new rear spring packs or add-a-leafs

[jimbo]

i'm planning on getting a 4.5 inch lift with 32s for my 94 xj. i have concerns with getting addaleafs or getting new rear spring packs. i dont do a tremendous amount of 4 wheeling, but i want it to be stable or look like it sags in the back due to the old leaf springs. i'd appreciate help with this. thanks[addsig]

[dingus]

when i put my 3" rusty's lift kit on my XJ, i used complete rear spring packs because my rear springs were sagged really bad. are your current springs the original ones? are they sagged at all?... if you have the finances, i'd just bite the bullet and buy the complete packs.

-nate
PS. check out my website! http://dingus.tqhosting.com/jeep/http://dingus.tqhosting.com/jeep/[addsig]

[jimbo]

i just started checking out lifts, so i havent looked at my current springs. i just got the jeep a couple of months ago, but i think that they are still the stock springs.
[addsig]

[dingus]

well, in that case, might as well assume they're the originals...

another comparison between the AAL's and the spring packs is the installation process. the AAL's require taking apart the current springs (seperating the packs' individual pieces of metal) and adding the AAL to it... this is quite a pain from what i've read. the complete spring pack removes this problem, but now you're facing the question of getting those bolts out! (which was what caused my lift installation project to span 30 labor hours)[addsig]

[Bounty__Hunter]

In my experience with lifting XJ's, it's easier to install the full-length AAL in the rear, since the spring eye bolts and shackle bolts are such a pain in the arse. You don't need to remove these bolts when installing an AAL. Just support the rear of the jeep, and the rear axle supported in full droop. Unbolt the axle and, with the spring pack clamped, remove the spring center pin. Put the AAL in, replace the leaf springs you removed, and install a new center pin. Put it all back together and, wal la :-O [addsig]

[drewfuss27]

I totally agree. My leaf packs were'nt saggin at all so I just went with add-a-leaves ('99 XJ). The first one was a pain to get the right jacks in the right place to get enough lift and also to line everything up during reassembly. BUT once you've done one side the other side should take about half the time (one hour per side if you're working alone). You'll need an angle grinder to get the leaf pack apart, just dont forget to put 2 c-clamps on the pack when you grind off the bolt on the pack.
<img src = "http://drewfuss.alloffroad.com/images/xj-psgr-fnt.jpg" width = "400">

(just resized it for ya)

edited by: dingus, Mar 05, 2003 - 06:44 PM[addsig]

[dingus]

drewfuss - what size tires are they? how much lift is it?
[addsig]