Lowering The Rear

[Darren]

I figured even an idiot like me could figure out how to lower the rear. I was going to use 2" blocks and XJ shackles. I like the idea of blocks because I don't want to lose payload capacity as I'll be using the bed to haul stuff. So I broke a set of cast and a set of aluminum blocks before I realized they both broke because of the arch in the spring and the perch is actually curved to accommodate that.

 

Is there another set of leafs I could use to give me the drop I'm after with as good or better payload capacity? Or should I try to fab up a set of 3" blocks out of mild steel, with a curve built in. Another option would be to put in an 8.8 with flat perches and use regular 3" blocks. But I was hoping to keep this cheap.

[neohic]

http://comancheclub.com/topic/33789-lowering-a-2wd-comanche/

[Darren]

I've read those. Not much real tech there. Just speculation on what might work.

 

I can get a pair of explorer sport leafs for free, but I'm wondering about their spring rate. Like I said, I'd still like the bed to be useful.

[neohic]

There has been talk about using full size leaf springs in a SOA setup to go a little taller without going too high: http://comancheclub.com/topic/23624-grand-wagoneer-rear-spring-soa-swap-done-more-pics-added/

 

Going the same route with the springs but leaving them SUA would lower it. Otherwise, I've thought about using the MJ main leaf and replacing the rest with leafs from an XJ being how flat they are. Something else I've wondered about would be to get rid of everything but the main leaf and go with some spring-over shocks.

 

As far as the Explorer leafs, I think they're 2300-2600lb springs depending on the vehicle options. Not totally sure though. If they'd be free, it would hurt to cut them up and see.

[Pete M]

I could definitely see using the explorer leafs. cut the eyes off the explorer packs and shove the whole thing under your current main. I don't think it'll lower you 3 inches though. maybe an inch or so based on what I remember from my experiments. Also, the explorer packs I used had a larger center pin than MJs so you'll need to drill out the holes in your mains should you decide to go with this plan in the end. it's not for cheap drill bits.