another spirit question

i have a spirit in a targe (14 def ). can i upgrade the base shield without loosing the spirit runeword. its 35/45. i see that uniques do not loose the runes ,gems, or jewels socketed in them, but it doesn't say that for normal armor..|||no.. this isnt median xl|||No dice. If you want to upgrade your spirit shield, you will have to find a higher quality shield (I recommend Sacred Targe, highest block) and make another spirit.