Okay, I've heard good things about both the Calmini and AC (4x4parts.com) 3" suspension lifts.

I currently have the 2" shackles from SLR and Rancho AALs from EOE, but the front of my X needs to be higher or I need to swap the stock shackles back on to level it out. I won't crank the t-bars to the max for obvious performance reasons to do so.

I'm looking into adding a front lift and both Calmini and AC offer the control arms and necessary stuff for $350. (I know, I'll need longer shocks too). Does anyone here have feedback on probs they've had with either one? And before any of you fools start yelling "try the search feature a-hole!", I've already done that. Just want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious before I drop some cash. TIA!

John,

When I talked to SLR about 2 weeks ago, he (I forgot whom I was talking to) told me that even with suspension lift, I wouldn't need the longer shocks for the front.

...I wonder if I misheard him...

[ 02-04-2002: Message edited by: XSAL ]

Hmm...I'm sure longer shocks are not absolutely required, but the physics of it tell me that the truck is up 3" or so, so the shocks need to be adjusted (replaced) in conjunction. For on-road driving you could probably get away with, but you know me..."dirt guy".

Shocks usually work within a certain range and they may not need to be replaced in the back either. If they have enough travel in them and won't top or bottom out, you are good to go. 3" might be a bit much to ask for though. I just lifted the back of mine about 3" and I'm trying the current shocks out for a bit to see if I need to change them or not. The torsion adjustment in the front evened things up and still has room to travel. Perhaps not as much as it did before, but it has been handling good both on and offroad (mostly dirt with washboard). I intend to change (do correctly) the front later and this is just a "do for now", but it seems to be working out well.

Charlie

You and I are on the same path Charlie - me just a bit ahead of you. In my case, I did the 2" shackes and a bit longer Ranchos at the same time a while back - then just added the AALs. I still have the stock front shocks (52k mi on them, doh!)... I'd also like to do the 'correct' procedures to finish this thing up. When it's eventually all done, I'll post my adventures for everyone to see.

Oh I forgot to mention that I have the Tokicos all around, and they did seem like they had a bit more travel than the stock ones. They certainly had more life! The stockers just layed on the ground for a half hour before they expanded/extended out (pathetic). Have you seen the prices on the EOE site? I think that is AC stuff? It looks like you could get the front end parts for about $350? If that would adequately do the job, that is what I may do.

Charlie

Oops. Same path, different route!

Yeah, I'm -->||<-- this close to going ahead with it, just wanted any final opinions.

John,

The front lift components from both AC and Calmini work well from what I’ve seen.

The AC design gets a bit more suspension travel IMO and the only problems I heard about have to do with a small percentage of people getting alignments within factory specs.

The Calmini control arms are slightly angled down which should help with some steering component wear/tear in the long run and look very well made. However, you will notice the shock is kind of boxed in so you may be limited to a certain size shock body (I know the shocks that come their kit are actually smaller in diameter than stock). The original ball joints Calmini shipped were problematic but I understand they have switch brands but I haven’t heard if they are lasting longer?

Good luck, now you have to come out and run the rubicon with us this summer

Different route...heheheh I'm no stranger to different (innovative or retarded take your pick) If it's the Tokicos you are talking about, I've had really good luck with them in the past. I do like them, I just have to see if they hold up to the abuse. With the 900+# of tools and crap I carry in the back, they may not. They are comfy though.

I was thinking of the CalMini stuff as well...do they even sell parts seperately? I hadn't even really thought seriously about them as I wasn't sure they would break the kit. I didn't see prices, so I thought it wasn't an option.

Charlie

The front shocks do not need to be 3" longer even though the lift is 3", the reason being while your ride height is going up by 3" and at least with the AC lift you are gaining 2" of travel "at the wheel" the shocks do not need to be much longer. In regards to some people having minor problems getting their trucks in alignment this usually is because the adjustement between the upper a-arm and bumpstop is not correct...with any longer upper a-arm this distance is very important and you should follow the instructions that are included. AC has noticed after talking to people installing their lift that can't get the camber within spec they need a custom a-arm made...AC has provided this service for these customers without any problems.

And yes the lift shown on the EOE site is the AC lift, we are an authorized distributor for their products as well as they are of EOE products.

Todd, Charlie, and Xtoolbox,

Thanks for all the feedback - it's much appreciated. Now all I need to do is flip a coin to see which one I get.

Xtoolbox...the Rubicon?...dang!, I've seen what happened to a lifted, lockered Pathy - I would probably want rocksliders at minimum, and perhaps some skid plates. Come on Lotto ticket!!

Thanks again.

The 20% stiffer Bilsteins are the recommended front shock for the Spencer Low Racing 2" lift.

That's what I'm running now, without the front lift (yet).

Marshall

John you are behaving like a textbook case of "buy the toys before _it_ comes".
On a more serious note, if you do get your lift kit, give me a shout. I would be more than happy to help you wrench in exchange for seeing first hand how the kit installs.

You are sooo right about that! She got the new, top of the line, monster dresser yesterday; he gets to finish his lift!

(fyi, I PM'd you as well)

Just an FYI: the price of the new chromally tubular upper control arms, greasable hi-angle ball joints, polyurethane bushings, sleeves & hardware has now been reduced to $320.

Sold! I'll call you soon!

Charlie

I haven't heard anything about lower the front dif when either the AC or Calmini suspension lift is installed. Is this a 'must do', recommended or just wise, to reduce axle angle?

I'm new to this forum and wanted to congratulate the participants for the knowledgable input. This has been extremely helpful in making decisions regarding lifting, tire size etc not to mention contact vendors for all the pieces required.
Thanks to you all