Moving up to 4inch lift

[Sly8795]

So right now I have 3 inches of lift. I'm looking at adding some spacers up front and a block in the back to get an extra inch of lift so I can upgrade to 33's. Does anyone know if I need an SYE for this. I see its recommended for anything 4 inches or higher. can I get away without one as they seem to be around 200 bucks. is there anything else I should keep in mind when moving up to 4 inches?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

You shouldn't need one on a '90 XJ, they weren't real necessary until '97 when they needed a SYE or TC drop for any amount of lift.

You can also use shackles to get the rear lift, either aftermarket or MJ shackles.

 

[Sly8795]

Are there any strength or rear axle movement problems I need to worry about if I decide to use shackles instead of a 1 inch block.

Would it be better to actually get rear leaf springs (not add a leaf) that create the 4 inches?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Shackles will allow for less axelwrap than lift blocks, so springs will last a little longer.

Replacement spring packs are probably the best method of lifting the rear, it will be a little stiffer but the springs will last longer than stock springs.

 

[Sly8795]

Well I took a look at the prices of new spring packs and for one inch of lift I don't feel like paying 200-500 bucks.

At this point I'm leaning towards just buying 1 inch steel blocks.

If I went with shackles are there any concerns that they would break?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Generally no. They are not a weak link. Blocks on the other hand, if not properly made and installed, can crack and/or spit out. They also increase axlewrap.

 

[Sly8795]

Ok, I think I will look into installing the shackles.

As for the front end I was just going to get the correct size washers from a hardward store and use them to create my extra one inch of lift up front. As anyone tried that before?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The rubber donuts from the hardware store fit, but don't last. Look for a pair of stock coil isolators, they run almost .75" thick. Some places sell 1" spacers I believe.

 

[Sly8795]

Thats why I'm going with large washers to build exactly an inch. I looked at spacers but the ones I saw didn't seem to be made out of strong materials, I'm also going for a cheap upgrade. My buddy used hockey pucks on his exploer but I think the washers will work just fine.

 

[Sly8795]

So I found a write up here for creating the coil spring spacers
XJ Coil Spacer Lift

The spring connects to the bump stop. When i take the spring off does the thing the spring connects to at the top also fall out? How is this held in?\

I have circled the part I am talking about in the picture. You will notice that they put the new spring spacer above the bump stop/coil spring holder. I already have a sky jacker lift should this be the same or is the only way to find out to take the spring off?

 

[Sly8795]

Ok so apparently I attached the pic. Anyone have a tip on how to get it so it displays in the post?