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2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=26190		 Page 2 of 4
Author:  KJ Taz [ Mon Nov 03, 2008 7:40 pm ]
Post subject: 
I am actually still running the stock rear shocks with out problems.



Let me add to this, I don't disconnect my rear sway bar and really my Libby has only seen a couple of tough trails over the year the lift has been on, even those were more due to grade than any kind of flexing.
Author:  KJ Taz [ Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:40 am ]
Post subject: 
Well the lift has been on now for a little over one year now. I have put a little over 18,000 miles on it. A few of those work trips but those were probably the toughest on it. The tires are just about gone even with a lot of rotations during the time the lift has been on. I was told the alignment wasn't going to be perfect, it was aligned when the lift was put on, and then again here recently. So tire wear is definately an issue although the tires had around 6,000 miles on them to start with I would have hoped to get over 30,000 miles out of them. So far no problems with ball joints etc that you so frequently hear about. I did blow the steering rack about a month ago but the rest of the front end was in good shape when I had it replaced. I will say that with the aftermarket steering rack it drives so much better and feels much better than it ever did brand new. Anyway, like I have stated on here, I probably didn't go with the best lift, but man I am still very happy with it. I really don't do any serious offroading with it though and do not plan to in the future, thats what the other Jeep is for. Shocks struts etc are still in great working order. At this point if I had it all to do again I wouldn't change a thing. Really if you are just looking to get your rig up to a good working height and don't plan to use it as a trail rig I would recomend this lift highly for you. It has done exactly what I wanted and worked great.
Author:  Jeepjeepster [ Fri Nov 28, 2008 7:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
Glad to hear its working out good.

And yea, using the stock rear shocks is fine. Just wont have as much flex.
Author:  AZjeepdog [ Thu Jan 01, 2009 11:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Great install tips
:D I just finished this install and your write up was Great. I could not have done it without your help. One question, I did not understand the part about the "first I marked the cam bolts, etc." ? I did not remove them. I also removed the brake calibers to get them out of the way and to allow more play to get the upper ball joints back on. Thanks again.
Ken
Author:  KJ Taz [ Mon Feb 16, 2009 2:59 am ]
Post subject: 
I lossened the bolts so give more movenment on the a-rms, and I took the calipers off as well, I just sat them on a bucket and didn't disconnect the brake lines.
Author:  loganbrumm [ Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
I have had mine on for about 9 months now, and have had no problems with it. It took about a month to settle in, and ive put about 13,000 miles on it. I do a lot of offroading, but nothing too intense - but have yet to come across a trail I couldn't get through easily.

(Money depending, of course) I think I am going to put on a different lift. But only because I want a few more inches and bigger tires. But until then, my DayStar is great.
Author:  KJ Taz [ Sat Apr 25, 2009 11:26 am ]
Post subject: 
I wonder if your KJ was the one I saw a few months back when I was going through Flag in my Jag? Do you have any pictures?
Author:  jhblackwell [ Mon Aug 03, 2009 11:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
[quote="KJ Taz"]


"Make sure to torque all bolts to factory specs. This information can be found on the Franken Lift site:
http://boulderbars.com/images/kj_produc ... rticle.pdf"

Your write up was excellent and very helpful on my install. HOWEVER, THE TORQUE SPECS LISTED ARE NOT FOR A 2006 LIBERTY KJ. I snapped the sway bar link lower bolt because I followed those specs. It was my fault, especially since I have a full set of Chrysler-Daimler 2006 Liberty service manuals. I've attached the specs for a '06 KJ front suspension.

SUSPENSION TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS FOR 2006 JEEP LIBERTY KJ.
(The following information is out of the official Daimler-Chrysler Corp. Jeep service manual, volume 1)
FRONT
WARNING: Suspension components with rubber bushings must be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height. It is important to have the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle when the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort will be affected and cause premature bushing wear.
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE
-------------DESCRIPTION----------------------------------Ft. Lbs.
Front shock absorber clevis bracket upper nut--------45
Front shock absorber clevis bracket lower nut--------110
Front shock absorber top (4) mounting nuts-----------80
Front shock to spring and isolator nut-------------------30
Upper suspension arm front nut--------------------------90
Upper suspension arm rear nut---------------------------90
Lower suspension arm front nut-------------------------125
Lower suspension arm rear nut--------------------------125
Stabilizer bar clamp nut------------------------------------110
Stabilizer bar link upper nut-------------------------------100
Stabilizer bar link lower nut---------------------------------85
Hub/bearing bolt----------------------------------------------96
Hub/bearing halfshaft nut----------------------------------100
Upper ball joint nut-------------------------------------------60
Lower ball joint nut-------------------------------------------60
wheel speed sensor------------------------------------------10
Author:  KJ Taz [ Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great information! I guess I used the wrong torque specs but have not had a problem. It's about time to recheck everything again anyway.
Author:  jhblackwell [ Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:38 pm ]
Post subject: 
KJ Taz wrote:
Great information! I guess I used the wrong torque specs but have not had a problem. It's about time to recheck everything again anyway.

