3" to 1" body lift

[Jtoms]

Hello all,

Need a little info. I've been looking through all the threads and couldn't find what I needed. I have an 85 CJ7 and the PO installed a 3" body lift. I want to drop it to 1". I realize there are a few things that I need to look out for, such as Transfer Case linkage, break lines, electrical lines, filler tube, etc. It has B&M shifter, so I think everything is good there since it just has 1 cable. My biggest concern is the steering shaft. Will I need to do anything to my steering? I kind of figured it had to be modified to accommodate the 3" lift, so am assuming I shouldn't have to do anything for the 1". I've already bought the lift, Daystar.
Am I missing anything? I'm also assuming the original body mount bushings need to be removed. It looks like the 3" spacers were put on top of the original bushings.
Thank you all for the help. First time posting a question, but all the info on this forum has been very helpful.

 

[IOPort51]

the original steering shaft is telescoping. It may need a little encouragement to move but it is capable. Radiator position should have been changed, dropped for body lift so the hoses don'r contact rotating engine parts. Hose the body mounting hardware down with PB blast for a few days before starting this. It can be a challenge getting the bolts out of the captive nuts with out cutting and drilling and cussing.

the day star kit is a total replacement, at least mine was, so yes the original stuff should go too.

don't forget the locktite when you put things back together.

Hello all,

Need a little info. I've been looking through all the threads and couldn't find what I needed. I have an 85 CJ7 and the PO installed a 3" body lift. I want to drop it to 1". I realize there are a few things that I need to look out for, such as Transfer Case linkage, break lines, electrical lines, filler tube, etc. It has B&M shifter, so I think everything is good there since it just has 1 cable. My biggest concern is the steering shaft. Will I need to do anything to my steering? I kind of figured it had to be modified to accommodate the 3" lift, so am assuming I shouldn't have to do anything for the 1". I've already bought the lift, Daystar.
Am I missing anything? I'm also assuming the original body mount bushings need to be removed. It looks like the 3" spacers were put on top of the original bushings.
Thank you all for the help. First time posting a question, but all the info on this forum has been very helpful.

 

[Techlight]

x2 on the penetrating oil for a few days before.

The one thing you will have a hard time with is finding torque specs. I never came across any at all.

I ended up torquing to 30 ft lbs (seat belt torque spec) with some blue locktite. Haven't had any problems with it so I'm assuming it's good.

When I did mine I posted here and asked because I don't want to be one of "those damn PO's" and a few people off the forum said I was good to go.
http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f7/body-lift-torque-cj7-cant-find-21996/

Good luck with it...it's either going to be really easy or really hard. Probably not in between lol. But since it's been done "recently" I'm rooting for easy. I did mine in a little over an hour or so...maybe 2. No rusted or broken bolts etc.

 

[deadfeat]

Use a impact wrench to break the bolts free. The impact will be much less likely to snap a bolt or spin a welded nut.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 with Taptalk 2

 

[IOPort51]

Use a impact wrench to break the bolts free. The impact will be much less likely to snap a bolt or spin a welded nut.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 with Taptalk 2

I would advise against this. Use as long a rachet handle as you can fit but be prepaired to work it on and off untill it comes off wothout a fight. They are not welded nuts, they are captured nuts. Big difference.

 

[Techlight]

I would advise against this. Use as long a rachet handle as you can fit but be prepaired to work it on and off untill it comes off wothout a fight. They are not welded nuts, they are captured nuts. Big difference.

Just my two cents: I'd agree but only because that's how I got mine off without breaking/spinning them, lol. I do have an impact but I was afraid to use it. I did a lot of half turn out, half turn in...rinse repeat until they were free. I only had two that gave me trouble though and they were the stock bolts.

 

[deadfeat]

I've broken many bolts in my 48 years, but never one properly using an impact wrench. Rachet with a breaker bar is just asking for trouble. Its the repeated hammering and shock without twisting the bolts that breaks them free. If you spin a nut you might need to cut a hole in the body channel , cut the bolt to get it out. Then insert a piece of bar stock with a threaded hole in it to attached the new bolt.

 

[IOPort51]

I've broken many bolts in my 48 years, but never one properly using an impact wrench. Rachet with a breaker bar is just asking for trouble. Its the repeated hammering and shock without twisting the bolts that breaks them free. If you spin a nut you might need to cut a hole in the body channel , cut the bolt to get it out. Then insert a piece of bar stock with a threaded hole in it to attached the new bolt.

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

 

[deadfeat]

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

He he me too

 

[Jtoms]

Appreciate all the input. I actually freed a few bolts up using a wrench, and a couple others with my impact wrench. PB Blaster definitely helped. Problem is, I never realized until I started checking each of the bushings that 3 of the them were actually missing bolts, and the back passenger side behind the bumper was actually missing bushing and spacer all together. I feel like an idiot for not noticing when I bought the jeep. Good thing I haven't taken it off-road yet.
So my initial assumption was that the PO broke the nuts at each of the points that we're missing bolts. After loosening a few others up and jacking the body up, I found out that all three bushings missing bolts actually had a broken bolt up in the body. Spacer was just loose. Sucks.
So I admit, I threw in the towel. Today I was scheduled to get my new tires put on and get my rear main seal replaced. I asked the shop to take a crack at getting the bolts out and installing the new lift. Hate to admit giving up, but I'm hoping they can get it done.
Thanks again for all the help. I'll keep you all posted.