Reddit mentions: The best coil springs

i have a 5.5 inch lift on mine, with 33" tires.
here's what i have underneath:

1. RC long arm kit: http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-689u.html ~700
   
2. Chevy s10 leaf springs with some autozone lowering shackles. total cost was 20 for the springs off CL, and 40 for the shackels from Autozone.
   
3. RC rear CV driveshaft: http://www.roughcountry.com/rear-cv-drive-shaft-jeep-xj-5076-1.html ~300
   
4. Omix-Ada sye: http://www.omix-ada.com/np231-slip-yoke-eliminator-sye-kit-88-06-jeep-wrangler.html got mine in CL for 100...
   
5. Dodge Dakota rear brake line
   
6. RE 5.5 front springs: http://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1345-Coil-Spring/dp/B006GJK8MY/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1395842905&sr=8-8&keywords=5.5+xj+springs ~90 bucks
   
7. I dont remember where i got them, but 8-10degree rear pinion angle shims. they were like 40 bucks for the steel ones.
   
8. bilstein 5100's with detour's cheaters cause i got 4 inch shocks, and not 5. ~370. WORTH THE MONEY. they are absolutely awesome.
   
9. longer swaybar links off a TJ. had to weld in bit on the swaybar, but i made em fit. they have a ball joint in them, which is what i was after.
   
10. RC trackbar. buy one from someone else, like Iron Rock Offroad. this thing is a piece of shit, and shouldnt have been made. the heim joint on the end bangs and clicks and wears quick. worst 190 i've ever spent.
    
11. trimmed fenders, and welded the rear wells together. tried the cut and fold, looks like shit.
    
12. JCR rear quarterpanel skins and boxed tail led lights.
    
13. lots of other stuff up top.
    
    you can get better cooling with a higher core count radiator, and a thermostat - maybe 195? also, flush your cooling system really good. some people dont know that you arent supposed to mix different kinds of radiator fluid, and you end up with a mud in your cooling system. even though it says on the bottle dont mix HOAT and OAT fluids.
    
    intake, exhaust? meh. not really worth it on the 4.0. people will argue, but there really is no performance gain. same with TB spacers, and other doo-dads. the only thing that makes more power is stroking it, or adding a super charger. check out Golen engine works if you want a 4.7 stroker - nothing but good reviews.
    
    if you dont have ABS, you could swap in a d44 or 8.8, and have a wider array of stuff available to you. most 8.8's come with 4.11 rear gears, which is closer to what you would want with 33" tires. you'd only need to regear the front. as a added bonus, some come with E-Lockers, and adding a extra disc in there makes it a cheap locker, as opposed to a LSD. if you do have ABS... look for the mod to get rid of that shit, and the d35 under you jeep.
    
    btw... long arms make your jeep ride like a Cadillac. totally worth it. long arms come with other issues though too, like over extension... so bump stops and limit straps are a wise investment. you should also look into frame stiffeners. rough stuff sells them for ~200 bucks, and they have everything pre-cut so you only have to strip some undercoat, and weld. maybe bend a bit. You could also do a 4.5 lift which is more common, and still fit fine. you have to bumpstop though, and you can use hockey pucks on the front for this. i didnt... my swaybar smashed into my wheel well a few times. good thing too, it didn't destroy my shocks.
    
    also, word of wisdom: i know you're in the dry part of the country, but that doesn't exempt you from rain and rust. check your rear quarter panels, at the very bottom. mine were rusted out almost entirely behind the plastic. up in there there are some electrical connectors that im pretty sure control every bit of anything electrical in the jeep. i got mine wet and it burned out my radio, airbag control, ASD relay... so my jeep wouldn't turn off, killed all my gauges, made funny noises over my speakers, and killed my door controls.

I installed OME (Old Man Emu) HD (Heavy Duty) front springs on my '00. They're labeled as ARB 2928, I got mine on Amazon. OME also sells a MD (Medium Duty) spring that has a lower spring rate and would result in a smooth ride. The HD can support more weight for if you want an aftermarket bumper or winch or something.

There aren't really any aftermarket front struts options. Just the OME struts and OEM replacements. Most people just run an OEM replacement. I use KYB struts from RockAuto since the OME struts are not cheap.

In addition to the springs you could install a spacer. At this point you need to start being careful with your CV axle angle. Too much angle and your axles will begin to bind and break. I think a 1-1.5" spacer on top is the maximum you'd be able to go, and even then you might run into issues.

To go higher you'll need to look into a SFD (Sub Frame Drop), this is basically a "body lift".

For the rear, a lot of us run either AC springs or a cheaper alternative is Land Rover Discovery front springs on the rear of our Pathfinders. I personally run NRC9449 springs in the rear, but have run NRC9446. There are other taller options as well. If you go long enough in the rear you'll need longer shocks, I run Bilstein 5125. If you go high enough you'll want to look into a Panhard bar drop, a trailing arm extension, and longer rear brake lines/diff breather tube.

