XJ- Lift

[96-XJ]

Hey JJ.
I'm in Melbourne.

[anthonygubbin]

I wouldn't bother with that kit. I got far superior JKS boomerang shackles for $99 + freight I think and 30mm spacers for $50 inc freight. I eventually want to remove my coil spacers as they are not legal in most states. So My Jeep won't pass rego if I try to change it to Tas rego. Shackles are not either but they look like they should be there so it would take a trained eye to notice they are not standard and down here there are like no XJs or maybe three at most in St Helens so I reckon the inspection station would not even pick up on it.

Regards A

[junglejuice]

I use OEM isolators in mine, they give approx 20mm lift which works for me plus they are OEM parts...

I also wouldn't but that kit, I'd go a bastard pack using a OEM main leaf with the ends removed before I'd go extended shackles...

[anthonygubbin]

Originally Posted by junglejuice

My modded pack was done by a spring manufacturer here in Brisbane, just for clarification they rode significantly better the OEM and also had better load carrying capacity as well sat higher (don't have a measurement).
I did try the Falcon leaf mod later on, it did give more lift (sat at around 3") but the ride was horrible with very little flex as they were too stiff, can't remember if that was on top of the extra leaf or not but if I had to guess it was.
I still use the "extra" leaf at times in my OME pack for when I want more lift or for long trips with high load as it is pretty easy to fit....

Yerr unfortunately there is no really acceptable way of doing it on the cheap. If you just want lift then a bastard pack will do. But I think you will find that using the XJ as a tourer with bastard packs will be absolutely awful, especially along corrugations. I have never tried so can only go by what I have read over the years. The general consensus is get a kit. Or you will end up F'n around with mish mash bits that will never perform well. I think if your on a budget then Maxi Trac 5 leaf packs will get you started. But you will need bushes and probably castor wedges. Then the front you will need something better than 50mm spacers because if you don't have the fronts and rears sitting at the same height it will handle like shit on the tar. The stock shocks are not much use on a lift, one because ther'e most likely getting close to 20years old. So if you can imagine putting a nice set of lifted springs the stock shocks probably won't be able to offer the dampening you need. I started with a budget in mind and have basically had to buy a whole kit bit by bit as one mod lead to an issue elsewhere.

Regards A

[junglejuice]

Absolutely, I'd only go for a bastard pack if you can get the parts for minimal outlay, you can offer pick up stock packs for next to nothing which is why I asked the location...

Plus limited shocks are rubbish, at least the stock sport shocks worked well....