Comanche man Don Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 Hello again guys, I’m wanting to lift my truck front and rear. I don’t want to go ridiculously high but I would like to lift it a good bit. How high can I go without changing the whole front suspension? Is there a basic kit that can give me 3 or 4 inches? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustEmptyEveryPocket Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 I bet you could ask this question of 5 different people and get 5 radically different answers. My suggestion would be to go through some build threads (different forum on this site) and read what people have done and look at the end result. This would give you much better ideas that just reading opinions. Good luck. Side question: Why do you want to lift it? Not saying you shouldn't. Just realize that if it is for cosmetics you will be shelling out $$$$ and getting nothing good back for your investment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanche man Don Posted March 7, 2020 Author Share Posted March 7, 2020 Yes Thanks for the advice. I’ve already been looking at some builds. I mainly want to lift it because it seems really low. The tires are smaller so that’s part of it but it’s the long bed, so I feel like the length of the truck exaggerates how low it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustEmptyEveryPocket Posted March 7, 2020 Share Posted March 7, 2020 In that case I would recommend you measure your current ride height and compare it against original numbers. Check out THIS THREAD for starters, followed by THIS THREAD for picture reference. Could just be that your springs are clapped out after too many years of use and abuse. As far as tires go, with proper stops you can run 31"X10.5" at factory height. Although I personally would go with a 235x75x15 or something first. Factory is your friend IMHO. Just throwing out some ideas, and apologies on not really answering your question directly. I just know what a rabbit hole big tires/ big lifts can be. You can put in lots of money on a quality lift and tires to then realize you need longer control arms to manage caster (or is it camber?) angles. This leads to some bumpstear or maybe deathwobble, which leads you to replacing the entire front end and upgrading to the ZJ V8 stuff. Etc Etc. Once you start, you better be ready to open up your wallet, credit cards, and home equity. Do I seem bitter about this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dzimm Posted March 7, 2020 Share Posted March 7, 2020 JustEmptyEveryPocket is hitting the nail on the head. His user name sums up what you will need to do as you head down this path. It's rewarding but make sure it's something you really want to do. I'd recommend starting with tires first because you may be happy there if you are after looks. That being said, kits generally come in sizes of 2", 3", 4.5", 6" and some other crazy high ones. You will mostly find 3" and 4.5" for the MJ, any higher and you are going full long arms and lots of money. The shorter ones you can get away with spacers for the front and add-a-leaf or taller shackle for the rear but you'll still need to change some other parts like the track bar, sway bar links, and shocks. Also in case you were unaware, the front portion of the MJ is pretty much exactly the same as the XJ Cherokee so most parts interchange in the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanche man Don Posted March 7, 2020 Author Share Posted March 7, 2020 Thanks guys this is all good info. I think you guys are right with checking my numbers and tire and springs first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted March 7, 2020 Share Posted March 7, 2020 a 2" puck up front and a longer shackle out back is the cheapest way to get a bump since starting around 3" you need to replace more parts and then at 4.5 you need to replace even more parts and at 6" even more part still. each inch costs more than then last. and that doesn't even include new bigger tires, better gearing, better bakes... there's no end to the craziness you can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87MJTIM Posted March 8, 2020 Share Posted March 8, 2020 General Springs leaf springs in the back. They will give you 2” to 4” in the back. Spacers or taller coil springs up front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989commanche Posted March 8, 2020 Share Posted March 8, 2020 I just installed the General military wrap springs a few weeks ago. I measured about 4 1/2” of lift ground to wheelwell. It may settle some. But my old springs were shot. Started at about 33 1/4” at wheelwell and 17” to rock rail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989commanche Posted March 8, 2020 Share Posted March 8, 2020 Ended up at 37 3/4” at wheelwell and 18 3/4” at rock rail. So I am sitting at about 4 1/2” right now. plus you will need either longer shocks or to relocate the shock mounts. I chose to relocate because the shock mounts are the low hanging fruit on a Comanche. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989commanche Posted March 8, 2020 Share Posted March 8, 2020 Shock mounts relocated to back of axle. And you need longer brake line to rear axle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omega_rugal Posted March 8, 2020 Share Posted March 8, 2020 On 3/6/2020 at 3:10 PM, Comanche man Don said: Is there a basic kit that can give me 3 or 4 inches? 3 to 4 inches is not that basic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thecodemonk Posted March 9, 2020 Share Posted March 9, 2020 2-3" is about the limits of the stock geometry, from what I've found. At that point, if you don't do something with the body-side connection of your control arms, they'll come into contact with things and get limited. Going above 3" or so will usually require either drop brackets or long arms (and all the associated mods to go with it...longer brake lines, adjustable track bar to recenter your axle, potentially steering mods...etc). That said, 2" does a LOT for the looks of these trucks and can be worth it. Don't be fooled by how it sounds. 2" is a world of difference (especially in combination with slightly larger tires). 2" lift + 31's (compared to the stock 29s) is a total of 3" of height compared to stock (you only get half the tire-size difference in height). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustEmptyEveryPocket Posted March 9, 2020 Share Posted March 9, 2020 1 hour ago, thecodemonk said: Don't be fooled by how it sounds. 2" is a world of difference Thats what she said! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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