Topic: Installing a Rubicon Express 3.5 lift

[Bill M.]

I want to install this lift myself at home, because I don't want to shell out the extra $400 to have 4 wheel parts do it for me. I have slightly higher than normal mechanical aptitude *as should every jeep owner* and all of the nessicary tools. How hard will it be? I anticipate it being a 8-16 hour job, so I think a weekend should suffice.

[Jeffy]

Most lift kits won't be too hard as long as you have some tools.  Floor jack and tall jackstands would make it a lot easier.

[Mozman68]

Like Jeffy said...a nice floor jack and some decent jack stands to keep the Jeep lifted so you can work underneath.

A few extra hands never hurt as well.

Start spraying the stuff you will be taking off with PB Blaster now to make it that much easier.

Also, you may want to go to Autozone and rent any spring compressors, pullers, etc. you think you may need so you have them right there.

----------------
Now playing: Charlie Feathers - Can't Hardly Stand It
via FoxyTunes

[Bill M.]

I was just going to use ratchet straps... being all Magyver like.. lol I haven't done a lift yet, so which parts should I start to lube up.. lol

[Bill M.]

http://www.4x4xplor.com/RE-SuperFlex.html

I found an awesome write up... I don't think it should be too hard....

[neale_rs]

A friend of mine has that lift (RE SF 3.5) on his TJ and I hate admit it but it works better (more traction) with 31s than my YJ with 33s.  It's a very nice lift.

[Bill M.]

That just made me very excited... Im glad it is a good lift. 

[aw12345]

That is the lift I run works well. is a bit taller than advertised, for most 4 bangers it sits at 4.5 inches.
So you might have to do the sye thing with a cv shaft or drop the snot out of the transfercase and lift the motor mounts. No need for a spring compressor just tip the front axle down on the side you want to change the spring on and turn the wheel so you don't stretch the brake hose. Instead of changing the front brake hoses you can make a drop down bracket and lower the hose mounting bracket about a inch and a half this will give it enough flex to loose a front spring. If you have any questions you can message me. Also no drop pitman arm needed nor does the kit come with one.

[Bill M.]

  Wow... so you have tis lift as well?? I just bought it, along with a dropped pitman arm as well as extended brake lines.... 927 dollars later...do I not need those?? There is no way at the moment to do a sye.. not enough money... but the kit comes with a 2 inch t case lowering kit...I was just going to use ratchet straps for the springs...any other info would be appreciated!!!

[aw12345]

Yup sure do, I bought the standard 3.5" lift and found used curry johny joint control arm for the front and rear.
Stock pitman arm stock brake hoses, I just extend the mounts of the hard line about 1.5" works well flexes well also. Have been wheeling it for a year now and am very happy with this setup

[mgramann]

I'd really recommend getting the spring compressors and the pitman arm puller.  I know Autozone rents them out for free!  Makes life alot easier and, more importantly, safer.  It took me 2 days to lift my old tj, so a weekend should be fine.  The 2 inch drop kit will work, but get the sye asap.  Keep an eye on your driveshaft angles too.  You will probably need to raise the pinion angle on both axles to keep the vibes down.  Sounds like a fun project!

[Bill M.]

 
Oh man... today is the day I pick up my lift... I am sooooo excited...tell me why the first thing I did when I woke up was roll over to my desk and grab the laptop to make sure my paychecks cleared the bank so I can finish paying off the remaining $200. I feel like I am 5 years old and waiting for Santa... haha... WHOOOOOOOOOOOO....lol betcha can't guess what I will be doing for the next few days.....not a thing other than work and working on the Jeep!!!!!!!!!!

[Mozman68]

Oh man... today is the day I pick up my lift... I am sooooo excited...tell me why the first thing I did when I woke up was roll over to my desk and grab the laptop to make sure my paychecks cleared the bank so I can finish paying off the remaining $200. I feel like I am 5 years old and waiting for Santa... haha... WHOOOOOOOOOOOO....lol betcha can't guess what I will be doing for the next few days.....not a thing other than work and working on the Jeep!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations....I just hit that "I've had me Jeep done for a month now and I want to add more" phase....

----------------
Now playing: Eastern Conference Champions - Noah
via FoxyTunes

[Mozman68]

I wonder if the people driving on the freeway are looking up going, "What the hell is that yellow thing going up the side of that mountain?"

----------------
Now playing: Eastern Conference Champions - Noah
via FoxyTunes

[Bill M.]

hey I am trying to install my drop pitman arm, but I cant get the old one off.. the bolt which connects to the steering box wont budge, and ive had to use a crescant wrench.. does anyone know the measurments of the bolt?