Can anyone recommend a link for a write up for installing suspension? I have received all the parts for my OME 2" suspension and I'm ready to gather the tools I will need and start working on it. I'm not that concerned about the rear as I have done leafs before, but the front coils are new to me. Will I need a spring compressor? Also, the T-Case shim installation is new to me. Any links/leads are appreciated. Thanks!
Suspension installation write-up sought
- Thread starter Purzell
- Start date
HenryKrinkle
Observer
Go to a manufacturer's website. Something like Rusty's, Rubicon Express, etc. They'll have instructions to the procedure. It really isn't too complicated. Some info off top of my head:
-Use jackstands
-Jack up high enough to get coils out w/out compressors (shouldn't need until 4")
-Be careful of brake lines (may need to unbolt, pull out slack, rebolt in front @ 2")
-Shouldn't need a t-case drop @2" - hang onto it and see if you're getting new vibrations in the rear
-Soak the shock mount bolts in penetrating oil daily for a week or so to make sure they'll come loose
-Get an alignment from a shop after
-Go over and re-tighten all bolts after a couple hundred miles
It's mostly just: go slow, be safe, use jackstands. You may need to unbolt the trackbar and/or loosen the bolts for the control arms in the front to get the springs in and out. If you're just using spacers and stock coils it shouldn't be an issue.
Oh yeah, check out greatlakesxj for links to all kinds of write-ups and manuals.
http://www.greatlakesxj.com/tech/RE6160.pdf
http://www.greatlakesxj.com/tech.html
-Use jackstands
-Jack up high enough to get coils out w/out compressors (shouldn't need until 4")
-Be careful of brake lines (may need to unbolt, pull out slack, rebolt in front @ 2")
-Shouldn't need a t-case drop @2" - hang onto it and see if you're getting new vibrations in the rear
-Soak the shock mount bolts in penetrating oil daily for a week or so to make sure they'll come loose
-Get an alignment from a shop after
-Go over and re-tighten all bolts after a couple hundred miles
It's mostly just: go slow, be safe, use jackstands. You may need to unbolt the trackbar and/or loosen the bolts for the control arms in the front to get the springs in and out. If you're just using spacers and stock coils it shouldn't be an issue.
Oh yeah, check out greatlakesxj for links to all kinds of write-ups and manuals.
http://www.greatlakesxj.com/tech/RE6160.pdf
http://www.greatlakesxj.com/tech.html
ExpoMike
Well-known member
hahahaha.... not concerned on the rear springs... LOL That's only if the front bolt comes out. If not, you are in for a long day.
When we did BigDaddy's budget lift, we got the both front and pass. side spring done in the same time it took Brian to remove the driver side rear spring. The nut inside the "frame" broke loose (very common) and the bolt and bushing sleeve had rusted together. He had to cut the spring into small pieces and cut the bolt/bushing out. Then he had to cut the rail to remove the broken nut and to get a wrench up there to tighten the new one.
Front is easy. Spring compressor, disconnect the sway bar and front shocks. Do one side at a time and jack up the side you are not working on. It helps to drop the other side even more. Good luck!
When we did BigDaddy's budget lift, we got the both front and pass. side spring done in the same time it took Brian to remove the driver side rear spring. The nut inside the "frame" broke loose (very common) and the bolt and bushing sleeve had rusted together. He had to cut the spring into small pieces and cut the bolt/bushing out. Then he had to cut the rail to remove the broken nut and to get a wrench up there to tighten the new one.
Front is easy. Spring compressor, disconnect the sway bar and front shocks. Do one side at a time and jack up the side you are not working on. It helps to drop the other side even more. Good luck!
vevans
Retired 4-Wheeler
2"OME Suspension Install
I just completed the installation of a HD 2" suspension install on my 2003 Jeep TJ.
The fronts were quite easy except that since the new springs are taller than the old ones - be sure to jack the vehicle up high enough so there is more room to lower the front axle lower than it took to remove the stock springs. I compressed just one side of the front springs a bit so they had a bend like a banana. This made it easier to get the spring up past the bump stop.
Lowering the transfer case looks harder than it was. I used a good bottle jack under the skid plate to "catch" the transfer and lower it down enough once all its bolts are removed.
The ride of the TJ is noticably better with the OME springs and shocks.
Be sure to get a good front end alignment after you are done.
I'm very glad I did mone. Good luck with yours.
I just completed the installation of a HD 2" suspension install on my 2003 Jeep TJ.
The fronts were quite easy except that since the new springs are taller than the old ones - be sure to jack the vehicle up high enough so there is more room to lower the front axle lower than it took to remove the stock springs. I compressed just one side of the front springs a bit so they had a bend like a banana. This made it easier to get the spring up past the bump stop.
Lowering the transfer case looks harder than it was. I used a good bottle jack under the skid plate to "catch" the transfer and lower it down enough once all its bolts are removed.
The ride of the TJ is noticably better with the OME springs and shocks.
Be sure to get a good front end alignment after you are done.
I'm very glad I did mone. Good luck with yours.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
-cutoff wheels
-more cutoff wheels
-and then buy like two more
-beer
-pb blaster.
-friends with big arms
-air tools
-more beer.
then you should be good.
EDIT: Honestly, though, looking back it was a lot of hard work, but really a pretty straightforward process. solid axle trucks are some of the simplest to lift, as long as you have the right tools. We had
3/8's and 1/2" drive sockets
breaker bar
deep sockets
grinder
NICE prybars (thanks Mike!, those are on my xmas list)
two floor jacks
four jack stands
safety goggles/mask
hearing protection
-more cutoff wheels
-and then buy like two more
-beer
-pb blaster.
-friends with big arms
-air tools
-more beer.
then you should be good.
EDIT: Honestly, though, looking back it was a lot of hard work, but really a pretty straightforward process. solid axle trucks are some of the simplest to lift, as long as you have the right tools. We had
3/8's and 1/2" drive sockets
breaker bar
deep sockets
grinder
NICE prybars (thanks Mike!, those are on my xmas list)
two floor jacks
four jack stands
safety goggles/mask
hearing protection
Last edited:
comrad_zeelaagee
Adventurer
millions of these writeups are on naxja.org... just search. :coffeedrink:
On my jeep we just cut the front eyes of the leaf springs in half, then cut the rubber bushing, and then sliced the inner sleeve and drove it off. The bolts came right out after doing that, I've seen other people use that method and it works every time. Also be careful with the upper shock bolts in the rear, the front is pretty painless.
Ok
I have just read a few of the threads, including "Leaf Spring Nightmare" and I am fully prepared for days of banging my head against the wall screaming WHY? WHY?
I'm starting the PB Blaster regimen today. Trying to get a date for the installation in a couple of weeks, so hopefully that will be enough PB Blastin' for everything to work out.
As usual, thanks for advice you all. Once I get it done I can post up some before and after pics, if you want to see an appliance white stock XJ with a 2" OME lift.
I have just read a few of the threads, including "Leaf Spring Nightmare" and I am fully prepared for days of banging my head against the wall screaming WHY? WHY?
I'm starting the PB Blaster regimen today. Trying to get a date for the installation in a couple of weeks, so hopefully that will be enough PB Blastin' for everything to work out.
As usual, thanks for advice you all. Once I get it done I can post up some before and after pics, if you want to see an appliance white stock XJ with a 2" OME lift.