Desertfox1023

I'm currently running a bastard pack at around 6" using the XJ main leaf and S-10 Leafs. Also using shackle RC relocators and extended shackles.

My issue is I only have 5" of down travel and I want more...

I know my main leaf is my limiting factor right now as the shocks, parking brake cables, brake lines, ect are all still very slack.

Done a lot of research but know one has used the Dakota Main leaf as a Main leaf due to it not matching factory points. (My relocators will make up for that)

Here's the specs on a Dakota leaf taken from NAXJA
86-96 Dakota Pickup 2+4WD...........4(3/1)........2-/2...24*32................2550

So this should net me a 1" stretch and a 4.375" longer leaf correct?
Therefore giving me better down travel?

Anyone can confirm?

CobraMarty

Yep, we've had the parts to do this for some time now. Hopefully to be done this week along with trussing the D44 we have in the rear.
We will be using the same springs, +1 stretch, RC relocation brackets and Boostworks shackles. Will probably bolt the shackle to the last hole in the relocation bracket.
Hopefully pictures this week or next.

Desertfox1023

Hey that's great news.
Post up some pictures and results when your done!

Looks like I'll be J/Y hunting over the next month.

CobraMarty

Also Durango springs.

CobraMarty

Durango and Dakota springs are 56" long and 24" pin location. Stretches 1". Can not be used with stock shackle location, need to use RC or other shackle relocation.

Tried the Durango springs and they were a fail. They have a wierd shape. Very straight from the front mount to past the axle and then curve way upward. Sort of like a 'J' shape instead of the more usual 'U' shape. Had perfect lift but the pinion was pointing way high even with wedges. The springs are longer and should have moved the axle back 1" but the axle was angled forward from the spring mounting and the 35's rubbed on the front of the cut/hammered fender lip.

Got a set of Dakota springs. A much better shape. More symmetrical 'U' shape with axle mounting at the bottom of the U. Now the axle was moved back 1" and had good pinion angle with no wedge added. Used the RC shackle relocation brackets and the extended johnnie joint Boostwerks shackles. Now great flex. On the bumpstops the tire is out of the sheet metal and at full droop about 12". My previous RE springs had hardly any movement.
Springs are maybe a little soft and could use 1/2 more lift. Will add one leaf from the durango spring pack.

This is a great mod.

Constantine

Did you use the entire dakota leaf in stock form?

CobraMarty

Yes. #34-1431 from SDTruckSprings.com

Might add a leaf from the durango leaf pack I have or use a 'add-a-leaf' kit off ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spring-Force...VWsgAa&vxp=mtr

With the RC relocation brackets, boostwerks shackles and dakota springs it sits about 4.5-5" lift. Also used my used RE 4.5" coils(settled to 4") and JKS ACOS up front to fine tune the front lift but left off the adjusters so it only added 0.5-1" additional lift.


This mod moves the axle back 1" which centers my 35" tires in the rear opening.
Moving the axle back 1" allows less cutting on the front edge of the fender cutout.

Moving the axle back 2" made the rear of the 35" tire hit the rear of the cutout opening. If you did a comp cut rear, then the 2" axle back would be perfect.


The 34-1431 Dakota spring is rated at 1800lbs. This should be good for stock XJ. They are a little soft for mine with steel bumper and 35" spare hanging off bumper.
The 34-1433 Dakota spring is rated at 2250lbs. This would be a better spring for me with heavier bumper and spare off bumper.


This gives a full 10" travel when measured at the bump stop.