Pulled the trigger on a lift...now what do I need to know?

[dude1116]

Hi All!

So I pulled the trigger on a lift at a price that I just couldn't pass up. I got the OME 927/948 combo with no extras (designed that way. I don't need to lift this up super high. I want it to ride better). Bearing in mind that I have 141k miles on this thing I have a few questions...

1) What parts to I need to have these front coilovers put together while I'm still driving the Jeep? I'd like to literally just swap the units one day when I have a few hours.

2) What components should I be looking to replace while I'm in there? I'm already looking at replacing my tie rod ends and possibly lower ball joints (not really a dire need here...I might be too lazy to touch the steering knuckle this time).

3) I'm a busy guy. I might have to do this in two shots and DD for a little bit between. How bad would it be to install the rear first, then complete the front (or vice versa...?). I am aware this would look quite silly...but it won't bother me too much...

I think that's it. Please enlighten me with any other info you see fit!

Thanks all!!

 

[TheBlueKJ]

Finally thinking of lifting it huh? Well for starters I'd check the out the uca's and see how those balljoints are looking same with the bushings. You can have JBA put the coilovers together for you for a price.

So for the front you'd be looking at the assembled coilovers plus extended bumpstops. The rear would be the extended length shocks for a 2000 Dakota/Durango 4wd, 2 hockey pucks per side for bumpstops 2 appropriate length carridge bolts to hold the bumpstops in place and the springs.

If I left anything out someone feel free to add in what is missing.

EDIT: As for driving it with one side or the other completed, I did this with just the front done. Don't plan on driving it any long distance as it's squirrelly AF. Even if you have both sides done get an alignment ASAP

 

[tommudd]

To put the front assembly together before hand you would need right and left side front strut plates, most come with isolators, then also lower isolators
NAPA and various places including JBA has them

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I'd check your tie rods ends for play, but wouldn't replace them for the sake of replacing them. I'm at 136k on my originals.
Lower ball joints maybe, if yours didn't have the recall on it awhile back they might be shot. Definitely look at the upper ball joints, and if those are shot get the JBA UCAs.

If I had to pick an end to do first, maybe rear. The front you'll immediately have to get an alignment after lifting it. Do the rear first then front so you can adjust the front accordingly. If you do the front first, then get it aligned then do the rear you might want to redo the front. That's just my opinion.

 

[wheeee32]

The front is definitely more difficult than the rear. I did the front first and then the rear. I drove it directly to the alignment shop after installation.

 

[tommudd]

As far as what to do first, in all reality the rear takes 30 minutes and thats with drilling for bumpstops etc , So once you have the front done, eat lunch and then knock out the rear all done in just a few hours

 

[wheeee32]

As far as what to do first, in all reality the rear takes 30 minutes and thats with drilling for bumpstops etc , So once you have the front done, eat lunch and then knock out the rear all done in just a few hours

If you avoid the unexpected trips to the hardware store.:happy175:

 

[profdlp]

If you avoid the unexpected trips to the hardware store.:happy175:

I consider any job I do "easy" if it takes fewer than three trips to the store. My batting average is not all that great... :icon_lol:

 

[twowings]

^^been there...done that...got the t-shirt :gr_grin:

 

[dude1116]

Thanks for the input all! One of my outer tie rod ends is shot. All the other ball joints look OK for now. Ideally I would love to get the A-arms but budget is just not allowing for it right now.

The front OME shocks have bump stops built in, right?

 

[John3seventeen]

Thanks for the input all! One of my outer tie rod ends is shot. All the other ball joints look OK for now. Ideally I would love to get the A-arms but budget is just not allowing for it right now.

The front OME shocks have bump stops built in, right?

Nope, look inside your fender well at the top you'll see the factory bump stops. Terra flex makes extended bump stops for the front.

 

[dude1116]

Nope, look inside your fender well at the top you'll see the factory bump stops. Terra flex makes extended bump stops for the front.

Ah I know the factory bumpstop but I read that on the lift FAQ page.

Quoted from Tommudd himself... :gr_grin: I'll order up a set of Teraflex bumpstops.

 

[tommudd]

Ah I know the factory bumpstop but I read that on the lift FAQ page.

Quoted from Tommudd himself... :gr_grin: I'll order up a set of Teraflex bumpstops.

OK
OME advertises or did anyways haven't looked lately, that the shocks have an internal bumpstops. BUT have also heard and seen OME shocks busted due to over compression so Teraflex bumpstops are cheap insurance

See John I didn't call yuo out on it :happy175::happy175:

 

[John3seventeen]

OK
OME advertises or did anyways haven't looked lately, that the shocks have an internal bumpstops. BUT have also heard and seen OME shocks busted due to over compression so Teraflex bumpstops are cheap insurance

See John I didn't call yuo out on it :happy175::happy175:

Wasn't worried in fact I forgot about it till just now:shrug:

 

[dude1116]

Alright folks my suspension came!! Problem is I can't tell what plate this came with: top or bottom? (gigitty) And can someone point me to the right parts to buy to have them put together? I want to be able to just drop them off at a shop and have them be done.

From looking at it...looks like the top plate needs to be ordered?

I assume the assembly goes together like so...

 

[twowings]

You should be able to take your current setup off the KJ and take them and the new stuff to a competent shop...they will transfer the top mounts to the new setup...much better than trying it yourself with those awful spring compressors you rent from AutoZoned...I had mine done at my neighborhood Midas shop and they charged me $25.00/side labor to switch them over (which was fine by me as they dropped everything they were working on on a Saturday morning to do the work..took about 20 minutes....YMMV

 

[CzarKJ]

Agreed. Just bring cash to a local shop and they can change them over easily.

 

[dude1116]

I already specified that I want to drop them off at a shop. I don't want to deal with coil compressors.

Point is I'm trying to keep two complete sets of suspension so I can swap them quickly and easily...being that I will not be keeping this Jeep long enough to wear out the brand new suspension. So with that...can anyone just tell me the parts I need to give the shop for them do put the shocks and coils together? I assume it's just a top plate?

Nevermind I think I found the answer. If I bring...

4 spring isolators and 2 upper strut plates (L and R) the shop should be able to put them together.

I just can't seem to find those plates from anyone besides JBA which are expensive. I'll be using MOPAR isolators:

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=6345669&cc=1434760&jnid=419&jpid=0

 

[tommudd]

NAPA has them

 

[dude1116]

Can't find them so I might go Monroe or Fleabay.

OK here's what I got on RockAuto. If anyone has had complaints with these parts, please let me know!

1 MONROE Part # 905902 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
Front Right A $40.79 $40.79 Remove Part

1 MONROE Part # 905903 Strut-Mate Strut Mounting Kit
Front Left A $40.79 $40.79 Remove Part

2 MOPAR Part # 52088686AA
Front B $8.59 $17.18 Remove Part