Greetings from Hollister, CA!



I just picked up a new-to-me ‘98 XJ. It is the 5th I have had in 25 years and the second with a 5-speed. It is painted in Deep Amethyst Pearl (described as blu-rple) and has a bunch of goodies like 4WD, power windows, and cruise control. It sits on ravine wheels with 30” tires and VERY tired suspension.

It will be used for a commute car a few times a month and a grocery getter as well as once a year moderate 4WD fishing trip. I’d like to set up a small lift to go with the 30” tires and am looking at the Rusty’s 2” front springs and entry level shocks for all 4 corners. I read that add-a-leaf springs are generally frowned upon, but being that my off-road needs are fairly minimal, would this be a realistic way for me to go? I was thinking that I could get a Dorman or some other brand stock size spring pack and add the 2” Rusty’s leafs. I am at a loss trying to find a 2” leaf pack. Would that setup and perhaps a boomerang adjustable rear shackle work?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated!

-Kevin

 

You should put the vehicle on a level surface and measure what you got now (center of hub to flare is a popular measurement).

Image of rear leafs (sic) with vehicle on level surface please.

It sits unevenly and not clear but at that angle rear springs look totaled. Add-a-leaf won't help.

IMO add-a-leaf and shackles are bush-league.

Raise 2' from what? Where it is now or from what should be stock?

You got a lot of added weight there, consider that in your calculations. You may want the 3' package.

 

I have a 2" lift and 30" tyres, as thats all that is legal without an engineers certificate, they dont allow lifted shackles or front spring pads either

I would definitely get 2" lift rear springs as old ones are inevitably sagged, 2" front springs, and you could get away with nothing else

I did adjustable trackbar, LCA & UCA, shocks and longer brakelines & bump stops, but these parts needed renewing anyway

 

Here’s a few pictures.

I hadn’t considered the extra weight from the big bumpers. By the time I load it for camping it could certainly use more lift so I’ll have to consider a 3” lift.
-Kevin

 

Wow those things are frowning!

Don't even consider an add-a-leaf. You need new packs.
Extra weight adds up quickly. Spare tire, aftermarket bumpers, full tank of fuel, gear and equipment for a trip.

 

Well, those aren't the worst rear leafs I've ever seen.

j/k.

They are.

 

I've seen slightly worse paired with lift blocks

 

Many 2" kits include an extended rear spring shackle. The spring is at an angle for a reason. If you put a long shackle on it and change that angle it will force the spring to do all the bending on one side of it and make that old spring fail faster. Many kits for that amount of lift provide an add a leaf, which is not the best but acceptable.

 

I went with Moog CC782 and Crown HD leafs and got 19 1/2" distance. I tow a fairly hefty boat and don't seem to get much sag. So you can go with 2" but just make sure they're for HD application (like maybe the 750 lb.).

 

My '98 came with a 2" lift &30"'s - & the back springs look like that, probably 'cos of the AAL's and blocks (which is why I have a pair of 3" lift springs waiting to go on) although I can't see the tail is sagging.

 

Thank you all for the very helpful advice! After considering all the extra weight I will put on it when I do go off-road, I changed my plan and went with a Rusty’s 3” HD kit. I pulled the trigger this morning so I hope to have it fixed up in a few weeks!
Cheers, -Kevin

 

Did you get adjustable control arms when you got new ones? You will need them with a 3 inch lift. You will also need a transfer case drop or you will have driveline vibs

 

Yes I did. I ordered the ones with the rubber ends. I did not order the transfer case drop. I figured I could make some out of 1” square tubing and some grade 8 bolts. The website says I may or may not have vibration issues. I figure if it’s that bad I can just do an SYE. I have a spare 231 that can get the SYE so its all ready to go. I’ll do some more homework at that point to see where and how to get a custom driveshaft.
Thanks! -Kevin

 

IMO before you drop the transfer case, fab up a driveshaft or even slap in the SYE, measure the driveshaft angles. It's conceivable that mild shimming will solve any issues.