My sami is bone stock as far as suspension is concerned. I want to do an AAL lift and new longer shocks but NOT the SOA swap. My goal is to get a bit more lift but keep cost down.

I understand this is NOT the most performance minded mod I can do, but just a quick cheap way to lift my truck a few inches.

Later I may do the SOA swap when I have more money and time.

Anybody have experience with AAL on the sami?

Thanks

Can you help me with that acronym? I don't recognize what AAL stands for...

-Eric

If you are looking for a slight lift without the abusive ride and don't want to go with a spring over, spend the money on a quality spring lift such as a 2" OME lift or 3" Deaver lift from Rocky Road Outfitters. Doing an AAL lift you will regret. They have an abusive ride and are only good for about 2" of lift and will definitely leave you wanting more....

Thanks guys. I was just wondering since I didn't see them mentioned much on the site. Shackles usually cause axle wrap. Anybody experience that when useing shackles on the sami?

Most 4x4 sites for other trucks caution againts useing shackles too long for this reason. I have never used shackles but have used AAL with good results on bigger trucks.

Long term I plan to go with a complete new spring pack maybe 3" lift and maybe body lift if I want more? But doubt I will want more than three?

Typically an add a leaf will provide you a gain of 1.5" - 2". These additional springs help to reclaim arch in the springs. Most of the time these are sold for spring repair.

If you are wanting some minor lift there is nothing wrong with add a leafs springs. I recently installed a set on a 98 Chevrolet 4wd Scottsdale truck. They gave the truck about 1.5" lift and the owner was pleased with the "new" stance of the truck. I also installed new shocks, steering damper, and a set of 32" BFG AT Radials on the truck at this time.

All said and done the truck looked GREAT and road / drove just fine. It did ride a little stiffer but nothing bad by any means. Although, I am in no way saying that the short wheelbase of a Sammy will ride as nice in comparison. My guess is it won't be much worse than any other lift but will still be a noticable difference.  

Thanks,
My springs have really sagged over the years. I don't need performance as much as I want it to look better. Light trails is all I will ever "OFF-ROAD" on.

here she is, like my tag?  HMMWV




I can't go too high with the lift because I keep it in that little shed

Dang nice sammi!!   

back when I was building land cruisers I ran many add-a-leafs, I got the long thin ones vs. short thick ones and removed the factory spring closest in length. it worked very well but I dont know if that a option for a Sammy

Dang nice sammi!!   

Thanks   

If you're going to be mostly on road with mild off road, then do yourself a favor and improve the ride. My first choice would be OME springs. Much nicer ride and 1 1/2" to 2" lift. Another option is the Calmini shakle reverse. Again about 2" of lift and a way nicer ride. Longer shakles {2' lift max) are OK but your ride will still be the same. Add a leafs might be alright on a heavier vehicle but you will beat yourself up on a light weight Sammy IMHO

back when I was building land cruisers I ran many add-a-leafs, I got the long thin ones vs. short thick ones and removed the factory spring closest in length. it worked very well but I dont know if that a option for a Sammy

Yea, just call Hawk Suzuki Parts, they can send you the long #2 spring out of a spring pack.  That is what I run on the front of my SJ-410.

Quote from: Jluck on February 22, 2011, 11:16:26 PM

back when I was building land cruisers I ran many add-a-leafs, I got the long thin ones vs. short thick ones and removed the factory spring closest in length. it worked very well but I dont know if that a option for a Sammy

Yea, just call Hawk Suzuki Parts, they can send you the long #2 spring out of a spring pack.  That is what I run on the front of my SJ-410.

Good idea, I may give this a try....