Rusty's 2" AAL

[bbuenger71]

I've been scouring the forum to see what kind of lift I want to do on my 76 GW. My plan is to build it on a fairly tight budget (aren't we all? lol) and I like how low the cost is of this kit. I was thinking of doing this lift along with Tads SOA and rear shackle flip. So that would theoretically give me about 8 inches of lift right? My biggest concern is steering... Would I be okay with a drop pitman? Or do I need to shell out some cash for a crossover type steering. I'd ultimately like to run 35's on it. Drivetrain is all stock with Dana 44's. I will be re-gearing diffs when Larger tires are installed.

[Tad]

DPA by itself won't cut it.
Some will insist that it works but my experience has shown me the drag link will hit the spring when turning right.
Cross-over at the minimum, or full high steering.

[Lumpskie]

I don't mean to thread jack but I've been interested in a Rusty's AAL setup as well. My springs don't seem to be too bad but I just want a little more clearance. I was looking at doing this:

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=135029

With this kit:

http://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-fsj ... t-kit.html

Do any of you have experience with Rusty's AAL set ups? If so, do the AALs stiffen the ride at all? Also, are those shocks any good? (Are they a good length for flex and are they valves for a softer ride?)

Overall, what's your opinion of a Rusty's AAL lift?

[Mdcptman]

Lumpskie, I have the 2" addaleaf w new steering stabilizer on my 88GW. Love it. Good stance. Im runnin 31x 10.5s. Its stiff, but some of it is the tires. Its no stiffer than stock. But your results may be different. It really is more like 2.5"of lift. Rusty's is awesome in terms of customer service. The kit was well done.

[Lumpskie]

Thanks for the info, Mdcptman, I appreciate the insight! Did you end up using the Rusty's brand shocks on your rig, or did you go with something else? Also, did you have to trim at all to fit your 31s with the AAL setup? How's the flex with it?

[Mdcptman]

This is the kit I bought, it comes with the shocks, and I added the steering stabilizer.
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-suspe ... t-kit.html

This is how it looks with the 31s


I haven't really tried to flex it all the way, but clearance is good with no trimming. The only place that rubbed was in the front of the rear wheel opening because the suspension travels forward as it flexes and it rubs in front. Just take a rubber hammer and bend the lip forward a little and it clears fine. No sawsall!

[Lumpskie]

Awesome, that's the exact kit I was looking at. Thanks for the pictures too, the help a lot. Just one more quick question, then I'll let you be Overall, how do you like the ride quality of the kit? (on and off road)

[Mdcptman]

I haven't been off road, other than climbing the MS river levee once, (highly illegal, but fun) and running through some woods trails with not too many bumps. The streets in NOLA are rougher than that trail, . Ha ha. The ride is stiff, but not really harsh. Still, its harder than the stock rig with stock street tires. The suspension travels easily. I feel the road, but I think that's the stiff sidewall tires. Its kinda like riding in an older one ton truck without a load. I'm really pleased with it. It handles really well, hardly any body lean on corners. Its not high enough to feel top heavy, you dont have to change pitman arms, and with the 31s it really looks stock. Ground clearance is good. Yesterday, I knocked over a 5 gallon water bottle, and it rolled completely under the truck and out the other side. It had a couple of inches to spare. Those bottles are about a foot across. Be aware tho, that some people consider the add a leaf kits a band aide, and that it will lead to earlier failure of the long spring with the eye. That may be true, but it was worth it to me to spend $300 to find out if I like it. Then when/if it fails, I will feel better about spending $1000 for a 2" spring kit. Everyone's needs are different. I'm not likely to ever be riding really harsh trails or rock climbing. So this should hold up just fine for me.

[Lumpskie]

Thanks for taking the time to write up your experiences. I'm in the same boat as you. I'd like to see what 2" of lift with 30" tires are like. I'm aiming for this rig to look as stock as possible but be able to get a little off the beaten path. If I like where the AAL gets me, then I might get some Alcans in a 2" or 3" height. I wonder what valving the Rusty's shocks have... maybe I'll give them a call.

Thanks, again, for sharing.

[Nikkormat]

If you call them, please post what they tell you. I'm interested to know.

[fulsizjeep]

We had 2" Rustys AAL on Phoebe way back in 2001. The rear springs are still on it but with 4" spring lift and a 3" block in back now. We actually ran 32s on it for a while. Just need to be careful with the flex.

Moab trip 2001, 30x9.50


Ouray 2002, 32x11.50

[Lumpskie]

^How'd you like them, fullsizjeep? Did they ride and flex ok, or were they a little stiff?

[Nikkormat]

Mine looks like the first picture now, with smaller tires and a few hundred pounds of tools in the back.

[fulsizjeep]

They rode and flexed fine, a little stiffer than stock. This Waggy had some sag before they were installed. The net lift in the rear was a little over 2".