Beating a dead horse?Spring flip?

[Latamir]

Hi Im new, and Im 16, and I just got my first car "77 Jeep J10 with a 360 th400 and quadra something transfer case (I think). I got the beast cause I wanted to go off road, and Im in a high school auto shop class, and figured it would be a good truck for working on at school, and it was cheap. My parents know very little about cars so I cant ask them. I plan on makeing this a rolling project.

So my first question is(and I did try to search for it but couldnt find)
The springs run under my axles I was told I could "flip" them to the top side of my axle and gain lift. Is that all I have to do? or will it mess up the angle to the drive shafts?

 

[SteelHeadz]

It will have an effect on the driveline angles and possible cause an axle wrap issue. Also, new shocks(longer) will be in order. The steering linkage angles will also change, with this, a drop pitman arm might just do the trick. IMO, a spring over conversion is more headaches than what it's worth.

 

[bobcat481]

I agree with StealHeadz. Spring Over Axle (SOA) can cause some issues. Plus, the center of gravity changes with a SOA, in my opinion, diffferently than with a lift kit that replaces the spring pack. It's kind of like standing on your tippy-toes. You place more weight ABOVE your "stability" line (your axles), rather than "hanging" below it. SOA can provide a cheap lift, but cost you grief in the long run. Your best bet is to save up for an actual lift kit. There are "cheap" ones and there are "not-so-cheap" ones. I myself had good luck with a Rough Country system. Now, they may not be "top-notch", but on a budget (like me >>it's a wife thing, you'll learn that later!) it was a good deal. It was a very complete kit, and good customer service. They are actually on the site now, and you can get the Jeepz.com discount. Also, depending on how much lift your looking for, there is always the option of Add-a-Leafs. You can gain a few inches cheap (junkyard springs) but sacrafice a smooth ride. Last but not least, don't plan on much body lift. I've heard 1-1/2" max. With body lifts, you gain no ground clearance, and can get lots of body roll around corners. Keep up the questions, we're here to help. Later.

 

[Latamir]

Thanx guys for your input. I am refusing to do a body lift. I dont like the way they look and it doesnt give me the clearence that Im looking for. I only want to lift like 4-6" (2-3 from suspension 2-3 from tires). Today I spent tuning up and making sure the power train is at its peak. My shop teacher ( which is a master ASE) said it was in pretty good shape for the age. I changed all the fluids and filters, plugs, wires, ect. I ordered 2 gals of black durabak and one can of green, and started to sand and prime.
I took pix so I m going to post as I go.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Post pics as you go, we love to see progress pics. A Spring Over Axle (SOA) conversion will net you about 6" of lift, and you say you're looking for 2-3", so sounds like a spring kit may be your best and easiest route.

SOA is a tried and true method of lifting a rig, but it's not as simple as it sounds. They perform well when done correctly.

 

[54cj3b]

shackles another easy way out

 

[bobcat481]

:yeah-that: Just don't get crazy long ones. Couple inches max. Be prepared to deal with some castor issues on the front end. A few degree shims will fix it, no big deal.

 

[oneofthefewbmx]

i think a spring over would be too tall for the 3 inches your looking for...longer shackles will give you a few inches depending on how much longer they are (4" longer shacked will net 2" of lift because your only moving the front of the leaf spring"). post up some pics!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Longer shackles are a poor method to lift a Jeep, especially really long shackles. They decrease your approach and departure angles, decrease your caster, and mess up your pinion angles. There's several better methods of lifting a vehicle.