Swamp Donkey

For those who have used S10 leafs to build your own lift leafs, Im gonna be using the main S10 leaf(of course cutting both eyes off) and the next one down. Ive got a set of stock out from my '93 S10 2WD that are just 2 leafs and an overload.. Gonna use the both leafs.. So building basically a hybrid style leaf. By adding these two, do you guys think it will be alot softer ride then dealing with a brand new set of lift leafs?

bigbadxj

You will be fine. just use the whole s-10 pack with the xj main.

Swamp Donkey

Id much rather build my own leafs like im planning, knock off a few benjamins from a lift kit and not have to deal with a stiff **** ride until they got broke in like new leafs would.

LanShark

i just did the s10 pack on my XJ. The ride is a little stiff not to bad. I used all three leaves from the s10 and my main was from the XJ. I got about 4" for the rear.

The S10 springs I used had a 3/8" center pin holes, while the XJ leafs are 5/16". The main XJ leaf has to be drilled to 3/8.
New 3/8" pins are required.

You will have to make the hole on the leaf spring bed bigger so it can fit the 3/8 bolt head.

Jeeper96

What yr of S-10 should I use? Was gonna do the same thing. Thanks

4.3L XJ

pre 96 four leaf

UserID6095

Can you skip using the s10 main and use the other two leafs and net around 3" or less?

Haleyes

I did the S10 "Bastard Packs" a few years ago and, they're still on my XJ. The key to this is trial and error. Everyone asks, "2wd or 4x4 leafs?, What year?, Which leafs did you put where?"......and the simple answer to all of those questions is, that every XJ is different. Every XJ is different in that they have different bumpers, different weight configurations, different shackle angles, different axles, different leaf spring perches.......the list goes on and on.

Trial and error is the only way to get it exactly how you want it. Try a leaf configuration and see where it puts you. If you don't like it, add or take away from the leaf pack and see where you're at again. Repeat this until you nail it down. This is the only 100% certain method to get what you want. With mine, I got lucky and nailed it the first time. I don't even know what s-10 leaves I used because, it didn't matter to me. A guy at work said he had some so, I snagged them.

The bastard packs are not intended for a soft ride. It's a cheap way to get lift in the rear. if you're looking to do this to improve ride quality, this isn't the route for you. I have recently installed some shackle relocation boxes on my XJ and it significantly improved my ride. Shackle angle has alot to do with ride quality too, not just the springs.....not to mention the shocks.

HTH

Hale

LanShark

I installed the s10 pack on my XJ this weekend. I used all of the s10 leaf spring, it gave me about 4" in the back. Here is are the before and after pictures.

LanShark

here is another angle.

UserID6095

You sir have inspired me. Thank you.


Thanks LanShark! Just what I wanted.

Haleyes

Your welcome .....I think?

Hopefully, I didn't inspire you to do something of mass destruction.

UserID6095

I'm going to pick up a pair of springs and do like you said. I'll figure it out. Was more or less looking to see an s10 leaf gave a pretty average boost, meaning 3-4". From what I have seen and read this seems true just depends on the variables mentioned. So time to solve for my own variable sloution.

01XXXJ

Time to revive this thread; i just installed a zone 4.5" lift with AAL. the driver side leafs are straight.. so it sits crooked. I have the option to get some S10 leaf packs. question is will using the XJ main followed by the rest of the S10 leafs net me too high of a lift ending vibrations & needing a SYE. I have zero driveline vibrations right now and dont want to have to change and add an SYE at this point. keep in mind i do not have extended shackles.
Thanks in advance.

LanShark

01xxxj: on my installation of the s10 leafs I used all of them except the load leaf. If you use the load leaf you will get a very ruff ride in the rear. In using the rest of the springs you will net about 3-4" of lift. It all depends on the condition of the s10 leafs. I used a set of leaf springs and a 2" shackle to get 4.5" lift. I also added a 1" drop kit to the transfer case just to insure I did not get any vibrations on the drive line. No SYE here. The only this that I notice was that the drive shaft slid out about 1/2" out of trans. No biggie just use caution when flexing out the rear.