It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:15 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 33 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
 Post subject: Installation of Rusty's coil lift + clevis/spring isolator
PostPosted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:59 am 
Offline
LOST Member
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2005 4:22 pm
Posts: 353
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Eddo, Moose and I installed a Rusty's coil lift, clevis lift (front) and a rear isolator lift back in October. This is really three different lifts resulting in a total of 3 3/8 inch lift in the front and 3 inch in the back. Since then, I have driven several thousand miles on roads and taken several offroad trips. I would say that the ride is better then stock and I would recommend this setup to anyone who is looking for a great, moderate priced, coil lift. Spacers are cheaper and a Frankenlift is more expensive. The Rusty's was right were I was looking to be. This is not intended to be a how to install a lift as I know I would leave out parts. I would just like to share with others my experiences:

I have a 2004 KJ so it was with the lowered springs. This was another reason I wanted to get new springs and not just spacers. I called and talked to a tech at Rusty's. I ordered a 2.5 Rustys Coil Lift $456+shipping. The kit comes with everything I needed including rear shocks. I asked the tech about the rear shocks as there are several posts here from multiple people about the quality of the rear shocks. The tech at Rusty's had his own ideas but was willing to sell me whatever I wanted. We talked about adding Rancho RSX Rear Shocks (17004). His comments were that these are shocks for a Dodge Durango (which they are but work fine on a KJ). He went on the tell me more then I wanted to know about how shocks are valved and how a shock for a Durango would cause damage to my KJ. My cheap self took over and I did not upgrade to the Rancho rear shock but this is still haunting me as something I should have done. I have NOT had any trouble with the Rusty's rear shocks but I almost have only had them on for 2 months. I will add to this post in the event I have any trouble but as of today, they are doing great.

I also picked up:
6 2" conduit lock nuts from the hardware store $0.99x3 for the clevis lift (nuts are optional)
Image

and 4 upper rear spring isolators from the Jeep dealership $12x4 for the rear isolator lift

Front
The Rusty's Coil kit somes with new front springs and new front shock. The stock strut must be removed and unassembled to insert the new spring and shock. We used a spring compressor with an air wrench to install the new springs and shock. I left the dust cover off.

Preinstall Front
Image

Rustys Springs next to Stock Springs
Image

Rusty Assembled next to Stock Assembled
Image

The new strut is now ready to go in. After we installed the new strut, we were ready to do the clevis lift. We placed three 2" conduit lock nuts on the bottom of the strut before attaching the clevis. Leaving a gap on the clevis gives an extra 0.5". The nuts are optional as many just measure the desired gap without using nuts. I figured for $1.50, why not just add them.

Rusty strut with clevis lift added
Image

After Install Front
Image

We test the upper ball joints at 100% droop and there was still about 1/8 inch clearance between the UBJ and the spring. This was exactly what I wanted as I did not want to add a bumpstop if I could avoid it.

Rear
The Rusty coil kit comes with rear shocks and rear springs. Again, several people have had problems with the rear shocks which I have not. The rear installation was much easier then the front as one would expect.

Stock Rear
Image

Rustys Springs next to Stock Springs
Image

Rear Springs Installed and 2 Upper Rear Spring Isolators
Image

You can see the two additional upper rear spring isolators above the new Rusty's spring. This gives an extra 0.5" lift and is the rear isolator lift. It is important to use some silicon spray between the isolators to prevent squeaking.

After about a week, I took it in for an alignment. I did not know of new specs for my jeep after the alignment so I just told them to get as close to stock as possible. I dont have any idea if this is good or bad, but here are the results the tech gave me...

Left Front
Camber Actual -0.6 Before -0.2 Range -0.8 0.0
Caster Actual 1.9 Before 1.9 Range 3.4 4.4
Toe Actual 0.09 Before 0.12 Range 0.04 0.16

Right Front
Camber Actual -0.4 Before -0.8 Range -0.8 0.0
Caster Actual 1.5 Before 1.5 Range 3.4 4.4
Toe Actual 0.04 Before 0.06 Range 0.04 0.16

Front
Cross Camber Actual -0.1 Before 0.5 Range -0.7 0.7
Cross Caster Actual 0.3 Before 0.3 Range -0.5 0.5
Total Toe Actual 0.13 Before 0.18 Range 0.08 0.33
Set Back Actual 0.64 Before 0.58

As I said, the on road performance has been great. I have NOT had any of the problems others have shared with the Rusty's rear shocks. I drive mostly highway to work and have driven on several long trips. I have enjoyed the ride and handling with the lift.

Traditional After Shot
Image

Off road I am also VERY pleased with the extra clearance and performance of this combination. I do not hear rocks hitting my armor anymore and I simply enjoy the how much more I can do with my jeep.

