Suzuki Club UK

Hi folks,

So after running the SJ around the fields helping with some fencing, I heard an intermittent rubbing and scrapping sound. After a slow crawl back home identified the issue as 2 snapped leafs on the drivers side rear.

Pain in the arse but trying to see it as an opportunity. At present it's running a 2" lift via shackles. Having read through a number of topics I can see this is not the recommended approach for lifting, not least because of additional stress it puts on the springs (hmm, sounds familiar).

So the goal is to get it back on the road, keeping the 2" lift but getting rid of the shackles.

I've read through a number of posts and if I'm honest I'm slightly confused as to which way to go.

I think I'm right in saying that RUF/rascal rears would give me the 2" lift? Is there any need to replace the shocks for some extended items? Would it be sensible to replace all the bushes at the same time?

As another option is there a 3rd party that offers a complete 2" lift kit (springs/shocks etc) that gives the added lift with an acceptable ride (I've read the Calmini kits gives a very hard ride).

Apologies for the short essay and thanks in advance for the help.

James

The best thing you can do is bin those shackles. A 2" shackle only gives a 1" lift anyway.

Any spring lift will require extended shocks and brake lines.

The only real 'Soft' aftermarket lift is to go standard YJ springs. (Rather expensive with all the other factors)

Most of the aftermarket setups are rather hard.

You are correct about the Rascal rear/RUF. Again not the softest but will give good flex and is the best of the cheaper options.

Add a leafs are hard IMO but different people will give different opinions of that and their ability to ruin tired springs.

Despite being ridiculously had my Ironmans do work quite well and makes it drive like a go-kart on the road. I manage to put up with them but they are soon to be replaced with YJ's after only 3000 miles of use which I suppose speaks volumes in terms of how tolerable they are.

Some of the aftermarket jobs reportedly perform a lot better with a leaf removed but I have never gotten round to doing that.

If you can weld have you considered a virtual lift?

I belive montain goat do the calmin full lift kit but thats around the 800quid mark or the lads down a llama do lifted springs and extended shocks and ad stick some polybushes in wile your at it am running a ruf and rascle witch is alot softer than add a leafs and gives good flex but my convertion hasnt been done fantasically

Llama 4x4 springs are pretty good IMO.

What size tyres are you running?

i have a set of standard springs spare
some yj's
and a set of 3" smj
all for sale
as a straight bolt on the standard or smj springs would be the way to go

ive got trail tough missing links also
to go with the smj's
(what i run at present) its a great combo

I've got a calmini shackle reverse kit doing nothing at the mo if your interested? The springs are very tough and should give you some lift but not exactly sure how much! Here's a pic.

Thanks all,

Unfortunately my welding skills are nonexistent, so a straight bolt on solution is a must. Having done some reading I think that rules out the YJ springs. Am I right in thinking the RUF and rascal also needs so welding work?

Jordi - I've looked at Llama and they were certainly on the list for the full kit option. As for tires, I'm pretty sure they're 31".

4x4Rick - I'm certainly interested in the SMJs and missing links. What condition and price are you after? Would you be willing to ship?

If I was to go SMJ what would my options be with regard to extended shocks? Also would the SJ already have extended brake lines due to the shackles?

Thanks
James

I used add a leaves before and they are rock hard... Im now on Llama 4x4 2" lift springs on the front, with evil shackles on the back!
Got to say I actually find them quite comfortable! I will definitely be investing in a pair of rears when money allows!

Does anyone have any knowledge about the below....

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewit ... cmd=VIDESC

I realise they're from an Australian company but I have family in Australia so could get the shipped locally and then sent over here significantly cheaper than the quoted international shipping.

The shipping is a bit exspensive

Best option in llama 4x4