Axel1831

Ok i asked about 3" RC series II lift and heard some interesting stuff about building bastard packs and a junk yard lift. Well i found out i can make a bastard kit out of my parts XJ's leafs. But as im new im still confused as what i need.

Now ive done alot on my jeep. Almost all of it by myself. So im wanting to know more about this because it could be alot cheaper and better for me (atleast from a fun learning experience) to do this.

I heard JK shocks (or is it coils?) will give about 3ish inches? Im looking for 3 to 3.5" of lift. And i would like a pretty smooth ride too. My current shocks are not doing too hot and i have to drive on a pretty crappy road with lots of bumps and what not.

So can i get a list of stuff for the bastard kit so it will all go together and not break? Also ideas for the front that will give me a nice ride with a 3" to 3.5" lift?

And any good links that i should read ir follow if you have any or know of any.

Thanks

RedZeppelinXJ

Check out the junkyard upgrade thread

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/budget-builds-xj-upgrades-84020/

Suspension & Lift:
-Front End:
1.ZJ V8 Upcountry Coils = 1-1.5" lift
2.F-150/Bronco Coils ('70s-ish) = 4-4.5" lift
3.Camaro Spring Isolators = 1.5" lift
4.ZJ spring isolators = stronger, metal core, can be stacked
5.Thunderbird Front Coils ('83-97) = 3-4" lift (varies in lift and softness by year and trim package), will need top plate from strut too
6.TJ Lift Coils (front only) = provide 1" less lift on an XJ than on a TJ
-Rear End:
1.Bastard Pack: Any 2.5" wide leaf spring can be used between to make a bastard pack (they may differ in stiffness and lift) i.e. S10, Dakota
2.MJ Shackles = 1/2" lift
3.GM fullsize pickup shackles ('95-99) = 1.5" lift, better shackle angle
-Misc:
1.JK shocks = slight mod to fit 2-4" lift (must be from JK Rubicon, will require Bar Pin Eliminators)
2.S10 Shocks (Rear only) = good for the lift you will get when you do a bastard pack
3.Ford Exploder rear sway-bar links = may be good for 3-4" lift
4.WJ rear sway bar end-links = minor fab to fit 3-4" lift
5.WJ LCA's = more tire clearance (some grinding required)
6.WJ rear LCA's = replace XJ front LCA's, 2" longer to accommodate a lift, some grinding required
7.V8 ZJ front sway-bar
8.JK rear UCA = use as XJ LCA, its about 1-2" longer
9.Ford Bonco II (thats the little one like a ranger) Front Swaybar = good for 3-4" lift

E-Rok

I got a 3.5-4" lift by using V8 GC coils with a 1.5" spacers, and an s10 bastard pack in the rear. rides great.

Axel1831

Did you use the upcountry coils? I like the idea of the GC V8 coils. I was also thinking JK shocks and using my parts XJ to make a bastard pack. Do you think that will ride nice? Mine right now is pretty much s**t. The rear leafs are pretty much compressed . Discovered that recently too.

Also how much does the GC V8 coils cost?

TheJerm

3" rusty's coils are only $100 and give you 3.5" of lift. Bastard packs are really trial and error, and i feel the limit on them is 3.5-4". The XJ main leaf just isnt long enough

Axel1831

Because this is my DD and i have to put stock tires on in the summer and 31"s in late fall and winter i really dont want to go over 3.5 because i think 4 might look funny?

Rock auto has a bunch of different kinds of GC coils for cheap. Was thinking 97 GC laredo V8 Rockwell part#RV721 for 49.99 for a pair. Heavy duty i guess.

Back to rusty's sounds like a good idea. Still looking at jy/bastard kits tho.

RedZeppelinXJ

i run an XJ/XJ bastard pack in my DD......7 leaves (2 of every leaf, except only 1 overload).....it rides way better than my saggy stock packs did.....gave me 2.5-3" lift, add a set of MJ shackles for another 1/2" and you are all set

RedZeppelinXJ

Check out this build

Thunderbird Coils & S10 Bastard Pack Lift

E-Rok

not sure honestly. just got them at the junkyard on a V8 one, wasnt sure how to tell if it was an upcountry. paid $50