lift question

[wncwheeler]

ive got bj's 6 inch spring lift and im wondering if i can throw on 2 or 3 inch blocks in the rear and extended shacles up front without running into any problems has anyone done this and its going on a 91' grand wagonner

thanks Ben

[cajun_lad]

You can, but why? Just for looks, or to clear bigger tires for offroad? If your answer is the first, go ahead. If you answered the second, then I would reconsider. Sure it's a cheap way to gain a couple extra inches, but you know the saying "you get what you pay for"? If you are going to take this thing on the trails, do us all the favor and take the time and money to do it right.

[wncwheeler]

my hopes are to clear bigger tires but im trying to avoid cutting the fenders are there any other options that would give me a few more inches? the only reason i think blocks is becasue ive got a set lying around but i would deffinally rather be safe!! thanks for the fast responce

Ben

[Lindel]

The easiest answer (and the safest alternative) would be a body lift. That will still have it's own problems because you'll have to allow for the radiator, bumpers, etc.

[cajun_lad]

Spring over the front and shackle flip the rear to even it out. Gets you around 7" of lift with factory springs. Gets expensive though, cause you gotta mod your steering. And if you don't have access to a welder to relocate front perches to top of the axle, you'd have to pay a professional. But its the more popular mod to gaining good lift for max size tires w minimal trimming.

Check out this thread for other ideas....
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=76709

[Dirtball]

My question would be: what size tires are you trying to run? Anything bigger than 35s on your stock axles isn't generally considered to be a good idea for heavy offroading... you can probably get away with 35s with a 3 inch body lift. You can also go with slightly longer front shackles; long enough shackles to gain you 3 inches would have to be SIX inches longer than stock, which is VERY dangerous. BJs has 1 or 1 1/2 inch lift shackles which are safe; combined with 1 inch blocks in the back they will gain you an inch. That, with your 6 inch lift and a body lift would probably be safe.

[ncjeepers]

Long shackles up front SUCK. If you put long shackles on 6" springs that thing will try to follow every crack in the road. They not only wobble(compounded by your high arch springs) but they also take a lot of the caster out of your steering geometry. You can get the caster back with angle shims, but then you'd probably need a high angle driveshaft and/or cut and rotate your knuckles.
On your NT rig, I'd say you're already maxxed out at 6" of lift. I'd stick with that and 33's. Any more and it will get really tippy. Your driveline will thank you, too.

[The Gator]

SOA and 3in Body clearing 36 TSL's. Under severe flex the rear rubs.. I might trim when I redo her body work this spring.. But there right do it right the first time...http://www.geocities.com/knippj2001/mini-DSC00379.JPG