Rusty's AAL

[tomd]

Anyone used Rusty's Full Length AAL? I was thinking about going with that and some fender trimming, until i can do a spring over. Just wondering if i should go with Ranchos or Rustys, but Rancho doesn't have a full length AAL for the rear, do they?

Tom

[JeepsnCellos]

Well, I did a search and found the exact question I was looking for. Unfortunately there are no replies!

Should I go with Rusty's or Rancho's ~2" AAL's? Does anyone have experience with both products?

Rusty's comes with shocks (which I need). Are they decent shocks or should I pay a little extra for some other brand? Suggestions for other brands?

I'm on a tight budget, but I want a decent ride if possible.

Thanks.

[incommando]

Up front, I will say that I have used neither. But if you really are intending on doing it short-term, I can't see that you would go wrong with either one as long as you go with the full-length AAL's.

The knock on Rusty's rear shocks for KJ's ( I am sure they would be the same brand as their FSJ ones) is that they wear out pretty quickly, say 20-25K miles. Again, if this is a short term fix, I wouldn't spend premium $$$ on something I would have to replace with the SOA swap, anyway.

Good luck.

[billyrb]

AAL's are pretty stiff, but they don't last terribly long, losing their arch. If you are going through installing a suspension, and plan on going SOA, you might as well go with either a new stock-height suspension or a 2" lift suspension, as both will give you a lift over your current height.......and they will both work very well with a spring over, giving you that much more clearance. Just doesn't make as much sense to buy something & spend the time installing it if it doesn't last long, doesn't provide a good ride, and you'll be removing it relatively soon anyway......jmho

[JeepsnCellos]

I'm not actually planning on a SOA like "tomd" was back in 2002 (I'm sure he's still eagerly awaiting a reply). I just want a little room to clear my 31's better and was looking for feedback on the 2 AAL brands and the Rusty's shocks. I would love the BJ's 2" spring lift but I just don't have that kind of money at the moment.

Thanks for the opinions.

Any more?

[chemlight]

I installed Rusty's 4" kit last winter, front sring replacement and rear block and full AAL and shocks. I love it. Even got a little more than 4" as my stock springs were shot. I am now running 31/1050s and it looks great.

Moral of the story--don't let the fear of a "stiff ride" worry you. I truly have a better ride than stock as my stock springs were shot. The kit was easy to install I paid around $360 with shipping. You just can't beat that!:D

[cttandy]

I am running the 3.5" Rusty AAL, and I love them. The truck rides great and I also seemed to pick up more lift then they said. They come with everything you need. I would do it again!

[letank]

AAL's are pretty stiff, but they don't last terribly long, losing their arch. If you are going through installing a suspension, and plan on going SOA, you might as well go with either a new stock-height suspension or a 2" lift suspension, as both will give you a lift over your current height.......and they will both work very well with a spring over, giving you that much more clearance. Just doesn't make as much sense to buy something & spend the time installing it if it doesn't last long, doesn't provide a good ride, and you'll be removing it relatively soon anyway......jmho

the AALs are very stiff. I did the rusty's AALs in Front and 2.5" blocks in rear, when BJ's 2" springs were back ordered. I broke the main spring in Moab, Kenny and I patched it up w the aid of local junkyard. Later I installed BJ's front 2" which give 2.5". They are very comfy. I use the rancho 9000 shocks because of the buy 4 pay for 3.

But I will agree w Ryan, that it is a waste of $$ and TIME to install them temporarily, you will have to have the front end aligned as the lift changes your alignment. Unless the springs are really sagging, the 31 fit w a little rubbing during extreme turns. This is what is on my 85 project w stock height.

Is that for your 76, so are stuck w the short leaf springs like I am..... on the 74.