Full-Traction Suspension has introduced the first true kit suspension system for Jeep YJ Wranglers. What makes the Full-Traction YJ suspension unique is that each of the system upgrades is a great stand-alone improvement for your Jeep YJ, and when combined they compliment each other to form a truly superior setup.
Few other suspension companies allow you to install such subsystems separately to upgrade your Jeep as needed and as your budget allows. Typically you have to put on part A before part B, regardless of your needs.
The Full-Traction YJ System consists of the following subsystem kits: the Bolt-on Spring Over, the Front Shackle Reversal, the K-link Steering, and the new Full-Traction YJ Super Springs.
As the name implies, the Bolt-on Spring Over kit allows you to position your springs over the axles for an instant 5-1/2 inches of lift. In the past, doing a spring-over conversion meant custom-fabricating parts and doing some tricky welding on your axles to get the brackets positioned correctly. This is a truly bolt-on conversion and can be done at home in a day or less. The stock springs can be reused with the Bolt-On Spring Over kit or you can upgrade to Full-Traction's YJ Super Springs.
These so-called Super Springs are designed with virtually no arch, just like the stock springs. However, they are far more durable and incorporate more leaves than stock YJ springs.
They feature full supporting secondary leaves front and rear, and they have a full military wrap on the forward eye of the front spring. Finally, the YJ Super Springs use plastic antifriction pads between the leaves. All this results in leaf springs that will give you longer service life, better spring flex, and more articulation than the stock YJ spring. Even if you do nothing else to your rig, they make a great upgrade on a stock YJ.
The Front Shackle Reversal subsystem moves the front spring shackle pivot point from in front of the axle to behind it. This change in suspension geometry greatly improves ride quality, both on the street and on the trail. In addition, the Shackle Reversal kit provides 2 inches of lift. By adding a pair of Full-Traction 3-inch-lift springs, this kit will provide you with 5 inches of lift.
The K-link Steering subsystem is designed to replace your stock steering linkage and eliminate the bumpsteer that is so common on lifted vehicles. While the K-link is not necessary on a stock height Jeep, it can be added to a Jeep with virtually any make lift to eliminate bumpsteer problems.
As mentioned above, each of these subsystems can be installed on your YJ as individual upgrades, and when combined they form the complete Ultimate Full-Traction Suspension System. By combining the Spring Over, Shackle Reversal, and YJ Super Spring subsystems, you'll gain 7-1/2 inches of lift and the ability to fit 35-inch-tall tires on your Jeep without the need for a body lift. (Note: Full-Traction does not recommend the use of lift springs in combination with the Bolt-on Spring Over.)
We've photographed the highlights of each of these subsystem suspension kits to show you how they work with stock components and in combination with each other. We've also added a few tips on installation for you do-it-yourselfers.
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Here is the complete Full-Traction System for the Jeep YJ. Everything you need is included -- except taller tires and more vacation time to enjoy your new Jeep. |
The Shackle Reversal kit is a simple solution for a better ride on the street and an added 2 inches of lift. |
The front bumper and springs are removed from your Jeep. Then the forward front spring bushings are removed and replaced with the steel sleeves from the kit. |
Next, the Full-Traction front spring towers are installed over the forward front spring hangers and frame horns. |
With the new spring towers in place, the stock springs can be reinstalled using the flared spring hangers from the kit. (If you choose to upgrade to the Full-Traction YJ Super Spring, you will install them now in place of the stock pieces. If upgrading to the full system, these steps will be after completing the front spring over conversion). |
The final step is installing the front crossbrace between the new front spring towers. |
Your shackle reversal is completed with the installation of the rear boomerang shackles. |
The Spring Over subsystem kit consists of four lower spring plates, four upper spring perches, two rear upper spring plates, two front antisway bar disconnects, and all the necessary hardware. |
Begin by removing your stock lower spring plates. These will be reused later, so hold onto them. |
With the stock springs and hardware removed, install the new front slip-on spring perches. These pieces slip over the top of the axle above the stock spring perch. |
The stock front spring plates are reinstalled upside down and on the opposite side of their original location. They now become the upper spring plates and lower antisway bar mounts. The spring is placed on the new spring peach, above the axle, and below the upper spring plates. |
The new front lower spring plates are installed under the axle, against the stock spring perches, and are bolted in place using the 7-1/2-inch-long grade 8 bolts in the kit. |
The stock bumpstops are replaced front and rear with new ones provided in the kit. |
With the installation of the new, longer shocks, the new brake lines, and the antisway bar disconnects, the front installation is complete. In this case, we used a set of Full-Traction's X9 nine-way adjustable shocks. |
Worthy of special notice is that in addition to using the stock shock mounts, the front shocks also bolt to the new lower spring plates for added support. |
To begin the rear installation, remove the springs, hardware, and track bar. |
The new rear upper spring perches are installed on the axle, and then the rear springs are installed. You can use your stock springs or upgrade to the Full-Traction YJ Super Spring, as seen here. Note that this photo also includes the rear boomerang shackles from the shackle reversal upgrade. |
Here, the rear spring-over setup is completed. Notice the new rear upper spring plates include a bumpstop riser. Be sure you install the rear brake line extension bracket as well. |
The spring over requires the use of transfer case drop-down spacers. |
To help eliminate the potential for driveline vibration, Full-Traction recommends the installation of a transfer case output conversion kit and a new CV rear driveshaft when upgrading to the full kit and 35-inch-tall tires. |
The K-link steering kit is the solution to any lifted Jeep's bumpsteer woes. Installing one will make a lifted Jeep steer better than new. Here is a view of the components. |
The stock drag link and tie-rod are removed from the Jeep. Then the new tie-rod from the K-link system is installed. |
The heart of the K-link system is the idler arm. It is installed against the frame on the passenger side. |
The idler arm is secured to the frame with a mounting plate and four bolts. Two of the bolts pass under the frame, while two go through existing holes. The nuts are secured using castle nuts and cotter pins. |
The short control rod in the kit is installed between the pitman arm and the idler arm. |
The long control rod in the kit is installed between the idler arm and the new tie-rod. |
Finally, install your new, taller tires and you're finished. Your YJ Wrangler is now ready to tackle the toughest trails. |