Lift kits

[Elwiscon]

Hello All, I'm the new proud owner of a 1989 Comanche 4x4 and, after prowling for a while just became a new member here. I just purchased a relatively stock diamond in the rough 1989 Comanche that I plan to resto-mod to make it a cool daily driver, hauler and lightly off road it once in a while.  I would like to put a small 2.5-3" lift on it as I don't plan to wheel it much but still want to put bigger tires. What do you guys recommend? (no Rough-Country)  I have a Teraflex on my 2005 Wrangler and it drives great but couldn't find anything for the Comanches. Should I get some adjustable shocks? do I need to change the track bar, control arms and so on? I may Also replace all the bushing as the OEM ones are brittle and cracked with an Energy Suspension kit. I know I'll have more questions down the road. Thanks!

[JYau]

Congrats on your new purchase and welcome! There is a ton of information on this forum related to lift kits etc., try searching around a bit first and see what others have done.

 

For a lift and on a 30+ year old truck, I would recommend a new track bar and control arms. Stock track bar is weak and an aftermarket one will typically be adjustable. Consider sway bar disconnects or longer sway bar links. Lifting the front without any control arm modification will affect wheel caster. 

 

Since you already have an '05 Wrangler the suspension design is actually pretty similar to that of a Comanche, at least in the front. So all the same considerations apply. For the rear suspension some guys will either get longer spring shackles or a spring over axle conversion. 

[Elwiscon]

Thank you, I noticed the suspension is very similar to the wrangler's I may go with a lower 2.5"-3" lift and replace the components. Thanks!

 

[NHMJXJ]

Congrats on the new truck.  Spend some time in here and scope out the many conversations/build threads about lifts.  Then source your parts,

rather than go to QuadraTec or some similar vendor and buy a "kit".  I'm no expert, but there are lots of them here.  And, of course, start a build

thread of your own and load it with pics!!! 

 

Welcome!

[Pete M]

2" pucks, 2" chevy drop shackles, 31" tires, new shocks... done.  

[thousender]

14 hours ago, Pete M said:

2" pucks, 2" chevy drop shackles, 31" tires, new shocks... done.  

You could even do 3" pucks in the front with yj brake lines to get the truck to sit more level🤷‍♂️.

 

But I'm with Pete, don't waste your time and money on stiff add a leafs and coils when you can get a better ride and better flex for 100 bucks.

 

That said, anything over 3" is a completely different story and youd have to get some more refined parts.

[Smokeyyank]

Really will depend on intend use and budget. 

 

For a mild setup to get some bigger tires I'd do

-New trackbar, preferably a double shear. Like this https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/xj-zj-adjustable-double-shear-track-bar-kit.html

-New coils for about 3" lift. OME makes some great stuff. I'd also add in a spacer or go with the ACOS system to level it out unless you are fine with the rake. 

-Drop shackles

-Short arms with control arm drop brackets. Long arms will give you the best geometry and ride but aren't cheap. Shorts arms and drop brackets are a nice way to get some adjustability and better ride quality. 

-Refresh your steering and put an upgraded solid tie rod. 

-Good set of shocks, I like billis and have them in my WJ. Some think they are too stiff but I don't find that at all. OME also makes some good shocks. 

 

Honestly there are a ton of different ways to get there

 

This is mine with ACOS only up front. I just want to get rid of the rake. Tires weren't that much larger than stock. 

 

Before

 

After

 

 

[89 MJ]

Personally, I am super happy with my AAL. It raised the back some and made the truck feel more planted. It did make it a little stiffer, but it made it way more pleasant to drive too. Then I’d run adjustable LCAs, and adjustable track bar, and some 3” lift coils. 

[Elwiscon]

Thanks! I'm learning a lot on this forum. I don't think I'll go any higher than 3", as I want to keep it relatively stock...for now. Thank you all for the suggestions, I'll post pictures soon. 

[Elwiscon]

10 hours ago, Smokeyyank said:

Really will depend on intend use and budget. 

 

For a mild setup to get some bigger tires I'd do

-New trackbar, preferably a double shear. Like this https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/xj-zj-adjustable-double-shear-track-bar-kit.html

-New coils for about 3" lift. OME makes some great stuff. I'd also add in a spacer or go with the ACOS system to level it out unless you are fine with the rake. 

-Drop shackles

-Short arms with control arm drop brackets. Long arms will give you the best geometry and ride but aren't cheap. Shorts arms and drop brackets are a nice way to get some adjustability and better ride quality. 

-Refresh your steering and put an upgraded solid tie rod. 

-Good set of shocks, I like billis and have them in my WJ. Some think they are too stiff but I don't find that at all. OME also makes some good shocks. 

 

Honestly there are a ton of different ways to get there

 

This is mine with ACOS only up front. I just want to get rid of the rake. Tires weren't that much larger than stock. 

 

Before

 

After

 

 

Nice truck! thanks for the pics! can definitely see the improvement.

 

[Smokeyyank]

9 hours ago, Elwiscon said:

Nice truck! thanks for the pics! can definitely see the improvement.

 

 

Thanks. Just saw your up in Carbondale. We lived in Eagle for a bit. I miss cruising to Glenwood and getting some Sweet coloradough but I don't miss having to deal with the canyon. 

[Elwiscon]

8 hours ago, Smokeyyank said:

 

Thanks. Just saw your up in Carbondale. We lived in Eagle for a bit. I miss cruising to Glenwood and getting some Sweet coloradough but I don't miss having to deal with the canyon. 

Nice! , the Glenwood Canyon isn't too bad these days, it is really bad when it freezes though, 

or you can always take Cottonwood pass (closed this time of the year), Gotta love Sweet Coloradough!