Return to stock height from 4 inch lift kit + spacers

[boblawblaw]

Hi everyone, I have been lurking as a guest for some time, but now that I have just got my hands an LJ which has some modifications, I plan to undo I figured it was time to join the forum!

The LJ I bought has a rough country 4" kit with fixed arms (LINK to Kit), which I plan to remove and return to stock height. It currently sits on old 31x10.5r15 Duratracs which I have not decided if I will replace these with 31x10.5, go back down to 30x9.0 or go with 265x70 AT or 4S (I know, but 100% road driving). But I am willing to lose some steering angle if the 31s or 265s rub at stock height.

I have read through some older threads about returning to stock height and based on this kit I know I will need to work backward to replace all of the parts from the kit, remove the T case drop brackets, rear track bar bracket and put the front track bar back to it's original hole from factory.

Questions:

• It seems like the PO also added spring spacers to the front, but not the rear from what I can see. To get rid of the spacer will I need to get replacement isolators?
• Do the bump stops looks stock or will I need to replace these?
• Considering the fronts are 4" springs with spacers, will I be able to drop the front axle enough using jackstands and jacks? Or will I need a lift to get the right enough clearance? Not in love with spring spacers.

Parts I plan to get & a couple I am not sure about.

• Lower control arms with bushings x4
• Front and Rear Struts
• Front and Rear Springs
• Front and Rear Swaybar Links
• Front and Rear Sway Bar Bushings (for maintenance)
• Front and Rear Isolators?
• Front and Rear Bumpstops?
• Anything else I may be missing?

Photos of the suspension as is:

 

[macleanflood]

Shocks, not struts. I'd recommend Black Max.

Consider an Oro Swayloc in lieu of replacing the front swaybar links. Complete overkill but one of the best mods I did to my 97.

Probably going to need a stock set of control arms.

Since you're in there you might want to replace ball joints and tie rods.

That frame looks rough...is that oil or scale? Have you borescoped the inside?

How about the PCM? They're notorious for failure and you might want to start a conversation with @Wranglerfix or at least budget in a replacement.

Speedo gear. Really need to decide on tire size.

-Mac

P.S. Do you have a stock or drop pitman arm?

 

[Rickyd]

Additional stock items needed that i can see- brake hoses,bump stops,arms,sway bar links.

pitman arm if not stock,looks like front spring isolators are there

 

[Artsifrtsi]

That frame looks rough...is that oil or scale? Have you borescoped the inside?

This… I think you have bigger issues looming…

 

[boblawblaw]

Shocks, not struts. I'd recommend Black Max.

Consider an Oro Swayloc in lieu of replacing the front swaybar links. Complete overkill but one of the best mods I did to my 97.

Probably going to need a stock set of control arms.

Since you're in there you might want to replace ball joints and tie rods.

That frame looks rough...is that oil or scale? Have you borescoped the inside?

How about the PCM? They're notorious for failure and you might want to start a conversation with @Wranglerfix or at least budget in a replacement.

Speedo gear. Really need to decide on tire size.

-Mac

P.S. Do you have a stock or drop pitman arm?

This… I think you have bigger issues looming…

View attachment 617942

Struts, thank you.

The frame is actually completely coated, I believe it is Krown. The first thing I did when I inspected the frame was dig into the "crud" and the steel underneath smooth is not rusted. But let me confirm further with my borescope to be safe.

I believe the pitman arm is stock, the drop does not seem as big as the drop arms I have seen. I can measure the drop height to confirm.

PCM should not be an issue since it is an 04 right?

Additional stock items needed that i can see- brake hoses,bump stops,arms,sway bar links.

pitman arm if not stock,looks like front spring isolators are there

Adding brake hoses and bump stops!