Im a little late to this dance, but since others will search and read, and there is some bad info in this thread, I wanted to post so others reading later might get some help before they go spending money on tools, a week trying to figure it out and cutting up their XJ unnecessarily.

Read my write up on how to remove your leafs and rear shocks. Every single thing I can think of happened to me, and I tried various ways of fixing it. LOTS of info in there.

PS: For those too lazy to read the whole thing, the upper rear shock bolts can be pounded out from below EASILY! And they can be replaced even easier with a pencil magnet. No need to go cutting up your body.

 

Nevermind. I found out that it was just loose. But I did find however that I have a small pinhole in my brakeline tube. Yep, looks like im getting a new brake system.

 

In the steel tubing or in the hose?

Either one is easy, just one requires a little more time and work.

 

If you know how to reflare it you can jsut cut it off, flare it and go back together.

 

Spring compressor makes it much easier... But you dont have to drop your control arms.

I removed the tracbar... awful. Worst part of the install so far.
I didnt have spring compressors to take them out.

Useful tip of the day, ratchet straps work pretty well as spring compressors.

 

If you pop of lower control arm there is no need for spring compresor... I just did mine in about a hour

 

Problem is that Ive snapped 2 sockets on the lower control arms already. And theyve been soaking in pb blaster for a couple days now. Also tried heating that **** up and still havnt had any luck. Was anyone elses control arms hard to get off?

 

Ok heres the scoop. Im having trouble getting my lower control arms off. I managed to get the bolt that connects it to the axle out but I cant seem to get the one to the frame off. I managed to get the nut off but I cant get the bolt out. Even with pb blaster and a bfh. Heck, even a mapp torch wont make it budge. Plus I can hardly spin the bolt with a breaker bar. Any tips or suggestions on how to get that bolt out?

 

I had to cut mine. The bolt was siezed in the bushing on the control arm so I just cut it off on both ends between the control arm and the bracket. wasn't a problem for me though because my kit came with new lower control arms.

 

Same thing happened to me with the bushing. It was a pita

 

Take your time with a breaker bar and a cheater bar... Itll take a while but it will work.

Or You could not take them off. Its not neccessary. Its probably just easier to rent a spring compressor.
I dont know why everyone says not to use them. Its easier to use them. Its usually free. Why not use them?

 

You should always get the "strut spring compressor", not the coil compressor. The strut compressors have 2 pieces that go on each side of the spring instead of one that goes inside - MUCH safer

 

I got the lower control arm off and 1 side of the front end lifted. Now onto the other side. And I made the mistake and rented the coil spring compressor from auto zone. Biggest mistake ever. That thing is a pita to use.

 

Welll guys, after 8 long days i can finally say that my lift is complete. But after riding around the neighborhood once I noticed a little vibration. I guess I need to get me a tcase drop kit. Any suggestions on brand? I was thinking on daystar. I dont have the coin to toss out for a sye and new driveshaft.

 

Doesn't matter really. You could even make your own if you want