lift not level? pictures..
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Recently pieced together a lift myself (I know) and now im not level.
Even though according to manufacturer spec it should be!
Only thing I did different than most was rear shims since my xj is 2wd until I get some more $$ for parts.
Can someone give me some idea on how to correct it?
Currently I am waiting on shocks in the mail.
Parts list:
-4 degree shims to adjust pinion angle (estimated 1/2")
-TeraFlex 2" Budget Boost Lift Kit
-Old Man Emu 2" Heavy Duty Rear Lift Spring
-Old Man Emu Light/Heavy Load Front Coil Spring Pair
[1.75" Lift on 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ Stock/Light Load (0-110lbs)]
-waiting on shocks in the mail Bilstein 5100 3.5-4"
I removed the original OE front coil spacer, which should only take away 1/2" but could that affect the vehicle that much?
Looking at the vehicle on level surface you cannot notice it too much
(by my eye)
but many people have told me it is not level.
I measured and this is what I got
Front tire to fender flare 6"
Rear tire to fender flare 8"
Even though according to manufacturer spec it should be!
Only thing I did different than most was rear shims since my xj is 2wd until I get some more $$ for parts.
Can someone give me some idea on how to correct it?
Currently I am waiting on shocks in the mail.
Parts list:
-4 degree shims to adjust pinion angle (estimated 1/2")
-TeraFlex 2" Budget Boost Lift Kit
-Old Man Emu 2" Heavy Duty Rear Lift Spring
-Old Man Emu Light/Heavy Load Front Coil Spring Pair
[1.75" Lift on 1984-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ Stock/Light Load (0-110lbs)]
-waiting on shocks in the mail Bilstein 5100 3.5-4"
I removed the original OE front coil spacer, which should only take away 1/2" but could that affect the vehicle that much?
Looking at the vehicle on level surface you cannot notice it too much
(by my eye)
but many people have told me it is not level.
I measured and this is what I got
Front tire to fender flare 6"
Rear tire to fender flare 8"
Last edited by x91evo; Dec 29, 2012 at 10:45 PM. Reason: pic
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
one more thing,
seems like the shackles are straight up and down..
after driving it for 2 days the shackles are still straight.
Shouldnt they be angled toward the front ?
seems like the shackles are straight up and down..
after driving it for 2 days the shackles are still straight.
Shouldnt they be angled toward the front ?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Could the leaf be causing more lift because of the beefy overload spring and somehhow be causing a problem with the extended shackles?
Doesnt look like the leaf is being over worked but im unsure right now
Torqued the front leaf bolts 100 ft lb
rear leaf to shackle 80
shackle to body 100
Resident Zombie Hunter
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
A rake is not that uncommon, especially with new leafs in the rear. It's only been two days that's definitely not enough time to settle. Drive it for a while and if it doesn't just add a spacer up front.
And no you want your shackle angled to the rear. Be glad yours is straight down. It's a better ride than my rough country ones that were angled forward for over a year.
And no you want your shackle angled to the rear. Be glad yours is straight down. It's a better ride than my rough country ones that were angled forward for over a year.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I am hoping it just has to settle!
Could the leaf be causing more lift because of the beefy overload spring and somehhow be causing a problem with the extended shackles?
Doesnt look like the leaf is being over worked but im unsure right now
Torqued the front leaf bolts 100 ft lb
rear leaf to shackle 80
shackle to body 100
Could the leaf be causing more lift because of the beefy overload spring and somehhow be causing a problem with the extended shackles?
Doesnt look like the leaf is being over worked but im unsure right now
Torqued the front leaf bolts 100 ft lb
rear leaf to shackle 80
shackle to body 100
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Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: S.Jersey
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
when i put my lift on i tightened everything with the jeep on its own weight as per IRO's instructions. You should loosen everything up and retighten on its own weight.
then go from there. It will prolly fix ur issue.
then go from there. It will prolly fix ur issue.
Is the overload spring you're referring to a thick flat leaf? How many leafs total make up the spring? Do you have the part number painted on the spring? I was told by a reputable OME dealer the only OME leaf spring with an overload spring comes in 3.5" lift and there was no overload spring available with the 2" spring.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 318
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
thanks I will take a stab at that right now and let it sit over night see what happens
Is the overload spring you're referring to a thick flat leaf? How many leafs total make up the spring? Do you have the part number painted on the spring? I was told by a reputable OME dealer the only OME leaf spring with an overload spring comes in 3.5" lift and there was no overload spring available with the 2" spring.
The only reason I went with a 2" leaf is because I needed the HD option,
there was no option for an HD spring for 3.5" OME leafs
There is a total of 5 leafs and the overload spring is really thick and is not even in use as of yet.
And yes the part number is painted on the leaf with yellow lettering
Which now I cannot see because of the shims covering it but I will find it
Last edited by x91evo; Dec 30, 2012 at 04:53 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 653
Likes: 1
From: Lynchburg, VA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Reinstall your OEM isolator. It will make a big difference up front. Your 2in budget boost gives 1.75 lift in the front WITH the stock isolator installed. With it removed your only netting just over 1in of lift from stock in the front. Also raising the front will "pivot" the rear down so to say. You will get a lower measurement behind the rear axle.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Reinstall your OEM isolator. It will make a big difference up front. Your 2in budget boost gives 1.75 lift in the front WITH the stock isolator installed. With it removed your only netting just over 1in of lift from stock in the front. Also raising the front will "pivot" the rear down so to say. You will get a lower measurement behind the rear axle.
Hate to use so much spacer but guess thats the road I took!
Thanks


