ACOS vs. ACOS vs. taller springs ???

RedFive · May 19, 2006

Being new to XJs, I have to ask...has anybody ever used these?:
http://rustysoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=RORXJ90&Category_Code=sus_xj_par

I'm just looking for a little bit of lift to help level out the '87 XJ that I own (by the way: 4.0L, stock bumper with no plan to upgrade it, already has 4" of lift in front).

Any opinion of the Rusty's vs. these:
http://www.jksmfg.com/acos.htm

Or maybe I should just get some longer, cheap-O springs to do the job? Not really sure how I would go about calculating how much more lift I need in front to level the vehicle so it doesn't looked "raked" in the front. And I'm not sure if I want the ride quality to change much since really, if I'm being honest, the Jeep is my daily driver and weekend escape vehicle that I use to get to Tahoe.

I'm totally open to opinions here so please, fire away. Besides, you're helping a newbie!!

Thanks,
Tony in San Jose

jonnyjoint · May 19, 2006

ACOS are nicer than Rusty's. I use them. They are nicely machined and the bump-stop at the bottom is a nice clean finishing touch. Rusty's look "unfinished" with the open bottom and they seem to just kinda fit.

Starscream · May 19, 2006

The JKS ACOS is better built by the look of things. Rusty's just looks cheap. You can get new 5.5" coils for about $30 cheaper than an ACOS (reference: Jeepin' Outfitters). If you want cheaper than that, just buy a 1.75" puck from the same place for around $35 and add it to your 4" coils.

Mr.OverKill · May 19, 2006

truth is the XJ was designed to have a little rake to it, if you eliminate the rake then you run the risk of death wobble and generally worse handeling charicteristics from what i have been told here on NAXJA

i personally dont know that from experiance though.

good luck

P.S. the jks look to be the better of the two IMHO.

RedFive · May 19, 2006

I just want the truck to sit level...I've got pretty noticeable rake in it...it really looks dorky. Just the way I bought it, I guess.

Starscream · May 19, 2006

steagall9301 said:
if you eliminate the rake then you run the risk of death wobble and generally worse handeling charicteristics

... What? I don't want to call BS since I don't absolutely know, but I've never heard anything like this. How can running even lift heights front and rear cause death wobble? The only way I can think of is since you're lifting your front end just like any other lift application.

Starscream · May 19, 2006

RedFive said:
I just want the truck to sit level...I've got pretty noticeable rake in it...it really looks dorky. Just the way I bought it, I guess.

Mine sits slightly raked even with .75" spacers, but I'm replacing them soon with 1.75"s. I also don't like the look of it. I still say just add some spacers.

xjtrailrider · May 19, 2006

I'm running ACOS with OME front medium springs adjusted to 4" lift and in the rear I'm running OME heavy constant load springs with TeraFlex 1.75 shackles, total 4" lift. No rake and no "d-wobble", and absolutly no complaints about the ACOS. They are top quality!

xjoe · May 19, 2006

$200 you could spend on something else...

BlueCuda · May 19, 2006

Your caster changes depending on your ride hieght front to rear...if it goes enough the wrong way it can cause death wobble.

Mr.OverKill · May 19, 2006

Starscream918 said:
... What? I don't want to call BS since I don't absolutely know, but I've never heard anything like this. How can running even lift heights front and rear cause death wobble? The only way I can think of is since you're lifting your front end just like any other lift application.

dont kill the parrot, just saying what i was told when i first got on this site, i searched for the thread but cant find it. if i am wrong then, i am wrong but heck i would rather be wrong and be safe than be wrong and have some one kill them selves on my advise.

i remember i was talking about haveing it level or slightly nose high and someone said that it would " throw off the handeling charicteristics of the XJ and could cause DW " as i remember it.

so i sit slightly rear high and plan to stay that way. its your jeep, put front hydrolics and drop the rear for all i care.

but i would hate to say i told you so.
:kissyou: have a nice day

BrettM · May 19, 2006

quote from Rusty's:
"The adjustable spring spacers an offer lift from 1.75 to 3 inches and only increases spring rate by a small amount"

WTF?

Starscream · May 19, 2006

steagall9301 said:
dont kill the parrot

Nah, not trying to kill the parrot.

I'm just wondering if it's true. Now I'm worried if I lift the front more I'll get my DW back...

tealcherokee · May 19, 2006

leveling your jeep will not give you death wobble, just realign after lifting the front more

oh and get new coils

RedFive · May 19, 2006

So I took another look at the Jeep this morning...it's got the 4" springs from ProComp plus 1.75" spacers already! (the newbie thought the spacers were stock parts before closer inspection).

Okay, so I'm guessing that's almost 6" of lift...should I just go with 8" springs? Or would it be better to put in the JKS ACOS and adjust from there?

Opinions?

Starscream · May 19, 2006

RedFive said:
So I took another look at the Jeep this morning...it's got the 4" springs from ProComp plus 1.75" spacers already! (the newbie thought the spacers were stock parts before closer inspection).

Okay, so I'm guessing that's almost 6" of lift...should I just go with 8" springs? Or would it be better to put in the JKS ACOS and adjust from there?

Opinions?

If you already have a 1.75" spacer, then yes, IMO you should buy new coils.

Lawn Cher' · May 19, 2006

BrettM said:
quote from Rusty's:
"The adjustable spring spacers an offer lift from 1.75 to 3 inches and only increases spring rate by a small amount"

WTF?

Apparently the brilliant minds at Rusty's don't know the definition of spring rate.

djblade311 · May 19, 2006

go with jks acos

Jump This · May 19, 2006

Lawn Cher' said:
Apparently the brilliant minds at Rusty's don't know the definition of spring rate.

Ya think they were trying to say that they don't add much pre-load to the springs?:jester:
Rick R:sunshine:

ACOS vs. ACOS vs. taller springs ???

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