Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
from the more experienced on this newsgroup.

I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.

So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
the validity of them.

Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.

/Bob

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

It will help to disconnect the sway bar links from the axle. Jack up the
vehicle, place jack stands under the frame, remove the wheels, remove the
shocks, then let the axle droop fully.

Even with this, I've found it very useful and a real time and effort saver
to use a set of MacPherson strut compressors, like what you can "borrow" at
Auto Zone, to compress the springs a little to ease removal and
installation, especially with longer lifted springs.


"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0405201150.39cac422@posting.google.c om...
> I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
> his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
> already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
> relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
> post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
> from the more experienced on this newsgroup.
>
> I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
> suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
> control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
> own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
> just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
> simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
> bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
> swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.
>
> So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
> especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
> putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
> one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
> the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
> the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
> in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
> the validity of them.
>
> Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.
>
> /Bob

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

It will help to disconnect the sway bar links from the axle. Jack up the
vehicle, place jack stands under the frame, remove the wheels, remove the
shocks, then let the axle droop fully.

Even with this, I've found it very useful and a real time and effort saver
to use a set of MacPherson strut compressors, like what you can "borrow" at
Auto Zone, to compress the springs a little to ease removal and
installation, especially with longer lifted springs.


"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0405201150.39cac422@posting.google.c om...
> I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
> his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
> already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
> relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
> post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
> from the more experienced on this newsgroup.
>
> I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
> suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
> control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
> own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
> just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
> simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
> bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
> swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.
>
> So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
> especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
> putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
> one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
> the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
> the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
> in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
> the validity of them.
>
> Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.
>
> /Bob

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

It will help to disconnect the sway bar links from the axle. Jack up the
vehicle, place jack stands under the frame, remove the wheels, remove the
shocks, then let the axle droop fully.

Even with this, I've found it very useful and a real time and effort saver
to use a set of MacPherson strut compressors, like what you can "borrow" at
Auto Zone, to compress the springs a little to ease removal and
installation, especially with longer lifted springs.


"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0405201150.39cac422@posting.google.c om...
> I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
> his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
> already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
> relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
> post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
> from the more experienced on this newsgroup.
>
> I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
> suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
> control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
> own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
> just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
> simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
> bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
> swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.
>
> So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
> especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
> putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
> one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
> the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
> the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
> in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
> the validity of them.
>
> Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.
>
> /Bob

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

It will help to disconnect the sway bar links from the axle. Jack up the
vehicle, place jack stands under the frame, remove the wheels, remove the
shocks, then let the axle droop fully.

Even with this, I've found it very useful and a real time and effort saver
to use a set of MacPherson strut compressors, like what you can "borrow" at
Auto Zone, to compress the springs a little to ease removal and
installation, especially with longer lifted springs.


"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
news:47b769ae.0405201150.39cac422@posting.google.c om...
> I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
> his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
> already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
> relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
> post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
> from the more experienced on this newsgroup.
>
> I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
> suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
> control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
> own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
> just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
> simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
> bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
> swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.
>
> So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
> especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
> putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
> one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
> the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
> the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
> in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
> the validity of them.
>
> Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.
>
> /Bob

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

What Matt said.... only 'trick' I can think of would be to have a coil
spring compressor handy if needed, and to make sure the swaybars (both
front and rear) are disconnected.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Thu, 20 May 2004 19:46:20 -0400, "Matt Macchiarolo"
<matt@nospamplease.com> wrote:

>
>
>It will help to disconnect the sway bar links from the axle. Jack up the
>vehicle, place jack stands under the frame, remove the wheels, remove the
>shocks, then let the axle droop fully.
>
>Even with this, I've found it very useful and a real time and effort saver
>to use a set of MacPherson strut compressors, like what you can "borrow" at
>Auto Zone, to compress the springs a little to ease removal and
>installation, especially with longer lifted springs.
>
>
>"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
>news:47b769ae.0405201150.39cac422@posting.google. com...
>> I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
>> his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
>> already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
>> relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
>> post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
>> from the more experienced on this newsgroup.
>>
>> I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
>> suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
>> control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
>> own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
>> just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
>> simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
>> bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
>> swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.
>>
>> So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
>> especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
>> putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
>> one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
>> the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
>> the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
>> in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
>> the validity of them.
>>
>> Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.
>>
>> /Bob
>

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

What Matt said.... only 'trick' I can think of would be to have a coil
spring compressor handy if needed, and to make sure the swaybars (both
front and rear) are disconnected.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Thu, 20 May 2004 19:46:20 -0400, "Matt Macchiarolo"
<matt@nospamplease.com> wrote:

