Upgrades & Spring Question

[Special_K]

Mingez' new top!

Okay, I think I've finally decided on a tire:

After looking very closely at the Mickey Thompson Baja Claw Radials, I think I'm going to actually go with the Pro Comp Xterrain which is very similar to the MT Baja Claws but with more siphoning (wet traction is one of my key concerns). Plus there's a buy 3 get 1 free sale on them next month.

Now, I'm still looking at upgrading to 35" from the current 33". I understand that, with my current setup, I could have a 1" higher spring and they'll fit fine. So I'm contemplating getting the Rubicon Express 4.5"...my current springs are actually only 3.5" (Superlift) even though they say 4". I know I'll need either a drive shaft conversion or transfer case lowering spaces (I may go with the lowering spacers in the near term and get the drive shaft conversion later, when I have a bit more free cash flow as I'm still recovering from some pretty hellacious losses).

Anyway, if I do this, I may not change the gears right away, but I would probably do that within the next 6-12 months...at which time I'll likely get ARB lockers as well.

My question for right now is: Are springs really, really easy to install or is it worth the $350 to get a shop to put 'em on for you? They seem straight forward and I'm reasonably handy with tools but I usually find that most installation projects take 3 times the amount of time and 4 times the headache than I plan on and I'd rather not spend an entire day (i.e. more than about 6-8 hours) tyring to put them on.

 

[ndnatty]

With the right tools installing the springs is fairly straight forward and not too difficult at all. Now I am saying this from my experience with removing and installing the springs on my 79 cj-7. You may have to wrestle with, or cut off, the U-bolts but that's about it. With the lift, I needed to "jimmy rig" my lifts to make the clearance I needed to release the spring tension, but after that it was smooth sailing.

 

[88Wrangles]

what kind of jeep do you have?

 

[Special_K]

I have a '95 YJ currently w/ 3.5" Superlift, 1" shackles.

 

[L33TJ33P]

Lemme know if you wanna do it yourself. I am game to rip some springs off a YJ

 

[TwistedCU]

Installing a suspension is hard work and the first time you do it will be time consuming. If you have access to a lift then it will be much easier. I recommend doing it yourself if you can set the time aside. You will know your vehicle better and it sure is gratifying to do it yourself. It seems overwhelming, but it is really pretty simple. A lot of work, but simple.

I spent a weekend lifting my first Jeep and could have worked overtime all weekend instead. I wouldn't have worked as hard and would have made more money than I would have spent paying someone to do the lift for me, but I'm glad I did it myself. I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

What do you have now to address the rear driveline issues with 3.5" of lift? A transfer case drop or a slipyoke eliminator? Either way it shouldn't need changed when going to a 4.5" spring.

Contact RE and make sure the RE4.5" lift kit actually has 4.5" springs, I thought I had read it was slightly smaller springs with longer shackles included. Double check. Jason at www.jeeping.com can get you RE parts with free shipping, check with him when ordering.

You will need more than just 4.5" of lift to clear 35"s on a YJ, like either TJ flares or a body lift.

 

[mud4feet]

I recommend doing it yourself if you can set the time aside. You will know your vehicle better and it sure is gratifying to do it yourself.

Twisted, that statement says a whole lot about a whole lotta things, not just Jeeps. Just like the good ol' days!

 

[redrooster]

My first lift install was on an 85 Cherokee. It took about 6 hours with the frozen bolts and having to drill a few holes and move brake lines. The last time I swapped springs on my CJ, myself and a friend did it in an hour and a half with air tools.

 

[MerkL]

That is the same setup that I want to get when I have the funds. I'm pretty much the same you are now 3.5 Superstiff and 2" body. Let me know how you like the RE lift springs. I've been back and forth on it, and could use some unbiased info.

 

[TwistedCU]

Re: Rathergate

My first lift install was on an 85 Cherokee. It took about 6 hours with the frozen bolts and having to drill a few holes and move brake lines.

That's a lot better than I did. 'Course I was in my front yard and had limited tools and equipment

 

[currupt4130]

spring under switches are easy, you just gotta unbolt em and slap new ones under there, jack stands are beyond essential and air impacts make life a lot easier, 35's on a yj with 4 inch or 4.5 inch springs will be really close to rubbing, shackles or a 1"bl or both in combo might be a good idea for a little more clearance, if you do drive shaft mods go to tom woods, they have package deals with an sye that is pretty affordable.

 

[Special_K]

L33TJ33P: I'll take you up of that offer if I do it myself. I'm still thankin' 'bout it. I'll make a decision by the time my tires are nice and smooth all the way around.