So I'm pretty much settled on this kit:
http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/jeep-ch...001-p7608.aspx
I've heard good things about Fat Bob's garage and like that it's an extra inch where it counts, and that the shackle and spacer is something I'm comfortable tackling. However, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a way to level the rear out an extra inch. What about a shackle relocation bracket? I intend to go higher eventually and it will get full leaf packs then so I'm not too concerned about the rear leafs, which are in pretty good shape right now.

 

You could always go with blocks. If you are trying to stay cheap, that is probably your best bet. Somthing like that: http://www.ebay.com/itm/95-01-JEEP-C...d0b890&vxp=mtr
Obviously this is not the best solution but as you said it is only for awhile, it should work. (shop around might be even cheaper)

You could also go with add-a-leafs (various different companies) but the lowest I have have seen is 1.5"

 

Or just get his other kit
http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/jeep-ch...001-p3833.aspx

 

Thanks, I'm definitely considering that kit. My only issue is that I'm not super comfortable tackling the AAL. As for the block, I've just heard that they really kill the springs, but I do intend to have new leafs within a couple of years. I would consider dealing with the extra length just because I tow an atv trailer a lot and it would have a leveling effect.

 

Yea blocks are terrible long term but cheap and easy short term. I would just save the money you are going to spend on blocks/brackets whatever and get the kit with AAL. It is not all that hard. I am confident you (unless you have a physical problem) could do it haha. Here are Fat Bob's instructions on how to do it.

http://www.fatbobsgarage.com/instructions/aal.pdf

 

Unless you can fab up some shackle brackets on your own, they are kinda pricey.

 

I've never even priced the things. I think I could probably do the aal, probably going to have to just risk it. I was just hoping to avoid tearing into the leaf pack. Hopefully I can get my neighbor that's done some Jeep suspension stuff to help me out. Thanks!

 

you should get shackle relocation brackets

 

stock springs with shackle relocation brackets and extended shackles will kill the stock leafs pretty quick, and dare I say the shackle might actually sit lower than the axle tube itself!

no bueno.

add-a-leafs arent too hard to install. just have new center pins and u bolts on hand and a couple c-clamps.

 

^^This is true.

I homebrewed shackle relocation brackets with 1.5" lift shackles on my 2" s10 bastard pack and lost an inch the first week it was on.

I ended up having to toss a dodge van rear leaf in to help because it would support the entire main XJ leaf and was a bit thicker.

All is good now after a thorough wheeling season.

 

Wow, I'd never heard that about the shackle relocation brackets. Thanks for the input, guys. I guess I'll go ahead and do the aal kit. Hopefully it will be a bit easier on the stock leafs at least for a couple of years.

 

Nothing to it. I was a little apprehensive about doing mine but once I got started, I found it was actually quite easy. I did mine without taking the main leaf out. I sat the jeep on jack stands forward of the wheel wells. Then I just c-clamped the leaves together and lowered the axle off the springs, disassembled, then reassembled with c-clamps using a new centering pin. Also, use new u-bolts on the axle and torque it all down with the weight back on the springs. All of my bolts were fairly rusty so I sprayed them with PB Blaster a couple of times a day for a week and they came right off with no problems and no need for a breaker bar at any point. Good luck with it.