Just finished installing my Rough country 4in lift(with pics)... Have a few questions

7716 Views 62 Replies 31 Participants Last post by dmgiff, Jun 12, 2009

Arron

Discussion Starter · Feb 23, 2009 (Edited)

20

I have finished installing the rc 4in lift and i have to say i am pleased with how it turned out. It wheels nice too!

more recent pictures from last wheeling trip some are my buddies jeeps:

Before lift:

After:

Its much higher and looks great. Although it was anything but easy going. Since ive wheeled it and the jeep is an 01 there was a ton of rusty bolts, a few of which i broke. This brings me to a few questions:

1)I broke one bolt on the rear right upper shock mount and half the bolt is in the body nut still. Any suggestions other then drill it a get a tap? What size tap?

2)With all my horrible luck my torque wrench never clicked when tightening the last lower control arm bolt (arm to body) on the driver rear and i ended up twisting it in half and welding part of it to the frame which made the hole 1.5mm smaller and i had to re-drill the hole. Since jeep wanted $35 for new lower control arm bolt and nut and could not get it until wednesday or thursday i went to O'reilly's and picked up a grade 5 metric bolt (although it says 8.8 on the head of the bolt) for $2 with the exact same OD as the stock bolt (13.75mm). My question is should this just be a temporary fix or would the grade 5 (or 8.8?) metric bolt be strong enough to withstand off road use?

3) Again with my rusty bolt twisting luck i broke the drag link bolt that attaches to the axle as i was removing it. I ended up using one of the bolts from the rough country lift. It says 8.8 on the head of the bolt. My question is will this bolt be strong enough?

Other then the above problems install wasn't half bad just very time consuming as the amount of work is deceiving. After 14 hours of non stop work, some cursing, a few "cold refreshments", and no sleep for a night we finally got everything installed and it finally looks like an off road beast.

Thanks in advance for any input.

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41 - 60 of 63 Posts

gabriel05

· #41 · Mar 25, 2009

Huh...I guess that linkage drop bracket is something new they added to the 4" kit since I've installed mine. All I had to do was re-adjust the linkage. I'm not sure why they decided to add that to the kit. Mine works just fine without it. If it gives you anymore issues I'd get this.
http://www.quadratec.com/products/12521_200.htm

It will totally eliminate the connection to the body.

timmytimm3

· #42 · Mar 25, 2009

I just got done installing the AA tcase bracket and replaced all the bushings with new ones from the dealership. You need to adjust the linkage to get the tcase to shift perfectly. My rod was bent ( :shhh: ) and was causing binding. I had to pop that rod out and straighten it in the vise. Now its all set.

If you search there's a pretty good write up around here.

Jeep looks sweet and nice RX7 too :cheers2:

01TJMudder

· #43 · Mar 25, 2009

had same issue. adjust transfer case linkage. should be a rod with a bolt on it. put into 4 low, loosen bolt, move rod, retighten bolt

mrblaine

· #44 · Mar 25, 2009

JeepinRoss said:
Find someone local that's installed LA's, that's how I got my extra control arms and bolts. Also a grade 5 bolt is going to be just fine in the CA. All it does it provide clamping force, very little torque is applied to the actual bolt when wheeling/ driving.

You fail strongly at understanding bolted connections to the extent needed to give advice on what grade bolt to use.

The only function of 99 percent of the bolts we use on a rig are to provide clamping force. It's the clamping force developed by stretching the bolt when it's torqued properly that holds stuff together.

Since the control arms must resist forces encountered during acceleration, braking, offcamber leans, and sometimes hopping when trying to climb stuff, the last place you want to back down on the clamping forces is with those bolts.

