[cbowles]

I am contemplating (and have been for about 2 months now) whether to do a Spring Over Axel (SOA) or the 4wd 5" lift. I really like the idea of an SOA because I plan on doing rock crawling and, for lack of better words, 4-wheel low schtuf. But the place I got a quote from, quoted me $3,500+ to do the SOA, and aparantly that was only a partial quote. The 5" lift is $1,000 and I can bolt it in myself in a weekend and be done with it. I'm kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place (no pun intended).

Anyone life in sothern cali who has done an SOA and would like to help me out instead of me paying $3.500+ for someone to do it?

[bobbert350]

why dont u get a welder and do the soa lift..i mean its complicated to do it but a weldier is a big part

[cbowles]

I don't know how to weld, at all, and I don't have access to a welder or any welding equipment.

[cbowles]

What about the RE Spring Over Conversion Kit with RE 1.5" YJ SOA Leaf Springs?

$ 605.85

[jeepin92yj]

you could mark all your angles and everything, then take the axles by your local welding shop and they shouldnt charge to much. then do the rest by yourself... even with the spring over conversion you will still have to weld your spring perches and that isnt even a complete kit i hear.

[cbowles]

That's the thing, I don't know of what angles to mark, or where to place things, or even how to do it. That's why I went to my local 4x4 place and they quoted me 3500 and i was like F* that.

[jeepin92yj]

if you arnt up to all the work required with a soa setup then you should probably find a sua lift kit. depending on your budget if your going to do rock crawling why dont u go for the skyjacker rockready 6" lift?

[bobbert350]

buy a welder at harbor frieght they r cheap enough..u can get all ur welding equipment for about 300 bucks..the soa kit will flex better..i no u said u dont no how to weld either did i just practice thats how u get better...also if ur new to welding get a auto dimming helment wear long sleves since u will get sun burn type burn if u weld and wear leather gloves

[bobbert350]

when ur good at welding its pretty easy the hardest part that i found when i first started was keeping my mark when i flipped down my helmet but a auto dimming helmet would be alot better so go with that u will be fine...practice on scrap pieces of metal

[cbowles]

Originally Posted by jeepin92yj

if you arnt up to all the work required with a soa setup then you should probably find a sua lift kit. depending on your budget if your going to do rock crawling why dont u go for the skyjacker rockready 6" lift?

I don't like the look of those springs. they look like they would be easily breakable...

[BigMikey]

I didnt hear much about the SJ 6' lift but i also agree....Theres just something about a mono-leaf....Has anybody ran them before?

[Punisher]

If you arent 100% sure of your welding, then stay away from doing your own SOA lift. For your sake and everyone elses....

There is also a TON more to an SOA than most people (and compainies) list.


Go SUA and trim the body with cutout flares (TJ or bushwacker) or add a SMALL body lift to gain some extra room. A large (4+ inch) SUA lift will not flex as well as a SOA, but a smaller (2.5 -2.5" ) SUA lift will get you closer to the low COG setup and decent flex.

Decide what tires you want to run, then look at your lift options. I gained about 2" of clearance just from trimming the wheel wells out on mine, and with my 3.5" lift, could clear 35's by just adding a 1" body lift and some greasable 3/8" shackles.

[yarosig]

There are those cheap bolt on SOA kits on ebay. But I have not heard a single review on those things yet.

[Punisher]

Originally Posted by yarosig

There are those cheap bolt on SOA kits on ebay. But I have not heard a single review on those things yet.

There is no complete SOA kit unfortunately. Things like steering, brakelines, Driveshafts, traction bars etc.. etc... have to be sourced/fabbed to finish the SOA lift. The bolt on kits are great in theory, but have a ton of problems and failure points that I simply wouldnt trust them to hold my axles on the Jeep.

If you're going SOA, do it right...If you arent willing to spend the time or money to properly do a SOA, then buy a complete SUA kit and go from there.

[JeepCrz]

I'd stay away from the 5" lift unless your jeep mainly for on road use. Those springs have a ton of arch and won't flex much once you hit some rocks.

Don't forget no matter if you go soa or sua you still need a sye kit for 4" or higher.

You'll need a crossover steering setup and much longer brake lines.

Basicly everything you'll need for an soa you need for that 5" lift minus the 5" arched springs. Don't be fooled into thinking a drop pitman arm will do it on that much of a drop for steering.

If you just want to fit 35's then a smaller lift / body lift combo with TJ flares should do the trick. Remember though if you like skinny pedal 35's will tear up your rear end. If you're smart you can run 35's for some time on the stock axles.

Good luck.