Rethinking PO's Existing Lift

[Red20]

I've recently bought an '85 J20 in great condition, and I'm selling another truck so I'll have a little cash pretty soon. Therefore, my list of want-to-dos is growing and suspension and tires is at the top. I've already decided I'm gonna be running 315/75/16 Maxxis Bighorn MT-762s as I've been running these tires on my Chevy and I've fallen in love with them. I may buy one of the smallest available size and use it as a pillow at night. Anyway, the PO/PPO did what looks like a 3"-4" lift with blocks and AALs in the rear and allegedly lift springs up front. It's got Rancho RS500s all around including the steering dampener, but I'm not sure who's lift I'm looking at here. Nonetheless, it appears to have sagged quite a bit and rides VERY stiff. I have the money and the time to do a 6" all spring lift from BJ's or Rusty's but would like to do a SOA eventually. I know there are a lot of threads here about lift springs vs. SOA/SF, but I feel compelled to rehash it. Mainly I want to know how the 6" lifts compare between BJ's and Rusty's. Also, with boxed shackle mounts in the rear, what do you do for the rear with a SOA. If anyone is still reading this novel, you're crazy. And thanks.

[fulsizjeep]

Josh, looks like you got it bad <as in good> with the Jtruck. We could probably take your pain away by rescuing you from the Jeep. Will need an address to know where to pick it up. :D

The pillow idea sounds reasonable too. ;)

I have not driven a 6" spring lift. I hear they are stiff rides. The Black Diamond 4" springs on the front of my GW are pretty harsh but I have got used to it after 12 years. :cool:

I think you would be happy with the SOA front and shackle flip in back. We have a SOA Waggy here and I love how soft the ride is and it flexes like crazy. A bunch of folks have done the SOA/SF. I have the kits to do a couple of ours once I get out from other some other pressing repairs. Have fun with it! :fsj:

[cajun_lad]

If you think it rides stiff now, throw a NEW set of lift springs under it and then tell us how stiff it is. Lift springs are great, in that they are a complete kit to lift your ride and give it the look it should have had from the factory. But from my experience, they are stiff, period. Keep what the PO had for now, and save up for the stuff you need for SOA front and shackle flip the rear. Then you can ditch the blocks, and have about 6-8" of lift (varies with each rig).

[Red20]

Josh, looks like you got it bad <as in good> with the Jtruck. We could probably take your pain away by rescuing you from the Jeep.
Thanks for the kind offer. :p I'm finally owning a FSJ again after 5-6 years away from my last one. You'd have to fight me pretty darn well for this one. The motor has really been gone through with a lot of new parts so I only have to worry about suspension and the rest of the driveline right off. It was a good buy.