The J10 weighs around 4,100 lbs. Most Wagoneers I've owned weighed in around 4,500 to 5,200 lbs. The Wagoneers also use more springs in their packs. By using Wagoneer springs and one Add-A-Leaf (aal) I hope to gain height, articulation and improved ride. Since I've done this before with success I have no reason to believe it won't work this time.
The numbers below height are rough estimates of the total, the number directly below that is the average. The height indicates the amount of arch at the center of the spring. These are all approximate and relative measurements used to match up springs to provide the best ride, articulation and around two to three inches of lift. The springs from the wagoneer seem to flex better than the J10's. The springs on the wagoneer supported more weight than the J10 on a regular basis. Since the objective with this suspension is ride and articulation and not load carrying capability, the stock J10 springs will be replaced with a slightly longer, higher arched spring from the Wagoneer.
While the basis of the poor man lift kit is primarily to hand select the best springs out of salvaged spring sets, I lucked out and found a pair of Rancho Add-A-Leafs in one of the packs. In addition, I had the remnants of an XJ lift kit that also had a pair of AALs. So I have two pairs, one for each end, that are either 1.5 or 2" worth of lift.
The problem with AAL's is they tend to make the ride harsher... so I will compensate for that buy using weaker, thinner, longer springs for the balance of the pack. Because AAL's tend to weaken the springs directly adjacent to them, I will double up my longest springs so it will be more difficult to break the main spring. Kind of like a military wrap second leaf, only without the wrap. I used this trick on Old Blue and it worked. well.
When assembling the leaf packs I will coat all internal surfaces with AMSOIL synthethic grease and replace the pads with new ones. I will not goop as much grease on as I have in the past, just a light coating except near main friction points. I believe this helped both the ride and the articulation on Old Blue. FWIW, Old Blue scored about 673 points on the ramp, which shocked not only me, but several others. So, the poor man lift tricks for an SJ, or any leaf spring setup do work. Old Blue also had a wonderful ride. Ride, lift and articulation, who could ask for anything more? :)
