got our lift

[dalefan88]

we got a basiclly brand new 2.5" pro comp lift off craigslist for $225. it still has shipping stickers on it. now for the ?s.

1. it came with degree shims. do i need to use them and if so which way do they go.

2. i got the springs on and the shackles are leaning inward. is this right

3. i have hevyduty shackles that are longer than stock. will i need a drop pitman arm.

that is all i can think of for now.

 

[CJ]

1) They go between the rear dif and the springs. The thick end should be to the center of the vehicle so it angles up the pinion towards the Transmission .

2) Sounds right - have a pic?

3) Maybe, snap a pic of the steering geometry when you get it installed.

 

[Old Dog]

If you use the shims and do not lower your TC. the yokes will no longer be parallel with each other and you might get some vibes without a cv shaft. IMO I would try it without the shims.
As for the pitman arm as CJ said take some pics. with the stock arm. With my 4" lift and stock lenght shackels a droped arm had the drag link to low.(lower than the tie rod)

 

[crzylee]

If you use the shims and do not lower your TC. the yokes will no longer be parallel with each other and you might get some vibes without a cv shaft. IMO I would try it without the shims.
As for the pitman arm as CJ said take some pics. with the stock arm. With my 4" lift and stock lenght shackels a droped arm had the drag link to low.(lower than the tie rod)

X2 with the pitman arm.. I just installed a 4" suspension and bought a 4" drop pitman arm. After installing the new pitman arm, the drag link was rubbing on the inside of the springs. Took it off and found a 1" drop pitman, works like a champ.

 

[dalefan88]

well got it all back together today. everything looks good. i did put the shimms in. it looks good. i think a 4" might of been to much for what we wanted. dont look like i will need a drop pitman arm. i will have to get pics later. now all that is left is tires, fenders, and a tub. then we will start a complete tear down to make her new again.

 

[dalefan88]

heres the pics.

before after




shackles on rear steering

 

[CJ]

DF88 - That looks great. Sit's much nicer.

The rear shackle looks fine to me and the front looks like it could use a drop arm (yet I have seen worse steering geometry that works OK). How far would it need to drop to get the tie rod level with the drag link?

 

[dalefan88]

it looks like 4.5" from the center of the tierod going in the pitman arm to the center of the draglink.

 

[CJ]

Well, originally there was a small angle between the tie rod and the ground (don't ask me how much though). If I had a dropped arm I would put it on and try it. Perfect geometry is all links parallel to the ground but they do not have to be.

 

[coldwater]

Looks great! I love how you just keep pluggin along on that old 5. Jeeps just look better with a little height under them. I agree with trying a dropped pitman arm if you can get your hands on one. You'll also get a little better turning radius back with one.

 

[dalefan88]

how much of a drop pitman should i get?

 

[CJ]

You said that 4.5" makes it parallel... BUT - If you get a 4" drop you need to be absolutely sure noting will rub. 2" to 4" (as long as 4" will not interfere) will be good.

 

[dalefan88]

Looks great! I love how you just keep pluggin along on that old 5. Jeeps just look better with a little height under them. I agree with trying a dropped pitman arm if you can get your hands on one. You'll also get a little better turning radius back with one.

thanks coldwater. just can get stuff for it when we can. it is a fun project and i am learning alot of 4x4 stuff with it. people said a lift is a pain. i looked at it and said i can do it in a few hours. got the springs on that day after driving over 3 hours to get it. did touch ups the next morning. wasnt that bad.

 

[dalefan88]

You said that 4.5" makes it parallel... BUT - If you get a 4" drop you need to be absolutely sure noting will rub. 2" to 4" (as long as 4" will not interfere) will be good.

if i can find a 2" cheap i might go with that. i think that should be the name of our jeep. "cheap jeep" everything we get for it is off ebay, craigslist, or the jeep store down the road that has used and new and always cheaper than ebay stuff.

 

[CJ]

NOTHING wrong with that! Any drop will make your turning radius better...

Go for it!

 

[dalefan88]

i checked ebay. mostly 4" drop. i will have to keep searching. and on the price on some of them.

 

[coldwater]

I have only ever seen 4" arms...but then I sure as hell haven't seen everything! They are a little spendy for sure, I'll keep an eye out for one here as well.

Hows this for quick service!
http://hartford.craigslist.org/pts/1226953341.html