3.5" lift... what all does it affect.

[rckymtnguy]

Oh yeah.... its everywhere!

 

[rckymtnguy]

Had to take a break from the Jeep for a while, but now I am ready to get back at it again.
So far I have the RE 3.5" lift completely installed, except for the shocks which I will bolt on today. I need to center the front axle, and adjust the track bar and straighten out the steering wheel.

I still need to swap out the TC that has the SYE, but I may have to wait until after the holidays for that job, In the meantime would I have any trouble running the stock DS with the 4 degree shims I put under the springs?

 

[SolarBell]

If you are running without an SYE but still have angle shims, you can run but you will have some vibes.

 

[rckymtnguy]

Axle is now centered to within a 1/4"
Steering wheel is almost straight, but I need to set the toe also so I will mess with that more later.
Front Shocks are installed.
Brakes are bled out all the way around.

I still need to
set front end toe
torque down the front CA's
install rear shocks
install rear diff cover
fill diff's with fluid
grease steering linkage
swap TC
replace DS U-joints

Have a few days off of work this next week, so I plan to get the transfer case swapped out, that will probably take me better part of a day. Unless I can get a volunteer to give me a hand :wantyou: TC swap will also include tear down of both TC's to swap the input gear from stock to new TC, or move SYE over to stock TC ( will decide once I get the stock TC pulled)

I have a stock front DS, just need to get the U-Joints and straps.

I also need a set of split ring pliers. ( HF ?? )

 

[Serious Offroad]

Progress is an excellent thing!!

A good set of snap-ring pliers form craftsman are your best bet.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...0P&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=30-98906461-2

 

[rckymtnguy]

Thanks for the tip.

 

[rckymtnguy]

And I almost forgot
I need to mount up the front sway bar disco's

 

[rckymtnguy]

Rear shocks are mounted and torqued.
Rear diff cover installed and sealed, 1 broken bolt... will deal with that today!
Torqued everything down on its own weight last night. LCA, UCA's, rear spring bolts, and u bolts.
cut the u bolt's excess down
topped off front diff oil
assembled quick disco's just need to mount up and adjust length.

Drove around the block last night, and the front left spring keeps popping like its moving a bit... I figure this will settle in after a few miles.

 

[Serious Offroad]

Coil spring retainers installed?
End of coil in the pocket?

 

[rckymtnguy]

It appears to be in the pocket... unless they are supposed to be oriented a certain way??? Which I wouldnt think so.

Coil Spring retainers are installed.

Coil spring retainers installed?
End of coil in the pocket?

 

[in4aride]

sounds dumb, but is the isolator back in up top?

 

[rckymtnguy]

Managed to get the broken bolt on the rear diff fixed without too much hassle.
Rear end is completely done.

Had some help pulling the TC today.
We got the TC pulled, and finished swapping out the shift fork, chain, and SYE from a spare TC. Got the TC tore down and rebuilt and back together without too much trouble. I'll get it bolted back in in the AM, and let the sealant cure a while..because,
I broke another effin' bolt ! :gonnablow
This time it was driver side cross memeber bolt into the unibody. Also broke off a ez-out trying to get the broken bolt out, so it looks like I will have to drill it out ( pray that the welded nut stays put) and retap, or use a helicoil.

 

[rckymtnguy]

Yes, never took them out, they are stock.

sounds dumb, but is the isolator back in up top?

 

[in4aride]

sure its the coil?

 

[rckymtnguy]

not sure, but when it pops it follows with a "boing" which sounds a lot like a spring.

 

[rckymtnguy]

I'm guessing y'all are getting tired of this thread... not much action lately.

I am almost done. Just got to drill out and retap a broken cross memeber bolt, slap the TC back in and get the driveshafts bolted back up.


Ordered the Duratrac's 31x10.50's and wheels today, will probably have them installed this weekend. I will post pics!

Thanks to all who have given, advise, moral support, criticism or otherwise. :: RULES!

 

[rckymtnguy]

"I am almost done. Just got to drill out and retap a broken cross memeber bolt, slap the TC back in and get the driveshafts bolted back up. "
NOT SO EASY!!!

.... this Jeep is the KING of BROKEN BOLTS!
Rear shock bolts ( all 4)
diff cover bolt
spring eye bolts
Now the cross member bolt!

 

[rckymtnguy]

Done! TC case with SYE installed, front drive shaft installed in rear,

Tires and wheels are ready, I just need to go get them installed which will have to wait until Sat.

But it drives like a lifted Jeep, handles better than before, still have the front left spring shifting around making some noise. I may try drooping the axle down and trying to shift that spring around 90 degrees to see if it will make a difference. All in everthing is what I expected. I took it for about a 25 mile highway test drive and everything seems ok.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

Did you really park on a curb for a flex shot?

:laugh: :gag:


You've definitely made good progress! The front coil springs need to be seated with the end of the bottom coil sitting in the indented part of the platform. Otherwise they will tend to make noise. Be sure you have the spring retainers tight. Rotating the coil 90 degrees isn't going to help unless it's not currently seated properly....

 

[rckymtnguy]

yep that is a curb... pretty cool eh` :moon:

thanks for the pic, that's most likely what it is.. I didn't even know there was an indent there.