1991 YJ Lift Height

Bought a 91 YJ and I'm trying to determine what the lift is over stock. It definately has a kit on it and I think it's a 4" but I want to be sure before doing anything on the suspension. Does anyone knows how to take some simple measurements to determine this. Thanks!

 

The YJ lift kits usually come in two sizes, 2 1/2" and 4". You have a 4", probably. Check for any info printed on the springs along with a transfer case drop kit and wedges between the axle mounting pads and the leafs. That's a pretty tall spring shackle lift you have there. Are you getting any bump steer or vibrations while driving?

 

Thanks for the response. I was thinking it was a 4". It seems to have all of the parts you mentioned. I'll have to look for info on the springs.
Yes.......The steering is a little squirrelly but I'm so used to it now that it's not as noticable as it used to be. I did some minor stuff like rebuild the steering column which freed up the steering some. Was acting like it was trying to lock up. Greased everything. Made sure all drivetrain fluids were full. Also adjusted the steering gearbox and that made a big difference. I'm concerned that the track bar may be wrong. I've read that anything over a 4" lift should have an adjustable track bar. This one is not adjustable. The big question is.....should it be adjustable or not?

 

Yes....you should install an adjustable track bar. It will realign your body with your chassis. And, probably all but eliminate that squirrelly feel. But there are other issues with a lift. Control arm length become an issue.
As a rule of thumb. Your drag link and track bar should be parallel. Good place to start.

 

When you make a right or left turn, let go of the steering wheel and it should return to center. With a lift such as yours the caster alignment has been affected, look it up. When guys put a lift as tall as a 4" on a CJ or YJ, it really affects a lot of other stuff. When I did mine, it required the axle mounting pads to be rewelded to correct the pinion angles and caster alignment. plus I installed a constant velocity u-joint assembly. I do not have any transfer case drop either, gotta clear those rocks.

 

So I looked at the track bar and the drag link and they seem to be aligned pretty good but not perfect. The front track bar that was installed is not adjustable but it's supposed to be for a 4" lift. I did the measurement from the frame to the outside of the front tire and had 20 1/2 inches on the left side and 21 inches on the right side. That tells me that my axle is slightly out of center by 1/2 inch. I'm sure this could be corrected with an adjustable track bar. Is this 1/2 inch causing part of my squirrelly steering? Also, there is no track bar on the rear diff which from what I read can cause major issues with drivability. Here's a good one! The left side front shackle is cocked to one side that makes me think that something is bent or not installed properly. The spring shackles do have new bushings. Here is a couple of pics. You can also see the track bar and drag link in the full front pic.