I have been told since my last post that overtorqueing grade 10+ bolts by +/-15 Ft.Lbs. shouldn't sheer them off. Apparently I had a defective one. I'm glad I found that out in the garage and not on the road. :shock: Obviously you haven't had any problems and I suppose won't. If I remember correctly the rear shock bolts were 85 top and 95 bottom. I must say having the shop manuals really helps with mods., I just need to remember to use them. :roll: :lol:
Author:  jmichaelsjeep [ Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
How much did this Budget boost cost you? If you don't mind me asking. I'm in a similar situation, I need new shock/ maybe springs though so if I have to replace them, I may just end up going franken lift, but this is tempting since your write up is so clear. I don't think I'll be doing any heavy wheeling either, another reason I'm thinkin of the budget boost as opposed to franken lift.

Just curious! Again, great write up and I appreciate the follow-up on how things are working for you.
Author:  jhblackwell [ Thu Jan 14, 2010 9:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
jmichaelsjeep wrote:
How much did this Budget boost cost you?


I really don't remember (sorry, I'm old :wink: ), but I'm sure it was under $200. I'll check when I get home and let you know.
I'm completely happy with the lift for the price, since I do more commuting than wheeling. My next suspension mod will probably be heavier springs to handle an A.R.B. bumper and winch, but that's some time in the future.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do.
John
Author:  long_tall_texan [ Fri Jan 15, 2010 12:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
About $160-ish. I got one from the local 4 Wheel Parts store for about the same price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-5-02-0 ... ccessories
Author:  alias [ Mon Feb 08, 2010 12:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
Ok, so if i were to buy this lift today, I WOULD need new rear shocks? Also, i read at Rocky-Road.com, "Any kit that uses an internal strut spacer creates lift by crushing the front springs so that there is no uptravel (compression) left. The strut can't change length on the Liberty, it is always the same. So the spring is going to be squished more inside of that strut assembly when a spacer goes inside...With an internal strut spacer, the suspension is already compressed. The lower the Jeep onto the tire and they won't go up, they will stay in place rigid. This is because the springs are already crushed nearly to their maximum compression. What does this mean for you? It means very stiff handling, a bouncy stiff ride quality, an unstable feeling at " Does this lift have the external strut spacers? or will this not play a factor.

And has anyone had to replace the ball joints? If so how much did you fork up.
I'm just trying get some helpful insight before i make a purchase.
Author:  long_tall_texan [ Mon Feb 08, 2010 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
OK. For the shock question, look at my post over here. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=46838&p=515421

As for Rocky Road's comment, they are incorrect. The Daystar kit does add a 2-1/2" spacer in the spring/shock assembly, but to keep from over compressing the spring as Rocky Road describes, Daystar also gives you a new top plate that, in-effect, lengthens your shock's max length. Therefore, you add a 2.5" spacer, and then lengthen the shock by 2.5". That gives you the same up travel as before, without over comprssing the spring.

If you are going to get a Daystar kit, I suggest searching online for the KJ09115BK kit. That is the older part number kit. It includes extended front bumpstops and replacement eurethane front swaybar bushings too if you want to replace them.

Just my :2cents:
Author:  jhblackwell [ Mon Feb 08, 2010 4:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
long_tall_texan wrote:
OK. For the shock question, look at my post over here. viewtopic.php?f=3&t=46838&p=515421



If you are going to get a Daystar kit, I suggest searching online for the KJ09115BK kit. That is the older part number kit. It includes extended front bumpstops and replacement eurethane front swaybar bushings too if you want to replace them.

Just my :2cents:


X2
maybe these pictures will help.

rear coil before spacer installed.
Image

rear coil with spacer installed
Image

this is the whole kit. big spacer on left for rear, smaller spacer on right for front. the shocks are longer Durango shocks for the rear.
Image

Hope these helped. Good luck.
John
Author:  6spdKJ [ Sun Apr 11, 2010 12:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
Just finished the install on my libby. Thanks for this write up. Followed it step by step: with a few new tricks. Very helpful. Anyone planning on doing a daystar Lift should throw out your directions and just follow this POST.
Author:  KJ Taz [ Sat Apr 17, 2010 10:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
This thread has taken on a life of it's own. Thanks to all who have added to it.


My Liberty is currently running around the North Metro Denver area with Sin City Lost stickers on it. My step daughter drives the crap out of it and with well over 70,000 miles and the lift is still working great. I am still hoping to bring it back to Vegas one day. But I can't get that kid to buy her own vehicle cause she loves the Liberty so much.
Author:  Powerman04 [ Mon Apr 19, 2010 12:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
Nice write-up. You should send Daystar a copy for their records. :seuss:

Anyway, i was curious about lifts, and am keeping my options open which includes the Daystar. What I'm curious about is, do you have to use the stock suspension in order to use this, or can you upgrade to the aftermarket and still use this? I'm not trying to get gratuitous amounts of lift, it's just that I know my stock suspension is showing its signs of wear and I wanted to replace it anyway.

So it basically comes to: Are you limited to stock suspension replacements when considering a Daystar kit, or can you also moderately upgrade with aftermarket and still use it?
Author:  jhblackwell [ Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: 2-1/2" Daystar install write up (1 year review)
That's an excellent question and I'm sure it has been answered a hundred times somewhere on this site but good luck finding it. I hijacked this thread and there's some good info here viewtopic.php?f=3&t=51930. I, too, have questions about my Daystar lift, and these gracious folks are willing to put up with newbies and thier stupid questions. Have fun...and ask away.
John
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