Add a leaf???

littlesdrag

New member
As anyone ever lifted a cj with the add a leaf kits??? If so could you give me some info. And your thoughts on it?
 

I've done it on a few YJ's and it's the same process. Be sure to use full-length AAL's as they don't make the ride more harsh like the short AAL's do.

I use a spare set of YJ front spring packs, cut the spring eyes off, and use the top two leaves of each pack as an AAL into the 4 stock spring packs. This works for 1.5" of lift without making the ride more harsh. You can do this on your rear springs but your front springs are more narrow, requiring narrower AAL's.

To install, you can remove the springs or leave them installed on the Jeep. Simply unbolt the axles and lift them away from the springs. Secure the center of the leaf pack with a c-clamp and remove the center pin. Install the AAL according to length and put it all back together. You may have to bend open any spring clamps and bend them back into place after installing the AAL.
 
Sorry. The spring clamps won't go around the new AAL? Can you add more than 2 springs safely? I am wanting about 2.5" if I can(afford).
 

I understand that you are trying to do this on a budget, but your methods somewhat baffle me.

Why not save some money and purchase the lift springs and go that route? by the time you done fiddling with your 32 year old springs, replacing all the bushings, sourcing other springs, your gonna end up with some thick spring packs to get 2.5" of lift that will ride horribly. adding one leaf won't effect the ride as much, but 2 or 3 leafs will.
Plus for cost reasons factor in purchasing shocks, new u-bolts, new spring clamps, brake lines, etc.. why not just buy a quality kit and go from there.

You can get a quality 2.5" lift kit for your 5 for anywhere between $300 and $800. look at superlift, rancho, OME, skyjacker. all kits should be comprehenisive and complete.
 

Well jps4jeeps all I'm trying to do is get as much info as i can. So I can to see which route to take. This is my first jeep rebuild so it's all foreign to me. I've had some old muscle cars but no 4 wheel drives. I've never tried to lift anything maybe try to lower a few cars in the past. I'll read on this and other forums about different methods people use, and that's why I ask lots of questions. There's a lot of good information on here and I appreciate the help. That's why I do what I do, BUT thanks for your insight.
 
You won't find any better advice than on this site. I know, and what I have found is most of the time its easier and cheeper to just buy the kits.
I tried to change headlights on my yj and spent twice as much trying to piece something together than I would have spent on a set of Rampage Headlight kit and I'm right back where I started with sealed beams and $100.00 in the hole...
 
Yeah Clyde it is looking like that will be my best bet. Oh and I've done the same thing on a 4 Link for an old Chevy II. Got some prints built it my self and between FUp's and time I could have bought a set.
 
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