Front 3" Spacer Lift & Rear Shackels

[Hotrocks]

Hotrocks  asks - With a front 3" spacer lift and rear shackels will i need to replace control arms and tack bar ? or anything else ? a while back i replaced the stock shocks and put on Rancho stock shocks - i'm looking only to have the comanche look a bit more aggressive not really looking to take it out yet 4wheeling its my daily driver . I do have 31" tires on the stock rims now and i'm happy with the tire size but would like to raise the truck a bit . If 2" inch would be better i would go that way also -just want more lift than stock  want a beefier look and not much money to go all out . Any help here ?  New member here on Comancheclub hope i did this posting right  Thanks ....

[ParadiseMJ]

I don't know about a 3" puck.  I'd prefer having 3" lift  springs...IF I was going with 3".  You'd also have trouble finding shackles that'll lift the rear 3" to match.

 

I'd stick with 2" if you just want a little lift, that will look good with 31's.  That will keep your budget down (thus the term "budget lift".)

[onlyinajeep726]

I'd recommend 2" also, through use of spacers and shackles.  You can get by with stock trac-bar and shocks.  Also, as with any suspension modification on our Jeeps, I'd recommend a professional alignment because you will change the geometry of the steering, even if just a little. 

[Hotrocks]

First of all thanks members !!!  if i went with 3" springs what would i need to do to complete this lift ? control arms & tack bar? shocks ? this will be a daily driver no 4 wheeling yet .just something to look a little tougher you know i have 31" tires already with the stock rims &  ( Rancho stock shocks )  I am willing to go  with a 2" spacer lift if i can save money on any modifications i just want a more tougher looking truck -  than a stock truck ( heigth )  . what would you recommend for my budget ? would a 2" inch lift  make much of a difference compared to a 3"  i mean would the 2" lift  look good also with the 31" tires ?Just looking to make my MJ a little more tougher looking .  And would it be more practical for what i'm trying to get.For what i'm doing and wanting with my  MJ as far as a lift any ideals would be helpful . Thank you   

[xjrev10]

To do a 3" correctly you would replace your front springs and LCAs. Stock uppers are fine. 31s and 3" lift look nice with stock flares. I would look into replacing the track bar with a adjustable unit sooner then later. Double shear mount is the way to go.

 

Before you do anything make sure your TREs, ball joints, u joints, etc are in good condition. Lifting a jeep with a slight wobble stock,, lifted it will make it alot worse. Also, if you don't replace your trackbar, the bushings are likely shot and there is a possibility you may get death wobble when you lift it.

[danbyrambler]

Well, you're off to a good start in having joined this forum - - Tons of info & how to - A lot gospel, some pick your poison opinion type & a touch of misguided, urban legend & pure BS  - 99.9% sincere, but you gotta learn to use SEARCH to get the most/best/easiest/ & so on  - - Seems like some of the members having the most experteise & are the backbone of CC are going thru a little burnout dealing with ?s about everyday MJ issues such as electric & suspension - things that have been covered over n over while just the use of SEARCH, DIY & PROJECTS will getcha thru & answer most ?s - - - This isn't a lecture although starting to sound like one - Few newbees errred more'n me early on in not providing essential background info on the problem/tech advice being sought - - - Inna post or signature:  Always - what U drive - year, miles, drivetrain, modifications by U or others & so on lets the Gurus zero in quickly - - - - - - Anyway, FWIW - My MJ Has a 3 inch PO installed lift & would have been a 2incher if I'd done it - the dif in looks 2vs3, is the dif between eeney & meeney IMO - Tire size up r down can alter appearance/stance as much as a one inch dif in lift - - - - Expense - From what I've read & believe, a 2inch can be done without mods to anything factory excepting toe - it's gotta be reset on any amount of lift - Learn to DIY - not hard & a shops gonna set it to OEM no lift regardless because of Liability, ignorance, dishonesty & other nonsense & then lie/BS about results - save the $s & DIY - - - 3inch adds cost for track bar drop bracket if U don't wanna mod the attachment point & pretty much gonna have to address upper/lower control arm length & then caster - tire size's gonna be a part of this - - - Leave the rear alone until finished with the front, then take a look see & you'll know which way 2 go - - - Here's some CC links to getcha going - - - You're gonna like it here

:thumbsup:

From DIY PROJECT WRITEUPS

http://comancheclub.com/topic/28233-lift-vs-control-arm-length-table/

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/11098-how-to-measure-ride-hight/

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/27178-tire-size-gear-ratio-rpm/

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/30735-mj-rear-shock-absorber-cross-reference/

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/15019-some-general-mj-info-and-faqs/

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/7477-a-list-of-links-for-info/

 

From YOUR PROJECT MJs

http://comancheclub.com/topic/36517-the-building-of-bucky/

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/37070-maura-gets-a-facelift-1990-4x4/

 

http://comancheclub.com/topic/32740-alexias-1987-to-1997-comanche/

 

And from MJ TECH

http://comancheclub.com/topic/13447-what-is-the-most-important-tip-youd-share-with-mj-owners/

 

:wrench:

[nitroxsteve]

On my truck I installed the rustys 3" AAL. This was shocks front coils and one additional leaf for the rear. I also used a skyjacker track bar bracket and stock track bar. This kit raised the front 3" and the rear about 1.5". The truck still is higher in the rear by at least an inch and I think looks very nice. I have had this on my truck for over 2 years with no problems at all. Even with the stock control arms the alignment is good. I don't wheel my truck hard mainly just use it for running around town, hunting, and fishing.

