When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello all, I just bought a lifted XJ, the people I bought it from got it with the lift already installed as the previous owner was planning on turning it into a rock crawler so neither of us have any idea what the lift type is. I took some photos if anyone could help so I know what I need to replace/look for instead of just throwing a whole new lift kit into it. If there are any specific photos or better ones needed I can take them ASAP. Thanks.
Last edited by JKosiba95; Nov 24, 2018 at 05:50 PM.
If the rest of shocks have the sky jacker I would think its a skyjacker lift has aftermarket front arms and a track bar hard to tell about rest Its really hard to tell would be guess
Last edited by RockinRonnie; Nov 24, 2018 at 05:26 PM.
That's what I forgot to take a pic of, but yeah it does have skyjacker shocks as well. So I'm guess its a skyjacker AAL kit? They think its a 4" lift but wasn't sure on anything about it. Is there anything I should specifically look at to replace to make sure the suspension is solid?
Your rear shackles look pretty vertical. Consider shackle relocation brackets so that the shackle is 45 degrees and you get a softer ride and more rear articulation. If your lift components have zerk fittings regrease everything.
My advice is to start over and do it right, not that anything is wrong, just take your base and make it yours.
You need to start with a clean canvas and go from there.
I'm trying to do it as a budget build Overland/DD project. No crazy rock crawling. So I'm trying to keep what I can that it came with and solidify from there.
I think it looks pretty good.
It doesn't look to be a kit. Either that or some parts were changed.
Without part numbers it's extremely hard to tell.
You could always ask the previous owner.
Are the upper / lower control arms adjustable? More pictures of those will help.
Nice Tank skid and track bar.
Good tires for your application.
Shocks and springs look good (from behind the desk lol)
The shackles look closer to 45* IMO. I think it's just the angle of the picture.
It has a Chrysler 8.25 in the rear, It looks like it is re-geared and/or has lockers (could be welded) Most people will only paint the diff covers after doing a bit of work.
The frame looks to be rust free.
A couple of things caught my eye
You need a front swaybar and swaybar links.
It looks like it used to have jks quicker disconnects that were removed.
I recommend a 28mm or 1 1/8" swaybar from a v8 zj or xj limited (junkyard is the only way to go). Make sure you take the mounts, bushings, and hardware as well.
You should also replace those swaybar links. I recommend the jks or rubicon express quick disconnects.
Extended bumpstops on the front would also be a good idea.
Last edited by craigjacob1; Nov 24, 2018 at 06:47 PM.
I think it looks pretty good.
It doesn't look to be a kit. Either that or some parts were changed out or painted.
Without part numbers it's extremely hard to tell.
Are the upper / lower control arms adjustable? More pictures of those will help.
Not too sure if they're adjustable. I'll have to check when its light out again.
Originally Posted by craigjacob1
Nice Tank skid and track bar.
Good tires for your application.
Shocks and springs look good (from behind the desk lol)
The shackles look closer to 45* IMO. I think it's just the angle of the picture.
It has a Chrysler 8.25 in the rear, It looks like it is re-geared and/or has lockers (could be welded) Most people will only paint the diff covers after doing a bit of work.
The frame looks to be rust free.
Is there an easy way to tell if it has lockers or has been regeared? I'm new to the scene so a lot of this stuff is going over my head lol.
Originally Posted by craigjacob1
A couple of things caught my eye
You need a front swaybar and swaybar links.
It looks like it used to have jks quicker disconnects that were removed.
I recommend a 28mm or 1 1/8" swaybar from a v8 zj or xj limited (junkyard is the only way to go). Make sure you take the mounts, bushings, and hardware as well.
You should also replace those swaybar links. I recommend the jks or rubicon express quick disconnects.
Jeeps in junkyards in my area are pretty much non-existent. Would it be possible to get what I need from Rockauto, CL or ebay?
But it looks pretty solid right? How much of it would I be able to keep if I wanted to go higher on the lift? I like the looks of high lifted vehicles so its more of an appearance thing than anything so I was thinking of doing spacers/shackle lift? Just don't want to compromise it as a DD. Or if it would be better what would I need to add say 2" of lift(so it goes up to 5.5/6") without spending $1000 on a whole kit?
Last edited by JKosiba95; Nov 24, 2018 at 07:24 PM.
But it looks pretty solid right? How much of it would I be able to keep if I wanted to go higher on the lift? I like the looks of high lifted vehicles so its more of an appearance thing than anything so I was thinking of doing spacers/shackle lift? Just don't want to compromise it as a DD.
