SpruceJedi

I just installed my RC 4.5" rear leaf packs this morning. I got it back on the ground and the rear is like 4" higher than the front. Its noticeable. Looks pretty goofy.

Here is what I have...

2000 xj
RC 4.5" kit
Teraflex 1.5" shackles

Now my questions is this. My shackles are pretty much straight up and down right now. I don't have my bumper on there (JCR Spare tire carrier), my gas tank skid, or any other accessories on there yet. I am guessing that will lower it a bit. Also over time I am expecting the springs to sag a little. Can I expect them to drop that much?

ericfx1984

yeah part of your problem is the shackles

SpruceJedi

I knew I would get some additional lift from the shackles. I figured 1.5" lift shackles meant 1.5" of lift. I got them to compensate for all the extra craP I'm bolting onto the back of this thing. And to be honest. I don't think I could have gotten the bolts in if I had shorter shackles. And my angles would have been all jacked up then.

ericfx1984

then add a 1" or 2" spacer to the front

wait, what RC 4.5" kit did you buy? show us the link

SpruceJedi

http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_4x.html

I thought about the spacer in front too. Might end up being what I do.

ohio95xj

i see this all the time. people tend to over estimate how much the weight from bumpers. etc will compress the springs. if you are sitting at like 6-6.5" you are definately gonn NEED an SYE, adjustable track bar, most likely longer control arms or control arm drops, longer shocks. once you go higher than like 4.5-5" you start to develop the need for a bunch of other things, so IMO i would either sell the shackles, or sell the leafs and buy some 3" leafs. unless you want to dump a bunch more money in it

ohio95xj

oh, i didn't see that you already have the control arms and track bar, but at 6" your control arm angles will suck, resulting in crappy on road comfort, and you're still looking at having to get shocks, and an SYE, and maybe control arm drop, so you're still looking at $500+ more in order to level it and do it right, i would just get smaller leaf springs or lose the shackles

SpruceJedi

I already have adjustable control arms, shocks and SYE. So the additional cos. is already invested.

ohio95xj

well heck yeah, in that case i would just do a 1-1.5 inch spacer, if you run a 2" you run the risk of your front sitting higher, which looks more goofy IMO
and i would still consider control arm drop brackets, you could run them with the adj control arms, improve flex and ride quality

SpruceJedi

I was curious if adding that 1.5" spacer to the front would push me past the threshold of needing a drop pitman arm?

Also, Where do you recommend getting the drop brackets for the control arms from?

ohio95xj

I'm pretty sure you'll be fine