Cherokee144

I've had this jeep about 8 months now, and have done basic tune up and maintenance stuff, plugs, wires, filters, belts, p/s pully, fluids. Fixed the death wobble by replacing ball joints, wheel bearing/hubs, sway bar end links and bushings, steering damper, and the center link. Just replaced the front disc brakes a few weeks ago. Later, I plan to upgrade the rear drums to disc, add a Durango steering box, better alternator, and a as many bolt on upgrades as I can find. Definitely an on going project as I get the funds.

But, now I have a 3" Rough Country Series II lift kit sitting around I need to to install. Yesterday, I picked up a set of 5 Jk 17" wheels with decent BFG M/Ts for $500 off CL! So, now I'm feeling motivated to get the lift on. Need to order the to 4.5 to 5.5 bolt pattern adapters for the 17"s still. I am hoping the 32" M/T's fit ok with out problem. RC recommends 31" tires so, we'll see how it sits.

Cherokee144

I can't wait to get rid of those beat up 10 hole wheels! And up grade to the 17"s!

Cherokee144

Started installing the lift today. Got everything apart except the right control arm. Left control arm is out and replaced with the new tubular control arm, very nice. Had a hell of a time with the control arm bolts, PITA!
I'll only have time to pick up the rear sway bar bushings from Advanced Auto tomorrow night. Going to see Australian Pink Floyd!!, so the lift will sadly have to wait a night.

Cherokee144

New 3" lift springs, a good deal beefier than stock. Dig it

Cherokee144

Passenger Lower Control Arm and New 3" lift spring installed.
Time for a beer.

Cherokee144

The front is done now, moving to the rear after Turkey Day. It looks a lot better lifted for sure, even with the 10 hole wheels. So now the rear sits at
29 1/2" and the front at 33 1/2" (from my cracked uneven garage floor, lol). I think it is still about 4" of lift from a 3" kit. It must have settled 1" over it's first 20 years.

Cherokee144

Worked about an hour on the rear today. Only managed to get the U bolt nuts off. They were in there good with 20 years of grime on the threads. Noticed the clips that hold the original leafs together are rusted and coming apart so, at this point I'm really glad I bought the full leaf packs instead of the add a leaf kit. Don't you have to reuse those on the aal? The new leafs look great compared to the old and will be a huge improvement.
The rear wheels haven't been off for a long time apparently. Had a hard time with a few of the lug nuts and messed up a few studs. So, now is a good time to drain the diff. fluid on the Chrysler 8.25, to access and remove the C clip that holds in the axles. I already have the fluid and gasket so at least this way, I can have the studs changed the drums turned and be ready for fresh fluid. While the axles and drums are at the shop, I hopefully will remove and replace the sway bar bushings, leafs, and shocks and be ready to replace the axles, clip, cover, fluid, and brakes. We'll see how that goes.

MOBBiN

that'll look good with those JK 17s on there

Cherokee144

Couldn't find any 16" Moabs for a decent price around here, so decided to take a chance with the 32" tires and the adapters. There are a lot of good deals on the 17" out there.

Cherokee144

Well, managed to get the axle out today so a wheel stud could be replaced. Had a ******* moment when, I couldn't figure out how to rotate the pinion housing to remove the pinion shaft. Came in the house and looked at some write ups on the net, none of them mentioned how it was done. I knew it must be stupid simple if it wasn't mentioned as a step. And, I felt stupid as I realized it would help to take it out of park so it could spin, lol! It was my first time messing with a differential. Anyway, c clip fell right out, which was nice. Had the stud replaced, reinstalled the axle, cleaned off the old orange rtv, applied new rtv, and replaced the cover. Filled with new gear oil and so far no leaks.
Bought a new set of 1/2" extensions so, I can reach the leaf spring bolts with the impact. I'll give that a shot tomorrow and hopefully finish up this lift!

AirborneDeth

Post some pics.


Just cut off the u bolts. You're not reusing them.

Cherokee144

This cherokee has it's share of rust on the rear. Impact wont even nearly budge the leaf spring bolts so, went and bought a new 15" breaker bar. Hopefully that will help. I had no idea the leafs were this bad off. It will probably ride 100Xs better after all is done.
Might not get much done today. I'm leaving for 10 days and starting a 15 hour or so drive to VA tomorrow. I feel like having a few beers and enjoying the day, instead of fighting rusty nuts and bolts. In 10 days, I should have the adapters for the 17s and be ready to bust those rusty nuts loose!

patrick99xj

looks good I had 32s on that same kit it did well minus the rub from stock rims and no spacers whent well though

Cherokee144

Looks like my trip to VA was postponed two days. So, I might actually get the rear finished before I leave.
Mocked up the rear wheel last night. The rear will sit higher than pictured I hope. This is about where I think the wheel should sit, 1.25" out. It for sure needs that 1 1/4" or it would sit to far in. I wonder if a 1.50" adapter would work better? To much strain on the bearings? I haven't ordered to adapters yet, if anyone has an opinion on this.

Cherokee144

This maybe a poor mock up due to my bumpy garage floor. And I had a few beers but, I'm doin my best over here.
Spidertrax seems to be popular with a common width of 1.25". I found these on Ebay for alot cheaper. They seem the same material and quality and come in different widths. Who has experience with either one and can give some advise?


http://www.ebay.com/itm/110834490077...84.m1438.l2649