Suspension overhaul advice please

[BryceM]

After more than a year of fannying about, it really is time to do something about the KJ's suspension. It's like driving a space hopper right now
I'm not doing a lift as I cannot justify it so this is all bog standard.

So things I think may be wrong:-

1) Shocks pretty much for sure - I plan to fit Bilstein H6's all round.

2) I think the upper rear control arm (boomerang) may be on the way out. The rear of the vehicle seems to feel loose and it apparently a weak point ?

3) Upper front swinging arms - the inboard bushes look very perished.

So I am looking for advice on the difficulty of doing each of these jobs and other jobs I should consider including along the way:-

1) The rear shocks look easy enough but the front not so. Is a special spring compressor needed or will standard screw types fit ?? Is it likely the springs need changing as well - how do I check them ? (the Jeep has done 116K). Are the front strut mounts likely to need changing ?

2)The Upper rear control arm looks ...... interesting. A youtube video recommends also changing the ball joint on the top of the diff ? What controls the droop of the rear axle - I am guessing I will need to support it on axle stands ? What else will need to come off to allow the arm to be extracted ?

3) How do you access the inbord bolts on the upper front arms and are they likely to need replacing ?

Any and all advice welcome - this will be the biggest job I have tackled in years.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Get the Mopar HD boomerang, nothing else will last. Front shocks take them to a shop to be compressed. For the UCA bolts, take out the battery/tray, air intake box. Does your KJ have ABS? That makes it a pain, mine doesn't have it so I'm not sure what needs to be removed in that case.

 

[the_dealer]

Invest in a good "u joint socket" for the drivers uca bolts, you'll be glad you did. I really hate the way it's set up. If you're staying stock, it might be a good idea to invest in some JBA stock uppers since the bj is replaceable and greasable. I usually unbolt the steering shaft from the rack, and unbolt the bracket from the fender well so I can move the shaft out of the way

Sent from my G870a on 38's.

 

[tommudd]

Are you replacing the springs?
If not the shocks won't do much and will last 1/2 the length of time they would if you did replace the springs
Remember springs and shocks work together to provide a good ride , if only doing one or the other pretty much throwing money away

 

[BryceM]

Hoosier, Thanks for those tips. Mine does have ABS so that will add to the fun.
Dealer - wow - I will take a look and see what you mean. That sounds like a real pain.
Tommudd - I have been undecided about the springs but was leaning towards changing them as well but it adds a far bit to the $$$ and this is already getting expensive. i will take your advice onboard.