Opinions needed

[Disjeep92]

OK, I have a pair of ProComp long add-a-leafs that I bought for my Cherokee a few years ago and just never put them on. Now I have learned that they will fit my Wrangler if I get another pair. What do you think of using add-a-leafs as a lift?

Next question, how much of a difference is there if I flip my springs? I have been looking through all kinds of Jeep catalogs and things they all have the spring reversal kits. Is that something I would definitely want to do? I have never been 4-wheeling and I have only owned the Wrangler 2 weeks. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[limpingalong]

What do you mean by flip your springs...i.e. put them on top of the axle?

There is alot of work involved in that. I am finishing up mine right now.

 

[CJKarl]

Spring reversal will give you a better ride and some say better wheeling. Spring Over Axle SOA will give you lots of lift instantly...ask limpalong.

 

[CJKarl]

Chip, I was just looking at your pics. Who made those spring hangers? SCHWEET!
Detour...better watch out.

 

[Disjeep92]

Well SOA is out, don't need a lot of lift. I don't do much 4-wheeling so I am not going to spend a lot of money on that. But the add-a-leafs will add about 3 inches of lift and thats what I am looking for. So is it ok to use the add-a-leafs without any problems?

 

[jon]

Ummm... don't know where everybody gets their info, but from personal experience.

Shackle reversal, can be detrimental to you climbing ability when offroad.

but helps with on road driving.

 

[pyagid]

in a different aspect, From my experience

the Shackle Reversal in my Brothers YJ was great on and offroad, we never had any problems, and it made it perfrom much better. This was also in a 4cyl jeep, so it may not have had the engine power to cause some of the climbing issues i have read about

-Paul

 

[/dev/null]

Well SOA is out, don't need a lot of lift. I don't do much 4-wheeling so I am not going to spend a lot of money on that. But the add-a-leafs will add about 3 inches of lift and thats what I am looking for. So is it ok to use the add-a-leafs without any problems?

I've installed Add-A-Leafs in a few YJs. I've used the Currie AALs and I've gotten about 1-2" of lift out of them. It's very weight dependent. Nice quality metal, though. Installing them was not so bad.

You'll probably need a quick toe adjustment on your front end after you add a few inches of suspension lift hieght. You stock shocks should still reach.

Don't get any funny ideas about longer shackles- they suck. Expect crappy steering and all kinds of wandering on the highway.

 

[toyworx]

Shackle reversal, can be detrimental to you climbing ability when offroad.

I keep hearing this, yet mine climbs like a champ. :smt017

 

[jon]

I say "can be detrimental" because the 2 I have worked on behave differently. one is a CJ-5 with a 360, and t-18. Its SOA on YJ pack, with a waggy main leaf with the eyes cut off slipped in in the front packs. It had a ton of wheel hop in the front until we put the waggy leaf in.

the YJ I set up work flawlessly, but that was with a 2.5 and stock everything.

I think weight power and gearing were affecting it, as well as the soa/sua thing.

 

[NomadJeep]

Pros and Cons of Shackle Reversal CLICK HERE

Conclusion
Both methods have their pluses and minuses. It boils down more to what the rig's purpose is - and personal preferences. If the Jeep is going to be a daily driver as well as weekend trail warrior, forward shackles may be the way to go. If the rig is primary a trail toy and sees more street miles on a trailer than with its tires on the tarmac, then the rear shackles may be more advantageous.

As for the Add a Leaf,
You can use them to stiffen up your more than likely flat stock ones. The YJ OEM leafs will often sag after several years. My YJ went through 2 sets under warranty. A add a leaf will add some lift, but not much, being it usually it is fighting your stock leaves so the gain is minimal. It is easy to add them, depending on their style. Some styles of add a leaf you have to split the leaf pack and add it into the group. Then others you simply put over the center pin and bolt back up.

If you have the kind that requires you to add to the group, it is tougher because many of the OEM leaves have a Pressed Hendricks clamp, which clamps all the leafs together. But if you do you can go to most shops that they will open it up for you. Also you will need a new center pin. it is the pin that goes through all the leafs. Once you add a leaf the old bolt is usually to short or bent from the leafs crimping down.

If you have the top type, you simply bolt and unbolt. Many recommend that you buy new u-bolts. Being once you tighten them, it usually weakens and distorts them. Also when you go to retighten the ubolts, do not use the spec listed in most books. which says 90 ft lbs. That will actually break most ubolts. I called BDS and a local guy and they both said to torque to 60 ftlbs.

You want help, feel free to ask, we all love a wrench fest.