lowering the rear

[krustyballer16]

Is There an easy way to lower the rear without using blocks? I'd like to lower it about 2" but anything helps.

 

When I swapped in my 8.8 I made the perches myself and I thought I build them to lower the truck 1" but it only came out to ½". So I'm wanting to level it with the front.

 

This is going to be a little drag strip truck

 

I'm adding some Assassin traction bars in the next week or 2.

 

I'm also thinking about possibly taking a leaf out, not sure. Theyre the original 150ish thousand mile springs.

[89 MJ]

If you are running traction bars, you should be fine pulling a leaf. That’s probably what I’d do if I were in your situation. 

[jeeptruck636]

If I remember right the xj shackles will get you 3/4”-1” lower. 

[Pete M]

pulling a leaf results in a very soft spring.  

 

XJ shackles only drop it like 1/2" (and can apparently invert when coming off a lift). 

 

you should be able to use some flatter leafs to build a custom pack (XJ for example).  but you want to make sure that each leaf is proper supported by the one below.

 

is there a particular reason you don't want blocks?

[krustyballer16]

2 hours ago, Pete M said:

pulling a leaf results in a very soft spring.  

 

XJ shackles only drop it like 1/2" (and can apparently invert when coming off a lift). 

 

you should be able to use some flatter leafs to build a custom pack (XJ for example).  but you want to make sure that each leaf is proper supported by the one below.

 

is there a particular reason you don't want blocks?

 

MMight not be a problem as much with traction bars but I've heard the harshness of launches at the drag strip and that leaf being over just a block, cancause problems. But I've also heard that It's not an issue.

TTo put these traction bars on l have to cut about 4" or more off the 2nd from top leaf to fit the plate that bolts to the top leaf... be a lot easier to just take it out while I'm there lol

 

[Pete M]

is the top leaf of an MJ strong enough to do that?  maybe it's time for a swap to another truck's leafs.  I've heard that F-150s are close. 

[ghetdjc320]

XJ pack works very well. Just grab some used stock XJ leaf springs and use the MJ main leaf. They are still going to be quite soft though if that matters

[krustyballer16]

6 hours ago, ghetdjc320 said:

XJ pack works very well. Just grab some used stock XJ leaf springs and use the MJ main leaf. They are still going to be quite soft though if that matters

I have my old stock 175k xj springs. I think ill still have to cut the front 4-6" off the spring to clear the traction bar bracket.

 

[gogmorgo]

Usually in drag racing you don't really want to go softer in the rear. Less spring rate in the back means you expend more of your torque just compressing the suspension which will hurt your launch.