Forget the AAL, do it right from the beginning. $250 shipped from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1463-Leaf-Spring/dp/B006GJKFHW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510251782&sr=8-3&keywords=rubicon+express+leaf+springs
edit: $250 is for two leaf packs. Shipped. When you buy cheap, you buy twice.
Search for the part number Raine used. On Amazon it's these.
Keep in mind that even up to 2019 there were little to no body changes between models. Some of the parts may say 'not compatible' but should still fit. (And if Raine did it, well, it fits.)
Rough Country 2" Leveling Kit (fits) 07-18 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 1500 | 07-20 Suburban Tahoe Yukon/XL | 1307 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R7AW6M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z524N6RYG9Z4TRCBP0AC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
A little bit of Google-fu says they might be made by Skyjacker and are the same as the Skjacker Hydro 7000 shocks, but take that for what it's worth.
For regular shocks, I'm running these right now.
Front: Monroe 550016 Gas-Magnum 65 Shock Absorber
Rear: Monroe 550017 Gas-Magnum 65 Shock Absorber
I had Bilstein 5100s on for a while, but I ended up going back to the Monroes due to the softer ride (got a 3yr old riding in the back seat who I have to take into consideration).
A suggestion for you would be to figure out 2-3 different options for shocks and save them to a list in Amazon, then check back from time to time and see what the used pricing looks like. Quite often you'll catch stuff for stupid low prices due to blemishes and returns. For example, I picked up one of the Monroe 550017 shocks for $12/shipped last week that was listed as being "used" due to cosmetic blemishes. No shit, it's brand new though & still has the plastic band on it holding the shock compressed for shipping. Don't need it right now but the price was too good to pass up, so it's going to sit in my "box o'parts" until I replace the shocks in another year or so. By then I'll probably have found a matching 550017 on the cheap to pair with it.
Another suggestion for you is to keep an eye on Craigslist. No idea where you're at, but you might luck out. That's how I found my 5100s on the cheap, and they were still new in the box with the bands holding them compressed.
I actually discovered this recently after talking to another member on here, daystar stopped selling the 1.25" body lift that me and the other guy have
For some reason they now only offer a 1" body lift that replaces all mounts and bolts. It's not a huge deal but I don't know why they did that
On quadratec they're selling for $160, on Amazon they're selling the same kit for $120
You can see it comes with everything plus a transfer case shifter bracket in case the shifter binds up after install
Here's the Amazon link. They were relatively easy to install if you find the YouTube videos and they work great. I have a 7,000 lb travel trailer with a tongue weight around 500 lbs and with these inflated, it rides perfectly level.
AIR LIFT 60818 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OMVCIC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_IV4JAbG89VXB3
https://www.proimporttuners.com/parts/2002-honda/civic-spc-front-camber-adjusting-bolts.html
You might be able to use something like that on your car. It depends on if your front struts bolt directly to the steering knuckle. I know some Hondas do and some don't. The description says it fits Civic SI hatch backs.
Make sure you center the weight over the axle but slightly forward so you have decent tongue weight. Go watch YouTube videos on tongue weight demonstrations if this is your first trailering experience.
If you're going to do this frequently, I'd suggest adding Firestone airbag kit inside the rear coil springs. Backs of 4Runners are very softly sprung. I did this to my 2021 TRD after my experience with my 17' and 1000s of miles towing my off-road camp trailer. Kit you want Firestone W237604135 Coil-Rite Kit , BLUE https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000JK0XKI/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_G8PF359HSA2Q8J75KN2V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
That's how mine (2004) is oriented as well, and it rides/handles fine. However, I have the battery on opposite side and an air spring kit like this one , which has been a fantastic help to keep the rear suspension fairly level side to side as well as front to rear.
2018 Highlander XLE V6 AWD
Had a shop put the tow-hitch on with a proper 7-pin and brake controller.
I put in the airbags myself (AIR LIFT 60732 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit). These are for a Sienna but fit inside the coil springs. I keep 5 PSI in them at a minimum and towed with them at 15/20 PSI. You don't have to take the suspension off (just remove the tires). Just have to lift the flap that covers the rear springs and use an angle socket to remove the nut on the bump-stops. You can use pry bars to separate the springs enough to get them out but it's a bit of a bitch so be prepared to cuss. Once they were in, I ran the tubing up to the small flap in the back (not the brake light flaps). You can get fancy and mount an air gauge if you want but I only towed for the summer as we bought a truck in prep of a bigger trailer as we camp a lot with the kiddos.
If you are trying to take up sag, have you looked into bagging the rear shocks? WE did that with our Previa and it made a world of difference for balance and handling.
We used this kit. Obviously you need the one to match your vehicle...
Yes I installed myself. Etrailers.com has great instructional videos. You can buy them from Amazon for $95 if you can wait a couple weeks. If it’s gotta be quick etrailers.com has them for a little more and if you need it they have quicker more expensive shipping options.
Here they are on Amazon
AIR LIFT 60732 1000 Series Rear Air Spring Kit https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000CFS028/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QK580QRVFFKN17BRW6RK
If you're going to lift, keep your eye on these: https://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1463-Leaf-Spring/dp/B006GJKFHW They're pretty expense today, but they're more often under $250 for a pair, shipped. Avoid rough country.
We tow with a Toyota Sienna. we bagged the rear shocks and it made a huge difference to handling. No more rear sag and way better braking and cornering.
A kit like this does amazing things. You just stuff the red air bags inside the rear shocks and inflate when you are towing something heavy.
