Project: Blue Steel
 

I posted this over in Cherokee chat as well, but figured i'd start a build thread.

Well guys, first of all let me say thank you to everyone. This wouldn't have been possible without all your help. I FINALLY finished my lift. I like to consider myself pretty mechanically inclined, and definitely don't trust other people working on my vehicles. This lift was done completely by myself, in a two car garage with limited tools (although thanks to this project, i purchased a tall Craftsman toolbox, and quite a few new tools). So, i must say I feel acomplished! It took a little over two weeks, but the only reason for that is i work M-F 8-5 so the only real time i have to work on it, is after work. Not only that, but i have a 1 1/2 year old son, who i have to help with. But, without further ado, here are some pictures. I don't have any pictures from the process, since I was working on it by myself. Didn't really feel like stopping, taking off my gloves, and takinga picture. Just wanted to be done with it. Enjoy. Let me know what you think.

This:
http://a.imageshack.us/img822/9001/dscn2323.th.jpg

Plus this:
http://a.imageshack.us/img534/2931/dscn2322y.th.jpg

Equals this:
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/a...-19_173343.jpg

I lied about not having any help, i did have a little:
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/a...-12_173036.jpg

And a few more, for good measure:
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/a...-19_173330.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/a...-19_173417.jpg

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/a...-19_173433.jpg

The long arms:
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/a...-19_173404.jpg

And last but not least, my other other baby:
http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/a...-19_173447.jpg

No real issues so far, except a slight "clunk" noise coming from the front passenger side. Only seems to happen when i go over speed bumps. Still trying to track that down.
During the process, i put all new rotors and pads on the front brakes, flushed the brake fluid, and the radiator.
Next is going to be flushing all the other fluids, diff, TC, etc.
Next mod, is probalby going to be rear disc conversion.

Ah, you forgot to cut off the short-arm brackets and the long arms are hitting on them. :D

How hard was the 4.5" IRO kit to install? Jeep looks great!

Ok, so maybe that IS the problem. I figured it would only hit while flexing. Looks like i'll be cutting those off this weekend! Thank you! It's technically their 5.5" Critical Path long arm kit, but i had them replace the 5.5" leafs and coils with RC 4.5" leafs and coils. I figured 4.5" of lift was perfect for now.

That makes sense, did it cost about the same as their 5.5" kit, then? I've been eyeballing their 4" kits, haven't decided if I want to go longarm or not. I don't think I'll go higher, since 4-5" is about all that'll fit into the garage. But then again, people say once you start you always want to go higher, and having the Long Arms already is a good start...

If i remember correctly, it saved me about $150. Definitely go with IRO. Their customer service is the best, and the quality of everything was great as well. Yea, i figure eventually i'll end up at 5.5-6" of lift. But for now 4.5" is good. The long arms are definitely a good start as well. After selling my WJ, i had enough for the long arms. Although i did debate upon it for a while, i decided to just get the long arms now, since i'd be getting them eventually anyway.

Very small update. Cut off the short arm brackets, and flushed the radiator. One again, no pictures since i did it myself. That is all...


My bad, i just realized you asked how hard it was to install.
It was definitely one of the most difficult things i've done. I did it completely alone, with limited tools. Luckily my XJ was in NM all it's life, so no rust to deal with. Ok, maybe not so much "difficult" as it was time consuming. Had an electric impact wrench...although i didn't even really use it. I think the hardest part was mounting the Long arms. Although with some help, it would've been A LOT easier.

Nice job on the lift. I like the color to on your XJ.

No worries. :)

I think I'm gonna go this route as well, when the time comes. Spend a little more upfront but not have to toss it if I go higher later, sounds like a plan. :D

Really like the look of it on your Jeep.

http://i858.photobucket.com/albums/a...-19_173417.jpg

That is the biggest radiator i have ever seen. :tongue_smilie:

Thanks! Yea, i figured that i would do it right the first time. I'd be going to long arms eventually, might as well get them now since i had the cash.

Yes indeed! Just trying to keep the XJ cool! :thumbsup:

RIDE
 

So we all know that kit flexes like mad on the trail but how about a first hand report on the ride quality on the street/hwy:thumbup:

One word= Amazing! It really is. It rides much much better then stock. I love it!

Small update:

Changed front and rear diff fluids. Good thing too, fluid didn't look like it had ever been changed. Gears, etc. looked good. Rear diff cover looks brand new now!

Ordered Neon injectors from Programbo, here on the forum. Should be here by the end of next week. Will be installing next weekend, hopefully.

This weekend project: remove or trim bumper end caps (not sure which yet), get puller to remove press rear sway bar bolt to make some quick disconnects.

Still trying to diagnose slight miss after changing plugs/ plug wires.

My jeep has slight miss also and im tuning her up this week also, if you find what it is let me know.

Also that kit rides good you have no wobble or death wobble? I want to go higher with my jeep just worried also lol.

Just did a complete tune-up. Oil, plugs, plug wires, cap, cleaned TB & IAC, which is when it started. However, if i find the problem, i'll let you know.

Kit rides amazing. No DW, or anything of that sort.