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Rear springs are Iron Rock 4-1/2"... but I believe they are supposed to give 3-1/2" of lift, then use lower hole in shackle to get 4-1/2" of lift. Same springs for the 3-1/2 or 4-1/2" lift. BUT look at this:
This looks like WAY more than 4-1/2" lift... I have read the factory height dimension from top of the axle tube to the frame is 6", it measures 14" now... thats like 8" of lift. I am going to try and get the front together tomorrow and see how it sits. Raining here now... I can raise the spring in the shackle to the next hole up, that should lower it about an inch. I do see the shackle angle is ugly, so some shackle relocation boxes will probably be on the list of things to do...
Also, I think my shocks are too short. They measure 24" fully extended, but I can unhook them and droop to 27" (i think, I will double check these numbers because I am going from memory, didnt write them down).
Lt Dan, you got new legs! Looks like it has major rake, but actually only measures 1" higher at the rear of the rocker than the front. I am going to raise the rear leaf to upper hole in the shackle, that should level it out.
Sitting on all fours now, few more details to get wrapped up, but I think I got it figured out. Hopefully the last few parts get here by Saturday. Then a little cleanup on the lower doors and maybe some quick black paint to cover up the glued area just for cosmetics. Thinking I may paint it in the spring.
Last edited by ridesdirt; 10-14-2020 at 07:50 PM.
Reason: spelling
Looks amazing!!
I have my rear 3.5" leafs now, just need 1" shackles to match the 4.5" coils up front, LCA's, brake lines..... etc...
I'm hoping I can get by with a front drive shaft in the back, TC drop kit, and some degree shims for the time being without bad vibes. Then get the SYE.... My XJ is the DD, so I cant afford for it to be down for more than a weekend.
Having to spend nearly $1000 on tires for the Camaro too. With winter coming though, I could probably hold off on those for a few months.
I wouldn't level it out. If you're going to be adding more weight like a roof rack or tire rack it will level out. As it settles and starts to sag a little to it will level out. I've also always been told that a little more lift in the rear saves some gas mileage.
Your build though, I'm gonna support this bad boy either way.
Looks amazing!!
I'm hoping I can get by with a front drive shaft in the back, TC drop kit, and some degree shims for the time being without bad vibes. Then get the SYE.... .
Hey, i think you have to have a SYE to run a front drive shaft in the rear. Mine did "fit" but it was stretched out a little so I am glad I got the aftermarket shaft measured to fit.
Driveway is sloped a little, just enough to get the rain to run off, so that may add to the "optical illusion". I did raise the leafs in the shackles this evening. Axle tube to frame measures 12.5" in the rear and 12" in the front.
Like said above, I think it will settle some, when it does I will move the leaves back down, I kind of like a little rake to it, its aggressive looking. Also got the lower doors and rockers cleaned up, there was a LOT of adhesive crap on there. Probably going to paint that area black for now just to get the looks cleaned up a little.
A little bummed, ran some tracking numbers today and a few parts I need wont be here until next week, so it will be next weekend before we are road ready...
last few parts should be here this week, so I should be wheeling this weekend...
Bilstein front shocks have been on backorder for almost two months with still no ETA... I assume covid related delay.
So I bought some price point front shocks to get the front finished up. I believe I have the front end alignment in good shape. Still have stock Y link steering for now.
Other things to wrap up is rear pinion angle, need to install smaller shims, it is pointed up a little too much.
And to get the exhaust hooked up, after removing and installing transfer case I am having a hard time getting the head pipe in the right spot. I should have hooked it up before tightening the tranny mount, lesson learned.
last few parts should be here this week, so I should be wheeling this weekend...
Bilstein front shocks have been on backorder for almost two months with still no ETA... I assume covid related delay.
So I bought some price point front shocks to get the front finished up. I believe I have the front end alignment in good shape. Still have stock Y link steering for now.
Other things to wrap up is rear pinion angle, need to install smaller shims, it is pointed up a little too much.
And to get the exhaust hooked up, after removing and installing transfer case I am having a hard time getting the head pipe in the right spot. I should have hooked it up before tightening the tranny mount, lesson learned.
I grabbed a dif cover from quadratec and it supposedly will be shipping out to me on the 30th. Keep in mind I bought this thing like a month and a half ago XD. I think everyone is swamped. Heck it's fine with me though, they gave me a 30 percent discount because I asked nicely and I recommend you do the same with Bilstein.
Last edited by Griffyorcono; 10-19-2020 at 10:57 AM.
for sure, not bad mouthing Bilstein or the retailer I got them through (Iron Rock). I understand. Just a little disappointed. My backorder is still open for the Bilsteins.
I even ordered the other front shocks through Iron Rock, they have been great to deal with. Maybe just a touch slow getting orders out, but all orders have shipped correct and the products are of great quality, no complaints.
All the vendors I have dealt with on this project have been great, most notable are Iron Rock Off-road and Rusty's Off-road, both are fantastic.
for sure, not bad mouthing Bilstein or the retailer I got them through (Iron Rock). I understand. Just a little disappointed. My backorder is still open for the Bilsteins.
I even ordered the other front shocks through Iron Rock, they have been great to deal with. Maybe just a touch slow getting orders out, but all orders have shipped correct and the products are of great quality, no complaints.
All the vendors I have dealt with on this project have been great, most notable are Iron Rock Off-road and Rusty's Off-road, both are fantastic.
Oh no, I'm still sort of new to Jeeps and had never looked at these vendors. More stuff for me to buy . When my girlfriend gives me crap I'm telling her to come talk to you
How far north is that pinion pointed past the driveshaft angle? You can account some for axle wrap. I actually wish mine was a little higher. My angle is built into the perches but I may try adding some shim.
How far north is that pinion pointed past the driveshaft angle? You can account some for axle wrap. I actually wish mine was a little higher. My angle is built into the perches but I may try adding some shim.
It is 1.5 degrees north of perfect. My thought is that once north of perfect, it will wrap up higher, easier than being south and wrapping up to perfect. Does that make sense?
It seems like when the u-joint is torque-ing the pinion up, it will be easier for it to gain more deflection once the pinion is past "perfect", like passing the apex of the arc.
I guess I would rather it be a degree or two south of "perfect" than north of perfect.
I have 6 degree shims in it now, I do have 2 and 4 degree shims inbound. I will make another angle measurement to confirm which is best. and hopefully only swap them out once!
I do buy into the "only use u-bolts once", so they are tight, but not torqued all the way.
Your correct man. Sorry I had brain fart. I was thinking opposite. My pinion is one degree low so I’m good I guess. Glad we had this conversation. 😝 Maybe I should’ve got my **** under there and looked.
Sucks about the back ordered Bilstiens, but atleast you’ll have something in the meantime. I’m curious to hear your opinion on the difference between the shocks when you get to drive it a bit. Almost like a shock test. What driveshaft company did you end up going with?
10-09-2020, 11:32 AM
. When my girlfriend gives me crap I'm telling her to come talk to you 
