going to be swapping a 8.8 into my xj, thinking about throwing another 2'' under it(spacers and blocks) untill the summer when i can get some cash together and buy some bigger leafs and coils. will probably weld the 8.8 at the correct pinion angle so i dont have to use wedges, and have the adjustable control arms up front so angles will be ok.

probably wont wheel it too hard over the winter. just wondering what prolbems to look for? axel wrap? shock prolbems? track bar?

I do plan on buying rustys HD steering upgrade and maybe a locker while i have the thing in the shop

 

Why not just stay at 6"s?

 

ehe, 6" is gettin old, want to eventually have 8" locked sittin on 37's, make all my wrangler friends look small

 

anyone else have an opinion?

 

i dont see a problem with the spacers and blocks thats what im running,but you might want to check out the acos(adjustable coil over spacer)and just throw blocks in the back and be done.

 

Instead of blocks, use shackles. When you buy new coils, get shackle relocation brackets instead of new leafs. You will get better articulation with the flatter pack, and the relocation brackets should allow you to level out the rear.

 

i do not recommend adding spacers and shackles(or blocks) to any short arm lift, i did that and i regret it ever since,

its a horrible ride(unless the road is new)

just my opinion..

 

8" is way tooo much for daily driving, and especially too much for winter driving.


with 6" and a decent amount of trimming and bumpstopping you can fit 37's and still be happy.

with 8" and 37's you need to increase your track width, which means fullsize axles. otherwise your center of gravity is too high and it becomes utterly unwheelable.

 

do any of you remember back when 31's were big??? and 4.5" was huge.... now its 36's and 6.5" lifts... lmao where is the lifting point where we're gonna just say it.... damn i made it too tall hahahaha

 

I feel that 35's and 6.5" is too big frankly...and that's what I have.

although, it's nice to be able to slide underneath on a mechanic's cart and work on it...and I like being able to drop the trans without needing jack stands....

 

or you can build it capably and deystroy the wranglers on the trail

just a thought.

blocks kill leaf springs

8" on shortarms kills lower backs

 

I had 7 1/2 springs & 2" blocks. Didn't like it so i took out blocks. Alot better at 7 1/2 lift.

 

Long arm in the front on 6" lift or bigger.

 

i would go with a different steering setup my rustys succcckkkkeeeedddd lol it uses stock tre's i actually have good experience with v8 zj steering odd i know but its solid instead of a hollow tube and id stay at 6 inches bud 6 inches is very capable

 

To give you my honest opinion, I say drop it to 3" and hack away! Build it like one of ktmracer's rigs and show your wrangler buddies how a jeep is supposed to be, on it's tires, not roof.