My BJ40 is getting a 2” lift.

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Soberacho

Soberacho

Joined
Sep 11, 2023
Threads
22
Messages
173
Location
South Texas
I love my bj40. Except for the new exhaust system installed by a shop last year, I’ve done all the work on it. The rear is sagging a bit and I want to achieve a level stance so I’ve ordered front and rear leaf springs with a 2” lift above factory specs. I should receive them next week. I installed new bushings, shackles, greaseable pins and shocks last year so I’m gtg with the new springs install.

I currently roll on 235/85R16 which are just under 32” tall. I’ll most likely go with 33s in the near future so I wondering I’ll need to upgrade with extended brake lines now, or after I swap to 33s?

Thanks in advance for your advice and recommendations.
 
sadovnik said:
What springs did you order? I am looking to get new springs in the not too distant future. I'm also on 235/85r16 tires.
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I hope I’m not breaking any forum rules so here’s the info. The leaf springs were purchased through Amazon, yesterday. They were shipped today via FedEx and will deliver Monday.

The front springs each cost 199.95 shipped. The rear springs cost 339.90 shipped for the set. They are listed as ARB/OME manufactured and were ordered by part #s I located in the lift kits sold on the OME website.



 
Posting a few updated photos to capture the before and after install of the leaf springs..






I recently replaced the TREs and it made a huge difference in steering, basically eliminating all steering wheel slack.





I’ll have everything torn down and the 40 ready for the new springs to arrive on Monday. Should be a plug n play job but I prolly won’t get to the install untill next Saturday. I’ll post pics a soon as it’s ready along with before and after lift measurements.
 
I had a family emergency last week that I needed to tend to so I didn’t get a chance to begin the lift install until yesterday. Here’s a few pics of the new rear springs as they were delivered. The front springs were not photographed but they were also delivered in bubble wrap.





The install went pretty smooth. It only took about 2 hours per axle. I took the 40 out for a short spin around the neighborhood and I immediately noticed a much softer, quieter ride. The new springs definitely made a major improvement in ride quality and the added height along with the level stance is very noticeable and welcomed. The old bushings were made of hard plastic type material. The new OME bushings are larger and are made of a much softer rubber which is probably contributing to ride quality.

I’ll take final height measurements after everything settles down in a few weeks and come back with the data.

Here’s the new stance..



 
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I’d move the rear axle 1” backwards. Common problem with lift springs.
 
Probably safe with a 2'' lift, the main issue is making sure your driveshaft angle is good. I did a 4'' some years ago and didn't shim the rear axle then blew the rear diff. I also prefer 33'' tires. After the repair all was good and it looks very cool but I also cut the rear 1/4 panels to match the look of where the front fenders are. She may not be pretty but she is a dd and trail truck, and the rear tub, rockers and nerf bars are in Stainless steel.

bj42, 2.webp
 
alberta mac said:
Probably safe with a 2'' lift, the main issue is making sure your driveshaft angle is good. I did a 4'' some years ago and didn't shim the rear axle then blew the rear diff. I also prefer 33'' tires. After the repair all was good and it looks very cool but I also cut the rear 1/4 panels to match the look of where the front fenders are. She may not be pretty but she is a dd and trail truck, and the rear tub, rockers and nerf bars are in Stainless steel.

View attachment 4052953
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When getting a 2 inch lift is it a shim necessary, in order to preserve the driveshaft angle?
If yes, why manufacturers* do not include shims in their complete suspension kits?

PS. *This was the case in both OME and Dobbinsons complete kits I bought for my Cruisers.
 
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The stock height Monroe’s were topped out with the lift so I ordered a set of rough country (0-2”) shocks. I just installed them yesterday and it made an huge difference. The 40 now has a much softer ride. The steering characteristics didn’t change wirh the lift.

I do notice a slight driver side lean that was not there before the lift, it only measures 3/8” but it’s noticeable and annoying to me. I’ll install a passenger side spacer in a few months if it doesn’t level out.

The final height measurements with the RC shocks are about 2” on each corner but I’m sure the truck will settle down a bit once I start putting a few of miles on it. I’ll come back in a few weeks with an update.

The rear driver side wheel studs were shot so I’m replacing all of them. The 40 will be out of commission for another week until that job is completed.
 
Soberacho said:
I do notice a slight driver side lean that was not there before the lift, it only measures 3/8” but it’s noticeable and annoying to me. I’ll install a passenger side spacer in a few months if it doesn’t level out.
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Ref your instal: The + painted on your leaf pack means slightly over spec. The 0 is exactly at spec. Curious, did you use the + on the drivers side and the 0 on the passenger side?
 
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