Suspension / 4wd conversion question

[schardein]

OK, I've searched the site for hours on end, and want to ask a question specific to my situation.

 

1991 MJ shortbed, 4.0, auto, 2wd.

 

I plan to convert to 4wd.  Already have the rear D44 and front high pinion non-cad D30.  Rear will get 3.73s to match the front.  Already have NP242.  Only missing piece is transmission, rear driveshaft and some odds/ends.

 

I want to run a 30x9.50/15 tire (or something close in metric).

 

I don't plan to do any serious off roading, I have CJs for that.  But if I do, I don't want them to rub.

 

I think I need some lift to run the 30" tires.  I don't want it to be any taller than necessary.  Level stance preferred, or slight rake is ok.

 

What are some recommendations for front/rear springs?

 

I am considering the General Spring 1700lb capacity rear springs.  I am thinking those will result in a higher ride than my 1991 2wd leafs.

 

If that's a good choice, what is a good match for the front spring?

[benjy_26]

255/70R15's look great on my brother's XJ with nothing but a budget boost in the front, work very well in sandy conditions, and are pretty much the same overall diameter as 235/75's. He's running General AT's on Canyons with no rubbing.

[gogmorgo]

32's should fit at stock height without rubbing, except against the lower control arms when turning. Lift won't fix that.

[HOrnbrod]

What are some recommendations for front/rear springs?

 

I am considering the General Spring 1700lb capacity rear springs.  I am thinking those will result in a higher ride than my 1991 2wd leafs.

 

If that's a good choice, what is a good match for the front spring?

 

The GS 1700lb MT springs initially netted me close to 3" of lift, eventually settling down to a bit over 2". To level it all out I used a set of OME 930 coils up front. It all settled out over time to a nice stance with a slight rake. I run 31" tires, plenty of room, and the ride and handling is a big improvement over stock especially with an XJ 1-1/8" sway bar up front and an ADDCO WJ bar in the rear.

 

You will also need an adjustable track bar and a few shims behind the LCAs to correct caster.

[benjy_26]

They end up being around a 29x10.25r15, btw.

[Eagle]

I want to run a 30x9.50/15 tire (or something close in metric).

 

I don't plan to do any serious off roading, I have CJs for that.  But if I do, I don't want them to rub.

 

I think I need some lift to run the 30" tires.  I don't want it to be any taller than necessary.  Level stance preferred, or slight rake is ok.

You don't need any lift. I have 30x9.50/15s on my '87 shortbed, at stock height. I had 31x10.50s on the '88 when I removed the lift and I left them on for about a year. The 31s are now under my original '88 Cherokee -- again, with no lift.

[Incommando]

I ran 245/75/16's MT/R's on a stocker with no issues at all. At 30.5x9.6 they are roughly equal to a 30x9.5x15.