Another SOA Question

[TexasJ10]

In the discussions on this board relating to SOA conversions, it is frequently quoted that you can gain 7" of lift. Why is this? The axle diameter on my J-10 is 3", the spring pad adds 1/2" and my spring pack is 1 1/2" thick. It seems that this conversion should only add 5" of lift. I'm not a big fan of lifts and would rather keep the center of gravity low and provide clearance with a sawzall. I need a little lift to clear some 35" tires, and the 1979 Ford Dana 60 that I am swapping in place of my front axle is already set up for SOA. I don't really want 7 inches of lift. Is there any way to minimize the amount of lift?

[Agent Orange]

Your calc seems correct expcept that when you are moving the springs you have to measure from the bottom of the old spring perch to the top of the new spring perch and then add the width of your springs. I believe that in most cases you have around 1/2" on the bottom perch and in order to balance the height on the front you need about 1-1.5" because of the perch forged into the housing on the 44. As far as going spring over less than 7" depends on how high your spring perch is on top, but getting less than 6" will be hard. I have a Cherokee and all you need for 35s is 4". If you are planning on trimming you could get away with a 3" body lift.