Why is my lift 4" in front and 2" in rear
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Why is my lift 4" in front and 2" in rear
Well, my new-to-me 1990 cherokee is now mechanically fine after a new valve cover gasket, but after reading some of the threads last night that said stock should be 17.5" to the flare in front and 17" in the rear, I measured it this morning. The measurement from the center of the front axle to the bottom of the fender flare was right at 21.5", which I interpreted to mean it has a 4" lift in the front. I checked the rear, and the measurement was 19". This would mean it has a 2" lift in the rear. Why would someone do this? Or did they have a 4" lift in the rear, and the leaf springs just relax 2"?
I'd like to correct it so there's a 4" lift in the rear. What's the best way to do that? I'm new to jeeps and these type of upgrades, so if you can be specific on how to correct the rear lift so it matches the front, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Neil
I'd like to correct it so there's a 4" lift in the rear. What's the best way to do that? I'm new to jeeps and these type of upgrades, so if you can be specific on how to correct the rear lift so it matches the front, I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Neil
#2
Post some pics of the suspension so we can get a better idea of what is going on.
Front coils
Front control arms, upper and lower.
Sway bar links
Rear leafs, at the shackles and at the axle mounts
The previous owner could have done a bastard lift with parts from other makes of vehicles to get it lifted at very little expense.
Front coils
Front control arms, upper and lower.
Sway bar links
Rear leafs, at the shackles and at the axle mounts
The previous owner could have done a bastard lift with parts from other makes of vehicles to get it lifted at very little expense.
#3
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Not sure if I've got pictures of everything you asked for - hopefully these will help. I'd like to lift the rear to at least the same as the front, and maybe a little more to compensate for when I'm pulling my duck boat.
Thanks, Neil
Thanks, Neil
#4
Those pics are perfect. Well the front is definately a Skyjacker system. Looks like it may have been a 4.5 inch add a leaf kit and the po was an idiot and just put the extra leaf on the bottom of the pack. It should have bee installed in the pack between the next longest leaf and the next shorter leaf. You best bet is to order a new set of 4.5 rear leaf springs and replace those completely. Make sure you get a full leaf pack and not another add a leaf. Installing that leaf wrong is why your leaf springs are creating a negative arch at the front mounting eye in the 4th pic.
Last edited by winston427; 06-14-2009 at 07:41 PM.
#5
Oh yeah, go back the previous owner and ask if he installed the lift kit himself. If he says yes, tell him how money he just cost you by having to repair his screw ups. Then kick him in the sack.
#7
I doubt that would do any good at this point. That system has been on there for quite some time, and those leafs have already been worn out. By the looks of the aal in the 4th pic it already has a negative arch itself.
Trending Topics
#9
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Well, the guy I bought it from didn't put the lift on it, but I'll let him know it's screwed up.
Where's a good place to buy a new set of 4.5" lift leaf springs?
Thanks, Neil
Where's a good place to buy a new set of 4.5" lift leaf springs?
Thanks, Neil
#10
CF Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,696
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
ide look online at different sites, skyjacker, rough country, 4wd.com, 4wheelparts.com, quadratec.com. you can also build you own out of an XJ main leaf and some S10 leafs to make a bastard pack
#11
Rough Country, Rustys Offroad, Rubicon Express, Skyjacker, Rancho, Pro Comp and there are probably several more manufacturers to choose from. Just do a little online research and you will be able to find some that will fit your budget. Or you could build your own bastard pack, do a search on it and ther will be a build thread on how to do it.
S10 leafs like mobilecherokee said, or Dakota leafs.
S10 leafs like mobilecherokee said, or Dakota leafs.
#13
No, you paid $130 for a $600 Skyjacker lift kit and got a free Jeep to go with it. I did the same thing and paid $350 for a $1000 BDS lift kit and it included a free 89 XJ.
#15
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
I like the way you think - I guess it's all how you look at it. So are all leaf spring sets comparable and I should shop based on price alone, or do you get what you pay for? Thanks