My first attempt at a junkyard lift and this is what I ended up with.



I was going for approx 4.5 inch lift and ended up with around 7! I used spring packs from a mid-90's Dodge Dakota and my XJ main spring (I am NOT using the thick bottom spring). I also have a 1.5 inch shackle installed. I measured from the middle of my rim to the bottom of my fender flare and both sides are right at 24 inches. I never measured the starting height because when I got the jeep the rear springs were already somewhat inverted, but here is a pic, albeit grainy, but it's a reference none-the-less.



I would guess the starting height was around 15 inches. My first step is going to be to remove the 1.5 inch shackle and replace with stock shackle bringing her down to 5.5 inches. My worry is that I already bought new 4.5 inch BDS shocks. If I replace the shackles, will the shocks be long enough? I was planning on getting the 4.5 inch coil springs for the front. Will they be too small? I don't want her looking like a dragster with a ton of rake. How much do you think the rear will settle? As for a new brake line; I was going to pick up a YJ line, will it be long enough?

Last question. Shim. 4 degrees? 6 degrees? What do you recommend. I've been leaning towards a 4 degree shim. I have a SYE and will be using a front drive shaft.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

First off, the jeep springs will probably settle down an inch. I'd put the old shackles on then add the 4.5" coils with a 1" spacer and make bar pin eliminates to use the shocks. Second, I'd pan on doing a sye and driveshaft. Probably use like 6* shims to angle the axle yoke toward the tc, but you would have to measure to make sure. Good luck!

 

for the shocks, you could cut the mounts from the rear axle and replace with these...http://zoneoffroad.com/product-acc?ki=90&gr=

 

I forgot about the spacer option, DUHHHH!!! I already have an SYE installed and a front driveshaft ready to go. I'm going to wait on the shims until I get the height correct. Thank you!

Didn't know these existed! Awesome idea! Thanks!