Ok, I know this is one of the most predominant questions involving Wranglers, but I'm at a fork in the road (with MANY prongs)

I have a 1994 YJ with 2.5ltr 4cyl.
Now, I recently purchased the Performance Accessories Body Lift Kit (2") because it was the cheapest lift and, with 31x10.50 tires, I'm aching to get the fenders separated from them soon. However, I snapped to my senses and conjured up a little patience, so now I am determined to get the cheapest AND best lift I can get for my Jeep.
I am definitely a weekend warrior when it comes to trails and the Jeep sees mostly highway. As I said, I have 31's and, thanks to the 4cyl, I will probably not see anything bigger than a 32/33 at best, but that'll be a while, so I'm really only looking for 2-3" right now. I'm honestly not too concerned about the comfort because it already runs rough and, hey, I'm used to driving civics with coilover springs that are as low and tight as they can be, so ride quality takes a backseat to looks, durability and functionability.
I'd like to hear what you all think about body lifts, add-a-leaf lifts, shackle lifts, and SOA conversions. It is not feasible ANYTIME in the near future for me to do a full-on suspension lift, so, of those 3 choices, I'm curious to hear your opinions. However, I'm more intent on someone explaining the parameters of each.
For starters, as an example :
I know the body lift LITERALLY lifts the body off of the frame, chassis, and everything. I'm not too keen on the look of this lift alone, but, regardless, I've found that this entails quite a bit more fab-work than I have the capability of doing in my garage. And I'm not sure, at this point, that I feel up to going through the work to get that look. It may be worth it for me to do it a different way.
Now, the add-a-leaf kits, I understand that they usually hamper the ride quality (already touched on that), but for less than 300.00, it looks to be a contender for my liking.
Now, primarily what I want to know is : WHAT DOES A SHACKLE LIFT ENTAIL?? From what I can tell, you simply put bigger, heavier-duty shackles on and that lifts EVERYTHING off the springs/axles. Is this correct?? What about the driveshaft/drivetrain...does that need to be changed/modified?? Help me understand.
Then, there is the SOA. I've heard that it can have advserse effects on your stock springs, but then I've heard that that's only the case if you have a heavily-loaded vehicle.
Please, everyone, anyone, help me separate the fact from the fiction.
I REALLY need to make the right decision ultimately, both money and quality regarded.
Thanks guys.

Cheap and effective 2-3 inches would be a 1" BL and installing some TJ fender flares and trimming the fenders.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

When I bought my jeep it had 3 inch body lift and 2 inch shackle lift. I hate both. They look like I took the cheap easy way to make my jeep "look" big. Since I bought the jeep I took the body lift off and put on a one inch bl. (was very easy to do) Next I plan to do a reverse shackle with no lift. I think the longer shackles are dangerous on the highway. My jeep has a lot of sway, I think this is because of the shackles. Then I will just save my money for a good quaility lift. This works for me because my jeep just sits in my shop. (not a daily driver) I'm young and will have it my whole life, no hurry to get it built.

I say stay away from extreme body lifts and longer shackles.

Why do so many people want to go with "cheapest" mods they can? If it were me I would just wait untill I had the money to do it right. I love to look a well built jeep. They perform a little better on the trail too. : <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

You need to do a LOT more research. First of all, about body lifts.



If a body lift is too much work then you're screwed. I don't like the way they look but that might be your best choice for a temporary way to fit 31's. Second, A SOA conversion on a YJ is probably the most expensive, and challenging technically and fab wise, lift you can do.

A shackle lift is by far the cheapest and easiest but will screw up your front end alignment while wears out the shackle bushings and you'll end up with a Jeep that's hard to steer straight.

I suggest (besides continuing research) setting your sights on a Good quality suspention lift kit and start saving your money and do it right. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I think I stuck my foot in my mouth when I said that it "entails quite a bit more fab-work than I have the capability of doing in my garage." I guess that was too broad of a thing to say.
What I was talking about is that I'm a big guy and my steering wheel currently sits about 2-3" above my lap. From what I can tell from the directions and pure logic, I'll be lifting the body AROUND the steering column, which means my seat is going to raise 2" with the body, but my steering wheel will stay at same height, meaning I'll be getting a little too personal with the wheel. Does this sound right?? See, I COULD go to a 13" steering wheel because I LOVE some of the more classic looking designs, but I don't have power steering and I'm worried about how much harder it will be to wrestle the front tires with less diameter when I need to turn at a dead stop. It's not THAT big a deal, I guess, so if that's my only option, I can live with it.
Of course, I could always get a steering column from an old GM or something that has tilt, but then we're getting back into the money thing.
I hope nobody thinks I'm being TOO stupid or TOO cheap, but I'm not a kid that has the time or opportunity to wait and save too much. I don't have the opportunity to flat out save a grand at any point...money is tight and I need to make whatever I do count. Besides, with this being a daily driver, I'm not looking to tackle the crazy trails. My main thing at this point is clearance (I want to protect the engine/trans/TC) and looks (my 31's are filling my fenders). So I think I can afford to be chea- I mean, AFFORDABLE - at this point. I can always work toward a good suspension lift in the future, but it'll be a good while and I need something for now. Of course, with that in mind, if I go body lift right now, I won't negate the work I did when I go with suspension lift. If I do an add-a-leaf, I'll just end up replacing it all with the next suspension lift.

The steering column goes up with the body, There's a u-joint and the shaft between it and the gear box will extend as well as collapse. It's a safety thing. You don't have to worry about the steering with only a two inch body lift, I don't think, I've never done one myself. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Well, that's good news. I guess I better read the directions a little better.<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
God, I have to look like the biggest DUMAS when it comes to this. I love the fact that Jeep owners WELCOME newbs that don't know crap yet. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Fisch "I love the fact that Jeep owners WELCOME newbs that don't know crap yet"

Hell's bells, Fisch! You're going to fit right in here! Seems most everyone on this board know just enough to be dangerous! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Unfortunately those just don't go together. I think the best bolt on kit for the dollar is Rubicon Express.

Also, Ride quality and Flex go hand in hand on a YJ. YJ's are light and the springs are wide out on the axles, so a stiff spring won't move much. You buy a stiff cheap lift or put in some add-a-leafs (makes VERY stiff) you will get height, but the stock leafs with a 1" shackle lift will out flex it all day.

I suggest you start out reading the tech section. It will explain most concepts much more articulately than most of us can.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> I'm taking that as a compliment. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />



That makes sense.

[color:"blue"] I think, due to the fact that I do already have it, I will likely go with the 2" P.A. body lift for looks and clearance NOW, and then just suck it up and start saving for a decent suspension lift that gives me the flex I'd like. I'll get some before and afters up here around the beginning of April.
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