Image

Image

Again, I would 100% recommend this combination of lifts to others. I wanted the most lift I could get for under $500. I am very happy with the 3 3/8" lift in the front and 3" lift in the back. I know I could have just gotten spacers for cheaper but I dont think I would have been as happy in the end since I have lowered stock springs. I also plan on adding the Rusty's strut plate if I see too much settling up front. This will give me just under 0.5" of additional lift. I really don't need it right now but something to keep in mind for later.

Rusty's strut plate
Image

Do not hesitate if there are any points you would like me to clear up or expand upon. I know I left out part about the actual installation but I hope this post helps others who are considering lifting their kjs.

_________________
Image
Rusty's 2.5 Coil Lift
245/75/16 Goodyear DuraTrac
L.O.S.T Midwest #058429


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:04 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member

Joined: Mon Jul 11, 2005 1:03 pm
Posts: 8052
Location: Kentuckeeee
Awesome write-up Science_Guy!! I cannot wait to get my front rustys springs! I will probably just go with two conduit washers on the front since Im only putting one Isolator per side on the rear..

I would say your front springs are settled fairly good. Since youve had it offroad a couple time and flexed the heck outta it at livingston, it should be fine. Those rustys upper strut plates will give you upper balljont contact though.. :?

_________________
LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:09 pm 
Offline
LOST Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:12 pm
Posts: 397
Location: SE MI
Awesome job, Science Guy. Your input definitely helped me when installing my Rusty's coil lift.

I did two spacers in the front and initially added one more isolator per side in the rear. I got a significant drivetrain vibe after the lift, and BakerKJ helped pull the extra isolator out on each rear side. After settling a bit, the vibe seems much better.

Great write-up!

8)

_________________
2002 Jeep Liberty Renegade
Rusty's 2.5" Coil Lift w/ clevis lift
245/75/16 & Cragar Soft 8's


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 3:28 pm 
Offline
LOST Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 3:45 pm
Posts: 363
Location: Danvers MA.
so on the rear is that the stock isolater plus 1 0r 2 extra on each side.

_________________
If I wanted a HUMMER, I would of asked your sister!


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 9:49 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member

Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm
Posts: 1214
ratmloud wrote:
so on the rear is that the stock isolater plus 1 0r 2 extra on each side.


Stock isolator plus 2 extra. Total of 3 isolators on each side. Works just fine.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 2:39 am 
Offline
LOST Junkie
User avatar

Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 10:34 pm
Posts: 501
Did you reinstall your struts with the suspension loaded or unloaded?

I am having the most horrible time with my Rusty's coil lift....detailed instructions would have been nice. I have squeeks, clunks, and other annoying noises all the time.

_________________
2003 Jeep Liberty Freedom Edition
3.7L 5-spd 4x4, Rusty's 2.5 in. coil lift
General Grabbers AT2's 245/75-16E on MOABS
EVIC installed, iPod wired, Hella 500's and Grilles
Mopar Bike Rack, Mopar Roof Rack, Black Widow Roof Basket w/ air deflector
Draw-Tite Hitch, Front Tint, Debadged on sides and front


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Rusty's Lift plus Cleavis
PostPosted: Wed May 23, 2007 1:09 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2006 1:09 am
Posts: 104
Location: Reno, NV
I'm not very mechanically inclined so here's the question. Can I install the Rusty"s Coil lift with just the parts they send or do I need to get the Conduit Lock nuts and rear spring isolators? :?


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Rusty's Lift plus Cleavis
PostPosted: Wed May 23, 2007 1:28 pm 
Offline
LOST Junkie
User avatar

Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 5:28 pm
Posts: 561
Location: Stillwater, OK
Richrail wrote:
I'm not very mechanically inclined so here's the question. Can I install the Rusty"s Coil lift with just the parts they send or do I need to get the Conduit Lock nuts and rear spring isolators? :?


Short answer: No

Alot of people do the clevis to level out the front or corrections after the lift settles. (same with the iso pads) If you install both Iso pads and the clevis lift your basically getting another 1/2" out of the lift. It's all personal preference.

_________________
-Gavin
2006 4x4 Sport ~ Dark Khaki
2.5" Rockfather II
Tow Hooks ~ HH Rear Hitch
Hella 500's

gwip Design


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 10:33 am 
Offline
LOST Member

Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:58 am
Posts: 461
Location: Connecticut
Can a clevis be used with a spacer lift?


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:10 pm 
Offline
LOST Newbie

Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2007 10:05 am
Posts: 14
Location: Hamden, CT
What are the torque values on all of the bolts? My lift arrives tomorrow and ill be putting on this weekend unless i can get a day off. :D

Thanks

joe


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:30 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member

Joined: Sat Apr 01, 2006 9:38 pm
Posts: 12988
Location: Colorado Springs
jros3484 wrote:
What are the torque values on all of the bolts? My lift arrives tomorrow and ill be putting on this weekend unless i can get a day off. :D

Thanks

joe
Look about 38 topics below this one,"common torque sttings for front suspension".


