AAL or not?

[Buddy in Texarkana]

I have done a lot of reading in the archives, and I am more confused than ever. My old '88 GW just needs a little something. I think I really want about a 2" lift. I have 31-10.50's and only a little rubbing at full turn to the stops. I have no idea how much sag I have. I called Rusty's and they said the 2" aal kit would fix me up. level her up, a little lift and no rougher ride. Gotta go for now, but I will be back later. with the rest. just fishing for opinions. Thanks a ton. His site says this:

Add-a-Leafs are a great, inexpensive way to lift your vehicle in smaller amounts, putting new life back into your existing spring packs. Adding a winch or snow plow can cause the front of the vehicle to droop, and installing a pair of Rusty's AAL's will even things out again. Rear spring fatigue is common on older vehicles, and Rusty's Full Length AAL's will boost the springs without sacrificing ride quality.

[River Beast]

ok... AAL's are not BAD... but you will get:

rougher ride... not bad though...
you also get a little more lift in the back and less in front due to Front SUA and rear SOA...this means you gain the thickness of the AAL in the rear.. but lose it in the front.... unless the AAL's they provide compensate for that.. but I highly doubt it

[Buddy in Texarkana]

Do you think I will be able to get by for a while with the factory shocks on a 2" lift? I seem to remember that that stock shocks had 4" of travel. I hate to scrap 4 brand new shocks. Which brings up the question of Rusty's shocks. They said I could get the whole set without shocks for less than $125 delivered. I figured why not try it for that. Then if I have to get shocks, I could get some of those cheaper Rancho's or something. Mind you now, the most I ever do is go through a couple of mud holes on the deer lease. As far as rough ride, I don't think it can get any rougher. This thing jars you to the bone if you run over a stripe on the road (do body bushings have anything to do with that, or is it all springs?) I know a good set of 2" over springs would be best, but its winter and the money tree is a little naked (after tires and a new fender). Has anybody sprung for new springs lately? What does a set run? I could always wait if add-a-leaf is gonna waste my money. I guess if I had to prioritize, I want
1. Better ride than I have now (at least not rougher)
2. 2 or so inches of lift for looks (think that would do it)
3. level up that saggin right side
4. economy (Not that I don't understand the concept of Just Empty Every Pocket, but I do need to stay married.)

Thanks for all your ideas and help.

BTW. In all the discussion on how much lift is on a rig, why couldn't you just measure the shock length at rest on level ground? Wouldn't this give a good indication of how much lift (or sag) you have? Anybody have a new wagoneer to measure? Once again, Thanks, Buddy

[Josh D]

I'd recommend the Rusty's 4" with rear 2" block and AAL that BJ's sells for just under $300. It even includes shocks, and it made my '88 ride way better than stock. My '88 had good springs, but the PO added heavy duty gas pressurized shocks that made it ride like a tank. Not to mention that the axles are only a couple inches off the bumpstops stock and bottom out on every speed bump or pot hole. 4" of lift on the ground hugging GW's is not as drastic as you would think. Looks good with 31's or even better 32's on stock wheels. Makes them more Jeeplike in my opinion.

[River Beast]

go with a lift... and not all AAL's... just a recommendation.... but its not BAD to do AAL's if thats what you want

[Buddy in Texarkana]

After reading ya'lls posts and doing a little research, I am starting to wonder if my shocks aren't a lot of my ride problem. When I went to get shocks, they only had Monroe Gas Magnums. Could these be really stiff shocks causing my really rough ride? If thats the case, then something from Rusty's with the shocks would probably help. Any thoughts on Rusty's shocks? I jacked my rig up to look at height, etc., and 2" to 2-1/2" is all the lift I want. My idea is this: Get the 2" AAL from Rusty's and go with the new shocks(around $100 extra for the shocks which is a bargain compared to $175 for Rancho, if they are alright shocks). If the AAL's are extremely rough, or don't hold up, then I will probably go with new springs all around then (already have my shocks). Or I could just wait a couple of months and go the spring route to start with. I still think my shocks could be some of the problem. Thanks for all ya'lls help. Happy New Year!

[ITLBOK333]

Anyone know what the price would be for a new set of replacement leafs for an 89 waggy? Stock.

[talntar]

Originally posted by ITLBOK333:
Anyone know what the price would be for a new set of replacement leafs for an 89 waggy? Stock.check out espo.com