[stevensinger]

I am looking to get this kit installed, I can't see to find anyone who could help me do it around me, I don't know much more then how to change my own oil. I have installed some extra lights, and my own REBB lift, But i don't know if I will be able to do everything involved with the 4.5 kit plus a drive shaft mods...So is there any shop around me that would do this and kill me with labor charges? Anyone have a clue where i should start looking?

[grnsporty]

well i installed my lift with just a couple of buddies of mine and i was just 18 at the time. I did pull the t case to take it to the local 4x4 shop to have the sye installed. All u really need is set of sockets and wrenches and a drill with some bits. You might want to consider it as most shops want 500 to 1000 to do an install. The instructions are very clear from RE

[stevensinger]

So the local shop wanted $5300 to install it, Jersey Jeep and Customs... Sounds really expensive.

[ptowntj]

Thats sounds super steep for an install...way to much.

A weekend, basic handtools and a good 5/8 drill bit will have you set to go. It really is not that hard.

[stevensinger]

Ptowntj You wanna come over and help me out buddy? HAHA, I have the weekend and And I am sure i have all the tools. But i don't know how a clue how to install a cv or driveshaft.

[ptowntj]

If you were down the street, I would love to help you out. The SYE eliminator is a bit time consuming, but only slightly harder than the lift install. The snap rings are the hardest part, and make sure that the oil pickup piece is in the proper spot (you'll see when you do it)...The shop around here wanted 600 to install a sye kit, and after I did it I couldn't believe they wanted that much...I did it on the ground, and they have lifts.

[bman9089]

Originally Posted by stevensinger

So the local shop wanted $5300 to install it, Jersey Jeep and Customs... Sounds really expensive.

Holy crap.

Then again, my local place, predator 4x4 (they're called predator for a reason ) wanted nearly $1000 for a basic OME install.

You can buy a lot of tools for $5300. Huh, makes me wonder now if most people don't lift their jeeps because of high install costs and the fear of doing it themselves.

Since you've checked with your friends, check with your friend's friends. You'll come across someone who knows how to work on vehicles and has tools. I met a guy through my parent's friends who were friends with him. He had only worked on CJs (and owned and still owns a few of them). It was a new experience for both of us, but in the end I learned a lot of hands on experience and saved at least $1000, probably more since the shop didn't account for trackbars, a bl, mml and quick discos. It was fun and pretty relaxing. Work at a slow pace and enjoy yourself.

And believe me, you'll be less likely to make mistakes than shops. Or, you'll come across a problem and seek help to fix it instead of letting it slide. IMO even a newbie can have better installs than shops because they are always paying attention since it is their lift, their money, their Jeep, and they're the ones who have to drive it. And if a problem does pop up, you know where to look to fix things since you are the one who has touched everything.

[Squeeky]

was that 5300 for just the install or for the lift and the install? is this the 4.5 sa or la

[stevensinger]

RE 4.5 Short Arm Kit, With the CV & everything else installed. It sounds like so much money.

[red02x]

if you do it your self, dont forget the tool for the coil spring. I believe its called a coil spring compressor.

its more fun if you install it and if something goes wrong after a trial ride, you know how to fix it since you put it together.

[spyder6]

muuuuch much too much

its a simple replacement of parts, 2 floor jacks, 2 6-ton jack stands and a decent set of mechanics tools and its a relatively simple job

a T-55 torx bit is REQUIRED, make sure you have one

a breaker bar is really usefull too, and you'll need a 5/8ths inch drill bit for the front track bar

[ptowntj]

You can get it done without coil spring compressors...I was tough when i had 4.5 springs, but doable.

Again, make sure you get a good drill bit...I can't emphasize that enough...I couldn't find a decent one and went through a couple before I got all teh way through...and yes I was using it correctly.

[2006LJRubicon]

Windingtrail.com has a great writeup. Email me tomorrow and i can send you some really good pics if you decide to do it yourself. I am prepping for a 5.5 LA RE. I am doing the skid plate this weekend and then the arms the next. Someone told me if you go by the RE instuctions it should take a pro, but thats with their instructions. I read theirs several times and they really make it more complicated than it is.

[jays-tj]

Originally Posted by stevensinger

So the local shop wanted $5300 to install it, Jersey Jeep and Customs... Sounds really expensive.

Ouch!!!.

I didn't do the install on my Re Long arm kit, but just recently I swapped out my axle's. I would think the short arm kit would be similar to that. I say get some friends and do it your self. I would suggest doing it in a location that it could sit for a while, just incase it takes longer than planned. I also like having Sears within 15 minutes of my home, as I had to make several runs for tools (sockets, breaker bar, torque wrench) that I didn't have.

The shop also did my SYE. Not sure about this but I would think that you could do the lift and use the existing drive line to get you to the shop to do the sye install if you didn't want to tackle that one.

[TJSport01]

let me know how that install goes i have one sitting in my garage waiting to get put on think you could pm that link with the detailed instuctions and pics you all were talking about?? thanks