TECHNICAL FORUMS => Project Builds => Topic started by: smoser1122 on June 16, 2009, 06:45:16 PM
Title: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on June 16, 2009, 06:45:16 PM
I want to put a lift on my jeep yj. I am thinking 3-4 inches to start. I dont know where to get started. I am looking for some ideas on what is the best way to go about this? Which one should i buy? I need one that is fairly easy to install, I dont have a ton of tools. And I want to get this done in the next two weeks. The Jeep is down and out from WP this weekend, but could be up and running in a day or so. I dont want to drop a ton of money on this prodject, but dont want to get a crappy product. I have been researching for two days and dont know whether to go with a full suspesion lift or shackles with a body lift, or a add a leaf system... as you can see i am at a crossroads and would like the insight of people who know about this stuff. I would appreciate any insight, seriously any!! Thanks guys. :weld: :zoooom:
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: luvmyxj on June 17, 2009, 02:21:18 AM
buying a lift mainly deals with budget.this kit seems reasonable,i don\'t think i\'ve ever heard anything bad about rubicon express. http://www.rubiconexpress.com/SuspensionSystems/Product.aspx?part=RE5515 installing usually takes a decent set of sockets,a jack ,jack stands,pb blaster and a breaker bar, angle grinder or sawzall for more stubborn bolts. you could do a spring over which is the cheapest, but its a ongoing debate weather it should be done or not.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smichaelR22 on June 17, 2009, 02:37:19 AM
first question: why do you want a lift?
more clearance? bigger tires? rubing issues? just the look? do you plan to go bigger later?
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: MrMindless on June 17, 2009, 06:13:36 AM
If you want 3-4\", a springover will get you more than you want. It\'ll lift you the axle tube plus spring plate plus spring pack thickness so you\'re looking at 5\" or so. That\'s absolutely the route I\'d go on a budget though. springover and 35-36\".
Otherwise new springs is really the way to go unless yours are really saggy and whipped. add-a-leaf setups are usually pretty stiff. smike can tell you about that. paul I think had pretty good luck with those add a leafs on whipped stock springs though.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: jeepfd16 on June 17, 2009, 06:53:01 AM
Ive always liked the spring over for someone on a budget.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smichaelR22 on June 17, 2009, 08:51:30 AM
i cheated and put short add-leafs in my CJ 4\" lift springs so the add a leaf arc matched the 4\" arc. after 2 years, they have settled quite nicely in the rear, and are just a little limited in the front. scrambler was a bastard pack that got it done sprung over with tired 4\" springs.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on June 17, 2009, 05:20:00 PM
I guess i am going to do a spring over. I am trusting your expertise. Are there any surprises I should know about with the spring over? Will I need to change the length of my drive-shaft? And should i get longer shocks? I am buying a springover right now and will keep you guys informed of my progress, and of course I am going to ask questions. To answer your question smichael, I am getting a lift for two reasons. One is obviously the look. And two, on sunday i got hungup twice and don\'t want that to happen again.:-D :-D
Ok here is the deal. i have been reading alot on SOA\'s and the main thing i keep hearing is that I need to install a SYE $200 and a CV driveshaft swap $310 on top of the $310 kit. I saw a rough country 4\" kit that list for $449+$70 shipping. Am I just missing something here? Do I not need all that stuff for the SOA? $500 does not seem bad for new springs and shocks, with all the hardware needed including the brake line relocation parts. Anyone think this might be good? I am just up in the air cause the reviews are mixed, most are really happy. The people that aren\'t, expected too much I think.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: Wingman on June 18, 2009, 01:38:15 AM
I\'d go with longer brake lines so that you don\'t have to relocate mounting. Longer shocks will be necessary. The SYE will be a huge benefit for multiple reasons.
In general, the SOA is more work intensive than an out-of-the-box spring lift. That\'s where you \"save $\" if you are doing the labor yourself. If this is your first stab, keep things simple.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: Ryan_25 on June 18, 2009, 03:30:37 AM
You will most likely have to change some steering components with a spring over. And you will need a sye and CV shaft with a spring over or drop the t-case down a inch or two.
Longer shocks should also be installed.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smichaelR22 on June 18, 2009, 03:36:41 AM
i still didnt hear a tire size that he wants to go too....
