skaterguy58 Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 I couldn't find a dedicated thread for altering the Comanche's suspension to go the other way, so I thought I'd ask people's opinions here. I've got a 4WD Jeep, so I thought making the 2WD MJ sort of a "street truck" would be a good idea. Most of the other threads out there that hint on suspension lowering quickly turn to conversations about gear ratios, engine sizes, etc. So here's what I've arrived at so far: -Front Suspension: Rear ZJ Coils for about 2" (Found a company that makes lowering springs for the ZJ so some $ would get you to 3.5-4") -Rear Suspension: XJ Shackle (for about an inch), remove a spring out of the pack (for another inch or so), and or lowering block (was suggested to go steel because of stiffness of rear springs) So what are everyone else's thoughts? What is theoretically the "best" way to lower the rear? Any one else gone this route? And where did this guy get this body kit?!?!?!?!?!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 the best way to lower a comanche is to let the air out of tires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BREEZE1 Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 If you want to get your hands dirty you could always take the axles out from under it! :rotf: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 Don't yank a leaf. It'll induce bad spring-wrap. Drop blocks can also induce 'wrap, but I'd use blocks before yanking a leaf. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
project88mj Posted February 16, 2009 Share Posted February 16, 2009 i would say blocks as well that way you don't compermise the ride quality i realise these mj are no caddy or lincoln but the ride quality can always get worse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterguy58 Posted February 16, 2009 Author Share Posted February 16, 2009 yeah i figured removing a leaf would probably give the least desirable results. And its ok if the ride quality suffers a little bit, the DD is a Cadillac! :yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed in North Ga. Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 I couldn't find a dedicated thread for altering the Comanche's suspension to go the other way, so I thought I'd ask people's opinions here. I've got a 4WD Jeep, so I thought making the 2WD MJ sort of a "street truck" would be a good idea. Most of the other threads out there that hint on suspension lowering quickly turn to conversations about gear ratios, engine sizes, etc. So here's what I've arrived at so far: -Front Suspension: Rear ZJ Coils for about 2" (Found a company that makes lowering springs for the ZJ so some $ would get you to 3.5-4") -Rear Suspension: XJ Shackle (for about an inch), remove a spring out of the pack (for another inch or so), and or lowering block (was suggested to go steel because of stiffness of rear springs) So what are everyone else's thoughts? What is theoretically the "best" way to lower the rear? Any one else gone this route? And where did this guy get this body kit?!?!?!?!?!? That my friend, is one of the fabled "Archer Brothers Racing" body kits- that I have searched for, for years to no avail- and no, the Archers have no intension of remaking it...There was a man in NY that did have a line on a few kits....never heard back from him, and I have "heard" the chevy S-10 kits can be "retrofitted" with some work...I think a universal kit may be the best option. My 89MJ Elim is about ready to be dropped and I wll be fabbing a body kit at that time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterguy58 Posted February 17, 2009 Author Share Posted February 17, 2009 My 89MJ Elim is about ready to be dropped How much are you dropping it, and what route did you decide to go? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WahooSteeler Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Skater, check out jbhill's project thread. that's about as friggin low as it goes LOL! Damn shame that Archer kit is not available, that is one hot looking truck! viewtopic.php?f=7&t=14658 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed in North Ga. Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 My 89MJ Elim is about ready to be dropped How much are you dropping it, and what route did you decide to go? I have decided nothing...yet. I had thought I had it sold....but if I did sell it, then I`d have to go find another. ;) I`m thinking lighter coils, or drop spindles- probably have to swap out the one ton springs in back for lightweights, and then limit straps- I`m unitrested in comfort....but I am worried about the local possum population and fiberglass/urethane damage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterguy58 Posted February 17, 2009 Author Share Posted February 17, 2009 Skater, check out jbhill's project thread. that's about as friggin low as it goes LOL! Yeah his truck is sick! I'm thinking something a little more streetable though. Gonna build a nice little stroker and surprise some folks at redlights! I have decided nothing...yet.I had thought I had it sold....but if I did sell it, then I`d have to go find another. I`m thinking lighter coils, or drop spindles- probably have to swap out the one ton springs in back for lightweights, and then limit straps- I`m unitrested in comfort....but I am worried about the local possum population and fiberglass/urethane damage. Have you found someone that makes drop spindles, or is that just theory at this point? If I go the ZJ coil route up front, would JY coils, or new factory height coils be better? I'm thinking JY since they'd already be "broke in" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Throttle_Jockey Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Don't yank a leaf. It'll induce bad spring-wrap. Drop blocks can also induce 'wrap, but I'd use blocks before yanking a leaf. You could also use blocks with some sort of ladder bar or traction bar to reduce spring wrap,and a pinion snubber might not be a bad idea.I believe that you could also use a universal shackle kit,but if you use blocks I would have a machine shop make steel set because the aluminum ones have been known to break.As for the front I would seriously look into drop spindles and if you can't find a set for the drop your looking for then use spindles and ZJ rear springs.Good luck it's always nice to see somthing different :popcorn: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLHTAZ Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Best way to Lower a Comanche Lift it 8" ~ decide that it's to high ~ lower it 4" = DONE! :yes: :thumbsup: :rotf: j/k ... sorry, but I had to... :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WahooSteeler Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 probably have to swap out the one ton springs in back for lightweights Duuuuude, if you got MT spring packs back there, you'll have no problem unloading those in less than 10 secs when you are ready. In fact.........Dibs!! LOL Seriously, let me (us) know when you're ready to pull those. How many miles on them? Do you do a lot of hauling? