bhawkin2 Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 I recently ordered a spacer lift for my 86 Comanche LWB 4x4. I only got the coil spacer,nothing else. My question by only putting the spacer lift in the front is it gonna look dumb? Or will it just level out the truck? I can get the lift shackles for the rear. I'm just trying to clear 31's. I don't care if I have to trim the fenders, rather not but whatever works. I know I'll have to spacer the lock stop with a washer so I don't hit the LCA. I found a good deal on the 2-1/4 spacer got it for $42 shipped to my door. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 Technically you don't need a lift to fit most brands of 31" tires. But to answer your question, yes 2.5" is most likely too much lift in the front if you don't do anything to the rear. All depends on how sagging your springs are. Don't forget that an alignment is needed if you lift the front end at all. Jeep on! --Pete Stock 90 4x4 with 31" tires: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhawkin2 Posted April 3, 2006 Author Share Posted April 3, 2006 I wanted the spacers cause I'm mostly gonna use this as a Trail Truck. I wanted to have as much clearance between the tires an fenders as possible. These spacer lifts a PITA to install? Do you think a 1.5" shackle lift will be enough or should I get a 2"? I need to get a front end alignment done anyway, broke my trackbar Bracket. Planned on Running 31 Swamper LTB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 The LTBs are a big 31. I would go straight to a full 3" lift with an adjustible trackbar, but that's just me. Or at least a long 3" AAL for the rear, because they are pretty cheap. Keep in mind that an XJ lift-shackle won't lift an MJ quite as high because MJs have longer shackles to begin with. Also, make sure the shackle is a 2" lift shackle as opposed to a shackle that's 2" longer than stock, because that would only lift your truck 1". Jeep on! --Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted April 3, 2006 Share Posted April 3, 2006 if you decide to go with the 3" lift i got mine from roughcountry.com. with all the upgrades for only 300 bucks about. just need to put it on this summer once i get my axles and O/L leafs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhawkin2 Posted April 4, 2006 Author Share Posted April 4, 2006 I can't afford to drop that much money on a Lift kit right now. I won't be buying the tires until the end of this month. I figure if I can get this spacer lift an tires. I can start saving for the Rusty's 4.5" lift. That should give me atleast a 6.5" when I'm done. I plan on doing the gears an Lockers somewhere between the two lifts. I may end up getting the adjustable track bar just for saftey sake though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 When you get to gearing and lockers, I can't advise sinking any money into the Dana 35. Grab an MJ/XJ Dana 44 or Ford 8.8 and put your money into something strong. Jeep on! --Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhawkin2 Posted April 4, 2006 Author Share Posted April 4, 2006 I've heard alot about the Dana 35 being weak,Why is it so weak? Is there anything that can be done to make it hold up without dumping a Buttload of cash in it? Or is it like you say just swap in a 8.8 an be done with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 and along the same thing pete was talkin bout with the 35 and 44 swap. since youll be runnin 31s with that d35 youll have to be a bit more careful in your drivin. the d35 doesnt handle bigger tires too well. just depends on how you are going to be driving the thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 The Dana 35 is considered weak because it is a light-duty axle that was never intended to handle larger than stock tires. There's no way to strengthen it without a ton of money because there are so many weak points. The axle shafts are weak, the gears are weak, the carrier is weak, the tubes are weak, etc. You can spend a LOT of money and still not get close to the strength of a Ford 8.8 Jeep on! --Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhawkin2 Posted April 4, 2006 Author Share Posted April 4, 2006 Looks like I'll be swapin in that 8.8 cause I'm going to wheel the Crap out of it. :lol: Late model explorer with rear disc work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 yes and the disc brakes are very nice to have, or so ive heard. the 8.8 is 5/8" narrower on each side though so either spacer it or it might not be too big a problem for ya depends what you think of it after its in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhawkin2 Posted April 4, 2006 Author Share Posted April 4, 2006 Wait a minute. Is it pretty much bolt in or Do I have to cut the perches off an weld on new one's? :? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 nope not bolt in. the only note worthy bolt in is the mj d44. there is a link round here on one of my old posts about the 8.8 swap and kit to do it that you would have to buy or make your own. the xj d44 which i am gettin this summer is another good swap for almost bolt in since the mj d44s are few and far between. for it all u have to do is reuse ur d35 spring mounts. i can search for that link if you want or not if ur not into the 8.8 anymore. buts that axle is a good swap just more work then a mj/xj d44. alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhawkin2 Posted April 4, 2006 Author Share Posted April 4, 2006 When I get to the diff swap I'll hit you up. Thanks for the info guys :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 ok no problem. thats y we are here. hope it goes well for ya. i havent had many prblems workin on my 86 just my 88 when i restored it. alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWLONGSHOT Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 Just a couple words on shackles... XJ stock shackle is 3" eye to eye. MJ stock shackles are 5" eye to eye. Because a shackle only lifts one end of a spring it needs to be twice as long to get half the lift. IE a 7" shackle in a MJ will lift about 1". The SAME shackle in an XJ will net 2" of lift. SO a common XJ 1.75" lift shackle will only be good for about 3/4" in your MJ. This is what I did in mine allong with a 3" lifted front spring. there was plenty of room for my Interco Trexus MT's. (Also a true sized 31" swamper) My FACTORY control arms got rubbed badle because of the large side luggs on the swamper. Once I upgraded to the RE CA's the rubbing was barely noticeable. Spacers are realitively easy to install. With spring compressors i can generally do them in 1.5 - 2 hours. Disco the sway bar AND track bar as well as shocks, you should be able to get the spring out. For the install spring compressors will be helpful but not mandatory. The biggest restrictor will be the lower control arm contacting the axle bracketry. Removing one end of the CA will allow more droop, IE room. BUT.... If you remove a lower control arm, it is likely you will have great difficulty replacing the bolt as the holes will not line up. Relax, you will get it you just need to use your head. Try a pump jack to move the axle front or rear to line the holes up. I have used everything from this bottle jack to a ratchet strap to my high lift to the winch on my TJ!! A long pinch bar will anso work if you can get the Jeep high enough off the ground. Good luck, CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhawkin2 Posted April 4, 2006 Author Share Posted April 4, 2006 GIRsMJ86 Thanks, all the work I've done to my MJ has been fun so far. I've had a few head scratches but got them figured out. CWLONGSHOT thanks for the shackle info, I might just get the long AAL for the rear an keep my shackles. I plan on doing the coil Spring spacer's at my work, we have 6 Car lifts there an every tool you can think of. As long as the bolts aren't froze in the CA's I think I can get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 when i ripped apart the entire front of mine to fix crash damage from the PO it came apart way easier then i thought. if they are locked up try some of the PB Blaster stuff. i used it on my 88 when the rear bumper was being a pain in the arse. it got the bolts on the bumper loosened up after soakin in for a day. but the bolts that were for the brackets had rusted and broke off in the frame and i had to drill them out (6hrs and many bits later :x) i got those out. :D alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjeff87 Posted April 4, 2006 Share Posted April 4, 2006 CW, good info but you can remove/install stock coils without a spring compressor if you want to. All I do is unscrew the bumpstop, disco the shocks, swaybar, and coil retainers. Leave the trackbar and CA's connected. Place a small bottle jack between the top of the axle tube and framerail on the side your working on and pump it up. It will extend and push the axle side down enough for the spring to literally fall out of place, as well as hold the axle down in position while you remove it, install the spacer, and reinstall. Just a little trick I learned....works like a charm and saves a bunch of headache :D HTH, Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhawkin2 Posted April 4, 2006 Author Share Posted April 4, 2006 PB Blaster is a life saver sometimes :D I should have my spacer's by the end of the week, if i get them in i'll post some before an after photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skidd3R Posted April 5, 2006 Share Posted April 5, 2006 you mentioned getting an adj trac bar. if you just wait till you get the rusty 4.5 lift it comes w/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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