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: meangreen on June 18, 2009, 06:01:14 AM
I did a spring swap on my cj and I like it. The only draw backs that I can see is that when you first get the new springs they will be stiff until they settle in (about a year) and the other problem is that the springs will hang up on stuff on the trail. but with a good set of 33\" and a 4\" lift you will be suprised at what you would be able to do.
this is what I would put in becuse it comes with everything you need. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/87-96-Jeep-YJ-Wrangler-4-Rough-Country-Lift-Kits_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem20ac3029a1QQitemZ140327791009QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on June 18, 2009, 07:45:28 AM
Thanks again guys. The product you were pointing out on ebay is the one I was looking at. I am probally going to keep my 30\'s on for a while til I have more funds. Then posibally 33\'s or I\'ll go with a body lift too and fit some 35\'s under there. I am taking the steps slow, I just want to do something now that I have the money. As you all know, I will want to do more and find more things to do down the road.
Greece isn\'t so bad!
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on June 18, 2009, 05:06:59 PM
Just an update, I did purchase a lift kit today. I bought a rough country 4\" suspension lift. I upgraded the shocks with nitro shocks. And along with it I purchased lift shackles, only 1 1/4\", but I think it will add that little bit extra that makes all the difference in the world. The kit should be here in the next couple days, I will keep you guys informed of my progress as we go along.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: Wingman on June 19, 2009, 02:57:05 AM
The biggest difference will come when you put a good set of tires on it. Traction is paramount.
Hope your install goes easy.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: gCracker on June 19, 2009, 03:19:10 AM
I would stay away from the extended shackles until you actually need them. The extended length can cause wierd steering issues and cause more instability. It would be worth upgrading to a stronger set of shackles if they are not includedin the kit
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: rejeep on June 19, 2009, 05:04:31 AM
Wish I chimed in earlier... I don?t want to play Monday morning QB... But two comments... 1st. Absolutely correct choice by NOT going Spring over... we can start a new thread or disscuss why I feel this way... but they are not cheap if you do them correct.. 2nd. Budget is always an issue, but you get what you pay for... RC lifts are decent, but not great... you will end up buying twice when you start off with something like that. IMHO of course....
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on June 19, 2009, 07:09:52 AM
Thanks for the monday morning quarterback, LOL! I read all the reviews online that i could, and the overall view of everyone is that is is a good lift for the money thats why I bought it. i read reviews on others and people were having the same problems as they had with this lift. Hinesight is 20/20. I did follow the recomendation to buy the upgraded shocks and from what I gather, that was a huge issue for people. Thanks for the advice on the shackles, I wont put them on yet. I am glad I decided to go with a bolt on too rather than a SOA. Anyone have 33\'s on rims for sale that are in good condition? I need a really good price though, I am almost tapped. If not my 30\'s will do for now.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smichaelR22 on June 19, 2009, 08:33:42 AM
i have done 3 SOA\'s with minimal cost and effort without issue.
pros and cons of both of course. For a wheeler rig on a budget. Tired Flexy YJ springs would have been the way i would have went.
Alot of people quickly say there should have never been a rig built with SUA and that its completly pointless and stupid. Howerever, i like my SUA skyjacker springs and they work well on the CJ. My spring plates and ubolts hold me back alot.
+1 on the longer shackle comment- they can do werid things to steering, yet somtimes are necessary to prevent buckling/jaming. every rig is different.
good luck!
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: MrMindless on June 19, 2009, 09:01:18 AM
Quote
smichaelR22 wrote:
Alot of people quickly say there should have never been a rig built with SUA and that its completly pointless and stupid.
:raises hand: I\'d be one of those people.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smichaelR22 on June 19, 2009, 09:11:02 AM
ya i put that in just for you mike. how many SUA and SOA rigs have you wheeled / street driven by the way?
(only half being sarcastic, because i really dont know)
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: MrMindless on June 19, 2009, 09:14:46 AM
street driven SOA fullsize Ford pickups.
never wheeled anything with those straight springy things in front.
never driven anything SUA because nothing ever should be, it\'s the wrong place for springs ;-) (actually, maybe Kevins Explorer in the rear? and a couple trailers. but never anything in front.)
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smichaelR22 on June 19, 2009, 09:44:10 AM
o ok, just making sure you didnt have any actual experience other than web wheeling SOA rigs.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: meangreen on June 19, 2009, 06:44:10 PM
greece only sucks because I have a very nosey neighbor that thinks That I run a busness out of my house (I do not) and they are constantly calling the town on my jeep That is 100% legal (sticker and plates) but some time its not in on piece but the idiot that comes out to see if there is a violation can not see with his own eyes that there is a plate and a sticker on it and has tried at least 3 times to take me to greece town court because of it. Last time he showed up I was accually at home and gave him a piece of my mind and told him that if he did not stop I would be taking to a lawyer and starting a harrasment case aganst him, the town and the complantant. since then I have not here a peep from anyone for about 3 years. but I still think that greese is just a little to crowded and as soon as I know that my job is safe I will start looking for another house that has some land and a shop so I don\'t have to leave my jeep out side so anyone can see it.