As-is I say yes it looks pretty solid.
The only reason to add spacers would be to level or add larger tires.
I can tell you with short arms in front it's already on the edge of too much lift.
To space another 1" (the right way) it is going to cost you.
You could keep your coil springs, leaf springs, brake lines, and track bar..
Without part numbers from your shocks, and the actual lift height of your jeep, there's no way to tell if they can go higher.
Long arms or control arm drop brackets would be necessary.
Your steering would likely need to be upgraded as well.
Last edited by craigjacob1; Nov 24, 2018 at 08:00 PM.
As-is I say yes it looks pretty solid.
The only reason to add spacers would be to level or add larger tires.
I can tell you with short arms in front it's already on the edge of too much lift.
To space another 1" (the right way) it is going to cost you.
You could keep your coil springs, leaf springs, brake lines, and track bar. Everything else suspension related probably has to go.
Your steering would likely need to be upgraded as well.
Could I do a control arm drop bracket, spacers, adjustable shackles and or shackle relocation to hit 1.5"/2" more? I eventually want to go up to 35" tires.
People in Wyoming like to hold onto their Jeeps even when they're scrap. Its annoying. The only place I've reliably found older Jeeps is about 2hr away but I also haven't been to a junkyard since summer.
EDIT: I'll get the part numbers from the shocks and measure the lift tomorrow.
Last edited by JKosiba95; Nov 24, 2018 at 08:18 PM.
Could I do a control arm drop bracket, spacers, adjustable shackles and or shackle relocation to hit 1.5"/2" more? I eventually want to go up to 35" tires.
People in Wyoming like to hold onto their Jeeps even when they're scrap. Its annoying. The only place I've reliably found older Jeeps is about 2hr away but I also haven't been to a junkyard since summer.
Yes, but keep in mind that you already listed almost $400 in parts, and there are other modifications that will need to be made.
The specifics before making recommendations
1: Pictures of the control arms
2: Part numbers on both the front and rear shocks
3: Actual lift height (google search)
4: Pictures of the rear driveshaft at the transfer case ( if you're going up that high you need a slip yoke eliminator )
Yes, but keep in mind that you already listed almost $400 in parts, and there are other modifications that will need to be made.
The specifics before making recommendations
1: Pictures of the control arms
2: Part numbers on both the front and rear shocks
3: Actual lift height (google search)
4: Pictures of the rear driveshaft at the transfer case ( if you're going up that high you need a slip yoke eliminator )
Appreciate the help!
$400 is much more doable than $1000+ for a kit. I'll get all this stuff tomorrow.
Front Shocks - H7056 Skyjacker Front Hydro Shocks 87-96 Jeep Wrangler YJ 2-2.5″ Front
These are for a 2.5" lift. These Need To Be Replaced With Longer Shocks!
Rear Shocks - H7088 Skyjacker Front Hydro Shocks 87-96 Jeep Wrangler YJ 3-6" Lift
These are sized for a 3.5-5" lift.
You do have a slip yoke eliminator (SYE). That is good.
Your control arms are not adjustable.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bad News -
If you do ANY sort of spacing on the lift you will need new shocks, adjustable control arms (long arms recommended), spacers, adjustable shackles and or shackle relocation, and upgraded steering.
This will easily put you into the $1000 - 1500+ range.
No, you won't be able to do it for less.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would personally keep the 5" lift. If it rides fine, and you aren't going to do any crazy wheeling there's no reason to go higher.
Make sure you get a sway bar in ASAP. That is what keeps the body from swaying, and is meant to protect you from rollovers.
You also need adjustable sway bar links to go with it.
Get the front shocks swapped out with the correct length. You need front shocks for a 5" - 6" lift.
Add extended bump stops to the front (probably the rear too). You need something to bottom out on (other than the tire)
Last edited by craigjacob1; Nov 25, 2018 at 06:41 PM.
I'm only looking to go to 5.5 at most but not really too worried about it, was more worried about making sure everything looked solid underneath.
What would be a good brand and size of leaf spring to replace the rear leafs with? They're pretty rusted and one is starting to sag so my jeep leans to the passenger side slightly.
Thanks again for the help.
Last edited by JKosiba95; Nov 25, 2018 at 07:13 PM.
Identifying lift type.
f:0&LH_ItemCondition=4
