[Gav'spurplez]

Originally Posted by Gramps

I installed the Patriot kit on my Compass 4WD yesterday . . Actually I get 2 of those. First Compass and first 4WD, the test Patriot was a FWD . Going down to get the tires mounted and have the alignment done this morning. I've only driven it around the block @ 25mph, no problems. It'll take a while to get it all written up, including before/after, comparison to a GC and the tools needed and post the pics. The front half was easy , the rears were a different story, but doable.

anxiously awaiting the pictures

[mdls4]

Originally Posted by Gramps

I installed the Patriot kit on my Compass 4WD yesterday . . Actually I get 2 of those. First Compass and first 4WD, the test Patriot was a FWD . Going down to get the tires mounted and have the alignment done this morning. I've only driven it around the block @ 25mph, no problems. It'll take a while to get it all written up, including before/after, comparison to a GC and the tools needed and post the pics. The front half was easy , the rears were a different story, but doable.

Excellent Gramps, congratulations!!
I really can't wait to see the pics, and your write up on the install - and how it all drives!! Maybe I will be the first to lift an MK Turbo Diesel!!

[Gramps]

The first half of Saturday morning was getting the tires installed and the second half was sitting at the dealers trying to get the alignment done. Their alignment computer kept resetting to stock specs and they didn't quite get it finished. They made it driveable and I'm to take it back next Saturday so that they can double team it and tweak it out. Driving it with just the lift kit and stock tires wasn't that bad, I've driven worse. With the new tires was about the same, it pulled a bit to the right in this case. After the partial alignment it still pulls VERY slightly to the right but I feel that will all go away once it's finished. (Note: after evening out the tire pressue this morning, no more wandering to the right. ) The ride seems to be a little firmer but not harsh, cornering is just fine, I no longer feel like a low rider .

Since yesterday was spent away from the computer I didn't get around to doing the installation write up but I did get the before and after shots and some other comparison pics.

These first 3 are a nose to nose with the wife's stock GC. Stock, Lift Kit and Tires, in that order.

[Gramps]

Second set is tail to tail. Again it's stock, Lift Kit and then Tires.

[Gramps]

This is the Family Fleet. Son-in-law dropped off one of the grand kids for the weekend. Stock WJ, Lifted MK and stock KJ. Looking more better.

[Gramps]

First pic is Stock from the factory. FD I, 215/55R18, 8.4"gc.
Second pic is w/Lift kit and original tires.
Third pic is w/Lift Kit and 235/60VR18 Kumho's, 11" gc.
Fourth pic is because a wanted to.

[79bigmack]

Nice!

What size tires are those (post lift)?

Hey -- you should ramp it now! haha....(maybe use some driveway/mechanic ramps and not an actual RTI ramp).

[Gav'spurplez]

yeah yeah, what are the stock size tires vs. the new ones ???

makes a nice improvement. i'd like to see it on another patriot, other than the ones that the selling website has. those wheels and tires are kind of yucky

[Gramps]

Originally Posted by 79bigmack

Nice!

What size tires are those (post lift)?

Hey -- you should ramp it now! haha....(maybe use some driveway/mechanic ramps and not an actual RTI ramp).

I have those ramps, maybe I can bolt them together.

Originally Posted by Gav'spurplez

yeah yeah, what are the stock size tires vs. the new ones ???
those wheels and tires are kind of yucky

Ouch! Their wheels or mine? Theirs I hope!

See the repost above (#52) for tires and specs.

[Gav'spurplez]

Originally Posted by Gramps

I have those ramps, maybe I can bolt them together.



Ouch! Their wheels or mine? Theirs I hope!

See the repost above (#52) for tires and specs.

the wheels and tires on the blue patriot shown with the lift. not too good if you ask me,
your compass looks sweet

[Gramps]

Thanks! Actually the Family and Friends said to keep my wheels because they liked them too. I would have gone to 16 or 17 had I not stayed with what I have. Here's something that I stole from another site. Looks like with only the lift kit and the stock tires on a Patriot.

[GjeepG]

so when are we going to see a pic of a lifted patriot that is not that blue one from the RR website, and has bigger tires??!

[Gramps]

Originally Posted by mdls4

btw, how is your MK handling with it's new height?

It's getting the final alignment tomorrow. It actually drove fine other than the "return to center" not feeling quit right. I'm still letting the compounds bleed out of the tires per the Tire Racks brake-in procedure. It feels wonderful to drive it, much like the way the FD II Patriot felt but with nicer gearing for what I do. Cornering is still good, just a touch more top heavy, but like I said I haven't tested the limits. Tire noise is less than the Firestone's but since it's a 60 series truck tire it has a little softer bounce to it. Over all, very nice, it's what I wanted and I'd do it again.

[Gramps]

Originally Posted by GjeepG

so when are we going to see a pic of a lifted patriot that is not that blue one from the RR website, and has bigger tires??!

It's not an inexpensive project to do right before Christmas.

Lift Kit - $300
Tires - $400
Mount and balance - $100
Alignment - $90
Speedo recal - $20
The first lifted MK 4WD - Priceless!

You can see that I'll have just shy of $1K to do it my way and I didn't even have to get new wheels. I'm getting the alignment at my dealers, maybe be more pricey but I trust them. Oh, when I took it back in tonight they were all saying that they liked it and what a difference it made. Some of the hard core guys said "NOW it's a Jeep!" Glenn at Rocky Road is right, pictures do NOT do it justice!.

Have you seen their new ad? The wife got a kick out of it. http://www.rocky-road.com/patriot.html

[ajadams]

How much has your mpg changed? Does it ride better/worse?
How about accelleration/ handling?

What size tires did you install?