Grade 8 and Metric class 10.9 are much higher strength than their Grade 5 equivalents and can therefore be torqued to much higher values to generate the higher clamping forces needed to maintain the integrity of the connection. Torque has nary a thing to do with it in the context you used it although I suspect you were trying to sound smart and actually meant "shear".

mrblaine

· #45 · Mar 25, 2009

Arron said:
Well ive got all the loose ends tied up except changing out the pitman arm on the steering box. I know they (RC) include a new pitman arm for a reason but what is wrong with the stock one other then the steering wheel is no longer centered?

Arron said:
Here are a few pics so you can see what im talking about.

This is a picture of the supplied bracket attached to the original pivot point for the 4wd selector:

Here is the bolt i moved (arrow) because the original bolt hole location (circle) made the linkage hit the head of the bolt when going into 4hi (path of linkage in green):

You do know you're talking about a company not smart enough to give you a drop bracket for the T-case linkage that works right and then you believe they include a pitman arm for the right reasons?

No, unless you moved the trackbar at the frame side, there is no need to install a dropped Pitman arm.

Now go learn how to do an alignment to center your steering wheel.

myrddin

· #46 · Mar 25, 2009

I have been looking at the diagram of the Torque Shaft Drop Bracket... And without having the parts in front of me I can't be 100% sure but it looks like you have placed the swivel plate and gasket on the wrong side... I think if you swap sides so it's on the linkage side it will (might) space the linkage arm out enough to clear the travel?

Open this and go down to the Torque Shaft Drop Bracket install... check out the diagram and let me know what you think?
http://www.roughcountry.com/install/1668X.pdf

Again it's hard for me to be sure but I thought I would offer my observation... I plan on doing this in a few days (lift install) so I am trying to learn from what you guys have all done. I am still not 100% sure on the pitman arm as well... Let me know if this helped or if I am off base so I can make note for my install.

Arron

Discussion Starter · #47 · Mar 25, 2009

20

A lot of people seam to really despise this kit for some reason... Even in this thread alone. Its like they seek out any chance they can get to down the kit...
Well all i have to say is for the price it does what i wanted it to do and what i paid for. It may not do it exactly like a $2000+ lift but i am pleased with the out come and it didnt hurt this college students wallet too bad.

So on that note ill leave you with some pictures from one of the top off road parks in the midwest that i took my budget lifted jeep to (both YJs also have RC lifts):

SMORR (Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch) Some buddies and i rode trails in the rain for most of the day. We had a blast and luckily no one broke anything on this trip. This was my first major trail ride since the 4in RC lift and 33x12.50x15 Micky Thompson MTZs. Both of which i am very pleased with. The lift had decent flex and the MTZs took everything i threw at them from the quiet highway ride there to the rocks, mud bog and even up a muddy/rocky hill that my buddies with locked rear axles couldnt get up.

Flexing and picking up a tire:

This rock pushed my MTZs to the rim and i felt like i was on the verge of tipping over while i was going over it:

Mud pit and a lot of fog:

After a few trips thought the mud pit:

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myrddin

· #48 · Mar 25, 2009

you will not see me bashing that lift... I am installing it this week... Looks like you had fun... Make sure you check my last post... I am wondering if you had the gasket and plate on the wrong side??? keep me posted.

thanks

WAKIZASPEED

· #49 · Mar 25, 2009

Arron said:
A lot of people seam to really despise this kit for some reason... Even in this thread alone. Its like they seek out any chance they can get to down the kit...
Well all i have to say is for the price it does what i wanted it to do and what i paid for. It may not do it exactly like a $2000+ lift but i am pleased with the out come and it didnt hurt this college students wallet too bad.

So on that note ill leave you with some pictures from one of the top off road parks in the midwest that i took my budget lifted jeep to (both YJs also have RC lifts):

SMORR (Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch) Some buddies and i rode trails in the rain for most of the day. We had a blast and luckily no one broke anything on this trip. This was my first major trail ride since the 4in RC lift and 33x12.50x15 Micky Thompson MTZs. Both of which i am very pleased with. The lift had decent flex and the MTZs took everything i threw at them from the quiet highway ride there to the rocks, mud bog and even up a muddy/rocky hill that my buddies with locked rear axles couldnt get up. ]

I have the same lift and I love it. I dont know why people seek out and bash this lift.