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 8:12 pm 
Offline
LOST Addict
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 2:11 pm
Posts: 1885
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Where did you find the conduit locknuts? The only "hardware store" we have is Ace Warehouse, and it's not listed on their website. Will Lowe's or Home Depot have them? What department...electrical or hardware? Grainger.com has the 2" nuts listed at $2.17/ea...are they really that expensive?

_________________
2002 Jeep KJ Sport 3.7L 4x4

245/75-16 Mastercraft Courser HSX, 16x7 Cragar, 2" OME MD Lift, ARB Bumper
AEM Brute Force Cold Air Intake, Flowmaster Super 44 Muffler

Currently working on: Full service on transmission & bed-lining ARB bumper

viewtopic.php?f=43&t=84650


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 10:58 am 
Offline
LOST Member
User avatar

Joined: Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:13 pm
Posts: 243
Location: Yuma, AZ
jeepkj02 wrote:
Where did you find the conduit locknuts? The only "hardware store" we have is Ace Warehouse, and it's not listed on their website. Will Lowe's or Home Depot have them? What department...electrical or hardware? Grainger.com has the 2" nuts listed at $2.17/ea...are they really that expensive?


My local Ace store has them for 79 cents a piece. Lowes or HD should have them in the "Electrical" section.

_________________
2007 KJ Limited 4x4

29G, Tow pkg, full skids, bun warmers, moon roof
Amsoil Air Filter, CB, custom cargo box
OME / Rancho Lift / Rockcrusher rear Diff Cover / Super Skink Sliders (not installed yet)
245/75R16 GY MT/R's with Crager 16 x 8 x 5" BS wheels
L.O.S.T. # 005465


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Fri Nov 16, 2007 8:22 pm 
Offline
LOST Junkie
User avatar

Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 9:33 am
Posts: 525
Location: Long Island NY
I'm sorry I'm new to lifts. So were did you put the conduit lock nuts? And what is an isolator.

_________________
Benny Migs
03 Black Sport
Front OME HD Coils Struts 1/2inch clevis lift, Rear OME 132L OME HD Coils 2 ISO upper pads
30x9.5x15 General Grabbers AT2 on Craiger Soft 8's 15x7 4" BS
safari rack, super nerfs, Rear Hitch, Front ARB Bumper , JBA A-Arms




http://www.BennyMigsPhoto.com


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 3:02 am 
Offline
LOST Newbie
User avatar

Joined: Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:05 pm
Posts: 49
Location: Omaha, NE
How do the rear isolators attach?

_________________
2002 Liberty Limited
Prelowered, Full Mopar Skids, 245/70-16 General Grabber AT2, Front and Rear Tow Hooks


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 12:07 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member

Joined: Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm
Posts: 1214
RaddKJ wrote:
How do the rear isolators attach?


They slide right over the existing isolators. There is plenty of room in there.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:12 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:48 pm
Posts: 371
Location: Cherokee County, Georgia
where can u get them??
Who sells them??
(The Rear Upper Isolator Pad)

_________________
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3009803
2004 Limited (Rescue Jeep) :JEEPIN:
2 1/2 daystar lift 235/70/16
{Electric Stuttertone Emergency Horn}
strobe leds front and rear
2 way VHF radio (kenwood)
westin brush guard+ Hella 500's w/ 100w 3000k bulbs
back seat removed and shelf added
rolled and totaled dec 4 2010..(drunk driver)


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:25 pm 
Offline
Moderator
Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:54 pm
Posts: 2787
Location: Jacksonville, FL
ga_repoman wrote:
where can u get them??
Who sells them??
(The Rear Upper Isolator Pad)


Wyckoff Chrysler does. There online OEM catalog is here.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=213794

Think they run about 12 buck each.

_________________
- Mike
'12 JK

Jeep Tech Files


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue May 27, 2008 10:40 pm 
Offline
Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
User avatar

Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 6:28 pm
Posts: 3880
Location: Wichita/ Pittsburg, Kansas
ga_repoman wrote:
where can u get them??
Who sells them??
(The Rear Upper Isolator Pad)


try here they are only $9

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ ... atalogid=1

_________________
1980 Jeep CJ7 Buggy
SOA, D44/ FF14B, SBC 350, SM465, NP205, 108" WB, 37" MTs

http://www.dpgoffroad.com/
http://www.ucora.org/
http://www.christianoffroad.com/
http://jeepinbyal.com/


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue May 27, 2008 10:41 pm 
Offline
Moderator
Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2007 11:54 pm
Posts: 2787
Location: Jacksonville, FL
jsc7002 wrote:
ga_repoman wrote:
where can u get them??
Who sells them??
(The Rear Upper Isolator Pad)


try here they are only $9

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/ ... atalogid=1


Same place i posted, I was going off memory on the price.

_________________
- Mike
'12 JK

Jeep Tech Files


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 33 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group. Color scheme by ColorizeIt!
Logo by pixeldecals.com