Just this past weekend, i installed a frankenlift Premium II on my gf's Renegade. I then took it to get front end alignment. I was working with the technician and learning how to align a vehicle with IFS. What i noticed were two things that I wonder if anyone else running the same setup has seen...

Specs: 2005 Liberty, 15x8 cragars, 31x10.5 DC Mud Country, Frankenlift Premium II

Issue 1:
-The frankenlift gained so much extra lift that alignment was unable to go back to 0.0 specs of the factory. Current settings are -0.8 / -0.9 with 0.0 toe.

Issue 2:
-Due to the strain the frankenlift is putting on the IFS geometry, the lower ball joints (both left and right) had some grease pressed out. This is my biggest concern. Lack of grease is the leading cause of ball joint failure. I'm concerned that if this Liberty is taken off road and that ball joint is stressed and more grease leaks out, that is asking for a problem.

Has anyone run into these two issues? I'm trying to avoid buying newer upper and lower A-arms, but it seems to me that if this issue was a "normal" one, then i would've heard about it already from reading this forum / talking to the All-J techs.

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"You can go fast...I can go anywhere."

Yes ball joint failure is a problem with some jeep libs thats why Al made these.

http://jeepinbyal.com/prod-Als_Upper_A_arms_for_02__07__lifted_Jeep_Liberty_s-2.aspx

That's great for upper ball joints, but Shortbus was talking about the lowers. Get Moog K3199 ball joints.

http://jeepinbyal.com/prod-Moog_Ball_Joint-323.aspx

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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

Thanks for the references, but i wasn't referring to what ball joints or A-Arms to buy. I was referring to the change in geometry of the IFS and how it affects the lower ball joints. Purchasing new uppers will fix the upper issues since the new uppers are set on a greater angle then the ones from the factory. Purchasing new lower ball joints is only a band-aid fix from what i can tell. In the end, the lowers will still be seating in the lower a-arms the same way.

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"You can go fast...I can go anywhere."

75000 almost on my lift and no problems, replaced the stock lowers with Moog way back when and they are still good, KJ has 111,000 miles on it now and still going like a little pink rabbit!
Plus on the Frankenlift it takes a while for it to settle, if you just installed it and didn't flex it out good then that is part of the problem right there.
Also anytime you change the angles by lifting any vehicle you are going to have additional wear and tear, just goes go with lifting

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MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

I have been running a Frankie for almost 3 years with no failed LBJs. Keep in mind that over the first couple months the Frankenlift will settle SIGNIFICANTLY up front. Once it settles in it is one of the best out there...just be patient with it.

Thanks for replies. Makes me feel a little better.

_________________
"You can go fast...I can go anywhere."

sounds like when I do my lift I will drive it a while to let it settle then replace the LBJ's with Moogs so they don't get damaged pre-settle. Still up in the air over AL's A-arms.

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Jason
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