1st jeep lift
Seasoned Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: The FIRST State
Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: Straight 6
Super helpful input right there...
To the OP, AALs are fine, full leaf packs are better. I have an AAL and love it but will probably have full packs later when I'm not struggling with student loans lol. They aren't the end of the world like some will have you think, but if your leaves are old and tired you may want to try a bastard pack instead, that way they will at least make friends with other old and tired springs instead of being forced to deal with a stiff new one.
Lift blocks, like someone said, do come stock on some vehicles. They are also not the end of the world. An important thing to consider for them is construction; steel, not aluminum and solid, not stacked or welded. Also, they increase the distance between your axle and spring which gives the axle more leverage to wrap under acceleration. But, for a small lift, a solid, steel lift block won't ruin anything.
On a real budget, there's nothing wrong with the cheaper options as long as you're smart about it. It all depends on what YOU do with your Jeep and what YOU want/need out of it. Would a 4.5" long-arm with 35s look good under my Jeep? Hell yes but I don't need it nor can I afford it lol.
To the OP, AALs are fine, full leaf packs are better. I have an AAL and love it but will probably have full packs later when I'm not struggling with student loans lol. They aren't the end of the world like some will have you think, but if your leaves are old and tired you may want to try a bastard pack instead, that way they will at least make friends with other old and tired springs instead of being forced to deal with a stiff new one.
Lift blocks, like someone said, do come stock on some vehicles. They are also not the end of the world. An important thing to consider for them is construction; steel, not aluminum and solid, not stacked or welded. Also, they increase the distance between your axle and spring which gives the axle more leverage to wrap under acceleration. But, for a small lift, a solid, steel lift block won't ruin anything.
On a real budget, there's nothing wrong with the cheaper options as long as you're smart about it. It all depends on what YOU do with your Jeep and what YOU want/need out of it. Would a 4.5" long-arm with 35s look good under my Jeep? Hell yes but I don't need it nor can I afford it lol.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,387
Likes: 10
From: City of Trees, CA
Year: 93 2 door
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
but if your leaves are old and tired you may want to try a bastard pack instead, that way they will at least make friends with other old and tired springs instead of being forced to deal with a stiff new one.
the concern with a bastard pack, aal, and keeping a factory main is that if it breaks, you're screwed and completely stranded on the trail. aftermarket leaf springs are much stronger and a few brands like OME, clayton and deaver are even military wrap.
Lift blocks, like someone said, do come stock on some vehicles. They are also not the end of the world. An important thing to consider for them is construction; steel, not aluminum and solid, not stacked or welded. Also, they increase the distance between your axle and spring which gives the axle more leverage to wrap under acceleration. But, for a small lift, a solid, steel lift block won't ruin anything.
lift blocks are used on BIG trucks with BRAND NEW springs that are MUCH bigger than an xj's. they can absolutely handle blocks. the OP has 25 year old springs. avoid blocks at all cost
the concern with a bastard pack, aal, and keeping a factory main is that if it breaks, you're screwed and completely stranded on the trail. aftermarket leaf springs are much stronger and a few brands like OME, clayton and deaver are even military wrap.
Lift blocks, like someone said, do come stock on some vehicles. They are also not the end of the world. An important thing to consider for them is construction; steel, not aluminum and solid, not stacked or welded. Also, they increase the distance between your axle and spring which gives the axle more leverage to wrap under acceleration. But, for a small lift, a solid, steel lift block won't ruin anything.
lift blocks are used on BIG trucks with BRAND NEW springs that are MUCH bigger than an xj's. they can absolutely handle blocks. the OP has 25 year old springs. avoid blocks at all cost
http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/-p-...FUjZQgodlwcA_A
don't forget to buy a bushing kit
Last edited by Atmos; Nov 17, 2012 at 02:36 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,643
Likes: 1
I'd recommend 3.5" leaf springs. hell if I could afford deaver 3" leafs I would buy them. 3.5" is already too tall after a 5" shackle and relocation brackets. you want a smaller flatter leaf spring that flexes/rides better. unless you're shooting for a 7" lift some day...
leaf springs are really not all that expensive. if you can swing it absolutely get a pair of these
http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/-p-...FUjZQgodlwcA_A
don't forget to buy a bushing kit
leaf springs are really not all that expensive. if you can swing it absolutely get a pair of these
http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/-p-...FUjZQgodlwcA_A
don't forget to buy a bushing kit
Seasoned Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: The FIRST State
Year: 1994
Model: Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Engine: Straight 6
Atmos, lift blocks are the exact shape and size of the leaf perch. If XJ leaves can't "handle" a lift block then they can't "handle" their own perch on the axle by your reasoning. The most common fear associated with blocks is that they fail, not that they cause your springs to fail. Aluminum blocks can break or welds can come apart. Everybody "knows someone who knows a guy who's brother had a cousin that..." The horror stories get old, fast. The only difference blocks make in direct association to springs is axle wrap. The lift gives the axle more leverage to twist so one side of the spring goes up and one goes down causing the S-shape we've all heard about. This will wear out a leaf spring sooner, just like extended shackles and AALs - which are done ALL THE TIME. If my XJ's springs can't "handle" a block just because they're old then what the hell am I doing driving on them even without one?! Oh that's right, off-roading and driving normally, everyday.
For the record I do not have lift blocks but I see no reason to dismiss them as a viable option.
For the record I do not have lift blocks but I see no reason to dismiss them as a viable option.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 1
From: Edmonton
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Atmos, lift blocks are the exact shape and size of the leaf perch. If XJ leaves can't "handle" a lift block then they can't "handle" their own perch on the axle by your reasoning. The most common fear associated with blocks is that they fail, not that they cause your springs to fail. Aluminum blocks can break or welds can come apart. Everybody "knows someone who knows a guy who's brother had a cousin that..." The horror stories get old, fast. The only difference blocks make in direct association to springs is axle wrap. The lift gives the axle more leverage to twist so one side of the spring goes up and one goes down causing the S-shape we've all heard about. This will wear out a leaf spring sooner, just like extended shackles and AALs - which are done ALL THE TIME. If my XJ's springs can't "handle" a block just because they're old then what the hell am I doing driving on them even without one?! Oh that's right, off-roading and driving normally, everyday.
For the record I do not have lift blocks but I see no reason to dismiss them as a viable option.
For the record I do not have lift blocks but I see no reason to dismiss them as a viable option.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7,387
Likes: 10
From: City of Trees, CA
Year: 93 2 door
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
yes I know what lift blocks look like. that wasnt the argument. 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are much bigger and their springs can actually handle the torque without wrapping. and the fear is that taking lift blocks off road (under flattened mini truck leaf springs) will wrap so hard that it will break the main leaf and leave you stranded. seems like a wasted effort to me but hey lets encourage people to push their luck
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
If your just looking for something to take out hunting check out Rock Krawler's 3 inch entry level system. I'm going to be installing a set of their springs this weekend so i can let you know how the ride is. The rear shackles have 2 height options so you'll have a little room to play if your stock leaf springs are sagging.
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