My KJ recipe?

[Jo6pak]

First of all, I'd like to thank all on this forum for there posts, information, and expertise. I've gleened alot of info in a short time from you guys(and gals)
I think I've finalized the first round of mods for my 2004 KJ Sport.

Since I need new tires and my suspension is sagging badly, I'm going to start with a lift and tires

Front= OME 927 coils, Bilstein F4-BE5-D916-H0 shocks, and Terraflex bumpstops

Rear= OME 948 coils, Bilstein F4-BE5-A702-H0 shocks, hockey puck bump stops(are there any other options?)

Tire questions= I'll most likely just re-coat my steel wheels black. Can I run 245/75-R16s on my OE steel wheels? Looking at either Coopers or BFGs. I'd be willling to do the pinch welds if need be.

What am I missing for round 1?

 

[J-Thompson]

yes 245/75's will fit on the OE wheels
I am not sure you will need bump stops for the rear
need to measure the closed length of the shocks and see if they will be damaged
easy to do
now the front is a debate
I did not need them on my KJ but I was running the Med. duty coils

 

[tommudd]

Sounds like you have a good start with the list

 

[Jo6pak]

yes 245/75's will fit on the OE wheels
I am not sure you will need bump stops for the rear
need to measure the closed length of the shocks and see if they will be damaged
easy to do
now the front is a debate
I did not need them on my KJ but I was running the Med. duty coils

I think to be safe, I'll put in bumps. They are cheap enough to get, and have the piece of mind.

I may go with General Grabber AT2s for the tires.

I'm working 60 hrs a week, and with classes 2 nights a week, I have no time for doing much else, so the project keeps getting pushed back.
Have to work again tomorrow, but I'm going to try to get the Jeep up in the air this weekend to check out the condition of OE components (tie rod ends, cv boots, brake lines, etc.)
Might as well have everything done at the same time.

 

[Jo6pak]

OK, stupid question time......again

I was about to order my lift parts from JBA and just wanted to double check a few things.

It says that the Blistein F4-BE5-D916-H0 front struts are for stock height. and the rear F4-BE5-6458-H7 are for 1.5" lift. While the OME coils are for 2.5" lift.

I'm sure this has been covered, I just want to make sure it's correct before I order the parts.

Also, anything else I may be missing? I want to get averything that I might need before I tear it all apart. Since the Jeep is my only vehicle, I have to have everything done in one day.

Thanks again.

 

[dustytrader]

OK, stupid question time......again

I was about to order my lift parts from JBA and just wanted to double check a few things.

It says that the Blistein F4-BE5-D916-H0 front struts are for stock height. and the rear F4-BE5-6458-H7 are for 1.5" lift. While the OME coils are for 2.5" lift.

I'm sure this has been covered, I just want to make sure it's correct before I order the parts.

Also, anything else I may be missing? I want to get averything that I might need before I tear it all apart. Since the Jeep is my only vehicle, I have to have everything done in one day.

Thanks again.

It took me a day and half to install my Daystar 2.5 inch lift kit, but I did it by myself without any help. The struts are not fun to work with, they are so tight and close it is hard to spread them apart to work on. Make sure you allow yourself a weekend, unless you have an easier lift you are installing.

 

[tommudd]

Just did another KJ lift on Friday
used the 927s / 948s
front Bilstein shocks stock ones
rears used F4-BE5-6458-H7
worked great with one extra top isolator in the rear and a 3/8 inch spacer in the front
I take all of my springs out to have them compressed, drop them off at the shop, they have them done in 25-30 minutes ( time it takes to do the rear lift with bumpstops) throw them back in and done, 2 hours or so total
I drove it about twenty miles afterwards ( after alignment) and it was great

 

[Jo6pak]

worked great with one extra top isolator in the rear and a 3/8 inch spacer in the front

Thanx Tom,
I figured the shocks and coils are correct. I'm going to get the pucks and hardware for the rear bumps tomorrow. All other parts I'm geting from JBA.

Why the extra isolators and spacers? Is it just for a little extra height, or do I need them?

More than likely I'll be having a local shop do the install. I'd like to try it myself, but I just don't have the time or a place to work on it right now. I need new tires ASAP, so I can't really put it off much longer.

 

[tommudd]

I thought we'd bump him up a little more
with that setup took him from 18.5 to 22.5
without it he would of been about 21 3/4 to 22

 

[Jo6pak]

Are "Medium duty" coils the same height as "Heavy duty"?

If I'm not adding a bumper or winch, do I need to run OME 927/948. I've noticed that some run heavier coils and some use the mediums.

