RickBois

I just got done installing this lift and figured I'd post a few pics and info.

The lift was $260 delivered from here. As you can see there isn't much to it, coils spacers, add-a-leafs, and shocks.


It also came with an extended SS brake line and the hardware shown her:


While I had the spring packs apart I decided to clean them up and paint them.


I reused the OEM leaf spring shackles but I did replace all the bushings with poly bushings. In the front I also replaced the rubber coil spring isolators; one of them was pretty rotten.

It's tough to tell how the ride is right now; I am in the process of replacing worn out bushings and steering components. So far I've done UCA/LCA bushings and replaced the track bar. I will say the ride isn't at all harsh...

Overall, I am very pleased with the kit. A few before and after pics:

jcollege

Looks great, nice improvement from stock for not a lot of cash.

widowmaker88

Good job. Keep it up!

by921

It is a good kit for the money. I am still using the spacer brake line and shocks from this kit. I replaced the add a leaf with a full leaf pack but still a good deal. I am at 5.5 lift front and 4.5 lift rear now.

bad_idea

Looks good. What you going to do for tires?

RickBois

Funny you should ask... I just got back from picking these up. They are 245/75-16's "take-offs" from a 2016 Wrangler. I got them for $395 for 5 of them from this place in Warrenton, VA. They buy brand new Wranglers, deck them out and resell them; sounds like fun right? Adapters/spacers should be here tomorrow...

RickBois

Wheel adapters came in yesterday. They were $71 on eBay, and were shipped super fast. They are 5x4.5 to 5x5 adapters, 1.25in (32mm) and are hub-centric.


The adapters brought the Wrangler wheels out to a pretty close to stock offset. The graphic below is from www.willtheyfit.com.


The finished product:

bad_idea

Looks good. What are those equivalent to in inches?

RickBois

30.5 x9.6

jcollege

Great find on those tires, that shop isnt too far from me. I may just have to do the same thing that you did since I dont plan on lifting mine too high.

RickBois

After being out of town for a week I finally got a chance to spend more quality time with the Cherokee yesterday (after spending some quality time with the wife...). I am trying to finish up the suspension/steering/brakes.

Before I went away I had finished rebuilding the rear drums and replacing the wheel bearings. I was a bit apprehensive about pulling the diff cover and the axles but all went smoothly and it was a satisfying job.

When installing the lift I had also installed this steering stabilizer and some poly leaf spring bushings. FWIW, the red bushings in the pic ended up being the wrong set, but I eventually got the right ones..


I also replaced the track bar (not shown) and sway bar bushings with these:


Yesterday my goal was to replace all this stuff, pull and paint the front diff cover, and replace the diff oil.


After running out of time, tools, and energy I ended up only getting the tie rod ends and idler replaced. I also did a "basic" alignment using the tape measure to the inside of the wheels technique (one of the techniques documented here)

I got the diff cover cleaned up too but didn't have the time to get it back on, so no test drive with the new steering components yet, boo...


I was looking forward to doing the brakes, hubs, and ball joints, however unable to get those 36mm axle bearings broken loose. I snapped my 1/2" ratchet and breaker bar trying. I did try some heat and penetrating oil, but ultimately I failed... I soaked them down with penetrating oil and today I will be borrowing a friend's 3/4" breaker bar; hopefully I don't snap that too. I am guessing that those axle nuts may have never been off in the car's 23 year life...

NewbJeep

Broke two on a GC a few years ago. Guy at the parts store showed mercy, "No, of course I didn't use a cheater bar... I'm just really, really, ridiculously strong...."

Ever try 50/50 atf-to-acetone mix? Puts PB to shame. I've come to use the nickname Pink Magic.

bad_idea

Put the breaker bar on the nut and beat on the handle with a BFH. Poor mans impact.

RickBois

Thanks for the feedback. Some heat and that 3/4" breaker bar with a BAMP (big-a$$ metal pipe) did the trick. I did have to jump up and down on that pipe to break the driver side loose; it was tight tight tight...

Think I may have to mix up a spray bottle of that Pink Magic and give it a try.

abodyjoe

That's a good looking Cherokee.