You should get full packs, nott add a leaf

 

That's starting to sound more and more like the route I'm going, I'm not sure where I came across that idea, but doing some more searching around I now see what you mean.

If I did all if that to the rear what else would I need to level it out up front? And would I need to get new shocks or anything?

 

For the front I see a few options, (1) get 2 inch spacers (2) try to find 2inch coils (3) use v8 zj coils(1-1.5") and 1 inch spacer. As for shocks they are highly recommended, but not NEEDED.
An adjustable track bar is also recommended

 

for a 2" with sacked springs in the rear, i'd go to a spring shop and have them build me a set of 2" springs, for front i'd buy some coils.

 

I'd go the spacer route, I've had a pair on my jeep for over a year, just now upgrading to a full, larger 3" suspension lift but on a budget they're an excellent option

 

Extended shackles on worn out or stock leafs does cause axle wrap and it only improves pinion angle if you have an sye. Pinion is to be parallel with a slip yoke style output shaft, not facing directly at it.

Worst thing i ever ran was extended shackles, they are good for flex but bottom out and the axle rotates a lil. Running a bastard pack now with a Dakota shackle. More support and doesn't arch at the tip.

 

Yay. I was waiting for a post like this, first, I suggested HD springs. Which arne not factory as they have a higher spring rate and provide about an inch of lift. I did not suggest lift shackles on worn out leafs. And, you said you run Dakota shackles you realize that if they are any longer than 3 inches, they are technically an extended shackle. As for pinion angle and axle wrap. A 1" lift shackle(roughly 5" eye to eye) will have no negative effects

 

I didn't see that you posted HD springs. There are too many people on here that right away say extended shackles for lift and it doesn't always work. IMHO, longer shackles is good for aftermarket longer leaf springs.

Stock shackles are 3 5/8" e.ye to eye, the Dakotas are 4". And as for the axle wrap and pinion angle, that's in reference too worn out leafs or stock style non HD leafs. Hell even on brand new stock leafs, too much of an extended shackle immediately negates them

 

Stock is 3 1/8. And I'm suggesting the length of the RE. Any way, I think that would be a perfectly fine setup.

 

The only reason you will get tire rub is if your rear bumps are gone. Mine did this and the result was a broken leaf. Fix your rear bump stops. No more tire rubbing. The leafs do no prevent tire rubbing. Bump stops do.

 

With HD springs he should be fine. Worst case he can get a stock main also and add it to the pack for more support. Thanks for bringing the pic up, forgot its 3 1/8".

Wasn't here to argue, just too many misconceptions and sometimes things need to be "dumbed down" in a sense so ppl can see it.

 

Oh, trust me, I know lol

 

When i was a "younger" jeeper, i went the route of puck and shackles. What a waste. Bottomed out when offroading. Soft ride though. I now tell people either do full packs or bastard first time around. Im finally happy with my setup. Now just need an sye and tires and im good will eventually go 4.5" coil upfront to level with rear. Will wait till i do tires thought so it don't look too much worse than its now with stock tires lol

 

Also if you do extended shackles with no rear bump stops you are increasing your chances of breaking a leaf.

 

Yes, very true. I got lucky never snapped a leaf. As a younger jeep i figured "in taller i debt need em, not like im gonna bottom out." rear bumpstops are important for that and save rear shocks from booming out too