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Author Topic: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?  (Read 7157 times)

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Offline FartingEagle

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Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« on: October 30, 2011, 09:29:12 AM »
Ok I am new to the whole eagle ownership thing but now have "Monica"- 86 Eagle in beautiful condition.
I would like to lift her up just a bit- is there a simple kit or anything that the average non mechanic can do to get rid of her sag? :eagle:

Offline thereverendbill

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2011, 10:26:52 AM »
New springs is what I think your after
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Offline Jurjen

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2011, 10:38:13 AM »
New springs would be best, but some are known to be sagging quickly too.
I bought some Monroe MA700 air chocks, easy to install and cheap.
Fill them with 60 psi and the Eagle is more than level  again.
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Offline eaglefreek

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2011, 12:11:50 PM »
Simplest way would be coil spring boosters up front and air shocks out back.
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Offline Hawk258

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2011, 12:43:32 PM »
What they said, but If money isn't a big deal, i might personally get some coils springs made that are an inch or 2 longer. I forget what the max limit is on the cv axles angles but I would have to be careful. but I do agree on the air shocks, maybe even an adjustable ride height system wouldn't be a bad investment either. Just my 2 cents worth. 


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Offline vangremlin

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2011, 12:51:01 PM »
There are kits you can buy on evilbay that include front coil spring boosters and longer shackles for the back.  I believe that is the cheapest way to go.  New springs all around is probably the proper way to do it.  There are lots of choices inbetween.
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Offline captspillane

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2011, 02:04:53 PM »
The rear shackles are the exact same width and pin diameter as a CJ7 shackle. The Eagle shackle, however, is an inch longer than a stock CJ7 shackle. You can order any CJ7 shackle advertised to lift a Jeep at least an inch.

With Monroe coil over loadlevelers and new 1970 Javelin Coil Springs up front, your Eagle will be several inches higher than it is now. I doubt you need the spacers. The Javelin springs use a thicker coil stock than the smaller AMC Passenger cars. They're available from Rockauto.

It is true that the left and right Eagle coil spring is two different sizes to compensate for the engine offset. The spring rate is actually the same, its just a difference in overall spring length. The differences in length are almost imperceptible, so most people have no issues with getting a pair of Javelin springs and putting the same spring on both sides. I use two different springs, but I buy two pairs at a time. Its not really worth buying two pairs unless you have two Eagles.
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Offline Draekon

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2011, 02:49:37 PM »
The rear shackles are the exact same width and pin diameter as a CJ7 shackle. The Eagle shackle, however, is an inch longer than a stock CJ7 shackle. You can order any CJ7 shackle advertised to lift a Jeep at least an inch.

With Monroe coil over loadlevelers and new 1970 Javelin Coil Springs up front, your Eagle will be several inches higher than it is now. I doubt you need the spacers. The Javelin springs use a thicker coil stock than the smaller AMC Passenger cars. They're available from Rockauto.

It is true that the left and right Eagle coil spring is two different sizes to compensate for the engine offset. The spring rate is actually the same, its just a difference in overall spring length. The differences in length are almost imperceptible, so most people have no issues with getting a pair of Javelin springs and putting the same spring on both sides. I use two different springs, but I buy two pairs at a time. Its not really worth buying two pairs unless you have two Eagles.

When you say Javelin springs will lift it several inches, about how much would you say it lifts it above stock?  Less than 2" or more than 2"?

Offline captspillane

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2011, 03:51:06 PM »
Most 25 year old coil springs are terribly sagging. I have several eagles with the control arms right against the bump stop. Brand new coil springs themselves will lift an Eagle's bumper by about 2 inches, and the Javelin springs are stiffer under load, so they'll be more apt to stay at that height the whole time you drive them.

I am often asked what size lift I have on my SX4. Its simply stiffer new parts, there isn't a formal lift.
Currently Inspected and Insured as of Jan 2013:
-1985 Eagle Station Wagon 258 T5 Stickshift
-1980 Eagle Station Wagon 258 Auto Fuel-injected with GM TBI

Minor Repairs Underway:
-1982 Eagle SX4 258 T5
-1981 Kammback 2.5L Iron Duke T5

Restoration Efforts Near Completion:
-1982 SX4- 401 NV3550
-1983 SX4- 4.5 MPI NSG370 (6 Speed)

Restoration Efforts Underway:
-1985 SW- 4.0 MPI AX15
-1982 SX4- 4.0 AW4
-1981 SX4- SD33T NV4500 (Turbodiesel 5 speed)

Future Rescue Efforts- '85 Maroon SW, '87 Limited SW, '84 Limited SW, '87 4 door Sedan, '81 2 door Sedan, '88 White SW, '77 4 door Hornet, '74 2 door Hornet, '79 Spirit AMX, '81 Kammback.

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Offline jim

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2011, 04:59:13 PM »
I replaced the coil springs on the 88 and got more lift than I wanted. 
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Offline carnuck

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Re: Is there a simple way to do a small lift?
« Reply #10 on: October 31, 2011, 10:51:06 AM »
I use the main leaf from an old pack (or replace the original main leaf with a new one) and cut the eyes off to put it in #2 position. That lifts the back stock or higher for the cost of the springs (sometimes free, but junkyard XJ ones should work as well), new U bolts and whatever you break. Air shocks can get punctured and then taller tires are ripped up (found out years ago the hard way)
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