So I have the rear leafs front eyes bolted in. U bolts on, but can't get the rear eye to bolt up. Do I need to remove the shackle?

 

You just gotta man handle them things to get them to line up.

 

Some progress today. I was finally able to man handle the leaf springs in. So things for tomorrow;

- Install adjustable track bar
- Bleed Brakes
- Install TC Drop
- Figure out how to tighten front shock top nut
- Torque everything to specs
- Lube everything I didn't hit with Anti-Seize
- Alignment

And hopefully if I don't hit any snags with the above tasks I'll be able to enjoy it.

 

Great build so far can't wait for the rest. Thanks for your service.

 

How are you trying to tighten the nuts? I think I used a 14mm ratchet wrench and held the shock in place with my other hand. If you only wrench from the top, the shock will spin. Hope that helps you out.

 

Thanks for the tip. I went back and looked at the nut again and the top of the shock is a hex key. I placed a hex key into the center of the nut and tighten the nut. I'm not sure how I overlooked that. So they are all tight now.

Things accomplished today:

- Bleed Brake Lines
- Torque all the bolts to spec.
- Lubed all the bushings.
- Uninstalled stock Trac Bar. (Had to remove support bracket.)

Issues today:

- Rear Stainless steel line has a slight leak on the passenger side of the distribution box on the axle. I tightened it, but I'm not very confident it solved it.

- Unable to center axle. I tried pushing the body. Jacking one side up slightly. Moving steering wheel. Nothing. I'm pretty stumped. It is about 3/4'' off on the passenger side.

 

The front axle is going to shift with a lift. You'll have to either relocate your track bar or get an adjustable one. I just had a buddy wedge himself against my tool box and push the axle over to get the bolt to slide through.

 

Yeah I know it is going to shift. I already have a RE Adjustable Track Bar I am trying to install. The problem is the damn axle is not moving that last little bit. Measurements are :

Driver Side:16'' 1/4
Passenger Side: 15'' 3/4

That is from the fender well going through the spring to the end of the last row of tread on the tire.

 

As of today.

Still need to;

- Install TC drop
- Alignment

45 day forecast of things to come;

- Iron Rock Hack and Tap SYE
- Local pick and pull front XJ drive shaft.

 

Just ordered ;

Rugged Ridge SYE kit and a Adams Driveshaft 1310 Rock Crawler CV Driveshaft.

 

i just did that same kit over the winter and its very well built for the price! hope to see some install pics

 

Installed the TC Drop last night. One of the studs broke off. Looks like I am going to have to look into nut inserts or something. No access to a welder or anyone that knows how. Rocking 3 mounted points right now. Oh and my Transmission mount is toast. Happy days.... Trying to stay positive.

 

Recieved the rugged ridge SYE kit and Adams driveshaft yesterday. Should be installing them Memorial Day weekend.

Looking to make my roof basket longer. The center has screws that hold the two parts together. In thinking I can get done galvanized steel from lowes and fab it in. Maybe have the guys at work weld a plate in the very middle to mount the spare.

 

Looks like about 12" gap here to get it where I want it. Going to see what my weld shop can do. Plus weld some light tabs to the front.

 

Also received these today.