cherokeeyed

I've picked up a cheap 88 Cherokee for a winter beater/trail rig. I'm looking to do a cheap lift for now. I bought a Cherokee a while back that I was told had F150 coils up front, I've done some research and the majority are saying you need to get the springs out of an older F150 (75-85). Is this info accurate or will coils out of a newer truck work?


I plan to block the rear leafs for now. I also thought about throwing a spring spacer in the front F150 Coils to add another 2-3" on top of the 2-3" you obtain from the F150 coils and at the same time putting some shackles on the rear to get another 2'' or so. I already have a t-case drop kit laying around I never used on my last Jeep as well as a track bar to keep it center.


Any info is appreciated.

skife

You can only go so big in the front before control arms bottom out on the bracket

jmm0122_

70's f-150/bronco coils are going to give you around 4-4.5" of lift, so you shouldn't need a spacer up front. At that height your front control arms are going to be pretty much maxed out and should be replaced. You will also need to worry about extending the brake lines, and figuring out new sway bar links, if you choose to run one in the front.


If your rear leafs are factory then more than likely they are sagging. A block in the rear with longer shackles will not give you the desires results if the leafs are already shot.


This link may help you out a bit:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/bud...herokee-58797/

cherokeeyed

Thanks for the reply and the link, I will read through it tonight. Does it matter if the springs are out of a 2wd or 4wd?

kx80berger

I used 6" lift coils out of a f350 and 2" spacer gave me about 10-12" of lift

jmm0122_

I'm not really sure. I would imagine you could use either, but don't quote me on that.

skife

Going to have to call BS unless you replaced the LCA's

EvstaG

I am feeling as though there would be a lot more than LCA's to worry about when lifting 10-12" high. Curious about those springs though, how stiff did that XJ ride? Even at that height, I am skeptical a 3500lb vehicle can "spring" the springs meant for a lifted full size with nearly 3000lbs on just front axle!

98cherokee531

If I had to say, it was probably stiffer than a first date on prom night. But to each there own. Sorry for the dirty humor I felt necessary

SeriousOffroad

F150 coils are stiff and will ride like ***.

cherokeeyed

I've had them in one of my Jeeps and my buddy has them in his. May be a little rough riding for a sissy la la....

skife

Speaking from experience?

I didn't think they were terrible, what lifted jeep drives nice anyways.

SeriousOffroad

Yes actually. I've been doing this for longer than some of you have been alive....

While ride quality is rather subjective, a lifted jeep can ride extremely well if you (in general) take the time to build it right with quality components.

Will a lifted XJ ride like a new Caddy off the showroom floor?
Ummmm....no.

Does it have to bust kidneys on a drive around town or down a moderately bumpy trail?
Ummmm....no.

Wanna turn-off your wife and kids to four-wheeling?
Put them in a XJ with a poorly thought out suspension and see how quickly they get tired of hitting the trail with you.

cherokeeyed

I was just giving you a hard time. As far as the ride quality is concerned, I didn't think it was too bad honestly... Like you said, its not a brand new Cadillac but its not expected to be. For $50 I don't know that there is a better 3-4'' lift option than some ole' f100 springs.

cmarr6

'75 to '79 2wd f150 front coils are a direct drop in and will give you 3" to 3.5" inches of lift. My brother had a junker sitting out behind his shop so I got those for free, took 2" square tubing and cut three, three inch pieces. cut one exactly in half and welded each on top of the others to give me two, three inch blocks. Drilled holes for the pin and, walla, a completely free three inch lift kit. I got 3" inches out of the coils but that's with a 350 sbc which weighs a little more. The ride is a little stiff, but certainly nothing that will discourage the wife and kids from wheeling.