RE: JPOR: Bigger lift options.

[Chris Waterman <Chris_Waterman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Michael (note new address) -

> I have a couple of guys in my club running SOA with stock springs and they
> all do well over 1000 rti.  I am wondering how well will it work with 2.5
> inch springs?

Depends on the springs (ie spring rate, etc), but generally, using mild lift
springs with an SOA seems to have little effect on RTI.  Use 'em if you need
the lift; that's about all they'll do for you.  In theory, they'll let you
run
longer shocks, which may be a benefit once you've got everything set up
perfectly.  I haven't seen that yet, personally.

> Also, What about driveline angles?  I have that damn Ford 9"(what a
mistake)
> with the low pinion.  I am sure it would work fine with a normal spring
over
> but when you start adding lift to that, I don't know.
> Even with a CV shaft the angle might be too much.

My rear CV shaft was at just over 21 degress with the 9"+SOA+OME springs,
back
when I had the 4.sL/AX15/NP231SYE setup.  No vibrations, though, and I
ramped
around 1100-1200 on a 20-deg ramp (depended on the ramp, though ;-).  Here's
a
photo of the Jeep on a 30-degree ramp:
http://www.4offrd.com/pa/rti/rti6.jpg

Back then I had front shock length problems that limited me - we'll see how
it
does in a couple of weeks, when I get back onto a ramp for the first time
after
installing the Ford front shock towers last fall:
http://www.bc4x4.com/chrisw/projects/shocktowers/towers.asp

Now, with the 5.0L/NP435/NP203/D20 setup, my rear CV shaft is 4-5" longer
than
before, so the shaft is only running at about 15 degrees or so.  I love my
9"
(heh heh), and despite the low pinion, I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Well, any other stock, unmodified axle, anyway ;-)

> Chris Waterman did the exact same thing I want to do.  I emailed him
> yesterday and haven't heard back yet.  Does wnyone know what size tires he
> is running in this picture? <photo>

Those are 35" MTs.  I'll be doing some fender trimming and installing some
Bushwhacker flares this summer, and going to 36" Swampers in a year or so,
FWIW.

Chris