newbie driveway lift install

[r33pwrd]

I put in 3" coils without a spring compressor and it was tight, but I bet you could squeeze a 4.5" in as well. Just remember that with the sway bar disconnected you can jack up the axle opposite the side you are working on to get more droop to squeeze the spring in.

did you do it with both control arms in?

 

[katuah]

Thanks r33pwrd - that's a question I hadn't thought of asking, but a good one to know. If I dont hafta rent a compressor thats a few more bucks I can save for other parts!

 

[BrandonC]

did you do it with both control arms in?

The best I remember, yes. I did swap my lowers out with some new ones that came with my kit, (Rough Country Stage II) but I think I had already installed the new arms when I put the springs in. But if you have problems getting the spring in and think it'll help to take the lower out of the equation, it's only one bolt on each side to separate them from your axle.

 

[WTF]

...If I dont hafta rent a compressor thats a few more bucks I can save for other parts!

Spring compressors are free to rent from autozone /advance auto. You buy them and then return them for 100% refund. you want the strut style spring compressors ($50 @ autozone or advance).

I would have them on hand if I were you to make sure you dont get stuck on the install. I know my RE 6.5's just barely squeeze in with aftermarket LCA's and drop brackets.

In a stock XJ, the Lower control arms bind on the axle side mounts to determine max droop. with aftermarket LCA's you then fight the stock track bar and steering to get to max droop.

 

[Ghost]

If you want to get the springs in without compressors make sure you have high enough jack stands for the axle to droop low enough. Things that will bind and lessen the drop are the trackbar, draglink, then short suspension links, and the sway bar links. If the suspension is binding and not droping enough usually removing one upper link will give you the extra drop you need.

 

[r33pwrd]

great info guys!

 

[Shorty]

If you want to get the springs in without compressors make sure you have high enough jack stands for the axle to droop low enough. Things that will bind and lessen the drop are the trackbar, draglink, then short suspension links, and the sway bar links. If the suspension is binding and not droping enough usually removing one upper link will give you the extra drop you need.

before you start to lower the axle, unbolt the brake line mounts at the wheel well too. It will limit your droop if you leave them attached and stress the hoses potentially causing them to tear.