I am putting a 4.5 RC lift on a 88 Cherokee 4.0 aw4 with NP231 stock dana 30 and 35. Then running 33x12.5 Federal MT.

I am doing the front first b/c i figured it was the hardest, it is, and get it out of the way. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.

I had a ***** of a time getting the coils in with the axle drooped ALL the way down. Now that I got them in I cant get the LCA's in. It;s like the axle is pitched/rotated forward.

Do I need to take the coils out and bolt the LCA's in first? (really don't want to do that)

Any tips to make my life a little easier would be great.

Go get yourself a large pipe wrench so you can rotate the axle housing. I used one with a piece of pipe on it and was able to get the bolts in easy. Even easier with 2 ppl. One for the Pipe wrench, one to insert the bolts.

I did upper and lower arms first. Then coils. Then trac-bar. Shocks last.
With no lower arms and the jeep on the ground is potentially dangerous. A lot of kinetic energy stored.
Unload the axle, use ratchet straps, lever or jack to rotate.

No worries I don't have it sitting on the front end with no LCA. BAD IDEA GUY.

Thanks good idea. If that doesn't work I will get a spring compressor and remove and basically start over.

Your the Bad Idea Guy.
Rough Country Lift? Ha

Whats wrong with Rough Country? Parts seamed to be made well, came with what I needed, and got it for a good price.

I ran a rc 4.5 lift for 3 years no problem and wheeled it good, I'm on full widths now and still have the rc coils and they suit me fine

Good to hear. I'm using this lift as a "starter" lift things will change, just not right away.

Thanks for the help. I ended up pulling the coils, bolting in the LCA and buying a spring compressor. Its in and setting on the ground. Now onto the rear.

Yep I agree I just recently did the full widths and long arms, but I was very pleased with there coils so I still have then haha that 4.5 short arm kit lasted me almost 3 years with no problems , except I blew the rear shocks lol

Done with the lift! Now I just have to trim...alot!

Give us some specs.
Parts included.
Price.
Time it took to install.

4.5 RC AAL. Paid $456. Running Federal M/T 33x12.5-15 on creger soft 8's with 4.75 back spacing.
The AAL let's the back end sit about 1-1.5 lower in the back. Doesn't bug me right now but I think I might look into the 1.5 lift shackle relocation box.
Didn't do a transfer case drop just yet. Might do the hack n tap.
Took me about 3 days working about 3-4 hrs a night. I don't rush it.

Looks good. You don't need to trim a lot though, just bumpstop it. Ive got a very small amount of trimming (just cut and fold front and rear) running 33's on 1.5" of lift with no rubbing at all.