>
>
>It will help to disconnect the sway bar links from the axle. Jack up the
>vehicle, place jack stands under the frame, remove the wheels, remove the
>shocks, then let the axle droop fully.
>
>Even with this, I've found it very useful and a real time and effort saver
>to use a set of MacPherson strut compressors, like what you can "borrow" at
>Auto Zone, to compress the springs a little to ease removal and
>installation, especially with longer lifted springs.
>
>
>"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
>news:47b769ae.0405201150.39cac422@posting.google. com...
>> I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
>> his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
>> already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
>> relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
>> post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
>> from the more experienced on this newsgroup.
>>
>> I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
>> suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
>> control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
>> own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
>> just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
>> simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
>> bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
>> swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.
>>
>> So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
>> especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
>> putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
>> one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
>> the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
>> the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
>> in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
>> the validity of them.
>>
>> Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.
>>
>> /Bob
>

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

What Matt said.... only 'trick' I can think of would be to have a coil
spring compressor handy if needed, and to make sure the swaybars (both
front and rear) are disconnected.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Thu, 20 May 2004 19:46:20 -0400, "Matt Macchiarolo"
<matt@nospamplease.com> wrote:

>
>
>It will help to disconnect the sway bar links from the axle. Jack up the
>vehicle, place jack stands under the frame, remove the wheels, remove the
>shocks, then let the axle droop fully.
>
>Even with this, I've found it very useful and a real time and effort saver
>to use a set of MacPherson strut compressors, like what you can "borrow" at
>Auto Zone, to compress the springs a little to ease removal and
>installation, especially with longer lifted springs.
>
>
>"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
>news:47b769ae.0405201150.39cac422@posting.google. com...
>> I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
>> his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
>> already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
>> relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
>> post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
>> from the more experienced on this newsgroup.
>>
>> I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
>> suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
>> control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
>> own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
>> just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
>> simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
>> bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
>> swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.
>>
>> So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
>> especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
>> putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
>> one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
>> the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
>> the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
>> in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
>> the validity of them.
>>
>> Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.
>>
>> /Bob
>

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

What Matt said.... only 'trick' I can think of would be to have a coil
spring compressor handy if needed, and to make sure the swaybars (both
front and rear) are disconnected.

Dave
http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

On Thu, 20 May 2004 19:46:20 -0400, "Matt Macchiarolo"
<matt@nospamplease.com> wrote:

>
>
>It will help to disconnect the sway bar links from the axle. Jack up the
>vehicle, place jack stands under the frame, remove the wheels, remove the
>shocks, then let the axle droop fully.
>
>Even with this, I've found it very useful and a real time and effort saver
>to use a set of MacPherson strut compressors, like what you can "borrow" at
>Auto Zone, to compress the springs a little to ease removal and
>installation, especially with longer lifted springs.
>
>
>"Bob" <magicclaw@mac.com> wrote in message
>news:47b769ae.0405201150.39cac422@posting.google. com...
>> I'm going to be helping a friend install an OME 2" suspension lift on
>> his '98 TJ this weekend. I believe he's done a lot of research himself
>> already and is going to be getting together the tools he'll need (or
>> relying on me to bring a few as well). However, I thought I'd put a
>> post up here to see if I could garner any suggestions, tips, or tricks
>> from the more experienced on this newsgroup.
>>
>> I've never done a suspension lift before, so I am completely open to
>> suggestions. This shouldn't be too major; there is no replacement of
>> control arms (althought that wouldn't bother me; I've done that on my
>> own TJ many times), no changing of the Pitman arm, etc. It is mainly
>> just a shock and spring swap. I know how to change out shocks (pretty
>> simple, really), including getting the bar pins to go through the
>> bushings. However, I have no experience in the best method for
>> swapping out the coil springs in the front and rear.
>>
>> So, while I'm open to any tips concerning the lift install, I'm
>> especially interested in anyone suggestions or tricks for removing and
>> putting in new coil springs. Use a spring compressor? Don't use
>> one(are they just too dangerous)? Just drop the axle? Will dropping
>> the axle alone work on both the front and the rear? Remove or loosen
>> the trackbar to get the axle to flex more and allow the springs to pop
>> in and out? These are all ideas I've thought of, but I'm not sure of
>> the validity of them.
>>
>> Thanks in advance for your help, everyone.
>>
>> /Bob
>

Re: Suspension Lift Install Tips, Tricks, or Pointers?
 

David C. Moller did pass the time by typing:
> What Matt said.... only 'trick' I can think of would be to have a coil
> spring compressor handy if needed, and to make sure the swaybars (both
> front and rear) are disconnected.
>
> Dave
> http://mysite.verizon.net/res0p2es/david/index.htm

Also it can help to disconnect the track bar.

If you loosen the links remember they have to be torqued
back to spec with the vehicle down. If you tighten them
with the vehicle lifted it will look like a lift has been
put in till the rubber bushings tear.

--
DougW