If you want to get more info, I'd direct you to the NPORA website. Lots of good info on there, but please just do your due diligence and search first before just asking questions.

Good luck!

Edit: spacers are an okay solution, but they mess with your suspension geometry since the spring compressed in a different arc. Going with just super huge spacers can cause some suspension issues longer term. Ideally you would do a full suspension job, but obviously that (what I've listed above) is gonna rack up $500+, not including labor if you don't do it yourself.

Man, I wish my 1993 was this mint. If you live in the rust belt, make sure you clean the gunk out of the fenders, bumpers, and frame! As well, you can easily fix your rear coil spring sag with a set of cheap Moog CC255 springs. Trust me, it's worth it.

No, but neither do the other kits.

If you want a full on lift kit, they cost a considerable amount more.
Front springs: http://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1310-Coil-Spring/dp/B006GJKBGC
Shocks: http://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-SK010645RXT-Twintube-Shock/dp/B006GJJUYG
Rear springs: http://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1462-Leaf-Spring/dp/B006GJKG1W
OR rear shackles: http://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Cherokee-Suspension-Leveling-Shackles/dp/B00X8JPJCE
Rear SYE Driveshaft: http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-5076-1-Drive-4-6-inch/dp/B00B2AEV4S
SYE: http://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Heavy-Duty-Slip-Eliminator/dp/B007I5B6PS
Extended front brake lines: http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-Extended-Stainless-4-6-inch/dp/B00B2AF5LQ
Extended rear line: http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-Extended-Stainless-4-6-inch/dp/B00B2AF61ArefRID
Front Trackbar: http://www.amazon.com/Rough-Country-Front-Adjustable-1-5-4-5-inch/dp/B00B2AF0MU
Leafspring shims: http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Products-800062-2-5-Degree/dp/B004NOTHSK
And of course, the long arm kit you pick.

That list comes to 2k, and has everything you need.

a full pre-assembled long arm kit will cost you about 2k(see here: https://www.claytonoffroad.com/search-shop?field_product_vehicle_tid[]=12&field_product_categories_tid[]=66). Kits usually dont include everything you need, either... Buying parts you need separately will save you cash, and you can opt for a more expensive, or less expensive part. Be prepared to turn a wrench... the more turns you put in, the more cash you save(in most situations).

What you're asking is "I want a lift, but don't know what to ask about". The above is ALL the shit you need to get 4.5" out of your jeep without being a huge cheapass and doing it wrong. It's expensive to lift a jeep, and people seem to think that doing things like using blocks, pucks and a transfercase drop is the right way. Sure, you may only spend $100 to get 2.5 inches, but you'll see extreme vibration, issues with steering and tracking, pinion oiling, etc.

Save your cash and do it right the first time.

In regards to the spring swap out, you pretty much covered it. The only other tools I'd recommend would be a good set of coil spring compressors, a level concrete surface and some air tools to make life easier. Also I'd put throw some money at a pair of 3/4 levelers for the front. I had them put on my rig to counter any spring settling and make the front sit a little higher.

99% of the ones I see have generic rims and no work done outside of stickers and maybe a fart can (or your normal vents/rain guards/spoiler combo).

Sure, there's some high end stanced cars, but there's 99 with cut coils, spacers, and no real work done for every 1 show worthy car.

Even my enthusiast friends who "do it right" and make fun of the coil cutting kids spend $400 on a F&F coilover kit and install it themselves, or $52 on a basic coil lowering kit. That's not exactly expensive.

Bilstein 33-187174 2" Lift Rear Shock for Toyota FJ Cruiser - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007N6R2NM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_l5tByb2788RET


Bilstein (24-186711) 5100 Series Front Shock Absorber - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009FU77ZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_d6tBybEZQP0Y2


Moog 81045 Coil Spring Set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YMHDWO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_26tByb6TQCHHV


Moog 81090 Coil Spring Set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VJYAVI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_k7tBybEZP5CCK

I had some serious rake going from the saggy XREAS so I pulled out all the XREAS and went with these. I only needed to lift the front because of the rake and just wanting it leveled so I set the fronts to the highest or second highest setting and put stock springs on the back.


The listing for the rear shocks says it will lift it 2" but this doesn't do the lifting like the front shock does, it only accommodates extra lift from a stronger spring so those could be paired with fj springs rather than 4Runner ones. I didn't do this and mine is just about perfectly level, but it would've looked fine with an inch or two of lift in the back too.


I ended up with just about 3" of lift in the front and a .5-1" in the rear due to the old springs being saggy.

I have done this suspension job myself on my '03 Town Car. The springs, not shocks, are what replaces the air bags. You can find the rear spring replacement kit here. As you can see, it's not expensive at all. There is a very minor decrease in ride comfort, but also a minor improvement in handling.

