Are spacers/AAL the way to go?

[stog94]

I've done quite a bit of searching and it seems like there are a couple of options for me to get a couple inches of lift on my 94 XLT

1) Spaces up front and AAL/Shackles in th e rear.

2) Coils up front and AAL/Shackles in the rear.

Please excuse the newbie questions, but do AALs actually lift the back if the spring are still under the axle? Is this done because of the change in arch radius?

What do you recommend for getting a couple of inches of lift for the newbie to doing these mods? I'm fairly new to auto-work and I'd like to do this myself.

Thanks.

 

[bipolarbob]

Do the springs...More flex.

 

[Byrd91]

The springs may not necessarily mean more flex. Often lift springs are stiffer than stock. With spacers you'll maintain the same ride quality and go the the alignment shop without having to worry about the springs breaking in. F-150 seats/spacers are a very good/cheap way to get 1 5/8" of lift.

 

[Redrig]

Both of your suggestions are ok. Id suggest the lift coils and the ALL. The ALL will give you the lift even though there under the axle.

 

[ld50]

Is this done because of the change in arch radius?

Yes

What do you recommend for getting a couple of inches of lift for the newbie to doing these mods?

The coils are fairly easy to work on, just adding lift coils might actually be easier than getting the spacers in.

With spacers you'll maintain the same ride quality and go the the alignment shop without having to worry about the springs breaking in.

I used spacers, and just had to re-align after a year. I don`t know if it is because the spacers make the springs wear quicker, or my off-roading is to blame, but the front has sagged a little anyway.

I am thinking of just replacing them with lift coils because it does make sense that you would have more travel. I have heard that they are stiffer though, and even heard that any extra flex is so minimal so as not to make a difference. Of course you always get different views, I don`t know what to believe.

If I ever decide to get extended radius arms I would go to lift coils for sure. I personally believe they restrict travel more than people realize.

I found the add-a-leaves made the ride stiffer.
Then I did the Zimmerman mod and wasn`t happy.

I have OME-36 (old man emu) 2 inch lift leaf springs on now; expensive, but I love them.

If you can afford it they are much easier to swap in than putting the add a leaves on.

 

[stog94]

Thanks guys. I will start pricing and planning... Most likely I guess I will go with OMEs or AALs and coils up front. I need new shocks as well, so it's a good time to get it done.

ld50 - Awesome thread on your mods. I'm going to have print that out and save it.

 

[stog94]

Where's a good place to find OME-36?

I'm not having a lot of luck finding them through google.

 

[ld50]

I just got mine ordered through an off-road parts place that specialized in jeep stuff. I think there are good deals through some of the internet parts sources.

try a search in suspensions for them and people may have discussed where they got the good deals at.