Suspension lift

[citizen@large]

Way to dig it up danzel!~ ok, sure.

Edit- I was going to take the opportunity snap some newer pics, but the humidity is @ 100% and the blasted lens just fogs over. These pics are by the previous owner.

These shots show what I think is most relevant to your querry and to what was previously posted...

What she looked like on 31" BFG MT's (w/3 flares )~ lol ~ I have done nothing to the suspension since the tire change. I have though, trimmed the fenders and still require bumpstops to keep the rear from getting shredded anymore. (NOTE- The 31's also had significant slices in them w/a rusty's 4.5" full lift kit)

That's it. I'm starting a pics thread... Someday!!!

[jlc55]

need some help...I have a 98 jeep cherokee just like citizen's..its got a lift kit but dont know how high..its got some 3in. spacers on the rear where the leaf springs are between the u-bolts...my problem is that on the left rear, the spacer is sliding backwards .. is there anything that i can do-it-myself or would i have to take it to someone..any suggestions will be appreciated

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by jlc55

need some help...I have a 98 jeep cherokee just like citizen's..its got a lift kit but dont know how high..its got some 3in. spacers on the rear where the leaf springs are between the u-bolts...my problem is that on the left rear, the spacer is sliding backwards .. is there anything that i can do-it-myself or would i have to take it to someone..any suggestions will be appreciated

The spacer is held in place by an approx. 1/4 inch stud that fits into a recess in the axle pad. In turn the spring pack also have a stud that fits into a recess in the spacer.

If the spacer is sliding backwards, it means that both the studs on the springs and the spacer both are missing or broken....... or the spacer was improperly made and doesn't have any studs at all

So, raise the rear using jackstands on the frame. Support the rear axle using a jack,and remove the wheel. Then unbolt the 2 U-bolts on the affected side.

Allow the rear axle to drop about 1 inch and remove the spacer. Look at the spacer and axle for the appropriatestuds and recesses. If they are missing or broken, take pictures and post them back here. It's possible to get new studs welded on if necessary.

It's possible they were installed upside down, and the shaft of the stud has been pressed into the body of the spacer. If this has occured, you might be able to hammer that stud out and install the spacer with the correct orientation

Also, note when you put the spacers back in, they have a particular orientation. Sometimes they are marked 'top' and 'forward'. If not, note they are slightly tapered, and the thinner end of the spacer points forward.

[jlc55]

thanx for the info...just went to some shope and thats what they told me that the spacer has a bolt that might have broken off...they said they'd fix it for only 180 bucks!! i said thanks and went and bought that universal bolt for 5 bucks and plan to do it myself.. can i olny unscrew the affected side and this will not affect the side thats ok?? hope everything comes out ok...

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by jlc55

thanx for the info...just went to some shope and thats what they told me that the spacer has a bolt that might have broken off...they said they'd fix it for only 180 bucks!! i said thanks and went and bought that universal bolt for 5 bucks and plan to do it myself.. can i olny unscrew the affected side and this will not affect the side thats ok?? hope everything comes out ok...

Just remove the affected side.

BTW it's not a 'bolt' in the spacer.Typically, the spacer has a hole drilled in it. A round piece of metal rod is knocked into the hole so 1/4 inch protrudes at one end, leaving a 1/4 inch deep hole at the other. If you simply put a bolt in it, the spacermay not fit under the spring pack properly.

If the repair method is not obvious, just disassemble, take pics and post back here.

[jlc55]

whats the torque on the u-bolts nuts..or hand force will do it?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by jlc55

whats the torque on the u-bolts nuts..or hand force will do it?

Tighten them down to about 70 ft.lbs. I will check my Jeep manual tomorrow if I can for the exact spec.

Note you have to tighten all 4 nuts in sequence, in steps. When you install the bolts, hand-tighten them all. Then tighten all 4 to 10 ft.lbs, then tighten all 4 to 20 ft.lbs, then 30 ft.lbs etc.
This will make sure you don't overstress or bend any of the U-bolts when tightening.