grand cherokee springs or poly spaces for 2" lift on XJ

[gloriavoxdei]

Hey everyone. I've been posting over on the full size forum for awhile but this is the first time in the Jeep forum. I just got a '96 XJ, it has a 4.0, 5spd and not a single other option. It used to be a patrol unit for a local Sheriff's Office so it's well maintained, especially for $1500.00. Anyway, I want to lift it around 2" for basic backcountry stuff and I'm looking at either 2" spacers or ZJ springs with another isolator. What are the pros and cons of both? I'll be using shackles in the back. I'm on a very tight budget.

 

[maddmaxjack67]

You need to get the coils out of a V8 ZJ, and if the springs are worn, which they probably will be if you get em from a junk yard, you will only get a marginal .5-1.5" lift.

If you want to stay under $100 you could order some coil spacers online, I got some 1.75" spacers from quadratec shipped for about $30.

For shackle, Autozone sells Chevy pickup drop shackles for about 20-25 dollars. After installing these you'll get around 2".

Good luck! Maybe you can get a sweet deal on some ZJ coils if you want to go that route.

 

[wandererr]

Spacers will retain the same "suspension" feel while new springs will make it feel stiffer/firmer.... your choice.

 

[gloriavoxdei]

Will I need longer shocks and brake lines for the 1.75 spacers or will I be okay?

 

[maddmaxjack67]

No, you'll be good without longer brake lines, shocks, possibly.

I was running stock size shocks with a 2" BB and I kept breaking them.

Sooooo I ordered some Skyjacker Hydro's for a 3-4" lift and it rode nice with that shock combo to lift height.

Check Ebay for shock deals, skyjacker has an ebay store and they are cheaper on there.

 

[wandererr]

Will I need longer shocks and brake lines for the 1.75 spacers or will I be okay?

Shocks: depends how long are they to start with but I'd say probalby not.

Brake lines are easy: currently the way they are setup is they come out into the wheel well, then go at a downard angle away from the coil to a mounting point. Remove the mounting bolt, straighten the hard line to go vertically down along the coil and rebolt and you just gained probalby 1 to 2" of brake line. This way you also remove the hard line from a spot where at full lock you might damage it with tire lugs (don't ask how I know...)

 

[gloriavoxdei]

What year chevy trucks and how much of a drop on the shackles for the 2" of lift?

 

[maddmaxjack67]

When you go into autozone, they will be in one of the aisles where the mufflers and all that ricer crap is at. I the shackles are the adjustable ones maybe 2" for chevy trucks from 88-98?

They are the only ones they usually carry in the store.

 

[BIGdaddy]

I have 2" spacers in front, with stock coils. Stock shock length and brake lines work just fine.

In the back I have XJ/XJ springs that are very stiff, but again, stock shocks and brake lines are just fine.

Overall I think I got 2" in front and about 1.75-2.00" in back.

I'm thinking about replacing my rear springs with something a bit softer, but not before I try adding a bit of weight and replacing the shocks all the way around to help dampen the freeway joints a bit.

 

[Topgun514]

PM me if you want some 2 inch spacers- I have some for sale out of my XJ.


What I have just recently done to someones XJ is upcountry springs and 1 inch spacers, looked very nice. I dont know if I prefer spacers or springs for that small of a lift. Spacers are nice and cheap and the soft ride of stock coils are something I quite enjoyed.