99XJDad

I just ordered my Tera-Flex budget boost shackle/spacer lift and am wondering what I need to be prepared for when I get to installing this stuff.

I'm really only worried about the front because the back has got to be pretty straightforward, they're just leaves.

Can I jack the front up til the wheels are off the ground, rent a spring compressor, pop the spacers on and put the springs back in or is there a more PITA process to this?

Thanks.

BowtieGuy3

Well, here's how it usually goes...

Jack it up but don't use the jackstands under the axle... You want that to droop fully when its up and everythings off. Once that happend, you should be able to pull the springs out w/o a spring comp.

Now the leafs are gonna be a nasty bolt hell. Pene-fluid, a hot wrench, and some cheater bars will take care of that...

99XJDad

I'm definitely going to put the stands under the framerails. Should the spring compressor even be needed to get the newly spaced springs back in their perches? What all do I have to disconnect?

BowtieGuy3

Sway bar links and probably the shocks... The spring comp. I'd prob have on hand in case it might be needed. Better to be prepared than not...

99XJDad

I'm going to have to rent one from somewhere or something.

BowtieGuy3

Autozone, Murray's, O'reilley's, and Advance all rent them

99XJDad

I appreciate the information. TF's installation instructions say to d/c the sway bar, track bar and to remove the shocks. I'm sure there's a way around completely removing the shocks. I want to do this by loosening/removing as many bolts as possible. Less possibilities of parts breaking, the better.

89eliminator

when i put spacers in mine, i unbolted the shocks, swaybar, and upper control arms. no spring compressor was needed, and it was really easy.

99XJDad

So basically unbolt all those things with the vehicle on jackstands, let the springs come out on their own, put the spacers in and bolt everything back up?

I believe I'm making myself sound stupid here. I'm aware of the process just needed the steps to follow.

muddeprived

That is correct. If you need a bit more room to get the springs out, jack up the opposite end of the axle and the side you are working on will droop down a bit more.

99XJDad

I'm very glad I found this forum. Everyone is extremely helpful.

This Jeep is my first 4x4 after wanting one since I was about 10 (18 now) it's been well worth the wait. I am in love with my XJ because now instead of wheeling in the passenger seat of a friends vehicle, I can finally be in the drivers seat. Another buddy of mine is bringing me all kinds of spare parts which is awesome. My roomates are going to get angry with me once I turn the living room into an XJ parts depot.

BuckB91XJ

Just a thought but, you may want to consider getting new longer beefier after market shocks. Probably not absolutely necessary with a 2" lift, but when we did the 3" lift on my son's XJ, the stock shocks were too short. It's just a good idea when doing a lift to get some after market beefier shock because, hey, let's face it. If you're lifting your XJ, you have off roading in mind.

99XJDad

Yeah, the thing does need new shocks soon and rear springs as well, but I've gotta get some meatier tires first because these all-seasons SUCK. Was looking at Treadwright M/Ts because I could get a good set and a fullsize spare for under 500 shipped. Was also looking around for some lightly used M/Ts.