I am building a small lift. Suggestions?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
I am building a small lift. Suggestions?
Greetings fellow Jeepers,
I originally wanted to go with this 3" lift by Zone Offroad, however, I made the decision to back out because:
I decided to aim for somewhere around the 2" mark. I do not have any measurements at the moment to see how much my wagon is a saggin', but I'm going to assume it's at least 1 1/2 inches, so this will be at least a 3" lift (in accordance to the Jeep's current state). So, here is my current build:
$64
$70
$300
$140
$70
$40
$48
$18
$13
Total (give or take) $763
I was hoping to stay below $600, but I'd rather save up some more cash and do it right the first time than have flat leafs and leaking shocks a short while later (looking at you, Rough Country). Also, the previous owners had the Jeep undercoated, which was nice, but they then decided to store it at the bottom of a lake for a few years, so everything else is pretty rusty. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so I might as well attack the rust while it's only on the surface. I'm going to shop around and see if I can find better prices, but Amazon has free shipping, and that's pretty hard to beat, especially when it's heavy objects like these (on a side note, the delivery person is going to hate me).
Anyway, I was wondering if I should go with the Crown leaf springs to save a $100, but the reviews are hit and miss. They also don't come with bushings installed, so I gotta go through the hassle of doing that. I talked to a few guys this evening that use Crown leafs on their rigs personally and say they perform pretty well for the price point.
$85
$9
$7
Total (give or take) $101 - save a hundred bucks as compared to the Dorman ones.
What're everyone's opinions here? What do I need to add? What should I look out for? Any tips for when I get the parts and start to put them together? Thanks in advance.
I originally wanted to go with this 3" lift by Zone Offroad, however, I made the decision to back out because:
- If it turns out I need an SYE to eliminate any weird vibes, I wouldn't be able to purchase one due to the lack of funds.
- The tires on the Jeep are only a few months old. I don't have the funds to replace them.
- I need at least 18 mpg. Jeeps aren't good on gas. Lifts help embrace that fact.
- I like the look of the Upcountry Jeeps. I'm kinda aiming for that look.
- I'm a wuss.
I decided to aim for somewhere around the 2" mark. I do not have any measurements at the moment to see how much my wagon is a saggin', but I'm going to assume it's at least 1 1/2 inches, so this will be at least a 3" lift (in accordance to the Jeep's current state). So, here is my current build:
$64
$70
$300
$140
$70
$40
$48
$18
$13
Total (give or take) $763
I was hoping to stay below $600, but I'd rather save up some more cash and do it right the first time than have flat leafs and leaking shocks a short while later (looking at you, Rough Country). Also, the previous owners had the Jeep undercoated, which was nice, but they then decided to store it at the bottom of a lake for a few years, so everything else is pretty rusty. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so I might as well attack the rust while it's only on the surface. I'm going to shop around and see if I can find better prices, but Amazon has free shipping, and that's pretty hard to beat, especially when it's heavy objects like these (on a side note, the delivery person is going to hate me).
Anyway, I was wondering if I should go with the Crown leaf springs to save a $100, but the reviews are hit and miss. They also don't come with bushings installed, so I gotta go through the hassle of doing that. I talked to a few guys this evening that use Crown leafs on their rigs personally and say they perform pretty well for the price point.
$85
$9
$7
Total (give or take) $101 - save a hundred bucks as compared to the Dorman ones.
What're everyone's opinions here? What do I need to add? What should I look out for? Any tips for when I get the parts and start to put them together? Thanks in advance.
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Hangover, PA
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 0
Received 623 Likes
on
465 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Putting leaf spring bushings in ain't a hard job dont let it scare you.
Dont skip out on coil spring insulators and new bumps tops in the front. While u have the coils out you might aswell just replace them
Dont skip out on coil spring insulators and new bumps tops in the front. While u have the coils out you might aswell just replace them
#4
CF Veteran
In my experience you don't need an SYE for just a 3" lift, and good luck getting 18 mpg, I only got 15 when mine was stock.
#5
But on the county roads I'm lucky to get 12. Can't drive fast enough to get into overdrive.
#6
Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
8 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I pretty much got the same set up, but went with the crown leafs.
i haven’t had the time to put any of it on unfortunately.
if you’re not in a rush, wait for amazon or eBay to do 15-20% off. That’s what I did.
Don’t forget new hardware, there is a guy on here that sells the entire hardware kit, which I got.
Maybe one day I’ll have the free time to get it all put together
i haven’t had the time to put any of it on unfortunately.
if you’re not in a rush, wait for amazon or eBay to do 15-20% off. That’s what I did.
