Pulled leaves from RC 4" lift

[Alex Kapparos]

I have been reading a lot of threads about pulling leaves to soften ride quality so I did it myself this week. I have a RC 4" and the rears would make my kidneys bleed after a little bumpy riding. I pulled the bottom flat spring and decided to pull the HEAVY arch spring that was the third one up. I put the second one up back in the pack and bolted everything back together with new bushings on all four corners. I left the front springs alone other than the new bushings. The ride is AMAZING!! Very soft and the Jeep doesn't want to change direction as often as before (probably because I'm not hanging on to the steering wheel for dear life whenever I go over a pebble). The rear does seem to be fractionally lower than the front now due to a little less arch but isn't really noticible unless you really stare at it. If that is an issue for you, I guess you could use a 1/2" lift shackle in the rear or pull a single leaf from the front (I may do that).

I hope this helps out. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a little more comfort and flex.

I measured flex before the swap and will measure again and post any difference.

 

[Bog Dog]

I have the same set up and was thinking about doing that as well. I am curious on how much flex you gained. I have considered to scrap the whole set up and start over. Rides like a lumber wagon and has no flex to speak of. I removed the swaybar and lowered air pressures and that helped a little. I guess you get what you pay for.

 

[Alex Kapparos]

Don't scrap it. You will be very surprised with the results of pulling the leaves out. I should have the flex question answered tomorrow evening. I need to get the forklift at work to do the flex test.

 

[Dan86CJ7]

any pics? ive also debated doing this to my RC kit.

 

[Alex Kapparos]

I can snap a couple of the finished product today. I am still trying to test the flex. I need to have the gas filled on the forklift. Hopefully I will still get it today.

 

[Alex Kapparos]

Here is a picture with the leaves pulled from the rear. I wasn't able to get the flex test done today due to lack of fuel for the forklift. I will try again on Wednesday.

 

[thescot]

Looks close to stock height. That is a pic of the 4"?

 

[Alex Kapparos]

Looks close to stock height. That is a pic of the 4"?

I actually assumed it was a 4" based on the arch compared to the lift I had on my old yj. I just went online and did some comparisons and now I'm thinking it could be a 2.5" ?? The tires in the pic are 31's if that helps. If that lift is a 2.5 I sure would hate to feel a 4"

 

[Hedgehog]

Those are 31's, they look more like 33's.

 

[Sasquach]

If those be 31's you do not have a 4" lift. 4" on 31's looks rediculous, ask me how I know.

 

[thescot]

So your still at 4 leafs? Im experimenting with my Pro'incomp 4" kit. The front is fine with the short bottom one out, same in the rear but its not enough. Im thinking removing the next up in the pack which is a full length spring but not in the clamped pack. This would leave 3. I have reservations but recon its worth a try. Im still sitting arse high, I do not tow or haul anything buy me,her and maybe some recovery gear and an ice chest.

 

[Alex Kapparos]

Okay, sorry for the late response. I have been out of town. Must be 2.5" lift based on the consensus so I guess the whole thread is kind of a moot point as far as the 4" lift guys go. That being said the info should be transferable to any of the budget lift kits.

I went to Uwharrie National Forest this week and the Jeep was really loaded with camping gear. The rear was pretty soft with the extra weight and would wobble a little if I turned suddenly. I definitely wouldn't tow a trailer with the springs pulled or I would at least put the bottom helper spring back in. The off roading was great though. Much softer than before.