add leaf's

[backwoodsLJ]

Put a 3" lift in stepsons XJ,RC front coils and adjustable arms etc etc... The kit came with add- leafs for the rear.I've always had full leaf packs and shackles.I expected them to be harsh as they are there to gain 2".But after taking it on the road for a test run it bounces in the back big time!Enough to be really annoying and hard to take.The factory shocks are still in as I run out of time and the bolts at body are seized and I'll have to get at from inside buy cutting floor. They are maxed out to say the least but till I get another weekend he needs for work.What are some of your guys experiences with the add leafs? And will the new 2.2 shocks from RC help with this bad bounce?Give me some input!

[Creepy]

How long are the add a leafs? Are they bending the shit out of the leaf above it, and making it bend at the end of the add-a-leaf? that's bad. It will end up cracking the old spring.

Or your shocks could be toast?

[The Garagemahal]

Just brake the studs off and weld in bolts , you don't need to cut the floor

[backwoodsLJ]

It was not that hard to compress with clamps when it came time?They are the long ones buy hey its a complete 3" lift so its not like I'm piecing together.It came with these clips to go on leafs shown in the pic I just went out and took a pic.Could I take them off ?It would allow the leafs to move more?

[backwoodsLJ]

Pic of lift.....

[backwoodsLJ]

The new 2.2 shocks have wicked valving and are a challenge to squeeze down so they should handle some of this bounce sh#t when I get on.The old shocks still on jeep take very little to compress.I think one is fawked actually so?

[Creepy]

bad shocks will do what you are saying. the new firmer spring rate (fromt he add-a-leaf) is making you notice the bouncing more.

make sure the top leafs don't start cracking/deforming at the end of the add-a-leaf.

[Creepy]

Aug 5, 2012 19:29:12 GMT -4 backwoodsLJ said:

They are the long ones buy hey its a complete 3" lift so its not like I'm piecing together.

Its not a complete kit or you would have a new leaf pack. Not that its not 'good enough' or anything, as long as the original leafs are in decent shape.

I'm sure the shocks will fix up the bouncing, that's what they do!

the clamps look good, leave 'em like that.


edit - the shock being hard to press....the new ones are probably gas charged. so extended all the time. the old ones are probably oil, and easy to compress by hand.

this does not necessarily give an indication of spring rate.

[backwoodsLJ]

Yeah my XJ has the 6.5 long arm kit with leaf pack and ride real good.Just a shock I guess that its harsh.What I meant by piecing is its not a mess match of brands but one companies kit and should be tested to work decent?

[Creepy]

'decent' is the key word there. not awesome. add a leaf kits are lowbuck half-solutions for the bottom of the market. Expect the results of such a choice!

see the edit above about the shock spring rate, and oil/gas.

[The Garagemahal]

My 00 dd xj has the 3 in add a leaf , try the new shocks first , give the lift time to settle and break in
Taking out one of the old leafs will soften the ride

[backwoodsLJ]

Aug 6, 2012 6:59:48 GMT -4 The Garagemahal said:

My 00 dd xj has the 3 in add a leaf , try the new shocks first , give the lift time to settle and break in
Taking out one of the old leafs will soften the ride

Yeah took it right out after install for a run,it should come around some.The old shocks are too short that are still on it.I mean fully extended to reach bottom bolts at axle when I put back on.So like a limit strap I would think not allowing leafs to move in other direction. Anyhoo gonna get the new longer shocks on it this weekend so it can cycle up and down...... He has at work today and I'm off! Holiday! ;D

[backwoodsLJ]

Had his xj for a good burn tonight,went to get some rims and had two good size lads in back for 4 passengers.Road nice with weight and seem to settle some because on our way home with just us in jeep it was much better...... Were gonna wheel it this weekend once KM2's are on so that will break in too.......

[Creepy]

Right on. Break 'er in.

[8 inches longer, again]

What shocks came with the kit? You mention the 2.2's, but the 2.0's are the ones shown in the picture of the kit you installed.

Personally, I found the RC 2.2's too soft for my liking. They are an oil shock, with a 50/50 valving (ie. the shaft stays wherever you put it as your cycling it), and I felt they made my JK feel sloppy to drive. They were never harsh and, while I feel they work fine as a dampener, which is obviously their job, they are not all that crisp on the handling side. I guess I like my ride a little stiffer. LOL.

A couple others on the board have had similiar experiences with the 2.2's, but then again there are also tons of JK's running the RC 3.25 lift on their JK with the 2.2's so they can't be too bad.