Thanks for replies! This is exactly what i was after. Have read thru & summarized the questions w/answers.
Re: removing shackles on the front - yes, that was what mechanic #2 offered & de-arching the backs. Made me feel like it was being rigged, so i sought the advice of the FSJ community.
From Stuka:
Q1: Why do we want to return to stock height? Is it the height or the ride?
A1: Both, my wife is short of stature and has trouble getting in & out, and the ride is terrible. We have no intention of going off-road.
Q2: Are there lift blocks in the back? It doesnt look like it to me - have included a pic below - though there is some kind of aluminum wedge below the leaf pack.
Here’s pics of the rear suspension:
From Candymancan:
Q1: what stock springs / shocks are you looking at?
A1: at the time, i was assuming keeping existing shocks; looked at BJ’s offroad, part number - BJSTOCK; plus two sets of spring bolts, and poly bushings, totalling $~500, plus $500 for installation. assuming Bilstein shocks, adds about $250 for a total of $1250 plus shipping.
With that said, where are the OEM springs coming from that you speak of? And, what shocks would you recommend for road use? Are BJ’s springs Chinese made?
From Rocklaurence:
Q1: are you sure they’re Rough Country springs?
A1: yes, stickers on the fronts indicate they are, see pic from the fronts. I cant find any indication of brand on the rears.
From will_e:
Q1: can you provide a pic of rear suspension?
A1: see pics above.
So, it seems mechanic #2’s opinion is out; and we’ll go with OEM springs & replacement stock height shocks. Question now is: from where?
Given the Wag Sag conversations that are prevalent on the site - is it safe to assume that pulling springs from an existing vehicle should be out?
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