quite few posts on it. All entry level kits what your really paying for is the springs/leafs the shocks are all cheap ones no matter whose kit you buy.

I based my 4 1/2" off of the above kit but bought new front springs, on the rear I wanted to use shackles for the 1 1/2" lift there. Besides the track bar you "may" need shims for the rear differential (my preference) or a transfer case drop kit.

holycaveman

Yea well I have different ideas on all this.

But we really need to know what you are doing. I have installed tons of rc lifts with no problems. Except junk shocks in my opinion. Most all these are on mall crawlers. With a dirt road every now and then. However to be quite honest the vast majority of jeep owners are light off roaders at best.

Then you have fads and trends enough to make your head hurt.

So it sounds like to me you are looking for an excuse to install a lift and not really caring if you ever see dirt. And this is fine.

But as some have said you need to plan your future, it may save you money.

For me it purely off road with an occasional "see my cool jeep" and I sneak through town.

And I am running crappy pieced together suspension. However it works well and has been reliable. Don't ever see myself getting an adjustable track bar or full pack of leafs in the rear. Shoot my jeep does not weigh enough to make use of them.

Anyways. Give is some more info. It would help.

Rogue4x4

Wait...let me guess....block it and rock it? LOL

Bottom line is this: What is he going to be doing with it? You may have installed many RC lifts, that doesn't mean they're any good. Notorious for poor fit, bad ride, sagging quickly, and so on. And I'm not just someone to bash a company, but any and all personal experience I've had with RC has been ALL bad.
That said, if it's just gonna be a streeter, yes, a cheaper lift will do the job. But you'll sacrifice something. Ride quality. Maybe some premature component replacement. Lower price means lower quality. There's the right way of doing things, and the right now way of doing things. After personal experience, I choose the right way, for the situation. OP, ask yourself the questions you need to be asking, and weigh the benefits of the choices you make.

holycaveman

Blocks are for people who know. For those that don't it's only a credit card away.


But without confusing the op. More information would be nice.

There is a lot of knowledge here and the more details you can give us the better we can help you.

salad

RC trackbars are ****ing dangerous and should not be sold... Sad to say but it probably won't be until someone actually dies that that changes.

I am an RC lift owner. The shocks are indeed crap. 3" coil springs are decent, but really, they're pretty hard to screw up lol. It's good that you've at least decided on full replacement leaf springs.

Replacing shackles and all hardware is wise. Especially if you live near rust.

Methinks you have some more research to do. You really do get what you pay for, and paying bottom dollar is never a wise investment.

Rogue4x4

You crack me up sometimes. Yeah we all know you run blocks, and praise the bejeebuz out of doing so, then state yourself you have excessive axle wrap. People who know don't run blocks, if they do any amount of offroading, present company excluded. Yes you can run them. Yes you can take them offroad. You might even make it through the trail and drive it home. But the toll it takes on your rig, full springs are much better hands down. I know you disagree. It's ok. You are entitled to your wrong opinion, LOL...

In all seriousness, though, I agree with you, we need more info from the OP.

JerrytheJeep

Let its know when you snap a spring, and what you replace it with.

holycaveman

You obviously have not seen my videos.


Alright fellows. Let's stay on topic here.

I am going to start an axle wrap thread probably tonight . It should be fun. And maybe in the process all of us may learn a thing or two.

Rogue4x4

I've seen them. Good driving. Doesn't change the fact that blocks aren't the wise choice for a lift on an offroad rig. Looking forward to your thread. Curious as to how you're going to measure the difference in axle wrap from blocks to springs. Before and after vids with a GoPro underneath, with plainly visible lines marking the different points of the wrap would be kinda cool.

Also, discussing the options of blocks, AAL and full spring is very relevant to the OP's thread. Still we need more input from him to advise what might be the best for him in his situation.

JerrytheJeep

Get a digital magnetic angle finder and put it on the leaf plate. Go pro the angle finder and do some acceleration tests. Just make sure the angle finder isnt affected by sudden accelerations.

Rogue4x4

Excellent idea!

But I'm the captain

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Sorry I haven't replied earlier, I'm working nights this week and I just woke up.
When I said I have done extensive research I meant that I've never even owned a rear wheel drive vehicle before and I didn't want to ask obvious questions on a new thread so I've spent the last week or so scouring different forums and websites learning things from simple terminology to more technical things like how shackle length affects spring rate. So by all means I don't think I know everything otherwise I wouldn't be posting here lol

It's funny how you guys don't seem to like rc spension, other places I've read it seems to be quite popular. But I'm open to suggestions on that.

Anyway as for things I would be doing with it. Honestly nothing I wouldn't be doing with a stock setup with the 235/75R15 tires I have on it. I've taken it down trails for hunting before and yes I came across some areas that a lifted mud tired jeep would have gotten me through. But I was perfectly happy with the way it is now except for the fact that the rear leafs are starting to look like small W's.

With all that said if you guys can recommend somewhere to get a good set of stock replacement suspension parts for a good price I'd be happy with that. I live in canada so make sure the companies you suggest ship here. Like I said earlier the small lift kits seemed to be similar in price or not much more as a stock kit so I figured why not?