Lift kit recommendations

BC_CRDtom · **Posted:** Sun Aug 09, 2020 3:05 pm

Well, I tried cutting the corners and going with a 2” spacer lift with my 2005 CRD which ended up causing my driver side strut to make contact with my inner CV boot. I don’t think this is gonna work..

Removing the kit today and returning to factory, but would still like to proceed with a lift.

Any recommendations how to best proceed with a 2-3” lift without having messing up my driveline?

PZKW108 · **Joined:** Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:23 pm **Posts:** 461

Is it for the look or for off-road use ?

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Sun Aug 09, 2020 5:09 pm

IronMan or OME kit which includes springs and struts/shocks
or
buy springs by themselves and order Bilstein Shocks
then
add 1/2" clevis spacers between strut and clevis, with any of the above.

https://ironman4x4america.com/

https://shop.sasquatchparts.com/vehicle ... uspension/

BC_CRDtom · **Posted:** Sun Aug 09, 2020 6:27 pm

This is for use, I already push her to her limits, the undercarriage doesn’t like me.

Thanks for the purchasing suggestions. I’d like to try and buy Canadian so avoid virus duty fees and long ship time if possible.

Does that clevis spacer you mentioned allow for more clearance off the CV axles?

flash7210 · **Posted:** Sun Aug 09, 2020 6:40 pm

Jack the front wheels off the ground and and check the front upper control arms and ball joints for any looseness.
If you are doing any lift you should definitely consider replacing the upper arms.
If you are going more than 2 inches of lift you should consider getting the Jeepin By Al custom upper arms.
When I finally went with the full 2.5” lift, six months later my upper ball joints were worn out.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Sun Aug 09, 2020 6:58 pm

BC_CRDtom wrote:

This is for use, I already push her to her limits, the undercarriage doesn’t like me.
Thanks for the purchasing suggestions. I’d like to try and buy Canadian so avoid virus duty fees and long ship time if possible.
Does that clevis spacer you mentioned allow for more clearance off the CV axles?

Clevis spacers or strut spacers that go on top of the strut simply give you more lift of the body off the suspension which in turn gives you more room for larger tires.
This is provided you have stronger springs like the IronMan or OME springs.
Where is your CV axle hitting the clevis?

Clevis rings go between the strut and clevis or strut fork and gives extra lift on the front end. These rings can be used to lift and level the front end of the Jeep with the back end.
.250" Clevis Spacer = about 1/2" of lift.
.375" Clevis Spacer = about 3/4" of lift.
.500" Clevis Spacer = about 1.0" of lift.
https://jbaoffroad.com/clevis-spacer-fo ... truts.html

Some simply stack some 2" metal conduit nuts together to make clevis spacers.

I made mine out of 1/2" steel square stock, heated it, bent it in a circle, and welded the ends together.

BC_CRDtom · **Posted:** Sun Aug 09, 2020 10:06 pm

Gotcha, right now my clevis clamps onto the bottom of my strut, and uses friction to keep the space from contacting the base plate of the strut.

The lowest part of the strut (where the clevis yoke secures to) is only an inch or so away from the driver side inner CV axle boot. Pretty sure when the suspension articulates it is contacting the boot. I know for certain it’s ruptured from all the grease and now noises coming from it.

Right now she’s up in the air, I’m removing the spacers, going back to stock, and replacing the driver CV axle.

Still wanna go ahead with a proper lift and winch bumper.

Appreciate all the info.

Mountainman · **Posted:** Tue Aug 11, 2020 6:23 pm

WWDiesel wrote:

BC_CRDtom wrote:

This is for use, I already push her to her limits, the undercarriage doesn’t like me.
Thanks for the purchasing suggestions. I’d like to try and buy Canadian so avoid virus duty fees and long ship time if possible.
Does that clevis spacer you mentioned allow for more clearance off the CV axles?

Clevis spacers or strut spacers that go on top of the strut simply give you more lift of the body off the suspension which in turn gives you more room for larger tires.
This is provided you have stronger springs like the IronMan or OME springs.
Where is your CV axle hitting the clevis?

Clevis rings go between the strut and clevis or strut fork and gives extra lift on the front end. These rings can be used to lift and level the front end of the Jeep with the back end.
.250" Clevis Spacer = about 1/2" of lift.
.375" Clevis Spacer = about 3/4" of lift.
.500" Clevis Spacer = about 1.0" of lift.
https://jbaoffroad.com/clevis-spacer-fo ... truts.html

Some simply stack some 2" metal conduit nuts together to make clevis spacers.

I made mine out of 1/2" steel square stock, heated it, bent it in a circle, and welded the ends together.

Why does the clevis lift give 2x, and how does the top-plate compare? I've never read that either are better than the other, but always figured that one would be a little better...?

layback40 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 11, 2020 7:07 pm

Mountainman wrote:

Why does the clevis lift give 2x, and how does the top-plate compare? I've never read that either are better than the other, but always figured that one would be a little better...?

Geometry is the reason Mountainman.
The clevis is mounted to the LCA about 1/2 way back towards the pivot point so any change is doubled at the wheel. I think the KK has longer clevis, dont know if you could use them.
Top plate/clevis is a matter for personal preference unless some one knows otherwise.

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Tue Aug 11, 2020 10:10 pm

Just like layback40 stated, it is due to the geometry of the relationship between the pivot point of the clevis versus the lower control arm. Due to its location, any additional increase in the length of the strut/shock/clevis will double in height at the front axle spindle.

I have no experience on top plate spacers for this particular vehicle as I have never installed any.
But I have used top plate coil spring spacers similar to them on Dodge 4x4's trucks that came in lift kits and they work very well on them.

iakj11 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 12, 2020 5:36 pm

layback40 wrote:

Mountainman wrote:

Why does the clevis lift give 2x, and how does the top-plate compare? I've never read that either are better than the other, but always figured that one would be a little better...?

Geometry is the reason Mountainman.
The clevis is mounted to the LCA about 1/2 way back towards the pivot point so any change is doubled at the wheel. I think the KK has longer clevis, dont know if you could use them.
Top plate/clevis is a matter for personal preference unless some one knows otherwise.

There is some strategy to it. Do the top plate first if you can because it is a little harder to do later if you get everything on the ground and realize you want to add a little more lift in the front. A clevis lift can be done relatively easily and without spacers if you want. The early cast iron style KK forks are about 3/8 longer and do fit a KJ with some minor grinding on the lca bushing.

Lift kit recommendations

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