Fab-Tech coil over for YJs, any thoughts??

[FIRE UP]

Gang, I lifted my '93 YJ a few months ago with a Rancho 4" kit and it rides like sh#$%^. I'll put up with it for a while but, I've seen the ad in "JP" magazine talking about Fab-Techs sort of experimental conversion to coil-over for YJs. I certainly won't mind the work or, even the fabrication and welding part, seeing this is my 6th jeep I've built. I'm just wondering if any of you lift experts out there have any knowlege about this new kit or, has any one done it. Thanks,...Scott

[LeadFoot]

Spring over, or loosen the shackle bolts you tightened too tight and ditch the track bars.

[Joe Dillard]

I'd be curious to see this system too.

My friend who sometimes visit's here (Matt Pascoe), did an OUTSTANDING job with his rear coil conversion. Yep - it's not coil-over, but it's SWEET. He did the design work & fabrication himself! :yup: He's here in San Diego too (Escondido).

We ran for about a week in Moab a few months ago for his "shake-down" run. He didn't even lift a tire when he crossed the Golden Crack! :) He's SOA front, coils rear. Heck, he even SPANKED Rocker Knocker like nobodys business! :yup:

[lilgreenjeepyj]

Im anxious to see both the coil over, and the new leaf system they have in the works. However, for the price of a coil conversion, I could probably build one for much much less.

[FIRE UP]

Leadfoot, I'm the one who did the install of the system. I've done several of these type lifts and do some mods in the process. (1), I ditch the orginal nuts and bolts and get newer stronger ones with nylox nuts. That way, I can adjust the tension on the shackle bolts as needed. On all of my installs, you can spin the shackle bolts with a wrench while the wheels are on the ground with mild torque on the wrench. (2) I do the same thing with the shock bolts and fixed end spring bolts. (3), on jeeps with leaf springs and "track bars", I've ditched them long, long ago. (4), before I install any, including "new" leaf springs, I pry them apart at the tips where the teflon pads are, (if so equipped) and layer in the grease so that as the spring flexes, there is the least amount of friction possible. Most of the springs you get from "Rancho" or other makers, come from Istanbul or, China, or where ever and are of junk quiality. Places like "National Spring" in Santee, CA, make lift kits with multiple leafs (like up to 10 leafs per corner) but they are much thinner than the ones you get from the big name lift companies. Therefore, they flex alot easier but, at a substantial higher price, like around $3500 per lift kit as apposed to $400-$600. I guess you get what you pay for. That's why I'm thinking of the coil over conversion because they are supposed to ride real nice and flex like no tomorrow. I think I'll call them and see what's the story..Thanks for the replies guys.....Scott

[Joe Dillard]

I'm surprised you went with Rancho, but oh well. :)

When I worked at Rancho, 100% of our leafs were imported from Japan. Our shop was ~15 minutes drive from the docks in Long Beach, CA. So shipping from the US Customs point to our location on Paramount Blvd was relatively close. Heck, it kept costs down for Keith & Gene, so they were happy. :)

Shocks were all made by Gabriel of Canada (most were #10 valveing :( )

If you wanted a smoother ride, instead of a bucking bronco - you'd need to order a "soft-ride" kit. Ahh, those were the days. Things have changed drastically since Avery Martinez & I left them years ago. :)

[FIRE UP]

Joe Dillard, is that ride available now??? Scott

[Rock WoRM]

My thoughts are how much do those sukers cost $$$ ? Most of fab tech's stuff I've seen is'nt cheap. I think your best bet would be to contact Matt Pascoe. :pstpst: Like Joe said, his set-up is Sweet.


WoRM :bsod:

[Joe Dillard]

Nope - It's not available from Rancho. When Avery, his brother Curtis, and a few other suspension test & design folks who left Rancho for various reasons (most of us went to work for Mickey Thompson at his suspension shop), the Soft-Ride concept and availability went down the drain.

[chef]

Joe you better make the coming rookie run....

[MattPascoe]

My thoughts are how much do those sukers cost $$$ ? Most of fab tech's stuff I've seen is'nt cheap. I think your best bet would be to contact Matt Pascoe. :pstpst: Like Joe said, his set-up is Sweet.


WoRM :bsod:

Thanks for the good words!

I havent seen the fab-tech kit but most kits that I have seen make too many compromises to make it easily installed. ex: You CAN NOT fit a decent length coilover in the rear without cutting the towers up through your tub. Most kit mfg's realize that they won't sell many kits if it requires cutting up the tub so they run small coilovers that limit performance.

It is a lot of work to design your own, but you will at least get exactly what you want.

Heck, he even SPANKED Rocker Knocker like nobodys business!

Ha!!! More like Rocker Knocker damn near spanked ME :jabspar:
http://www.fototime.com/D0DF28D43B63DF1/standard.jpg

[MattPascoe]

Joe you better make the coming rookie run....
X2!!!

I can't wait!

[MattPascoe]

Gang, I lifted my '93 YJ a few months ago with a Rancho 4" kit and it rides like sh#$%^. I'll put up with it for a while but, I've seen the ad in "JP" magazine talking about Fab-Techs sort of experimental conversion to coil-over for YJs.

If a good ride is what your looking for theres no need to go through all that work and $$. My Jeep rode just as smooth with Old Man Emu springs and Bilstein shocks as it does now with Bilstein 9100 coilovers.

Get some good springs and I think you will be much happier.

Matt

[Rock WoRM]

Ha!!! More like Rocker Knocker damn near spanked ME :jabspar:
http://www.fototime.com/D0DF28D43B63DF1/standard.jpg
That allmost looks like a possible Z-man video!!! :hah:

Hey Matt... U and Joe should've come up for our Swamp run... I think ya would've loved it!


WoRM :bsod:

[MattPascoe]

That allmost looks like a possible Z-man video!!!
ROFLMAO!!!

Take a wild guess who was spotting me :D













The Zman him self!!!!!

[1 ton yj]

Like Matt said, kits are basically junk. They make too many comprimises in design, strength and geometry so it can be bolted on. Sounds like you got fab skills, just build your own.

The rear of my Jeep is the 1st 4 link I've built and I really like it. It wasnt hard at all. I'm getting ready to link the front
http://www.4x4shots.com/albums/userpics/10025/normal_DSCN1528.JPG
http://www.4x4shots.com/albums/userpics/10025/IMG_5835.jpg
It even handles good on the street!