SOA modification: How do I do it?

[Highlander]

It's about time for the J truck to look as mean as it rides. I've read about a bunch of you that have completed the SOA mod, and it seems to me to be the easiest/most cost effective method of adding a few inches to the beast. I would love a how to with instructions. It can't be as simple as cut the U-bolt, move the axle, add new u-bolt. I'm concerned about my steering linkage, motor/trans/TF case mounts, etc.

Please advise if I'm better off seeking another solution to my quest to add inches.

[River Beast]

It's definitely the cheapest route.... and if you got a welder, even cheaper. you will gain a minimum of 5" and max of 7" doing this lift. Brakelines, shocks, steering linkage (with stock springs a 4" drop pitman arm will work) and rear blocks...which I will never use... are the mods needed for sure... drive shaft length mods will be determined after the lift. Or if you go with a fabricated shackle flip (I have) you can do the rear end with no blocks.

My site has an SOA page that should help you understand more....(link in my sig below)

Here is a link to my final design of the shackle inversion for the rear springs... http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1388365&a=10360822

I have the Skyjacker Softride 4" suspension along with the SOA so I am alot higher than just an SOA... my steering has been moded for my lift you will not need this unless you desire....

Keep the q's comin'....

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Todd
78 Wagoneer, "River Beast"
360/TH400/QT
Dana 44's locked w/ 4.89's
39.50x15x15 Super Swamper TSL's
7" SOA in front-7" Rear Shackle Inversion Mods
4" Skyjacker Softride
3" Trailmaster Bodylift
My FSJ site: http://www.geocities.com/spazz4life (http://www.geocities.com/spazz4life)
My E-mail: monster_fsj@hotmail.com
"If you can't stop...SMILE as you go under!"

'93 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban...a.k.a. "FSJ Hauler"

[This message has been edited by River Beast (edited January 26, 2001).]

[mhoffor]

In 96 or 97 four wheeler had an artical outlining the SOA with sources for kits. I used this artical to make my dicision and sucured the parts myself. It cost less than $300 to gain 7" rear and 9" front. I also did some customizing on the front springs to gain an extra 2".

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Mike Hoff
74 J10
360 Edelbrock Carb
TH400 w/shift kit
Headman Headers 3" pipes w/flomasters
Spring over front 8" net lift
Shackel flip w/2 1/2 steel blocks rear 7" net lift