HOW TO LIFT A JEEP SUSPENSION

HOW TO
LIFT A JEEP
SUSPENSION

Lift your Jeep to accommodate larger tires and increase approach and
departure angles for increased off road capability. It also looks cool.
This article is geared towards lifting 1993-1998 (ZJ) Grand Cherokee
and 1997-2006 (TJ)Wranglers that have four coil type springs. The
basic principles are the same and could apply to some other models
and makes. Most of all use good judgement and focus on safety when
modifying a vehicle both during the work and considering how the
finished vehicle will handle and drive.
Join a Yahoo Group or similar discussion group of enthusiasts
interested in the same model Jeep as yours. They will be a great
source of encouragement and equipment/method opinions plus be in
a position to help solve the problems you may encounter.
Consider what you are trying to really accomplish. Are you lifting
your daily driver a few inches to accommodate larger tires and
make it more trail worthy or are you building the ultimate trail rig
that you will trailer to events? This is the most important step as it
will dictate what you do during the remaining steps. Think about
the need to get your vehicle inspected, how high of a lift do you
want, what's involved with installing the lift (1-2 is fairly simple not
requiring much; higher and you may need to adjusted/drop other
parts on the vehicle - parts that may not be included in the lift kit),
and most importantly your budget.
Look at various manufacturer's lift kits and prices to decide on the
one that suits you best. The kits will range from a few spacers
costing less than $100 to large groups of parts such as springs,
shocks, track bars, control arms, steering components, extended
brake lines, etc. for several thousand dollars.
Once you have obtained all the parts you need and have secured the
tools and a garage or level driveway surface you are ready to begin.
It is assumed here that you have the mechanical skills and tools to
accomplish the job safely. If you have any doubt about this consider
having your lift kit professionally installed.
Follow the directions that came with the kit! Depending on the
extent and type of kit, the directions will most likely begin with
"support the front end of the vehicle on sturdy jack stands on a level
surface and remove the wheels and tires." This is an essential step
for ensuring your safety during the installation and allows access to
the suspension parts.

Then you will remove the front shock absorbers and coil springs so
they can be replaced with the taller parts. Depending on the kit you
may also replace or modify control arms, brake lines, track bars,
and the Pitman arm steering part. Again stick to the kit
manufacturer's directions as they vary too much to be more specific
here.
The directions will probably have you work the front end first and
then make the rear end mods and possibly add some other mods
involving for instance the transfer case mounts.
After completing the lift installation have someone move the
steering from full left to full right while you inspect the moving
parts for any sign of interference. Solve any problems before
attempting to operate the vehicle.
Install your new tires and wheels. Repeat the left to right steering
test for any signs of interference. Do this both on the ground as well
as with each side jacked up (separately) to maximum suspension
flex to check brake lines and for tire rub on suspension or body
parts.
Lastly go straight to the alignment shop and get a complete front
end alignment. The lifting of a vehicle will change the suspension
geometry and proper alignment is essential for safe operation and
good tire wear.
Now head for the trails! Have fun but be safe and tread lightly to
protect the environment so trails will remain open and Jeepers will
keep their good name.

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