I put these on my XJ: https://www.amazon.com/Rubicon-Express-RE1463-Leaf-Spring/dp/B006GJKFHW
A pair of full leaf packs for under $300 shipped. They made a WORLD of difference from the Rough County leafs, and held up to all the abuse I could throw at them. I did have to put a set of shims in though.
I can't edit my post on mobile for some reason so here are the links - my apologies, the mobile version also showed the hyperlinks as working when I posted!
Kit #1 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006R7AW6M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HuVMFbGMD66KR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Kit #2 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5TP5VG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hvVMFb25R309G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this one from amazon for my '13 and it fits and works beautifully with one support on the driver side. I added a ziptie like some of the comments and folks over on clubfrontier.org did.
Yeah, adjustability is kindof a requirement; I don't want to raise my CG and compromise everyday handling. I've been looking at a coil-rite kit for the rears and something like this on the front struts, but I'm not sure those are the right parts.
The controls seem pretty straightforward if you don't need 'em to be nimble. One valve per corner that either connects or isolates it from a common manifold. And then the manifold gets a gauge, a vent-to-atmosphere valve (with needle orifice for speed control), and a compressor inlet probably also with a check valve. I could automate it, but for as often as I'd adjust it (once when approaching the trail, once when leaving it, once before a blizzard, once after the snow's gone), I'm not sure that's prudent -- I don't mind taking a minute per corner to dial it in.
Trouble is, it's my daily driver and I'm leery of adding complexity and points of failure that're outside my field of expertise.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OMVCIC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I put these on my ram. Makes a big difference in sag when putting weight on the rear axle.
Not too hard to install.
Just to confirm: I only need these bolts to adjust camber on a stock BRZ? It sounds like I should also relocate the OEM bottom bolt to the top hole once installed?
These are the UpCountry equivalent and will get you about an extra 1" of lift above stock height.
Crown Automotive 4886186AA Leaf Spring Assembly
Along with these JKS OGS651 Rear Shackle Kit for Jeep XJ/MJ my XJ was right at 2" but has settled to about 1.5" or so.
I would bet that the Crown springs linked above will fix the problem.
So I have a '98 TJ that had "GASP" 3" body lift on it. They'd moved the radiator shroud and basically it was all screwed up.. I ended up pulling the 3", going with a 1" Poly lift by Daystar similar to this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GH5OBG/ref=psdc_15717401_t1_B005TTZLE2 . I really love the poly mount over hard pucks.. I also did a M.O.R.E Bombproof motor mount, and put the radiator shroud back where it belonged.. More is about $25 over the cost of the one you have picked out.. https://www.mountainoffroad.com/bomb-proof-motor-mount-kit-yj-tj-xj.html . I really loved the combination. THe Poly gave it just that little amount of flex the OEM mounts have, and since it replaces the OEM bushings, you get a brand new ride, instead of the worn rubber flex on top of a puck. Way better for me.
I am pretty well versed in jeeps, I've done several lifts and more than a few suspensions on various vehicles. I have the tools and know how to do everything, just as an FYI.
I am pretty set about getting the Zone 3" lift or possibly the RE 3.5" super-ride lift... regardless, that doesn't matter. the point is that both are available with AAL (long leaf) or full leaf pack.
Alright, so here is my question:
I've noticed that if I were to buy the Crown OEM-spec leaf pack (link below) and either AAL kit listed above, it would actually be cheaper than buying the kit with the full leaf pack included.
Can anyone see a reason why NOT to but a new Crown leaf pack, get an AAL as listed above and add it to that new pack, and save myself a little coin? Or is there a better reason to buy the full pack with the lift kit for the extra money?
Crown OEM leaf pack: https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Automotive-4886186AA-Spring-Assembly/dp/B009X1YAZS
thats awesome!
I have an upgraded upcountry leaf pack in the back of my 99xj. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009X1YAZS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm looking at getting these to put on the front, they are a zj swap and will add appx 1.5''. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009X1SSCO/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Taking your suggestion and tackling another job at the same time, I am planning on replacing my lower control arms and the springs at the same time to make both projects simpler as a whole. Thoughts?
look for the upcountry package stock springs. I think they end up about 1.5-2 inches of lift. Dorman or Crown https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009X1YAZS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=157LQ884H4FF5&coliid=IRP6UBPTXJNCX
Spicer u-joints all the way.
As for shock recommendations, my XJ had the Monroe police package Gas Magnum shocks when I purchased it 3-4 years ago. They were pretty new, not much road grime on the shock bodies. Ride was pretty good, seems like a decent option for a daily driver that goes off-road occasionally. I snagged Bilstein 5100s locally off Craigslist for a killer price, and the ride difference is night & day. The 5100s are noticeably harsher during day-to-day stuff around town, but on the freeway & high speeds in the desert is where they shine.
If you're still running stock height, are on a budget, and spend more time on asphalt than in the dirt, I can recommend the Gas Magnums. Monroe 550016 Gas-Magnum >front< Monroe 550017 Gas-Magnum >rear<
I bought the heavy duty crown auto springs for replacement. Damned things barely sag when i hook the boat to it. I can put 5 kegs and 15 cases of beer in the back with the same result. Kegs =165lbs case bottles about 25 to 30lbs.
http://www.amazon.com/Crown-Automotive-4886186AA-Spring-Assembly/dp/B009X1YAZS
You will have to get bushings, poly inserts are great.
Was looking into getting these myself. It sucks... I honestly have been buying this kit over time, each piece individually. I should have just saved up and been patient... bought it all at once.
WTS: 2x +3.5in Rear leafs for a cherokee. May also fit wrangler. 0 Miles (Still has shipping tags) $150 amazon
WTS: Aftermarket Receiver Hitch for a cherokee $50
WTB: Kayak
WTT: PET for PTFE