[87Warrior]

If you are thinking spacers, I assume you are also thinking budget. You really shouldn't try to go budget at 3" of lift or more.

 

I opted to try out the AutoZone budget lift on my 86 with 235 (30") tires to get a little more belly clearance.

- 2" pucks

- YJ or Chevy 1500 front brake lines

- Rear Chevy drop shackles

 

Before

 

After

 

I am still running stock replacement shocks and know they are a little short, but I wanted to see what I could do on a tight budget. I probably push this truck more than most folks here do with their truck (similarly built) when wheeling. I also remove the swaybar vs using disconnects (6 bolts and it is out).

 

I have found I really enjoy taking this truck wheeling. So much, in fact, I didn't take my well built TJ Rubi to the ORV park at all last year.

[Hotrocks]

MJ Junkie - and also replace the rancho stock shocks ? even thought i'm not off roading yet ( daily driver ) is it a must at this point ? I'm thinking about doing the spring coil lift 3" . Thanks............. 

[nitroxsteve]

I think I have seen shock extensions. Never used them so I don't know the pro's and con's but for a street rig it may be an option. It should be better than throwing away new shocks.

[Hotrocks]

Thanks to everyone for your replys back i think i may go spring lift & then i'm thinking just go with the 2" pucks i guess i really need to just kick back and give it some good thinking about and be smart about it . I'll keep you posted when i do the lift . And i will soon get a friend to show how to post a pic of my Comanche on here - Its a 1989 comanche sport truck 4x4 I6 automatic/has ac 180,000 miles -bought it a year ago for $2500 i did some parts replacements ( tune up stuff ) put new 31" tires on stock rims, new rancho stock shocks, tinted the windows ( Texas heat HOT!!! ) ,cd player,new door mirror's Just want to make sure with the lift route i go i'm happy with it i started out wanting 3" lift i think i should stick to my guns on that but go with the spring coils like MJ Junkie was talking about i'll just start buying piece by piece till i have it all then get it in stalled - and it will be worth the wait. Thanks again for all the info club members it all been very helpful and thanks for the pic's comanche fanatic your comanche looks great with 2" i could change my mine and go with that how knows ? my brain is scrambled with this lift ordeal right now :} Sorry for the novel

[nitroxsteve]

Yep take your time and get what you want. A good 3" kit realy is not that much money it will be worth waiting and saving the money to do it right.

[gogmorgo]

And i will soon get a friend to show how to post a pic of my Comanche on here 

 

Here you go, friend: http://comancheclub.com/topic/37727-how-to-post-pictures/

[Hotrocks]

Comanche Aficionado - Thats exactly what i'm gonna do i want it right & I'm gonna go with a 3"     

[MrSimon]

You are exactly where most of us where when we first got our Jeeps.  Thinking about 3", then considering 2" to keep it cheap, then going back to 3" ... but keeping it on the cheap and upgrading as time and money allows.

 

I went through the exact same thing, and it was a fun and rewarding experience.  I learned a lot about my truck, lift kits, and myself.

 

But, with all that said, looking back on it, I wasted a lot of time and money with "budget builds" and it would have been cheaper to just save up for a good quality, complete lift and do it right the first time.  

 

But, its not always about doing things in the most practical and efficient way, is it?

 

Regardless, keep us updated on your progress and figure out how to post pics!!

[AMCJeepMJ]

If you're going to put in a puck or spacer up front, be sure to replace your coil spring bushings while you're in there. They're just a few bucks each.

[Hotrocks]

Stock 1989 comanche sport truck i6 4x4  -  i was checking out Rocky Road lifts and asked a question about there lifts and he said for a 3"  lift i would need to  extend or quick disconnects sway bar ?? This is a first ive heard of needing a sway bar is this correct ??   Yes on lower control arms & track bar thats already in my plans but sway bar is that something i need to change - The stock one won't work ???  Thanks for any replys

[87Warrior]

You will need either swaybar disconnects designated for your lift height or extended swaybar links designated for your lift height.

[gogmorgo]

You really don't want to disconnect your sway bar for driving on the road. That's a disaster waiting to happen.

If you don't get longer end links, your sway bar will get pulled back and contact your coils. That's also a bad thing.

 

I think you can use the end links from a Ford truck, as they're longer, but I don't know which ones you want.

[Hotrocks]

Comanche addict - I'll get the longer end links for sure . And won't be disconnecting the sway bar - just want a nice tough looking Comanche that if needed can handle a little off roading if needed but basicly just a little more height for my 31" tire's and stock rims to make it alittle tough looking its my going to work truck daily driver and like the looks people give when they see it . Thanks man!!!