I will now get off my rant and go on with the lift question
I like my lift kit I never had a major issue with the stock shocks (from the kit) but I really only use it on the trail. it will be stiff for a little while and you will feel every ant you run over but it will settle after about a year (especally if to start flexing it when you can) Good luck
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on June 20, 2009, 07:37:45 AM
hey, just so I know. What am I looking for to know if I should put the shackles on?
On the whole SUA and SOA debate, I have read up on all the pro\'s and con\'s of both and think for the little bit of wheelin I do, This was my best choice. This Jeep is my daily driver and am in it 2 hours a day, just in my commute. I am not an extreme rock guy, so I dont need the big articulation, I just like to play in the mud.
If anyone wants to come over and help out on Monday night, I will be wrenching into the night. I\'ll buy the beer. :pint:
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: GTJake on June 22, 2009, 04:42:12 AM
i put a rough country 4\" on my YJ as well. good product.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on June 29, 2009, 04:16:20 PM
I am stuck on my prodject for now. :-( I cant free any of the bolts. I am very frustrated. I got myself into more than my tools can handle. I will update you guys when I get my hands on some acedeline torches, that is when the prodject will resume. :fire: :hammer:
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: Ryan_25 on June 29, 2009, 05:21:50 PM
You will need to cut the spring bolts with a cutting wheel or sawzall. The rust to the inside bushing and will not come out.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on June 30, 2009, 07:21:59 AM
I ahve a cutting wheel it is just not big enough to get in there to cut through. Looks like I get a new toy in the shape of a sawzall!!! :lol2:
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on July 06, 2009, 06:29:49 PM
I found an old set of torches at my fathers house today. :-D
I am hoping they are not clogged, I will find out tomorrow when I pick up the bottles of gas. I am stoked. Would love to get this done sometime this century (before the 19th for W.P.)!!!
Question: Do you know if I need a pittman arm puller for my YJ? Also, How easy is it to drop the transfer case?
I could any advice in these two areas.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: gCracker on July 06, 2009, 07:00:44 PM
Pitman arms can be extremely tough to get off, even with a puller.
By \"drop the transfer case\" I assume you mean install the spacers. You should just be able to put your jack under the skid plate, remove the bolts on one side, hoping the nut welded inside the frame does come loose, drop the jack a bit, slide the spacer(s) in and then install new/longer bolts. Then repeat for the other side.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on July 07, 2009, 05:37:52 AM
Thanks for the insight on the transfer case. Ill try that and let you know how it works. As for the pittman arm, I am going to bring it to my friends shop and have him do it, he said the pittman arm puller is the only way to do it, like you said. He is optimistic though that he can get it off.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on July 14, 2009, 09:26:13 AM
Forget everything I said previously on this project. I have givin up on it and called a friend for him to do it at his shop. I just didnt have the proper tools for the job. I am very dissapointed in myself and feel unaccomplished. But it will be done by the weekend for W.P. Thanks for all the insight from you all. See you soon.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: ExplorHer4x4 on July 14, 2009, 03:30:09 PM
Sometimes its not so easy, a full lift is a large undertaking, Don\'t be hard on yourself!
Just remember all the neat suspension stuff you\'ve learned, AND I can\'t wait to see you out there!
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: gCracker on July 14, 2009, 05:44:49 PM
If he is a good friend ask him if you can help and then you can learn what he needed to do to get it done.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on July 14, 2009, 05:53:34 PM
We went over everything today. I think he learned alot off of me LOL! My major struggle was doing this stuff on the ground in a small garage. I have done so much research on this and couldn\'t get it done, thats really what is most frustrating. I\'ll post some pics when she comes home later this week.
Title: Re: need a lift...
Post by: smoser1122 on July 16, 2009, 05:42:03 PM
So the lift is done. Pics soon to follow. If you are at wp this sunday you will see her. Anyone have a good solution to a rotted transfer case plate. It\'s the plate that holds the transfer case in place. Also my back-end seems to sit a little lower than the front, should I throw some lift shackles back there?
