RC 2.5 inch install help

[samd1351]

In a jam and need some help with two things.

1) How do I keep the drive shaft from turning while trying to un-bolt it?

2) Just how low can I drop the front suspension to get the new spring in, seems like it's an awful long way? Or are my jack stands just too short?

Pics once it's done (hopefully tomorrow)

Tia for any and all help

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[JRODZ]

Mine unbolted pretty easily. Your just taking the 4 bolts off to disconnect it, right? If you cant get the axle to lower enough because of short stands, use a bottle jack to jack one side up, to lower the other side more. You could get a set of cheap spring compressors too from Harbor Freight. The problems of doing a lift in your garage w/o a lift. I know what you're dealing with. Takes longer but can be done. Hope this helps.

 

[samd1351]

Mine unbolted pretty easily. Your just taking the 4 bolts off to disconnect it, right? If you cant get the axle to lower enough because of short stands, use a bottle jack to jack one side up, to lower the other side more. You could get a set of cheap spring compressors too from Harbor Freight. The problems of doing a lift in your garage w/o a lift. I know what you're dealing with. Takes longer but can be done. Hope this helps.

Thanks. Problem is, I tried lowering one side, and the brake rotor is only an inch off the floor. I guess I'll lower it all the way and use a spring compressor.

Wish I had a lift, but oh well.

 

[Panthers65]

I had my 6ton jack stands around the first crossmember and was able to drop mine one side at a time far enough that I had to watch the brake and electronic lines to prevent them from stretching. Installed 3.5" teraflex springs no problem.

As long as the shocks are unbolted, the brake lines and wires are lose, and the control arm bolts are lose, the axle should drop far enough to easily remove and reinstall the springs.

 

[AmosMoses01]

Thanks. Problem is, I tried lowering one side, and the brake rotor is only an inch off the floor. I guess I'll lower it all the way and use a spring compressor.

Wish I had a lift, but oh well.

I don't have links right at my fingertips, but look at some of the better YouTube installation videos - Northridge and Teraflex have good videos, though they're mostly using vehicle lifts when doing so. Ali Mansour's vidoes on the Driving Line channel are good references too - he installed his first lift on his JT (a JKS lift) using jackstands and a scissors jack if I remember correctly.

Those videos helped me sort out how far I needed to drop my axle when installing my lift - with the Teraflex videos helping me make sure I'd disconnected all the correct wiring locations (eLocker wires on my JTR) that the instructions didn't call out.

Definitely be careful with a spring compressor if you decide to use one --- they're called "widowmakers" for a reason.

 

[samd1351]

My main concern right now, besides getting this done today, is I couldn't disconnect the drive shaft. I can't keep it from turning as I try to un-bolt it. Is this going to be a problem?

I might be able to get the passenger side dropped enough to get the spring in. I hope. I've got a floor jack under the pumpkin, and scissor jacks under each side of the axel housing. The only way I can get my stands any taller is to either set them on something, yikes, or get new ones.

Thank you @AmosMoses01 and @Panthers65 I'll check out the videos and update this afternoon.

 

[Panthers65]

I didn't disconnect my DS when I put my lifts on.

 

[AmosMoses01]

My main concern right now, besides getting this done today, is I couldn't disconnect the drive shaft. I can't keep it from turning as I try to un-bolt it. Is this going to be a problem?

I might be able to get the passenger side dropped enough to get the spring in. I hope. I've got a floor jack under the pumpkin, and scissor jacks under each side of the axel housing. The only way I can get my stands any taller is to either set them on something, yikes, or get new ones.

Thank you @AmosMoses01 and @Panthers65 I'll check out the videos and update this afternoon.

I didn't disconnect the drive shaft when I installed my AEV 2.5 inch lift... No experience with the Rough Country lift, but don't understand why that would be required. I looked through the instructions and didn't see where they say to reattach the drive shaft, so maybe it isn't needed. ?. Good luck with your install.

 

[samd1351]

Ok, need new help. How do I get the track bar to re align?

This is super critical, as the wife is starting to get pissed!!

Help a brother out if you can

 

[AmosMoses01]

Ok, need new help. How do I get the track bar to re align?

This is super critical, as the wife is starting to get pissed!!

Help a brother out if you can

Do you mean getting the bolt hole to line up? If so, use a ratchet strap to pull the passenger side towards the body.

 

[Trauma PA]

There was no need to disconnect the drive shaft.
I’ve done several lifts personally and never disconnected the drive shaft. Regarding the front track bar, I only loosened it but never removed the bolt. You can try jacking up one front corner to try to line the holes up to get your track bar back in.

 

[samd1351]

Ok all, here's the update. We put the floor jack under the frame and took it up just a bit and dropped the scissor jack a turn and the new springs slipped right in. Unfortunately, we forgot to put the new bump stops in, so we had to redo the springs. Turns out the kit RC sent had the wrong bolt kit, so we had to run to the hardware store for bolts for the sway bar links. Typical me though, we literally pulled in the driveway, 8 looked at son and said, we got the bolts, but what about nuts for them. Son of a.... Back to the store. Had an issue with the trac bar not lining up, but thanks to some advise via FB, we put the wheels on, turned the steering wheel, and everything lined up. Unfortunately, we ran out of time to do the rear shocks. Not that the kit came with instructions for the rear. Shake down cruise went just fine. Drives straight, no pulling, shaking or noises. I'll Carolina squat it for a couple of days and do the rear this next weekend.

Thank you all for the help and advise. Mickey Thompson 35" Baja's to be ordered tomorrow. I'll do a full review after I get the rears on. Peace all!

 

[samd1351]

Final update. We did the rear shocks this weekend. Other than no instructions, not too bad of an install.

As usual, the first side (passenger) took forever. Just trying to figure out the best way to get the new shock installed. First pro tip - get a good pair of snips and trip up the fender liner around the upper shock mount. Almost ripped the whole thing out in frustration. Not sure about other kits, but the RC N3s fit REALLY snug. Second pro tip - If you're struggling to get the shock to fit, switch shocks. We were having a hell of a time, then switched shocks, and bingo! It slipped right in. Mostly. Driver side went smooth. Got everything buttoned up. Rides like a champ. Still no shimmys, no shakes, no squeaks or creaks. Tracks straight.

Overall, it definitely feels like it sits taller. It doesn't necessarily look a lot taller though. And, of course, I forgot to do the before measure. I'll definitely get a before and after with the new tires.

See you on the trails!

 

[Trauma PA]

Pics of your new set up

 

[samd1351]

Pics of your new set up

Agreed. I should be beaten about the head and shoulders. I beg forgiveness and mercy. I'll post some pics this afternoon.

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