storm101

So its finally time to put my lift on, I'm going to tackle it tomorrow....

The shocks and leaf packs are not an issue, I just want to make sure I am on the right track with the front from what I have read so far...

I have searched recently and came up with this general guide through combining some thread suggestions...and just want it double checked...

Its possible to do the spacers by removing the front shocks, sway bar links, and lower control arms from the axle, remove the spring retaining nut and bump stops, (one time at a side on the last two) jack up the opposite side and the spring should be ready to fall out. remove spring and the rubber peice up top, install spacer, then the rubber, and reassemble as needed, move onto the other side. That would be the correct idea right?

I dont want to mess with tons of stuff, use coil spring spacers, nor remove the trackbar.

Suppose I should mention they are 2" spacers.

If there are a few simpler steps or what ever that would be helpful to know, If I am on track, also let me know, thats why I am asking. I would HATE to be lost in the middle of the job!

Also, I was checking out a dodge ram today that had some front end issues, and the control arms were remover.....do our xj's have any weird eccentric cams on the lca towards the axle?!

I have never screwed around with coils, or the lcas to put these spacers in so I'm just double checking myself before I get nuts deep in this install.

Also any tips, tricks, or hints are MORE than welcome!

Maybe Ill make this into a write up while I'm at it tomorrow

93gc40

To do spacer wit stock spring you need to unbolt the shock at the bottom and the swaybar links. Undo the LCA or Trackbar ONLY if you can't get enough droop from the axel. I can do 3" spring and a spacer in mine, by just doing the shock and swaybar. Coil spring compressor is very helpfull, but not required. You can unbolt the brakeline from the fender, You should straiten the metal part anyway, or pull the caliper to get a little more droop. Control arms Do Not have eccentrics unless they were added by PO.

halmotors

Honestly, it's worth every penny to either purchase or rent a coil spring compressor. I managed to get one spring out without it, and it was a huge pain in the patoot. We rented a coil spring compressor to do the other side, and to put them both back in, and it was so smooth and easy.

It's up to you, but consider what your time is worth. Also make sure you get the type of compressor that hooks onto the OUTSIDE of the spring, and not the inside, as it'll just come into contact with the bumpstop and make your life miserable.

storm101

Alright, there are some good things to hear. I am trying to avoid the compressors due to many horror stories I have heard about them...im sure I have access to some if need be though.

So thanks, and any other opinions/tips are welcome!

halmotors

The coil compressors are plenty safe so long as you follow the instructions and use common sense. Most of the accidents you hear about are from people improperly using the tool, or using the wrong one.

troy fritz

I just put in 3in springs and 1.5in spacers and never used a compressor. I undid the swaybar and shocks and pulled holddown clips for springs. Then dropped axle and jacked up one side as far as I could. Then removed the spring slid in the new and presto. Only took about 1.5hrs for both sides ,including taking the old out. Was pretty easy and that was my first lift.

storm101

Yeah I suppose incorrect use would lead to issues. Like I said though, I have never messed with coils, of any sort. Im sure there is at least one set laying around though, so if it comes to it ill check if its an outside type. There is always so much debate on this issue.

Thats pretty well the whole reason I asked lol

fishtaconc

just add a thought its not a bad idea to wrap a chain around the spring just in case

Baker97xj

I tried at first to force 3inch coils in with bars. The spring shot out so I rented a compressor and installed the springs in about 20 minutes. No horror story here. Now I have my own coil compressor.

illicit

I just installed 3" coil spacers and thats what I did.

98CherokeeLimit4x4

You Don't need a spring compressor.

halmotors

You don't need a lot of things, but it makes life easier. If you don't feel like putting down the money to buy one, at the very least rent one. Most local auto parts stores will rent tools either cheaply or for free.

storm101

Well, I figure I will try without the compressors to start with, I figured that considering theyre small spacers with stock coils, it shouldnt be too bad, and so far that was verified.

I may try a compressor just to see what them things are all about and gain an experienced opinion on them as a tool....whos to say on them, seems like some people love them, and some hate them.

Anyways as that seems to be the main debate, I know im on track with the process, which is what I was worried about.

I think I will take some pics, and do a write up on it......seems to be a question that pops up from time to time, and pictures and what not would probably help others out, and considering the leafs are getting changed, and all 4 shocks....it just seems like a good thing for me to contribute back....

So thanks guys, Ill pop up an update tomorrow after its done!

studmuffin

Yea a write up for that would be great.
I been wanting to add a 1 inch spacer to my RE 4 1/2 to level it out a bit from the front. But i do not want to mess with the track bar and such.
I just want to now the easiest way to do it.
Also since i have adjustible CA's how much to i adjust so it fits according to the one inch spacer.
Anyone welcome to pm so i dont thread jack.Or can just tell me here lol

halmotors

When you go to use the coil spacers, make sure that you position them properly on the springs. That is to say, make sure that wherever you place them on the springs, make certain that the nut isn't going to come into contact with anything that would make it more difficult to loosen them up once the spring is in. The first time I used one on my Jeep, I didn't position them correctly and had the nut come into contact with the spring perch. Had to tighten it back up, take the spring out, loosen it all the way, reposition, and tighten back down again. Kinda sucked, but I learned pretty quick.