Lift question?

[Aaron]

I think i've decided to go with 33's on my jeep. From what i understand, i need either a 3" or 4 1/2" suspension lift. Everyone's telling me body lifts are useless, and shakle lifts are crap. Will 3" be enough? What is a good lift to go with?-and is it possible for an average backyard mechanic to put one in?

Thanks-i appreciate your advice- Keep jeepin!

Aaron

[Warlock]

Dumb question, this is going on a YJ, correct? I assume so because you say shackle lift.

I am going to run 33's. I am talking with Jeeptoys and they are going to be supplying me with the Rubicon Express 4.5" Extreme Duty lift. It is supposed to come with everything neccesary to install the lift. But it is not as cheap as some of the others out there.

Shackle lifts have there place. The RE kit comes with 4 inch springs and 1/2 inch shackle lift. I have decided to replace the shackle lift and get revolvers with 1/2 inch lift in them.

And so I will need a body lift. One inch will have to do, because I won't go any more. There are alot of people running a 1" body lift with a 1" motor mount lift, and are happy with them.

So everything has its place. For me, to start, it will be RE 4.5 ED.

And I will be installing it myself.

[ELK]

I installed the 4 in. Skyjacker kit about a year ago and I have been very happy with it. I have read lot of negative comments about Skyjacker, but I have had not problems. I am currently running 32 in tires and the rub a little. I have not decided whether to install a 1 in. body lift or the lift shakles. I am leaning toward the body lift. As for the install, I installed it my self (with a little help from the wife). A strong friend would have been appreciated, but I did it while everyone else was working.

HTH

[projectYJ]

I've done three RE 4.5 XD kits on YJ's. These kits are very complete. Shocks (upgrade to the DT3000's), greasable shackles fr/rr, swaybar disco's, springs, SS brake lines, etc. I'm very happy with mine. It rides good and flex's great. It stood a little over 5.5" right after installation, and after a lot of wheelin trips, has only sagged about 1/2". I installed a 1" BL to accomodate a 1" MM. I did that to lessen my driveline angle. If you go with the RE kit, seriously consider an SYE and CV driveshaft. With my setup, (1" MM, T/C skid in stock location, and CV Driveshaft) I went with 8* shims for the rear axle. My pinion/driveshaft deflection worked out to 2.5*, PERFECT.

A few things you'll need to make life easier during the installation:
Air tools - not a must, but speeds the process and saves knuckles.
Oxy/Acetylene torch or right angle grinder - The hardest part of the whole job is getting the old stuff off.
At least two pair of jack stands and a hydraulic floor jack.
A friend to help - free food and drinks usually brings people out of the woodwork
Flare nut wrenchs - the brake line fittings are very soft.
Pitman arm puller and a pickle fork.
A couple of BFH always find a way to get used.
#55 torx bit for the trackbars - throw the bars away, you can't tell the difference. Besides, it's not a sports car...slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Deep socket set - SAE
Lots and Lots of patience.

OK, I've probably forgotten something, but it's late.
Good luck.

[-=Alien=-]

You're right ProjectYJ... pizza and diet coke bring out the helping hands!

[rickyb24]

Look at my sig.....I agree with everyone else. The RE 4.5 extreme is the most complete kit out there for a YJ. I highly recomend it to anyone!!

[Jerry Bransford]

One important "tool" I'm surprised was left out of the list is an aerosol can of Liquid Wrench or Break-Free penetrating oil. No, WD-40 does NOT qualify here.:D

Start spraying all the shackle bolts and all other nuts and bolts on a daily basis maybe 3-5 days before you start and getting everything apart will be MUCH easier.