rollbar
01-11-2005, 05:09 PM
For those looking to gain some clearance for bigger tires or just more room to flex for the tires they already have, Rubicon Express makes a good, inexpensive kit that will handle this job very well. It's called their
2'' Budget Boost Lift Kit, and they make it for TJ, TJ Unlimited, and ZJ. It is a fairly simple modification to install, and the kit comes with all hardware needed to complete the project for a very good price. The entire kit, (which includes four coil spring spacers, new extended bolts, new rear bump stop extenders, and a set of (four) longer travel specifically valved shocks), runs about $219.00 before S&H, which as most of you know, is less than a set of decent shocks.
Tools: 3/8'' drive ratchet and socket set (1) 1/2" drive ratchet and socket set (1) Torx Bit set 48 oz. hammer (1) 36" or larger pry bar (2) Jack stands (2) Floor Jack (1).
Install:
Install is very straightforward, and can be completed in just a couple of hours with one person working, but it's usually a good idea to have a friend handy for safety reasons and in case you have trouble. These instructions are based on ground installation.
Front:
With parking brake engaged, use floor jack to raise vehicle and place the two jack stands under the front axle. Lower the jack so all weight is on jack stands. Remove shocks from vehicle, Then disconnect sway bar end links, and unbolt passenger side of track bar assembly. Hoist one side of the vehicle, preferably on the frame, and remove factory spring. Remove bump stop from its cup, and unbolt the cup from the coil spring isolator. Slide one of the spacers up the isolator and reinstall the cup. Reinstall bump stop and factory spring. Repeat process for opposite side of vehicle. When lowered, install new shocks and reattach sway bar
links and track bar. Reconnecting the track bar is easier with two people, as you will need to pry on the drivers side of the bar to realign the bolt hole. Raise vehicle and remove jack stands.
Rear:
Same basic lifting procedure as with front, but of course place jack stands under rear axle of vehicle. Disconnect rear sway bar links and remove shocks. Raise vehicle and remove stock springs. Pull bump
stop from cup and unbolt cup from coil spring isolator. Install spacer and install bump stop extension with new bolt through bump stop cup and extension. Reinstall spring. Repeat process for opposite side of vehicle. Lower and reconnect sway bar links and install new shocks. Also, while under the rear, be sure to check the position of your rear axle vent line. Its a rubber hose which vents your rear axle and due to the lift, may become stretched. Simply repositioning the line allowed for more than enough clearance.
As with most things, air tools greatly simplify this installation. This kit also maintains surprising suspension geometry. It is recommend that you always have your alignment checked after any modification.
This is a just a quick overview to help you decide if this kit might work for you. Measured total lift is approximately 1.75".
2'' Budget Boost Lift Kit, and they make it for TJ, TJ Unlimited, and ZJ. It is a fairly simple modification to install, and the kit comes with all hardware needed to complete the project for a very good price. The entire kit, (which includes four coil spring spacers, new extended bolts, new rear bump stop extenders, and a set of (four) longer travel specifically valved shocks), runs about $219.00 before S&H, which as most of you know, is less than a set of decent shocks.
Tools: 3/8'' drive ratchet and socket set (1) 1/2" drive ratchet and socket set (1) Torx Bit set 48 oz. hammer (1) 36" or larger pry bar (2) Jack stands (2) Floor Jack (1).
Install:
Install is very straightforward, and can be completed in just a couple of hours with one person working, but it's usually a good idea to have a friend handy for safety reasons and in case you have trouble. These instructions are based on ground installation.
Front:
With parking brake engaged, use floor jack to raise vehicle and place the two jack stands under the front axle. Lower the jack so all weight is on jack stands. Remove shocks from vehicle, Then disconnect sway bar end links, and unbolt passenger side of track bar assembly. Hoist one side of the vehicle, preferably on the frame, and remove factory spring. Remove bump stop from its cup, and unbolt the cup from the coil spring isolator. Slide one of the spacers up the isolator and reinstall the cup. Reinstall bump stop and factory spring. Repeat process for opposite side of vehicle. When lowered, install new shocks and reattach sway bar
links and track bar. Reconnecting the track bar is easier with two people, as you will need to pry on the drivers side of the bar to realign the bolt hole. Raise vehicle and remove jack stands.
Rear:
Same basic lifting procedure as with front, but of course place jack stands under rear axle of vehicle. Disconnect rear sway bar links and remove shocks. Raise vehicle and remove stock springs. Pull bump
stop from cup and unbolt cup from coil spring isolator. Install spacer and install bump stop extension with new bolt through bump stop cup and extension. Reinstall spring. Repeat process for opposite side of vehicle. Lower and reconnect sway bar links and install new shocks. Also, while under the rear, be sure to check the position of your rear axle vent line. Its a rubber hose which vents your rear axle and due to the lift, may become stretched. Simply repositioning the line allowed for more than enough clearance.
As with most things, air tools greatly simplify this installation. This kit also maintains surprising suspension geometry. It is recommend that you always have your alignment checked after any modification.
This is a just a quick overview to help you decide if this kit might work for you. Measured total lift is approximately 1.75".