Would using OME 926/947 coils set me a bit lower than 927/948? I need to keep it under 6'7 total vehicle height to fit in the garage and local parking ramps.

I also want to minimize any chance of coil contact issues. I'm going to be blowing my wad on the lift and tires, and won't be able to afford any SNAFUs.:freak3:

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Running Medium Duty's here, no issues. Sitting at about 21.5" all the way around. No extra stuff. Have about 4k on them.

 

[Jo6pak]

Running Medium Duty's here, no issues. Sitting at about 21.5" all the way around. No extra stuff. Have about 4k on them.

Thanks HJ, seems that is about where the HDs are measuring also. The coils must be the same length.

Are you running 245/75s? Any issues with coil contact on the UCA?

 

[rockymountain]

Thanks HJ, seems that is about where the HDs are measuring also. The coils must be the same length.

Are you running 245/75s? Any issues with coil contact on the UCA?

I'm running 245/75s and I have no issues with coil to UCA contact. I did tho however while running with a clevis lift. I heard it bang a few times and I took that clevis lift out real fast. Problem solved tho with jeepinbyal UCAs.

 

[Jo6pak]

I'm running 245/75s and I have no issues with coil to UCA contact. I did tho however while running with a clevis lift. I heard it bang a few times and I took that clevis lift out real fast. Problem solved tho with jeepinbyal UCAs.

Yeah, but I won't be able to afford new UCAs after buying the lift and tires.

At this point, my biggest concern is running into unseen issues and being SOL. That is why I'm asking so many questions. I've often been accused of overthinking things:shrug:

 

[rockymountain]

Yeah, but I won't be able to afford new UCAs after buying the lift and tires.

At this point, my biggest concern is running into unseen issues and being SOL. That is why I'm asking so many questions. I've often been accused of overthinking things:shrug:

Just dont plan on a clevis lift that's all. I have to run without it. That's all.

 

[Jo6pak]

Just Each + Every Penny

Finally some free time, and decent weather on Saturday. Gave the KJ an oil change and new front brake pads.

Noticed that the right side UBJ is looking pretty rough, so it's looking like I'll have to replace the UCA. Don't have the $400 for Al's UCAs, so I'll just replace with OEM parts.

Here's what I've come up with for a parts list from Morris 4X4

Upper Control Arm $97
UCA Bushings ($6 x2) $12
Mounting Nut ($2 x 2) $4
Total= $113

Does this list look complete? Anything else?
They didn't list the mounting bolts, should I replace them also? What size are they?

I'd like to do the UCA swap at the same time as the suspension install. Hoping I can get some help and do it in one weekend. This will be some pretty advanced wrenching for me.:shrug:

 

[yellocoyote]

I thought the UCA bushings were a part of the OEM UCA's... that they are already press-fit into the arm. Other than that, it looks correct to me.

 

[Jo6pak]

Thanks Jayme. The MOPAR replacements do include the bushings.

Had to stop at a local Jeep dealer today to pick up a new visor clip. While I was there, I asked about their price for a new UCA for an '04, they said $320 for one!!
Then I remembered that there was a recall on UBJs in 02-03. So, I looked up the recall info and found the MOPAR replacement part number. Called them back, gave them that number, and they said the price was $110 for both sides.
Not sure if they will let me get away with that, but I'm gonna stop tomorrow and talk to the parts guy.
It's crazy enough, it just might work:shrug:

 

[Jo6pak]

Used the "recall replacement part number" successfully to get both MOPAR UCAs for $110.

Part # is CAFZJ170AA in case anyone is interested.

So now I have a stack of new parts just waiting for install
T/C skid
Trans. skid
Tow Hook
New UCAs

Got a line on 4 new Goodyear Silent Armors in 235/70-16 for $105 each. Will know by the end of the week if that pans out.

Just need to get the shocks and coils and I'm ready for one mad weekend to install everything, paint wheels, mount tires, and get alignment

 

[Jo6pak]

I've got the Silent Armores on hold a Sears until May 7, (which is when I plan to do the suspension/paint wheels/UCA swap). Only $105 each cause some other guy ordered them and never came to have them installed.
I was looking for something a bit more agressive, but I can't pass on that price. Two weeks ago I was quoted $175 ea. for the same tire/size at Goodyear.

Here is the Catch 22.
Saving money on the tires put the OME lift more into reach financially. But I think the small tires (235/70-16) will look too small if I lift. :disgust:

Opinions, comments, guidance would be greatly appreciated.