4+" Suspension Lift and Shock suggestions / advice
 

Hi Guys,

I have a late model '96 (some parts need '97 items to fit) and its got a OME / ARB 2" Lift that I am not happy with. Had the jeep for almost a year and the suspension is just not holding up to my needs with a bit of extra weight and the use I am wanting.

I have just come back from a trip from Country SA to Fraser Island and Back (5600kms) via Glasshouse Mountains and its shown a few flaws in the system after asking a fair bit of the poor old Jeepers :)

Here's a quick rundown on whats it got.

* ARB Steel Winch Bar
* Warn 8000 Winch with Steel Cable
* OME / ARB 2" Lift - I have removed the diff drop kit as it was really pointless IMO given the lift seemed to have sagged big time
* JKS 2" Extended Shackles
* Jeep Sport Rims with Renegade M/T 31"x 10.5x R15 Tyres
* Extended rear bump stops
* Manual activation Thermofan Trigger
* Bigger Trans Cooler and moved closer to thermo fan location
*** next few weeks its getting a hack n tap SYE thrown in
*** I have a ARB Air Locker for the front that is making its way in there also
*** Dana 44 about to go in the rear as current rear is having a tantrum :)
*** Thinking about re gearing it too, haven't looked into that option yet and the cost involved etc but think its a smart idea!

*** Tonight I have actually taken off the alloy rack / cage / spare tyre / awing / etc setup for a while and also the front spot lights ***

Rear end constantly has the following in there - Atleast 300kilos Constant Load IMO
* Primus 60Lt Fridge
* Century 105Ah AGM Battery
* 4WDSuperCentre Compressor
* Full Winch Kit Recovery Gear
* Tool Box
* Amp / Sub Box

I also have a alloy roof rack system with Rod Holder, 2.5 x 2.5 Awning, UHF Arial and the spare sits up there too... so a bit more weight to add to the list.

I am willing to throw on some different flares and or trim the stock internal ones to make some more room too.

When I throw in the Dana44 my bro inlaw and I are going to toy with putting in a extra leaf from a stock XJ leaf pack to see if that helps but the front definately needs some more help and BETTER SHOCKS are needed all 'round for sure.

So based on all of that, I am looking for more flex, more lift and a bit better load carrying.

I am really toying with importing a 4.5" Lift kit but dont know if I need to have drop boxes, if its asking too much of the front drive shaft angles etc and if its all worth it.

I am really after a few ideas and suggestions of whats worth my $ and time fitting. I am happy to buy locally and support local business BUT i wont pay stupid pricing. I would happily support locals / sponsors but pricing has to be half competitive.

A few pics of the Jeepers
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...f42b845227.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...f42d516bbc.jpg
http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/...f42e71e334.jpg

I have a Rubicon express 4.5" lift, with the recommended RE shocks. Never having had anything to do with 4wd suspension before, I liked the idea of a kit that was designed to work together. Rather than bits and pieces from everywhere and.... well who knows?- I did not. do get the drop boxes if you go that high.
Regearing is a good idea if you go a bit bigger in rubber, although TBH even with 31's and towing a lot a regear would be beneficial.
Its not cheap but you are half way there on the front axel when you are putting the locker in. 31's is the upper limit of the D35 though, might pay to have a think about how you will address that one.
There is a fair bit to a lift that high- though by no means rocket science. for me the challenge was keeping the jeep on the road.
I did the lift first, then the axels, then upgraded the rubber. Phase 1 2 & 3 if you like. the SYE was 4.
Its not cheap, defiantly not an investment, by I enjoy driving it.
good luck with it.

I reckon with that much weight in the rear of it you'll be wanting to run some airbags. Keep the back end from sagging too much.

I have a 3.5inch RE superflex kit that I'm about to pop off my second XJ (trying to cut back on the number of jeeps I own) with 4 matching RE monotube shocks. With a set of after market flares you clear 33s. But it looks like you're in SA (I'm NSW) so its probably not much good to you.

You might be able to pick one up second hand locally? Save some coin for other mods...

Rainman & others - when you say 'drop boxes', you're talking about these things, right? http://www.rocky-road.com/cherokee-c...-arm-drop.html

If so, I'm looking at these too.... anyone got any preferred brand/design? I thought the RockyRoad ones looked comparatively good.

And what LCAs do you then fit please?

(nb I'm on RE3.5 superflex but sitting up 4, on 32s.)

There are a few different makes, just get a kit with a reinforcing bracket behind the actual box- like the one you linked to.
Go jeep has a good write up.
Apparently you can use stock arms. But I already had RE adjustables- so went with them.
Good luck with it.