Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

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janssen
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Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by janssen »

I need to know how High my truck is right now - I like my lift height but don't know what size leafs to order to replicate bagged lift.

My measurements on the air bagged front (not concerned about the back, has leafs already and sits level)

From Center of hub to bottom of fender 21"
From Center of hub to fender top lip where it meets hood 31"

To replicate this with leafs what do I need? 4" 6" ?

I have attached a pic - 31x10.5 tires - what does the lift look like?

Then I can sort out how it gets lifted SUA, SOA, and the fun begins :) (anything but air bags)

Thanks In advance guys, I have done my research and I can't find what I am looking for! Also no wags around here in northern Ontario to measure in the shopping mall :)

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1990 Wag, cummins 4bt, nv4500. 4"BDS on front - frankenstein rear.
1982 CJ7 SOA, 3/4 Eliptical, 35", T18, Detroit Locked F/R
-next major project - Snorkel for wag - cause diesels can Swim :)
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Tatsadasayago
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Re: Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by Tatsadasayago »

Image

This is my Chief running 33x12.50s, 3" rear blocks, extended 3" lift shackles (8" actual length, 7" center-to-center) up front with original springs.
The front measurement from hub center to bottom edge of the fender flare is 22".

I would wager a pair of 3" lift springs would get the stance to where yours is currently.
Last edited by Tatsadasayago on Thu Aug 25, 2016 10:33 am, edited 1 time in total.
1977 Cherokee Chief - The Blair Jeep Project III
A collection of parts flying in close formation
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Stuka
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Re: Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by Stuka »

Thats roughly 4" of lift based on my own experiences with a Narrow Trac and a few different lifts.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

Topic author
janssen
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Re: Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by janssen »

Awesome thanks stuka ! 4" it is.

Tatsadasayago - nice looking jeep!

Now to decide what lift to go with - remembering I am in Canada so shipping/border/customs from the states can really suck.

Thanks, John
1990 Wag, cummins 4bt, nv4500. 4"BDS on front - frankenstein rear.
1982 CJ7 SOA, 3/4 Eliptical, 35", T18, Detroit Locked F/R
-next major project - Snorkel for wag - cause diesels can Swim :)
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Stuka
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Re: Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by Stuka »

janssen wrote:Awesome thanks stuka ! 4" it is.

Tatsadasayago - nice looking jeep!

Now to decide what lift to go with - remembering I am in Canada so shipping/border/customs from the states can really suck.

Thanks, John
If you are in the BC area, you could just drive to BJ's in Washington. Save all that cost and trouble.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

nightglide
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Re: Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by nightglide »

How bout pics of airbags before you rip em out? I'd like to see that..........
77 J10 360/T18/Dana20
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Nikkormat
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Re: Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by Nikkormat »

I'll second wanting to see that airbag setup.
Gabe, "reformed" Jeep hoarder.

Topic author
janssen
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Re: Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by janssen »

No problem, will take some pics - was really quite simple. the bags sat between the frame and top of axle pretty much just a SOA with the main spring left in to hold axle in place (which promptly twisted when I had to hammer the brakes to avoid mating with a honda).

Results - Nice ride on the highway, those pavement seams, small bumps don't feel them

Backroads where I live - AWFUL. only a few inches of travel and air springs take have a fast? spring rate so big bumps are punishing. Also those gravel road whoop-de-doos feel like your sitting in the middle of a see-saw.

Cool factor #1 - dropping the front down to work on the engine - no more milk crate required.
Cool factor #2 - adjusting your lift by 7" on the fly :)

air bags are cheap, but need lots of valves, pumps, etc to make them work properly. I used an air pig and oxy-act valve for pressure control and that worked well for my test.


In the end I am glad I tried it - was a learning experience and they certainly have their place - just not on any vehicle I own :)

JJ
1990 Wag, cummins 4bt, nv4500. 4"BDS on front - frankenstein rear.
1982 CJ7 SOA, 3/4 Eliptical, 35", T18, Detroit Locked F/R
-next major project - Snorkel for wag - cause diesels can Swim :)

RamJetFSJ
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Re: Airbagged '90 wag - going back to springs BUT... HOW MUCH LIFT DO I HAVE?

Post by RamJetFSJ »

janssen wrote:the bags sat between the frame and top of axle pretty much just a SOA with the main spring left in to hold axle in place
Was worried thats how it was setup. I can totally see how you want to get away from that setup. Definitely need a link setup to make airbags work right.
80 Wag in 73 attire, Ram Jet 350 power
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