ball joint spacers = lift?

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Oct 9, 2007 | 05:55 PM

#21

hmmwv15

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From: Good 'ole Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor

Blocks?? ACK!!! Save some money up and get new springs. Axle wrap is all you'll get for trying blocks. If you know someone who can weld new shackles you could get Chevy springs - those are good for about 3" lift. Seriously, call Marlin or another good company and order some good springs that are designed to let the axle articulate.

instead of getting blocks, could I get shackles instead?

Oct 9, 2007 | 06:01 PM

#22

Victor

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From: El Paso, TX

Yes, but you need twice as much shackle. What I mean is that a 2" longer shackle will give about 1" of lift. So you'll need 4" longer shackles for 2" of lift. Depending on how your stance is now that may be about perfect with 1.5" BJ spacers.

Oct 9, 2007 | 06:02 PM

#23

Victor

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From: El Paso, TX

Oh yeah. Overload springs can help with a small amount of lift but the ride will go to hell and there will be no flex left in the spring pack. Get springs or use shackles in the mean time but don't use blocks or overload springs if you are going to wheel it.

Oct 9, 2007 | 07:52 PM

#24

MudHippy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by GLT-4-6

In the simplest terms what are the ups and downs to having BJ spacers? And what do they do besides give lift?

They give your suspension more travel between the bumpstops. Meaning your suspension can flex more, and would also mean far less possibilty of bottoming/topping out your suspension. Depending how high or low your ride height is set you would have added travel in one direction or the other or both.

Downs? I think I've heard of the spacer hardware being damaged, or maybe little damage where they bolt to the control arm. I think that was probably the result of extreme use/abuse...

The CV thing is HYPE!!!! They handle the angles fine if your bumpstops are in order.

Oct 9, 2007 | 08:01 PM

#25

James Dean

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From: Tucson, AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by hmmwv15

So what about cv angles? Do they cause any binding?

Yes it can cause binding on tight turns, especially if your on pavement or rocks. I have them and I'm planning on dropping my front diff a little to help.

Oct 10, 2007 | 11:50 AM

#26

hmmwv15

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From: Good 'ole Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor

I'm starting to have a saggy rear end, that's why I mentioned blocks. My dad is set on not getting my leafs arched, or getting new ones. I don't want helpers cause like you said, they minimize flex, and I need flex where I go wheeling. I may try to talk him into getting shackles if I get the bj spacers. Bassically, my options as of now are blocks or helpers. Of these I want neither, but hey, I can't complain I guess...

Oct 10, 2007 | 11:54 AM

#27

4Crawler

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From: SF Bay Area, CA

Good add-aleaves will still flex, just get ones with long thin leaves, for example the Rancho Soft-Ride AAL kit:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/...es.shtml#FAQ14
If your old springs are sagging, they need some added stiffness to keep them from sagging more.

This pickup uses the Rancho AALs plus 2" longer shackles and it flexes fine:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/hottoy/west/