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Adjustable Lift Kits for Jeep Cherokee

Here's a Trick Widget That Works

By Rick Péwé
photographer: Rick Péwé


With all the high-tech doodads being produced for suspension nowadays, it's a wonder this trick product took so long to reach the market. Delightfully simple yet strong and functional, the new ACOS (adjustable coilover spacer) from Off Road General Store (ORGS) solves a multitude of problems that coil-sprung Jeeps have suffered from. From lift to lean and sagged out springs, there is now an answer.

Regardless of which lift you put on your XJ, TJ, or ZJ, the front coils simply index into the stock upper bracket, and maybe a spacer or two will be needed to further adjust the ride height. The trouble is the addition of a big bumper or a winch will cause the front end to compress the springs, giving your Jeep a nose-down attitude. And even though the left and right sides of the Jeep are identical, minor manufacturing differences can cause the vehicle to lean to one side, as can funky lift springs or crushed spacers.

The ACOS from ORGS simply bolts in place of the upper spring isolators, and provides a new location for the springs to rest on. Many lift kits are simply an aluminum or polyurethane spacer, which spaces the coil away from the mount. The ACOS does the same thing, but allows a wide range of adjustment so that you can literally dial in the suspension height that you need, and alter it from side to side if needed. We slapped on a set of ACOS in less than an hour over at ORGS, and wouldn't be afraid to try it at home either. Check out the simplicity of the ACOS, and see if it's the answer to your coil-sprung Jeep's suspension.


The assembled ACOS is basically a threaded tube with two internally threaded aluminum rings screwed on. Installation on the vehicle is simple, but the instructions must be followed carefully for a proper fitment.
The assembled ACOS is basically a threaded tube with two internally threaded aluminum rings screwed on. Installation on the vehicle is simple, but the instructions must be followed carefully for a proper fitment.
Like any other lift kit, the shocks are the first thing to be unhooked. On this Jeep a plastic spacer was installed along with Rancho springs to gain the proper ride height. The addition of a brushguard up front caused the nose to come down a bit too far, so a set of adjustable coilover spacers was prescribed as a solution.
Like any other lift kit, the shocks are the first thing to be unhooked. On this Jeep a plastic spacer was installed along with Rancho springs to gain the proper ride height. The addition of a brushguard up front caused the nose to come down a bit too far, so a set of adjustable coilover spacers was prescribed as a solution.
The easy way to install these spacers is to drop the front suspension. Removing the track bar bolt to unhook the track bar allows the suspension to move downward. We used a hoist and stands, but jackstands and a floorjack can be used as well. We also removed the lower arms for ease of installation. With the weight off the coils and the lower coil clip unbolted, pull the coils off the vehicle. Note the factory isolator and aftermarket spacer, both of which are removed for installation of the new spacer.
The easy way to install these spacers is to drop the front suspension. Removing the track bar bolt to unhook the track bar allows the suspension to move downward. We used a hoist and stands, but jackstands and a floorjack can be used as well. We also removed the lower arms for ease of installation. With the weight off the coils and the lower coil clip unbolted, pull the coils off the vehicle. Note the factory isolator and aftermarket spacer, both of which are removed for installation of the new spacer.
The rubber or polyurethane bumpstop on the bottom of the bumpstop holder is removed by pulling it off. Underneath, most holders are bolted on and can be removed with a wrench. If it's welded on, you need to cut it off according to the supplied instructions.
The rubber or polyurethane bumpstop on the bottom of the bumpstop holder is removed by pulling it off. Underneath, most holders are bolted on and can be removed with a wrench. If it's welded on, you need to cut it off according to the supplied instructions.
With the large top ring not threaded to the top of the tube, the ACOS is slipped over the coil post and tightened, making sure the bumpstop support fits into the threaded tube. Adjust the large ring to touch the top, back off the center bolt, and screw the ring one-half turn up. Now you can tighten the 8mm bolt for the final time.
With the large top ring not threaded to the top of the tube, the ACOS is slipped over the coil post and tightened, making sure the bumpstop support fits into the threaded tube. Adjust the large ring to touch the top, back off the center bolt, and screw the ring one-half turn up. Now you can tighten the 8mm bolt for the final time.
Adjusting the lower ring to the proper height depends on what height the Jeep was before and where you want the Jeep to end up. We measured the old spacers and adjusted the lower ring to match. If we want to change the ride height once the vehicle is assembled and back on the ground, all pressure must be removed from the ACOS unit.
Adjusting the lower ring to the proper height depends on what height the Jeep was before and where you want the Jeep to end up. We measured the old spacers and adjusted the lower ring to match. If we want to change the ride height once the vehicle is assembled and back on the ground, all pressure must be removed from the ACOS unit.
Final adjustment is simply tightening the bolt in the adjuster ring. Notice that new polyurethane spring isolators come with the new ACOS units. The spacers lift the vehicle anywhere from 1 1/4 to 3 inches, and you get to select what is best for you.
Final adjustment is simply tightening the bolt in the adjuster ring. Notice that new polyurethane spring isolators come with the new ACOS units. The spacers lift the vehicle anywhere from 1 1/4 to 3 inches, and you get to select what is best for you.
Install the coil springs and button up the suspension. We took less than an hour including taking pictures and generally getting in the way. The ACOS is a simple unit that works exactly as planned and allows you to fine-tune your coil-sprung Jeep's suspension.
Install the coil springs and button up the suspension. We took less than an hour including taking pictures and generally getting in the way. The ACOS is a simple unit that works exactly as planned and allows you to fine-tune your coil-sprung Jeep's suspension.

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