Don’t forget new hardware, there is a guy on here that sells the entire hardware kit, which I got.
Maybe one day I’ll have the free time to get it all put together
#7
CF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: central IN
Posts: 2,282
Likes: 0
Received 15 Likes
on
11 Posts
Year: 1997
Engine: 4.0
??? my jeep in stock trim got a mix of 21. i saw 23.999999999999 on a mostly highway trip. i did 703 injectors, hot air intake, long tube and catless exhaust, 2” lift with 235/75/15 tires and it settled around 20 in the summer and 18 in the winter (including extended cold idles). several of my friends bought xjs and every one of them got (gets) 18+ in stock trim. stockish - i feel like 18 mpg is the norm and anything less indicates a problem.
Trending Topics
#8
Junior Member
I pretty much got the same set up, but went with the crown leafs.
i haven’t had the time to put any of it on unfortunately.
if you’re not in a rush, wait for amazon or eBay to do 15-20% off. That’s what I did.
Don’t forget new hardware, there is a guy on here that sells the entire hardware kit, which I got.
Maybe one day I’ll have the free time to get it all put together
i haven’t had the time to put any of it on unfortunately.
if you’re not in a rush, wait for amazon or eBay to do 15-20% off. That’s what I did.
Don’t forget new hardware, there is a guy on here that sells the entire hardware kit, which I got.
Maybe one day I’ll have the free time to get it all put together
For equal money why buy crown or dorman leafs when you can get OME?
Am I missing something?
#9
CF Veteran
HEY mcnerd,
I just did some figuring over at Amazon. Price difference per spring between Crown w/bushings and OME w/bushings is like $66. Difference is $26.50 in favor of the Dorman spring. Still not a bad price for the OME's.
I just did some figuring over at Amazon. Price difference per spring between Crown w/bushings and OME w/bushings is like $66. Difference is $26.50 in favor of the Dorman spring. Still not a bad price for the OME's.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Added coil spring insulators to my list.
My Jeep needs a tune up. but I get about 12-15 city and 22 highway.
mcnerd, do you know his name?
Can someone provide a link to OME leafs?
My Jeep needs a tune up. but I get about 12-15 city and 22 highway.
mcnerd, do you know his name?
Can someone provide a link to OME leafs?
#11
Greetings fellow Jeepers,
I originally wanted to go with this 3" lift by Zone Offroad, however, I made the decision to back out because:
I decided to aim for somewhere around the 2" mark. I do not have any measurements at the moment to see how much my wagon is a saggin', but I'm going to assume it's at least 1 1/2 inches, so this will be at least a 3" lift (in accordance to the Jeep's current state). So, here is my current build:
Coils $64
Front Shocks $70
Leaf Spring x2 $300
Leaf Spring Shackle x2 $140
Rear Shocks $70
8.25 U-Bolts $40
POR-15 $48
POR-15 Metal Prep $18
POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser $13
Total (give or take) $763
I was hoping to stay below $600, but I'd rather save up some more cash and do it right the first time than have flat leafs and leaking shocks a short while later (looking at you, Rough Country). Also, the previous owners had the Jeep undercoated, which was nice, but they then decided to store it at the bottom of a lake for a few years, so everything else is pretty rusty. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so I might as well attack the rust while it's only on the surface. I'm going to shop around and see if I can find better prices, but Amazon has free shipping, and that's pretty hard to beat, especially when it's heavy objects like these (on a side note, the delivery person is going to hate me).
Anyway, I was wondering if I should go with the Crown leaf springs to save a $100, but the reviews are hit and miss. They also don't come with bushings installed, so I gotta go through the hassle of doing that. I talked to a few guys this evening that use Crown leafs on their rigs personally and say they perform pretty well for the price point.
Crown Leaf $85
Crown Leaf Bushing (F) $9
Crown Leaf Bushing (R) $7
Total (give or take) $101 - save a hundred bucks as compared to the Dorman ones.
What're everyone's opinions here? What do I need to add? What should I look out for? Any tips for when I get the parts and start to put them together? Thanks in advance.
I originally wanted to go with this 3" lift by Zone Offroad, however, I made the decision to back out because:
- If it turns out I need an SYE to eliminate any weird vibes, I wouldn't be able to purchase one due to the lack of funds.
- The tires on the Jeep are only a few months old. I don't have the funds to replace them.
- I need at least 18 mpg. Jeeps aren't good on gas. Lifts help embrace that fact.
- I like the look of the Upcountry Jeeps. I'm kinda aiming for that look.
- I'm a wuss.