Car looks good. Would look better with these: Tein VSN22-C1SS3 Flex Z Coilover Kit for Nissan 300ZX https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SM99O44/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_03zrzbKA5VY02

Moog CC822 Coil Spring Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C57UHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5P1wCb6MFZZWK

Would this work ya think? Amazon says they fit but reviews say they fit 4wd. Aren’t 2wd and 4wd springs not the same?

Megan racing coilovers are cheap. Dunno how good they are though.

Here's a cheap set if you're willing to gamble on a return. Otherwise a new set is like $100-150 more.

If you're in the US you can get some coilovers cheaper than $1200 for sure. I went with Koni yellows and H&R Lowering springs myself though.

So here she is... I'm planning to give some attention to the suspension because as you can see she is a bit slouched. I don't want to get to high so I'm looking at just replacing the leaf springs with these; https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B005VPS358/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A1VMTU9W4873PK&psc=1

and the coils with these;
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000C53ZSC/ref=ox_sc_act_image_3?smid=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&psc=1.

However these are spec'd to provide some over stock height by 1.5" - 2"

Therefore I am wondering if the shocks that come with this rough country 1.5" lift will work. http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-suspension-lift-kit-680-20.html

Really happy to be a part of this group and appreciate all advice and critique!

Gabriel Front shocks $58.99

Gabriel rear shocks $80

These Spring assisted gabriels can be replaced with basc hand tools and need 2 jacks to be replaced.

Or

Front and rear shocks $135

Other than needing a single car jack and hand tools this set can be installed easily.

how to front shocks


coil spring $61

Coil spring $64

Coil spring insulater $5

coil spring tool $15 - $50 or you can rent a tool at your local auto shop for a refundable deposit.

how to replace coil springs

If you have basic tools this entire repair can be had for as little as $250. You would pull out the shocks and springs then install the springs first then the shocks.

I have my heart set on one of these sets eventually

eibach r2 kit


eibach r1 kit


My car uses a different kit so I linked the exact kits for your car

Get some wheel spacers, I think these fit.

2pcs 25mm (1 inch) Hubcentric 4x114.3 Wheel Spacers (66.1mm bore, 12x1.25 Studs) For 4-Lug Nissan 200sx 240sx 240z 260z 280z 280zx 300zx Altima Maxima Sentra Cube (4x4.5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A837PFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OTkpDbV30EZ2Z

Use wheel spacers with a spring spacer. Something like these (but measure your springs and get something that actually fits).

Rubber Coil Spring Spacers, Pair (2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NRCL8W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2UkpDb4YECF42

Use the spring spacer to get a 3/4” lift or so from your struts. Use wheel spacers to push the wheels out a little. You should be able to fit a tire that’s 1”-2” taller than factory.

I ended up having to get a couple different width wheel spacers, 1 1/4” on the front and 1-1/2” on the back but I think I need 2” on the back. A lot of this will be trial and error. That’s part of the fun!

Ah yes! I forgot to add that they are Swift lowering springs, mild drop and very nice ride. They are made specifically for the X AWD model.

http://www.amazon.com/Swift-4N911-Lowering-Springs-Infiniti/dp/B00WJ1HO8Y

Spring spacer/compressor

Can be used to a minor degree to lift/lower the car, but often used to support sagging struts.

My .02 worth, spend the $64 on these vs junkyard coils (which will probably be sagging or getting ready to). Moog CC782

They're equivalent to the XJ UpCountry front coils and will get you a hair over 1", add in these Energy Suspension 2.6103G Spring Isolator and you'll hit right at 2" of lift.

That's easy enough. You can buy a set of lowering clamps for about 10 squid. Dial-in your 30mm and off you go.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00029K20C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_GvS2DbD4PN3N3

I had the front figured out with these springs supposidly good for 2 inches. As for the rears I was hoping to avoid a bastard pack.

Are the the upcountry leaves from an XJ trim?

If the compressor is bad it may be from leaky air bags on the rear. this will cause the compressor to run more that it should shortening it's life. At that point you may want to look into replacing them with a coil spring kit and eliminate the compressor setup(just leave it in there). I know that didn't immediately answer your question but it's what I'd do if it were mine.

http://www.amazon.com/Moog-CC865-Variable-Rate-Spring/dp/B000COTT1U/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

If you want to do a full suspension redo, not just add a leaf this is what I did. I didn't do sway bar disconnects.

Skyjacker 0-3inch shock absorbers

Dorman leaf springs ~2" http://www.amazon.com/Dorman-929-301-Leaf-Spring-Cherokee/dp/B005VPS358

Moog coil springs:http://www.amazon.com/Moog-CC782-Variable-Rate-Spring/dp/B000C53ZSC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top