wheeler

so please if this is even doable how much lift do you think i would get if i used Dodge Dakota leaf springs, and a 2 inch shackle???
and if its doable, would you advise it?

thank you all so much, im suspension stupid! all of this is new to me, but im having fun and learning lots!

MasterShakeXJ

the springs alone, if theyre in good shape, could probably get a a couple inches. i know when people usually do bastard packs w/ s-10 leaves they are going for about 3"

wheeler

but i dont want to do a bastard pack. because of the harsh ride quality. and i was told that the dakota springs left alone wont fit because there too long :/

BLKXJ 96

Ive been running Durango springs (same as Dakota) in a basturd pack set up, and Ram truck shackles (about 1.75 longer than shock XJ shackles) for about 4 or 5 years. The ride is about the same as anyone who has bought a full pack from Rustys or RE. I estimate the lift to be around 4 to 4.25 inches.

You can't use just a stright Dakota pack because thay are too long and the center pin is not in the correct position to center the axle under the jeep.

wheeler

omfg your the first person to explain to me WHY they cant be used and actually give a LOGICAL REASON. thank you soo much! i really didnt want to do a bastard pack, but in my budget it looks like thats what its gonna be

BLKXJ 96

You could probably get the Dakota leaf pack to fit with some force, but it would push the shackle all the way to the back of the pocket and you would have no flex = super stiff ride, and about 10" of lift. The shackle needs to pivot for the rear suspension to work properly.

Get some Dakota/Durango leaf packs cut the eyes off and mount them up to your main leaf.
You will need 5/16 center pins and 3" U-bolts if you have a 8.25 rear axle.

ol"blue

a1racer (Aaron) on here used the main leafs from a Dodge 2500 Van on his rig. Here's a link to the write-up. http://jeep-xj.com/showthread.php?t=72