I decided to aim for somewhere around the 2" mark. I do not have any measurements at the moment to see how much my wagon is a saggin', but I'm going to assume it's at least 1 1/2 inches, so this will be at least a 3" lift (in accordance to the Jeep's current state). So, here is my current build:
Coils $64
Front Shocks $70
Leaf Spring x2 $300
Leaf Spring Shackle x2 $140
Rear Shocks $70
8.25 U-Bolts $40
POR-15 $48
POR-15 Metal Prep $18
POR-15 Cleaner Degreaser $13
Total (give or take) $763
I was hoping to stay below $600, but I'd rather save up some more cash and do it right the first time than have flat leafs and leaking shocks a short while later (looking at you, Rough Country). Also, the previous owners had the Jeep undercoated, which was nice, but they then decided to store it at the bottom of a lake for a few years, so everything else is pretty rusty. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so I might as well attack the rust while it's only on the surface. I'm going to shop around and see if I can find better prices, but Amazon has free shipping, and that's pretty hard to beat, especially when it's heavy objects like these (on a side note, the delivery person is going to hate me).
Anyway, I was wondering if I should go with the Crown leaf springs to save a $100, but the reviews are hit and miss. They also don't come with bushings installed, so I gotta go through the hassle of doing that. I talked to a few guys this evening that use Crown leafs on their rigs personally and say they perform pretty well for the price point.
Crown Leaf $85
Crown Leaf Bushing (F) $9
Crown Leaf Bushing (R) $7
Total (give or take) $101 - save a hundred bucks as compared to the Dorman ones.
What're everyone's opinions here? What do I need to add? What should I look out for? Any tips for when I get the parts and start to put them together? Thanks in advance.
Dude I went with $70 long add a leaf off eBay (2"lift) ((came with new clamps))
And like 30 bucks for a 2 inch coil spacer and bam. Done. Luckily didn't need longer shocks and also I got new sway bar ends because mine were trash . I overpayed @$50 for both but my dad got his for $18 online.
I wasn't going to spend 700 for 2 inches on a $2500 xj. I mean shoot, I got new rims and 235/75/15 wildpeaks and the lift for 800 total.
#12
Junior Member
Old Man Emu CS033RB Leaf Spring
They don't include bushings. From my research those are the best riding springs in that size lift. If ride is not important then might not be worth for you. I have them and love them. I removed the middle leaf to get the lift I want.
They don't include bushings. From my research those are the best riding springs in that size lift. If ride is not important then might not be worth for you. I have them and love them. I removed the middle leaf to get the lift I want.
#13
Member
Thread Starter
Dude I went with $70 long add a leaf off eBay (2"lift) ((came with new clamps))
And like 30 bucks for a 2 inch coil spacer and bam. Done. Luckily didn't need longer shocks and also I got new sway bar ends because mine were trash . I overpayed @$50 for both but my dad got his for $18 online.
I wasn't going to spend 700 for 2 inches on a $2500 xj. I mean shoot, I got new rims and 235/75/15 wildpeaks and the lift for 800 total.
And like 30 bucks for a 2 inch coil spacer and bam. Done. Luckily didn't need longer shocks and also I got new sway bar ends because mine were trash . I overpayed @$50 for both but my dad got his for $18 online.
I wasn't going to spend 700 for 2 inches on a $2500 xj. I mean shoot, I got new rims and 235/75/15 wildpeaks and the lift for 800 total.
- the ride sucks
- it's sagging really bad
- it's pretty rusty
Coil spacers and add-a-leafs aren't going to solve any of those problems, unfortunately. I paid $1K for it and spent about $400 in tires, so spending $600-800 for a lift isn't really too big of a deal to me (I budgeted for it). I really like this vehicle and I hope I can get it to last another 5-10 years before I buy something electric.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Southern Maryland
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
Those OME CS033RB leaves are good, but they might be more lift than you want. This is what my jeep looked like with just them in the rear
Like previously mentioned, it might be worth it to remove a leaf to meet your needs
Last edited by kyle96xj; 04-23-2019 at 12:23 PM.
#15
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Hello Kyle:
looks like you are sitting about the same as me after installing a pair of 755# leaf springs from General Spring. Now I am trying to figure out which coil spring or coil spring / spacer combo I need to raise the front somewhere between 2" and 3". Part of my issue is I don't know how much my front is sagging if any. Also, I don't want to just throw a spacer on these old springs. I am curious to know what you plan to do.
looks like you are sitting about the same as me after installing a pair of 755# leaf springs from General Spring. Now I am trying to figure out which coil spring or coil spring / spacer combo I need to raise the front somewhere between 2" and 3". Part of my issue is I don't know how much my front is sagging if any. Also, I don't want to just throw a spacer on these old springs. I am curious to know what you plan to do.