what to start with

[williamlynch]

I recently bought a 90 inline 6 eliminator from my dad and am wanting to modernize it(new shocks, cooling, lights, ect). Does anyone have any recommendations on some high end 3" lift shocks. I'm pretty new to this so Any help would be appreciated.

[Pete M]

Bilsteins.   

 

and be sure to read through this thread:

 

[williamlynch]

26 minutes ago, Pete M said:

Bilsteins.   

 

and be sure to read through this thread:

 

I only see front end shocks, I don't even see rear shock in the sold out section. I'd like them to match so do you know where I can find some?

[JMO413]

 

This had a ton of info and the Bilstein size chart.

 

[Eagle]

Back to basics: "Lift shocks" don't lift the truck. They are longer than stock, to be used in a truck that has been lifted, but the lift has to be accomplished by different springs or other mechanical modifications. You can't just buy a set of shocks and get the truck lifted (if that's what you had in mind).

 

The only exception is Monroe Load-Levelers, which are shocks that have helper springs built into them. BUT ... Monroe doesn't list a Load-Leveler for the MJ. You can do a deep dive through the Monroe technical literature and figure out what Load-Leveler will fit, but the amount of lift you'll get will be unpredictable.

 

[ghetdjc320]

If the truck already has a 3” lift and your looking for high end shocks, go with accutune off-road. They custom valve to the application and they have Comanches in their database. If you don’t have any lift installed yet, that’s another story

[DirtyComanche]

Is the truck stock or not?  If it's lifted, what 3" lift?

[87MJTIM]

No one has mentioned the obvious, so I will.

 

What condition is the truck?  Does it start, go and stop? Rust? Address any safety issues before modifying it.

 

Have you (or your dad) performed Cruiser's Renix Tips?  If not, you should look at www.cruiser54.com and perform any/all of his tips.

 

What are your goals for the truck?  Taking it off road, larger tires, or just the "look" of the truck?

 

Let us know about the MJ: engine, trans, axles, modification previously done, etc.  Post the VIN and you can get the build data for it.

 

Pictures are always nice.

[williamlynch]

1 hour ago, 87MJTIM said:

No one has mentioned the obvious, so I will.

 

What condition is the truck?  Does it start, go and stop? Rust? Address any safety issues before modifying it.

 

Have you (or your dad) performed Cruiser's Renix Tips?  If not, you should look at www.cruiser54.com and perform any/all of his tips.

 

What are your goals for the truck?  Taking it off road, larger tires, or just the "look" of the truck?

 

Let us know about the MJ: engine, trans, axles, modification previously done, etc.  Post the VIN and you can get the build data for it.

 

Pictures are always nice.

It's completely stock except for steering fluid pump, new thermostat and a larger radiator. It was kept in a garage most of its life so not much rust but was taken to a mechanic everytime he thought something was wrong. My goal with this truck is mainly for looks but I'd like it to do well offroad aswell. I am planning to upgrade alot on it but the shocks are a little rough so I was planning to start with them. By the looks of these comments I am going to need a lift kit first to add the lifted shocks.

 

 

[DirtyComanche]

4 minutes ago, williamlynch said:

By the looks of these comments I am going to need a lift kit first to add the lifted shocks.

 

 

Yup.

 

Ride quality has a lot to do with springs and other aspects of the suspension too.  At 3" lift with short (stock style) control arms the ride isn't too bad, but it won't be as good as stock, all other things being equal.  It's also going to wander on the road a bit unless you either buy adjustable/longer lower control arms, or shim you the frame side mounts (not sure if you can get enough adjustment just with shims).  Also, if you have any worn components in the front suspension, you're likely to find out they're a problem once you lift it, as the lift tends to exaggerate wear issues.  Likewise you may find you need to change out the u-joints in the driveshafts too, since they may have worn a set that was working fine at stock height, but now gives you some vibration.

 

If you change one thing it inevitably affects other things.

[87MJTIM]

Good to know.

 

For 3" lift, you could go with puck/spacers up front or change the coil springs to give you the lift.  Lifts more than 3" will affect handling.  You may have to change control arms and pitman arms.

 

For the rear, you could get new leaf springs from General Springs.  These give initial lift of approx 3", but may settle some.  Less expenses lift options are: Add a Leaf to your spring pack and/or longer shackles will add lift. 

[williamlynch]

13 minutes ago, DirtyComanche said:

Yup.

 

Ride quality has a lot to do with springs and other aspects of the suspension too.  At 3" lift with short (stock style) control arms the ride isn't too bad, but it won't be as good as stock, all other things being equal.  It's also going to wander on the road a bit unless you either buy adjustable/longer lower control arms, or shim you the frame side mounts (not sure if you can get enough adjustment just with shims).  Also, if you have any worn components in the front suspension, you're likely to find out they're a problem once you lift it, as the lift tends to exaggerate wear issues.  Likewise you may find you need to change out the u-joints in the driveshafts too, since they may have worn a set that was working fine at stock height, but now gives you some vibration.

 

If you change one thing it inevitably affects other things.

So in order to get a 3" lift I'm going to need a lift kit, shocks, control arm and possibly replace the u-joints? If I replace these it should ride smoothly right?

[Pete M]

Define "offroad". It means different things to different people.

[williamlynch]

4 hours ago, Pete M said:

Define "offroad". It means different things to different people.

Fair enough nothing crazy just to be able to deal with mud and rough trails, I'm not trying to go rock climbing in this thing

[DirtyComanche]

11 hours ago, williamlynch said:

So in order to get a 3" lift I'm going to need a lift kit, shocks, control arm and possibly replace the u-joints? If I replace these it should ride smoothly right?

Depending what kit you get they will come with more things.  Some have shocks and control arms included.  Also I'd try it before changing the ujoints, unless they're already worn out, it may be totally fine with the old ones.

 

I don't really do stockish/mild builds that often so I can't say what products are better or worse.  I also can't tell you the best way to build it.  My last mild build was a 3.5" lift and I was never happy with how it rode due to the control arm angles, hence the current build will be a long arm setup, but it may just be that I'm spoiled as most of the time I've gone with long arms or other major changes to improve ride quality. I would stand by the earlier comments to use Bilstein shocks for what you want to do though, there is some other options but the Bilsteins are great for a mild build.

[Pete M]

2" puck lift, longer shackles and 31" tires.  done and ready for fun.