Hey all

This past week I budget boosted my xj with a shackle/spacer lift. My mechanic who put the lift in couldn't get the shackles in due to corrosion, so he located some lift blocks and put those in instead.

I was warned by someone already the risk of running these blocks, which is why I was going with the shackles. How unsafe are these?

I do no off roading, this is my DD.

 

Get them off of there asap

 

That's what I figured.

What would you recommend I do to achieve the 3" in the rear? Keep in mind this is just a DD won't be seeing any trails.

 

Would this be a better alternative to get the lift in the back?

 

Why? Do you have personal experience or are you just saying this because it's what's you have read on here? Many trucks over the years have came with lift blocks from the factory. If it's a 100% street driven and they are steel and not pot metal what is the harm?

 

The problem with lift blocks is that they in some situations they will aggravate a problem already present with any leaf spring suspension: The leaf springs twist slightly under load (acceleration).
A lifting block effectively increases the leverage between the axle and the spring, causing more twist in the spring. The taller the block, the more of a lever arm you add, and therefore more twist. Twist the spring too far, and it will either fail completely or permanently deform the spring. How much of a lift block is dangerous?... who knows, it depends on too many other factors. This twisting is exaggerated by pretty much everything else we do to our vehicles as well, such as using larger tires, shorter gears, adding additional weight, and especially adding more torque to the engine.


My bigger concern would be "My mechanic who put the lift in couldn't get the shackles in due to corrosion" My guess would be that the upper shackle bolts were rusted in place, but that shouldn't be a problem that any mechanic couldn't overcome.

 

Thanks for that.

I am not worried about ruining these springs, as they are already in need of replacing. I'm more worried about ruining the axle, will running these blocks for the summer ruin my axle till I can afford some new 3" leaf packs?

 

If the jeep will never see trails, why bother lifting it?

 

Sounds bad, but I find myself looking at other jeeps and think they look better with some height. No real reason other than that. I also do some camping, and would be nice to have a proper rig just in case.

Edit. Also realize this may be the wrong forum to post in. Feel free to move it or lock it.

 

My Cherokee came with 3'' block spacers on the rear when I bought it. Its been more than two years and they are still on there. I have hated them all along but I never actually got in the mood to remove them because im waiting on a complete lift before I bother to do that plus its not drivable at the moment anyways. The ride feels stiff and bouncy even with new shocks wich I believe are from a dakota or some other vehicle. The blocks will quickly straighten your leaf springs. Mine actually curve to the oposite side. I do like how it sits with a 3'' lift but this method is a no go.

 

i do have personal experience actually. My very first jeep came with them as well as a ****ed up axle and passenger leaf spring lol. Isbit proven that it was caused by the lift blocks? No but im sure it heavily contributed. Not only that, but working in a shop i see what blocks do and the more harm then good they cause.

 

True, but the majority of those trucks have WAY thicker leaf springs that can handle more of that load. The fact is, that when it comes to an XJ, it's not the right way to lift the rear.

OP, you'll probably be OK for the summer, but keep a close eye on things. Also, those RE leaf springs you posted, will net you closer to 4.5" of lift. Just want to put that out there.

Lastly... start wrenching on that thing yourself or find a new mechanic. I believe that there was corrosion, but like mentioned, a quality mechanic should be able to figure that out. Sounds to me like he's lazy and didn't want to deal with it. Wouldn't want anyone like that working on my Jeep.