Also, in one picture with your wheel off the ground, you can get more flex if you disconnect your sway bar links. I made some DIY disconnects following a thread on here somewhere.

RuffTJ

· #50 · Mar 25, 2009

i have the 4 inch x series and love it too. Nice pics. looks like you guys had a blast.

Colorprinter867

· #51 · Mar 25, 2009

That trail looks fun. I've been considering this lift myself. Overall how happy are you with it?

Arron

Discussion Starter · #52 · Mar 26, 2009

WAKIZASPEED said:
I have the same lift and I love it. I dont know why people seek out and bash this lift.

Also, in one picture with your wheel off the ground, you can get more flex if you disconnect your sway bar links. I made some DIY disconnects following a thread on here somewhere.

I need to get longer brake lines before i disconnect the sway bar links so i dont damage my brake lines.

Arron

Discussion Starter · #53 · Mar 26, 2009

myrddin said:
you will not see me bashing that lift... I am installing it this week... Looks like you had fun... Make sure you check my last post... I am wondering if you had the gasket and plate on the wrong side??? keep me posted.

thanks

After i adjusted the linkage some more (had to play with it until everything lined up) i have no problems with 4hi, 4lo, or 2wd. I didnt bother with moving the gasket and plate as from the look of it i dont think it matters where it sits but i could be wrong.

lsukevinc

· #54 · Mar 26, 2009

is it level or is the front or rear higher?

WAKIZASPEED

· #55 · Mar 26, 2009

lsukevinc said:
is it level or is the front or rear higher?

Mine sits a little higher in the back. I think I am going to get some 1" spacers for the front to level it.

WAKIZASPEED

· #56 · Mar 26, 2009

Arron said:
I need to get longer brake lines before i disconnect the sway bar links so i dont damage my brake lines.

Which brake lines are you going to get?

Arron

Discussion Starter · #57 · Mar 29, 2009

lsukevinc said:
is it level or is the front or rear higher?

Mine sat higher in the back at first but after a week and some trail riding all day the suspension settled and now its level.

Arron

Discussion Starter · #58 · Mar 29, 2009

Colorprinter867 said:
That trail looks fun. I've been considering this lift myself. Overall how happy are you with it?

I like it. Atleast i have no complaints so far. This is my second RC lift (yj & tj) and ive been happy with both.

PortlandCJ76

· #59 · Mar 29, 2009

Aaron,
I sure wish I had a lifted TJ and an RX7 when I was a college student...a used Honda Civic was my ride.

As to your RC lift, I'm glad you like it. I'm very happy with my RC 2.5" lift. No, it's not a flex monster that you can run out at Johnson Valley or whatever, but the RC lifts give you some extra clearance for bigger meats, which aids in traction and overall wheeling experience. Enjoy your Jeep

Arron

Discussion Starter · #60 · Mar 30, 2009

PortlandCJ76 said:
Aaron,
I sure wish I had a lifted TJ and an RX7 when I was a college student...a used Honda Civic was my ride.

As to your RC lift, I'm glad you like it. I'm very happy with my RC 2.5" lift. No, it's not a flex monster that you can run out at Johnson Valley or whatever, but the RC lifts give you some extra clearance for bigger meats, which aids in traction and overall wheeling experience. Enjoy your Jeep

The rx7 was a graduation gift from my dad and then i poured almost all of my savings into it. Which i wont say i regret because it is a blast to drive but i sure wish i still had some of that money.

My jeep is a blast now that it is lifted and since it is my daily i dont need anything with tons of flex or the ability to climb rock walls. Besides it goes just about anywhere i want to take it and i would rather not roll it or be breaking stuff all the time on some of the more hardcore trails anyways.
At SMORR i can do all of the level 3 trails and a few level 4 trails.

41 - 60 of 63 Posts

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