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigd44889 Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 lower mj :hmm: :shake: :no: :nuts: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGMASS Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 There are some good ideas in this thread about dropping a manche. Also erebuni used to make the same kit, but now only has the side skirts available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfpackjeeper Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 I used a set of cherokee shackles in the back for an easy little drop. I traded my MJ ones for a set of WJ control arms. I will be using small blocks and cutting a section of coil from up front. Thicker swaybar and add one in the back. Upgrade the brakes and call it a day. I am just looking for a nice sport truck though, not wanting to drop it all the way on its nuts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed in North Ga. Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 probably have to swap out the one ton springs in back for lightweights Duuuuude, if you got MT spring packs back there, you'll have no problem unloading those in less than 10 secs when you are ready. In fact.........Dibs!! LOL Seriously, let me (us) know when you're ready to pull those. How many miles on them? Do you do a lot of hauling? I got them by accident- I lost a spring eye on the OEM one, and ordered some used from the wrecker/recycler out in washington- JWs?- he had both the 1 tons and half tons, and plently of them- got them for $69 each. I really didnt need the extra ability, but it did give the rear 3 more inches lift...rides like snot unloaded. :headpop: put 50lbs in the bed and presto, smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed in North Ga. Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 Skater, check out jbhill's project thread. that's about as friggin low as it goes LOL! Yeah his truck is sick! I'm thinking something a little more streetable though. Gonna build a nice little stroker and surprise some folks at redlights! I have decided nothing...yet.I had thought I had it sold....but if I did sell it, then I`d have to go find another. I`m thinking lighter coils, or drop spindles- probably have to swap out the one ton springs in back for lightweights, and then limit straps- I`m unitrested in comfort....but I am worried about the local possum population and fiberglass/urethane damage. Have you found someone that makes drop spindles, or is that just theory at this point? If I go the ZJ coil route up front, would JY coils, or new factory height coils be better? I'm thinking JY since they'd already be "broke in" Bahhh- if I can't find spindles, I work at a machine shop. Expensive but do-able. Ive even played with the idea of reverse arms- this jeep already had airbags underneath the front end for god knows what reason, so adjusting height isnt a problem. Like all lowering projects, ride quality go`s out the window if it isnt just right...an I aint drove anything "just right" for a long time- more intrested in tuns and quick takeoffs than bounceing over pebbles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WahooSteeler Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 probably have to swap out the one ton springs in back for lightweights Duuuuude, if you got MT spring packs back there, you'll have no problem unloading those in less than 10 secs when you are ready. In fact.........Dibs!! LOL Seriously, let me (us) know when you're ready to pull those. How many miles on them? Do you do a lot of hauling? I got them by accident- I lost a spring eye on the OEM one, and ordered some used from the wrecker/recycler out in washington- JWs?- he had both the 1 tons and half tons, and plently of them- got them for $69 each. I really didnt need the extra ability, but it did give the rear 3 more inches lift...rides like snot unloaded. :headpop: put 50lbs in the bed and presto, smooth. You mean J&W's in California? Yup, got mine there too. Thank goodness they have a reasonable fixed shipping rate seeing how they had to come all the way to the Right Coast :brows: for those who don't know............ http://www.jwjeep.com/About.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbhill Posted February 17, 2009 Share Posted February 17, 2009 only trucks ive ridden that rode horrible were extremly slammed,stiff but worked. 83-97 ranger coils should drop it a couple inches since XJ/MJ springs lift a ranger a couple inches lol. you will prob have to cut the bump stop mount down.anything past that much in the front and rear and you ahve to worry about wheel offset. i read the instructions on my lift kit backwards and thats how it turned out :D :rotfl2: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterguy58 Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 I'm going to try and email someone at erebuni and get some details on that kit (like what was used for the front and the rear sides) also, gotta love that part number! :rotf: I'm also going to start digging and see if I can get a set of ZJ and ranger coils and see which gives the proper result. I don't think I want to go much lower than a 3" drop. So we'll see how they turn out. (Someone's gotta post results, that other thread that was referenced just died...) Spent some time on the truck yesterday, at the local pull-a-part and various parts stores, so the spring purchases may have to wait a week or so, unless I find some dirt cheap. But progress/results will be posted. If I actually stay motivated I may start a project thread. We'll see... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterguy58 Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 There are some good ideas in this thread about dropping a manche. The question was also asked in that thread about the year range for the Ranger coils. (and not answered) Should I try coils from the twin i-beam setup, or the newer suspension they got for '98+? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbhill Posted February 18, 2009 Share Posted February 18, 2009 83-97 is the year I'm talking about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skaterguy58 Posted February 18, 2009 Author Share Posted February 18, 2009 83-97 is the year I'm talking about. Thanks for repeating yourself for me, helps if I pay attention considering you said that right before I made my posts :doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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