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Suspension Question

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Old 08-12-2011, 04:14 PM
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Default Suspension Question

I bought a 90 Laredo 4x4 a few weeks back, she's got 31x10.5-15 tires on the stock wagon rims. What I would like to know is if the suspension is stock, or if she's been lifted. Everything appears to be stock, but according to what I have been reading I should be having driving problems.

The only thing I noticed, there is a slight rub mark on the front sway bar from when I try to turn to full lock (so I just don't do it). I do switchback driving on steep mountain roads on a daily basis and other than that I bottomed out on the rear a few days ago. I know the shocks are shot also.
Another thing, the vertical clearance between the top of the wheels and the fender flares is less than 2 inches and the fenders/flares do not come into contact with the wheels.

I do plan plan going Off-Road in the near future (Coal Creek OHV area). Should I do something about my clearances before I do so?

Thanks in advance, I also plan on taking a picture to show what I've got going on.

EDIT: Look at the BOLD "2", that is my change. I went out there and checked it out.

Last edited by Gearhead-XJ90; 08-12-2011 at 04:36 PM.
Old 08-12-2011, 04:19 PM
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it's gotta be. I was running 31's on a 3" for a while and had rubbing issues all over the place. Remember that lift only gives you clearance at stance; when you flex out, the axle will still try to go as high up as the bump stop, and factory ones are sized for factory tires. That's how you tell the difference between those who wheel and those who just want a lifted truck.
Old 08-12-2011, 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by s14unimog
it's gotta be. I was running 31's on a 3" for a while and had rubbing issues all over the place. Remember that lift only gives you clearance at stance; when you flex out, the axle will still try to go as high up as the bump stop, and factory ones are sized for factory tires. That's how you tell the difference between those who wheel and those who just want a lifted truck.
I looked at your pictures and I don't have 1/4 the wheel/fender clearance you have. But even loaded down (me, co-worker, +400-600lbs) I still don't really have rubbing issues except at full steering lock and REALLY hard bumps.

But then again I have not taken her off road yet (I work 7 days/wk)
Old 08-12-2011, 04:44 PM
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Look at the shocks and coil springs, that's the easiest way to tell if there's a lift. If not, you WILL need to put a lift on if you plan on wheeling. I just did a 3" lift with 31s, and I wouldn't even recommend that if you wanna go wheeling. Go for 4.5 or you WILL be worrying about rubbing often, and it will happen.

Oh and if it's on stock wheels, the backspacing is high and it's causing them to rub on the LCAs.
Old 08-12-2011, 04:53 PM
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I'm going outside to take some pictures, and I'll be back on here to post.

Thanks for the input so far.
Old 08-12-2011, 05:34 PM
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OK... Now that I'm in the light and can see what's there, It has damn rubber spacer that screws into the coils of the front spring. There is no modifications that I can see in the rear.

Here's a picture of her loaded down. I only paid $600 for her and had to only replace the radiator.

Old 08-12-2011, 06:17 PM
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Stock height is about 17-17-1/2" from the center of the wheel to the fender flare. It looks like you're up some, but you'll have to measure. 235-75-15s pretty well fill my wheel wells, but some guys are running 30x9.50x15s on stock wheels without rubbing, or at least not rubbing hard.

There was an optional suspension package called "Up Country" that was slightly taller than the stock XJ, but it might have only been 1".

You're on the west side of the Smokies?

Is the house log or just log siding?
Old 08-12-2011, 06:23 PM
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rear isn't lifted on that at all but then again its loaded down the front looks like maybe 2" but i don't even think its that.
Old 08-12-2011, 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by excess650
You're on the west side of the Smokies?

Is the house log or just log siding?
We're at the foothills of the Smokies, Sevier Cty TN
It's log siding, but wood on the inside too. And on the side of a mountain.

My wife and I love it 10x better than FL.
Old 08-12-2011, 08:13 PM
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This is the first time I'm hearing that a 3" lift won't clear 31's...
Old 08-12-2011, 08:14 PM
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Originally Posted by WantACherokee
This is the first time I'm hearing that a 3" lift won't clear 31's...
i fit 31s on 3" just fine
Old 08-12-2011, 09:42 PM
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I've been researching the Rough Country 3" lift kit for a few days, and I'm now trying to convince the wife it's needed because of the roads I travel.
Old 08-23-2011, 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Gearhead-XJ90
I've been researching the Rough Country 3" lift kit for a few days, and I'm now trying to convince the wife it's needed because of the roads I travel.
yeah you should definetly get a 3" lift, those are pretty big tires and the lift will give you the new shocks you said you need.
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