Another lift install -thread revival, :laugh:.
This a daunting thread, at 40 pages. I got through Matt's install (about page eight), taking notes but then got bogged down with information overload. Many questions I may have may have been answered in the next 30 pages, maybe not. I also want to share my experiences.
I got ARB's ARB7686XH kit, with the recommended ARB shocks for $1,157.00 shipped to my door. From 4WD. Their add had conflicting info about if shocks were included and their salesman assured me they were. They were not, but 4WD gave me all four $100.00 shocks for just $100.00. Props to 4WD customer caring.
I laid out all the parts and checked them off against the parts list. The "parts description" is vague at best, leading to questions of where they go. The parts also are not numbered so you have to figure out if you really have that part included. I seem to have all of them.
A few questions on the parts. The front spring plates have two studs protruding from them. My old ones had just one, for the sway bar. I assume that the other is for the shock. Do I have to remove the old lower shock mount from the axle housing ? I will anyway if it is not going to be used. Remove it using a cut off wheel on a die grinder. How thick is the axle housing ?
I also received four rear spring packs. Is this right ?
The bushings. I have four separate packs, ok. They are yellow, and one pack will do one spring. The kit's "spring conversion package" has eight red ones. The thing about that is, there are not enough. 16 yellow ones but just eight red ones. The red ones are a little different, in that they have ?passage ways? in the inside surface (I think that these must be greaseable bushings).
The kit also comes with eight grease zerts/fittings. I see nowhere for these to go on the parts supplied. Not even the bolts.
The assembly instructions. I started and it does note to use specific numbered parts supplied with the hardware pack. 'Cept the parts themselves are not numbered. I will figure out what is what but questions come up when I am trying to decide what is what. Maybe you can help. There is a longer flat bar, 1 1/2" wide by 8" long with four hols in it. Another flat bar is 1 1/2" wide by 3 3/4 long with just two holes in it. What are they for ?
Ok, on to the install. Per recommendations earlier in this thread, because for now I am gonna reuse my CY shackle hangers, I went to get new and longer shackle hanger bolts. I opted for stainless steel, for looks. Was the bolt guy right ? I asked him if they were grade eight. He said, ... stainless is not rated that way.
So, I start on the passenger side rear. Since we have to replace the shackle hangers, replace their mounting bolts. As noted earlier in this thread, one member had his bolts break upon removal. Necesatating broken bolt extracting and threatening reliability on the trail. (Stock CJ's should do this under maintenance). Mine were pitted/corroded. I have a factory tow bar which interferes with the reinforced shackle hangers. So I have to trim it shorter.
I am looking forward to your help, :kiss:. Better than making it up as I go along, :laugh:.
Thanks.