Junkyard lifts: What to look for/are they good when done right?

impboy65 · 02-23-2009, 08:09 PM

I've been looking into a RC 4" lift, I know they are pretty cheap and good, but cash flow is really tight. I was just wondering what kind of springs could be scavenged from the pick & pull to put together a decent lift. I've heard of people doing this, would love to hear some input. I'd really like to clear 33s. Thanks guys.

impboy65 · 02-23-2009, 08:59 PM

people must not like me, every new thread i start dies within an hour. Dang

bikerjr1 · 02-23-2009, 09:11 PM

I would like to know too. When I had an XJ there were some that built up "bastard pack" springs from Dakota or S-10 pickups. Maybe somebody will chim in with info.
JR

TSEJEEPERS · 02-23-2009, 09:13 PM

I hear you can use Waggoneer springs for a small lift and stretched wheel base. Have not done this so I do not know for sure.

newtjrjrjr · 02-23-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSEJEEPERS

I hear you can use Waggoneer springs for a small lift and stretched wheel base. Have not done this so I do not know for sure.

that will probably be way more work and money then he will probably want to put in for a cheap lift.

TSEJEEPERS · 02-23-2009, 09:20 PM

From what I have read you can just bolt them in. Unlike the Cherokee springs where you have to change well pretty much everything.

**sentinal02** · 02-23-2009, 10:11 PM

check out this site for lots of good info on spring measurements for just about any kind of vehicle. you can see which springs will bolt up close to the YJ's measurements, and which you would have to stretch the wheel base to fit as well as which ones are a different width. the only thing it doesn't give you is the height of the arch from the spring eye to the center pin, but you can get an idea of how much lift you might get given the rated loads. the higher the load, the less the spring will arc under the jeep.

http://www.generalspringkc.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=1&pg=1

Solus · 02-23-2009, 10:13 PM

yeah as far as the waggy springs go. I believe they net you about 2 inches of lift and will stretch you an inch per spring. With the main eye offset towards the front of the jeep it will stretch the axle forward and inch and and in the rear with the eye offset towards the rear it will stretch the rear axel back one inch. The only problem that some people have with the waggy springs is axle wrap in the rear. Sorry if that makes no seance.

impboy65 · 02-23-2009, 10:17 PM

Am I right in thinking that any spring having roughly the same eye to eye distance and width of spring would be a likely candidate? And that the amount of lift they would produce lies in the difference in the measurement perpendicular from the midpoint between the eyes to the arch from stock spring to donor spring?

impboy65 · 02-23-2009, 10:21 PM

Quote:

yeah as far as the waggy springs go. I believe they net you about 2 inches of lift and will stretch you an inch per spring. With the main eye offset towards the front of the jeep it will stretch the axle forward and inch and and in the rear with the eye offset towards the rear it will stretch the rear axel back one inch. The only problem that some people have with the waggy springs is axle wrap in the rear. Sorry if that makes no seance.

Makes sense. Would the inch of stretch be enough to present driveline issues?

Solus · 02-23-2009, 10:23 PM

it shouldn't. There should be enough in the rear shaft to not have any issues. As long as your pinion angles are set right.

**sentinal02** · 02-23-2009, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by impboy65

Makes sense. Would the inch of stretch be enough to present driveline issues?

biggest things i would worry about with an off set spring would be 1) DS length. coupled with any kind of lift, the off set could put you over the mark on the amount of slip you have built into your drive shaft. 2) shock location, and 3) clearance issues under flex, both from the diff being more under the gas tank and also the tires in the fender wells. as newtj pointed out, "cheap" can go right out the window pretty quick trying to make springs work for you, but i would think 1" of stretch wouldn't take too much effort to make it work. just be sure to test out every aspect of the install at home before hitting the trails, or you could end up with some expensive repairs.

impboy65 · 02-23-2009, 10:34 PM

thanks sentinal. After googeling this, many searches, and what you guys have said, I'm starting to think I would regret this sort of thing anyway. It's probably better to save my money to do it right the first time with warrantied, new parts that were engineered for my vehicle.

sam.b. · 02-23-2009, 10:53 PM

waggy springs are truly a good way to go if your on a budget and want to get more lift and more WB out of your jeep without having to do any steering or drive line mods

there was a pic on pirate somewhere showing what springs were and how long and how much lift off set pin etc. search for the "YJ stretch build" thread on pirate and you should come up with something on the waggy springs, or just search around for waggy spring info. if i were on my comp right now id have a link with info but itll have to wait till morning or tom evening

instg8tor · 02-24-2009, 10:32 AM

front waggy springs have off-set pins to locate the axle. Installed one way will gain 0" wheel base, installed "backwards" will gain 2" of wheel base.
They should also be good for up to 2" of lift depending on how old and abused they are.

If you want a cheap lift then grab any leafs with similar dimensions of a YJ's and insert 1 or 2 into the YJ pack. In effect making an Add-A-Leaf.

I'd use the thinnest leaves you can find.