Rancho 1.5" lift leaf spring opinions?
#31
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I hear you all about being undecided. I researched till I was blue in the face. Deciding factor for me was when I had the extended shackles with the oem leaf springs, the first leaf spring flattened out right at the end of the end of the second leaf. On the Ranchos, the second leaf actually extends beyond and around the first leaf. I figured that would be a good thing. I went with the OME coils because of all the positive comments about their lifts. I don't know that you can go wrong with the Crown or Dorman leafs. Lot's of guys run them happily. I couldn't find but one or two guys on other forums that ran the Ranchos and they were happy. I took a chance and am extremely happy. I really wanted the OME leafs but they quit making the 2" set and now you have to remove a leaf from the new pack to get 2". However, everyone says it still ends up being 3"-3.5" instead of 2". I didn't want to go that high. Mine sits exactly where I want it. It goes and does everything I need it to do. Keep this going and let us all know what you guys ended up with and how you like it.
#32
Seasoned Member
I just read earlier today on NAXJA that the OME 930's are 160 lbs/in and OEM are 147 lbs/in. Who knows... Don't know if Moog's are spec'd like that since they're variable rate. They feel stiffer to me than OEM, but that could be due to my shocks.
We're running Moog CC782s with 3/4" spacers. I'm running Crown HD leafs and Bilstein 5100 shocks. My flare to center is 19.25" front, 18.25" rear. I have about 16K miles on that setup with no sag, and I tow occasionally.
We're running Moog CC782s with 3/4" spacers. I'm running Crown HD leafs and Bilstein 5100 shocks. My flare to center is 19.25" front, 18.25" rear. I have about 16K miles on that setup with no sag, and I tow occasionally.
I'm planning on going this route (Moog CC782s, 3/4" spacers, Crown HD Leafs) and I'm wondering if it would look better with or without the spacers.
However... this whole thread is throwing me for a loop and just when I thought I had the whole thing figured out, these options come back up!
#33
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Year: 2000
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I hear you all about being undecided. I researched till I was blue in the face. Deciding factor for me was when I had the extended shackles with the oem leaf springs, the first leaf spring flattened out right at the end of the end of the second leaf. On the Ranchos, the second leaf actually extends beyond and around the first leaf. I figured that would be a good thing. I went with the OME coils because of all the positive comments about their lifts. I don't know that you can go wrong with the Crown or Dorman leafs. Lot's of guys run them happily. I couldn't find but one or two guys on other forums that ran the Ranchos and they were happy. I took a chance and am extremely happy. I really wanted the OME leafs but they quit making the 2" set and now you have to remove a leaf from the new pack to get 2". However, everyone says it still ends up being 3"-3.5" instead of 2". I didn't want to go that high. Mine sits exactly where I want it. It goes and does everything I need it to do. Keep this going and let us all know what you guys ended up with and how you like it.
#35
CF Veteran
So here's a pic with Moog CC782s, 3/4" spacers, Crown HD Leafs,IRO shackles set at zero lift. Tires are 235/75-15's on 15x7 rims w/4.25" b/s. Front measures 19.5" and the rear 19". These are at all for corners on a level garage floor. Waiting for parts I ordered with plans to measure from axles to "frame".
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
#36
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Year: 2000
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Engine: 4.0 L6
How do you feel about the front being 1 inch taller than the rear? I don't have a good reference, but from my understanding the rear is only ~ 0.5 inches lower with the stock suspension (17" rear, 17.5" front). Does your setup look good/ bad/ not noticeable?
I'm planning on going this route (Moog CC782s, 3/4" spacers, Crown HD Leafs) and I'm wondering if it would look better with or without the spacers.
However... this whole thread is throwing me for a loop and just when I thought I had the whole thing figured out, these options come back up!
I'm planning on going this route (Moog CC782s, 3/4" spacers, Crown HD Leafs) and I'm wondering if it would look better with or without the spacers.
However... this whole thread is throwing me for a loop and just when I thought I had the whole thing figured out, these options come back up!
I feel fine. I don't like "rake" on an XJ. How do you feel about it? See the pic below. This is the setup with 235/75 r15 BFGs.
Here's a more recent pic with Hankook Dynapro ATM 235/75 r15:
Last edited by Tbone289; 01-29-2018 at 11:42 AM.
#37
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Inline 6 Cylinder
I am finding this thread very interesting, as I replaced most of the suspension items on my 98, and have been having issues with OEM replacement leaf springs going flat as soon as I install them. The best I can find is there are supposed to be that way, and just seems odd to me. And while my jeep is pretty much level, (went with shackle relocation brackets to get the rear lift) my springs are pretty much flat, and would like a little more lift out of them, for when I load camping stuff in the back etc....
#38
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Year: 2000
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I am finding this thread very interesting, as I replaced most of the suspension items on my 98, and have been having issues with OEM replacement leaf springs going flat as soon as I install them. The best I can find is there are supposed to be that way, and just seems odd to me. And while my jeep is pretty much level, (went with shackle relocation brackets to get the rear lift) my springs are pretty much flat, and would like a little more lift out of them, for when I load camping stuff in the back etc....
#39
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Year: 2000
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The stock leafs are pretty much flat when loaded, and are fairly low-rate (soft). That's a good thing and a bad thing. Flat, low-rate leafs are great for flex, but not so great for hauling. I'm pleased with the considerably improved load capacity with the Crown HD springs, and they still flex satisfactorily as well.
#40
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#42
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"While the second HD replacements are fairing a little better, they are essentially flat."
I can't understand why your Crown HD's are flat unless it's got something to do with those relocation brackets? They have a 7" arch to them. In the second pic I posted you can see the arch of the Crown HD spring. I've got a good bit of weight in the cargo area also. Just over 2k miles on them.
I can't understand why your Crown HD's are flat unless it's got something to do with those relocation brackets? They have a 7" arch to them. In the second pic I posted you can see the arch of the Crown HD spring. I've got a good bit of weight in the cargo area also. Just over 2k miles on them.
#43
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I was was wondering the same thing Earl. I have 8K on mine now, with some heavy towing, and they have the same arch they had when they were new. Yours look good. Mine look the same, you just can't see it in my pictures.
#44
CF Veteran
I been keeping a eye on the mileage you post. Good to know everything is holding up. Although I occasionally tow more often I'll have a good bit of weight in the back. Hasn't squatted to the point I'd go to the 3/4" lift hole in the shackle though.
#45
Seasoned Member
These look great! I have 35/75 R15s too and there's like.. no clearance around the tires. Rear is sagging and it frustrates me. I think this configuration is perfect to not only get rid of the sag, but give a nice amount of clearance.
I like how yours sits. Looks just about perfect.
I don't mind a little rake though. So I might consider running the IRO adjustable shackles so I could adjust if I didn't like it after installation.