Suspension Questions.

[J10_IA]

I'm in the middle of building up my j10 atm but waiting to find a 302 bell housing for the new motor and its going slowely. So, today I was thinking about the suspension. The j10 will not be a trail vehicle but rather my winter/hauling truck. Currently it has some Rancho's on it from the PO. It rides like a tank and I can't stand it. Of course, with a full load in the bed it rides much smoother. I understand the stiffer shocks will cause this effect.

I do not plan on lifting the truck more than maybe 2-3" as I still want to be able to load the bed of the truck with ease. I do however, want to put on some bigger tires eventually. Currently running 31" tires.

So do you guys think I should get adjustable shocks so that I could have the nicer ride in the winter and still be able to stiffen them up when I have a full load?

I was thinking of getting new leaf springs but unsure if I really need to. There is sag in the rear of the truck but the front seems pretty decent. Maybe I should get an add a leaf kit? Or should I just spend the extra cash for new leaf springs all around? I know the add a leaf will add a bit of height to the truck and maybe that will be enough of a lift for me.

So in short, Add a leaf or all new leaf springs? What shocks for both a better ride and hauling ride? What would be the least invasive lift method (2-3")?

[J10_IA]

After some more thought, I think I will do the Springs over shackle conversion on the front of the truck. I'll get some new pro-comp shocks and steering stabalizer.

Perhaps next year I'll do a leaf spring lift kit.

However, what should I do for the rear in order to bring it up 2 inches? Also, Any wider of tires than my 10.5s will rub on the stock leaf springs, is there something that can be done for this or am I looking at wheel spacers?

[janie]

If your doing the SOA up front, you can just run blocks in the back.

[J10_IA]

If I do blocks and the SOA conversion, will I need to modify anything such as brake lines? Assuming I put 3" blocks in the rear.

[janie]

I always have. BJ's Offroad has the extended stainless steel brakelines.

[J10_IA]

So I've decided on a SOA kit for the frong springs, 3" blocks in the rear with new skyjacker shocks, the order will be placed tonight or tomorrow.

[fulsizjeep]

With stock springs on the front, the SOA will net you about 6" of lift. Consider that when looking at your rear lift options. You could do a 2" Add A Leaf and 4" blocks or 6" springs for example. The 6" lift springs will be quite a bit stiffer than the first option. It is a good idea to get longer brake flex lines (3) if you are going more than 4" lift.

[J10_IA]

Are there any other parts I will need to do this modification?

[Songman]

If I can piggyback on this subject...

Is that pretty much the two options for the when when doing SOA up front? New springs or blocks? I didn't realize the rear of my J10 was already SOA. Now I have to make a plan to get the rear up to the same level as the front. I don't really like adding blocks. If springs is the only other option, any brand recommendations?

[fulsizjeep]

Shackle flip kit for the rear is another option. It was designed to lift the rear to match SOA lift. That way you can use stock springs front and back.

[Songman]

That's the answer I was looking for! Thanks.