Houston, we have a problem.

[DTJB]

So started on my EVO lift today, in my traditional fashion I started with the rear (backwards from everyone else I’m sure). Anyways, after installing the springs I hung the driver side shock and stuck the bolts in the eyes. Then I dropped the jack to check the extended length. Well, the spring tries to fall out, according to EVO I thought I was supposed to run a shock designed for 2-4” of lift. I have fox 2.0 shocks for a 3-4” lift with 30.69” of length extended. And they extend about an inch too far in this case.

I see a couple options at this point and I’m wondering what the best route is:

1- call @Northridge4x4 and see if I can swap out the current shocks for shorter ones

2- buy some daystar .75” or icon 1.3” rear spring spacers and hope they take up the slack (keep current shocks I have tereflex spacers for the front if needed)

3- put them on and try to stay out of extreme flex positions, or will the sway bar keep me from dropping springs when connected?

opinions and ideas are greatly appreciated and sought after

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[Northridge4x4]

You have all the suspension components installed? Like trackbar?

 

[Free2roam]

Limiting straps to start? Then you can get the Jeep back up and driving. Swap out shocks when you can.

 

[DTJB]

You have all the suspension components installed? Like trackbar?

no track bar yet, I didn’t think that would make much difference when it comes to droop, I understand the sway bar will probably keep it in check during flex, but that won’t help if I belly down on something and the rear axles goes full droop, or if I put it on a lift. All of my control arms are still loose as well.

Limiting straps to start? Then you can get the Jeep back up and driving. Swap out shocks when you can.

The Jeep isn’t my daily so it can sit in my shop for a while before I need it out. I considered limiting straps but I have never liked the idea of that. To me they seem like a bandaid for this situation in particular.

 

[DTJB]

Maybe I should just complete my install first then go put it on a lift and see what happens? If they don’t fall out I’m all set, and if they do then I need to fix it mentality?

 

[Northridge4x4]

Yes it honestly sounds like everything is perfect.

the trackbar will absolutely change things around.
You don’t want your shocks to be your limiting factor as it will ruin your shocks. My guess is once you get everything bolted up you will be just fine.
Limiting straps are not a bandaid at all they allow you to maximize your suspension without using your shocks to limit travel.

 

[DTJB]

Yes it honestly sounds like everything is perfect.

the trackbar will absolutely change things around.
You don’t want your shocks to be your limiting factor as it will ruin your shocks. My guess is once you get everything bolted up you will be just fine.
Limiting straps are not a bandaid at all they allow you to maximize your suspension without using your shocks to limit travel.

I’ll complete the install and see how it goes. Yes limiting straps have their place for sure, I’m not saying that, I just think in my particular situation they don’t warrant being used.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

And make sure you don't tighten bolts, and then torque them, until the truck is sitting planted on the floor - all 4 tires on the ground, truck sitting like it would. The bushings will help limit things to some extent, too, as they'll have some "spring action" if you tighten things like they should be - all stands and jacks removed.

 

[DTJB]

And make sure you don't tighten bolts, and then torque them, until the truck is sitting planted on the floor - all 4 tires on the ground, truck sitting like it would. The bushings will help limit things to some extent, too, as they'll have some "spring action" if you tighten things like they should be - all stands and jacks removed.

I left my rear control arms and track bar loose for that reason, didn’t get a whole lot done today being as the wife wants to paint ceilings and the kiddos wanted to build a snow man in the little bit of snow we had left. Managed to get wheels on it and back on the ground with rear brake lines installed as well. Gained 3” out of the rear I’m excited to see the front when finished.

 

[RCKLNDR]

Please keep us posted once everything is buttoned up.

 

[DTJB]

Please keep us posted once everything is buttoned up.

Will do, managed to get back to the shop after the kids went to bed for a bit and got the front end mostly disassembled. Going to try to get it finished tomorrow evening and tighten the rear, planning on getting it on the lift on Tuesday to see if everything is going to play well together.

 

[DTJB]

For anyone interested, I didn’t get to do much Monday so today I worked from home... in the shop...on my Jeep.... with my phone and laptop at hand in case needed. Anywho, got the front together minus torquing all the arms and bars.... doing that after bath time this evening, test drive planned for tomorrow and possibly get it on the lift. Total I gained 4” up front and 3” on the rear before any kind of settle, trucks looking good minus the need for a good bath. I’m not positive on my control arm lengths, they are set to EVO spec. Truth is in the pudding when I drive it.

 

[DTJB]

took it down to the filling station this evening, but it’s on its feet again

 

[Mac]

Yes it honestly sounds like everything is perfect.

the trackbar will absolutely change things around.
You don’t want your shocks to be your limiting factor as it will ruin your shocks. My guess is once you get everything bolted up you will be just fine.
Limiting straps are not a bandaid at all they allow you to maximize your suspension without using your shocks to limit travel.

If the shocks don’t limit the travel what does? On a stock JT once you unbolt the shocks you can lower the axle and remove it the springs. I haven’t tried it with the sway bar connected but I doubt that would prevent it.

 

[MattHamilton]

I left my rear control arms and track bar loose for that reason, didn’t get a whole lot done today being as the wife wants to paint ceilings and the kiddos wanted to build a snow man in the little bit of snow we had left. Managed to get wheels on it and back on the ground with rear brake lines installed as well. Gained 3” out of the rear I’m excited to see the front when finished.

Being a child of the 70s, I think you're done Just chrome up the rear diff and put wide slicks on the rear.

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