I need an opinion or three. I have installed a set of 1.5 inch lift shackles on the rear suspension of my 95.5 Rodeo, and want to crank the front torsions to match the rear. I think that I should be able to do this without a flip, but since I'm replacing the front upper balljoints anyway...

I'm not looking for a lot of lift here, the 1.5 inch lift on the back, coupled with new bushings, is perfect for me. With all of the family in the rodeo, plus gear, plus towing a tent trailer, the rear suspension used to hit the bump stops all the time.

I had to crank on the driver's side torsion a bit a couple of years ago, as it had taken a bit of a set and was lower on that side, probably due to my big ass alone in the rig driving it....My plan currently is after installing the new ball joints (torn boots and 180K miles, might as well) and the CV boots and repacking the bearings is to crank and measure and crank and measure in order to get the front at a height to match the rear...

So to flip, or not? TIA

I'd flip it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

if you are replacing the ball joints you might as well flip them its no extra work

Will I be able to align it with no problems with a BJ flip and only 1 to 1.5 inches of lift?

Again, I'm not after max lift (3 inches?), I only want a subtle improvement over stock and to match the 1.5 inch lift that the Calmini shackles gave me on the stock leafs in the back.

I understand that with a lower profile bumpstop and the BJ Flip, I'll have more downtravel (assuming I don't end up over extending the shocks...hmmm, spacer at the top of the shock mount?), but I'm asking is it really worth it for such a small amount of lift, or should I not bother?

Oh-yeah, I looked up the factory trim height in my manual. If you draw an imaginary line parrallel to the floor at the height of the bottom of the lower ball joint, the distance to the midpoint of the lower control arm pivot point is supposed to be 126 mm. I wonder if I can measure that now in my garage without a jig and see where I'm at.

Thanks, keep those cards and letters coming!

yes



Your shocks will be ok.

Darn! I was hoping for an excuse to replace them and get better... pity <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

So I'm going to work on it right now... I've got CV boots to replace, wheel bearings to repack, Superwinch manual hubs to install, BJ flip to do, Indy 4X low profile bumpstop to install, crank up the front torsions about just a hair over an inch, maybe 1.5 inches (I still have to measure more carefully, but I do believe I did get a true 1.5 inch lift with the Calmini shackles and poly bushings, haven't decided if I want it sitting level, or with a small bit of rake), and finally a front end alignment... and in another 30K miles or so when my Micheline XC LT4 (255x70x16) wear out, replace with BFG A/T KO's at (265x70x16...I'm worried that if I go as big as 265x75x16 I'd lose uphill towing torque, love the BFG's though, had a set before the Michelines that went 50K miles, great in eastern washington desert, and good in snow) I'm just looking for minor improvements and enhancements here, 1.5 inch lift, slightly larger tires. Its been a great vehicle for the 168K miles I've had it for, bought it brand new... sound like a plan?