2.5" JeepinbyAl lift in a KA

Scar0 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:21 am

Hey there folks.
I just got done installing the JBA 2.5" lift in my ride!
Here are a couple of Pics.
The install was pretty straight forward. The hardest part was the new A-arms. The bolts were a PIA to get to. Anyhow, I love the way it rides. The new springs are a little stiffer than stock, but that is OK by me. It needs to settle and then I have to have the front end aligned. New tires are a must, when I get some $.
The kit;

Front;

Back;

Before;

After;

alfmoonspace · **Posted:** Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:04 am

looking good! How long do you think you are going to hold off on tires?

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:08 am

hehe ya don't really notice how small the tires are till you get the fenders off the top of them and then ya feel like ya got 4 spares :lol:

looks good scar looks good

zarinKK · **Posted:** Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:34 am

I saw a white lifted Nitro on I-5 the other day with 30's or 31's on. Didn't look too bad.

In fact I felt a twinge of jealousy, but only for a moment.

Welcome!

KKommando · **Posted:** Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:45 am

Looks good you should get the kks 16" wheels on there that would be sweet

Scar0 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 02, 2009 11:56 pm

Thanks all. I really like it, so far. We will see how much it settles.
I did measure before the install, so I have a good base line. I really need to find another Nitro to park next to, for a good comparison Pic. There are none on the dealer lot here in town and it is pretty rare to see one parked around town.
BTW I have the 3.7L & 6 speed manual trany.
I need $$$$ for tires. Anyone want to set up a fund for me? :lol:

Scar0 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 2:00 am

Got a couple more Pics to share.
Did a little articulation test. I ran up until the right rear tire started to spin.
The view from inside.

Left side. Couldn't do the other side because of that darn telephone pole.

Right side.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 2:16 am

nice flex

E2 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:15 am

nice look. I heard that the nitro other than the style it has no low end for offroading? is this true? doesn'nt it have the 4.0 in it? Chrysler jeep has so many similar body styles but I guess it does not stop there. I heard from the dealership they are going to stop that and pick one from each similar car/truck and make only me. so I guess soon only either the liberty or the nitro. any guess??

hrogi · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:24 am

What shock are those the Hydro or Nitros?
I see they are Skyjackers..

How stiff is it? Ok that is not possible to answer, but please try.
Maybe i should ask what do the ladies in your life think about the new ride?

Scar0 · **Posted:** Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:45 pm

E2 wrote:

nice look. I heard that the nitro other than the style it has no low end for offroading? is this true? doesn'nt it have the 4.0 in it? Chrysler jeep has so many similar body styles but I guess it does not stop there. I heard from the dealership they are going to stop that and pick one from each similar car/truck and make only me. so I guess soon only either the liberty or the nitro. any guess??

That is correct, there is no 2 speed X-fer case option for the Nitro. (Yet)

4.0 is only offered in the 5 speed automatic. 3.7 for the 4 speed auto and the 6 speed manual trany. (like mine)

I'm going to stir things up with this. But it is what I have heard.
There has been lots of guessing as to what Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge is going to do. I have no clue.... I did hear a rumor that Chrysler has or is considering selling the Jeep brand to another company. (Chevy/Hummer)
So then what happens?
I also hear that Dodge is going to stop the Durango line.
In Europe the new Libby is called a Cherokee. So will the Liberty name survive or the Jeep brand? Only time will tell for all these questions.

hrogi wrote:

What shock are those the Hydro or Nitros?
I see they are Skyjackers..

How stiff is it? Ok that is not possible to answer, but please try.
Maybe i should ask what do the ladies in your life think about the new ride?

Hydro 7000.
Yes, the lift is stiffer than stock. Kinda like springs on Viagra. lol
Not really much stiffer. Still a nice ride, but much better than the stock Nitro suspension.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 15, 2009 3:45 pm

My Nitro is now in the spotlight at Jeepin by Al!
Check it out!

zoso7374 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 15, 2009 5:20 pm

Scar0 wrote:

My Nitro is now in the spotlight at Jeepin by Al!
Check it out!

Thats great man! You must be so proud! The Nitro looks great.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:21 pm

Guess I need to fill out my info :lol:

Scar0 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:48 pm

zoso7374 wrote:

Thats great man! You must be so proud! The Nitro looks great.

Thanks, I think it is pretty cool. They also added a Nitro KA link.

Come on Digger, get with it already!

BrendonR · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:36 am

Scar0 - that lift looks GREAT.

I've looked over your "how to" pdfs... and overall it DOES look pretty straight forward.

Given a scale of 1-10, what kind of skill level should somebody have before attempting this in their own garage?

I'm not a mechanic, however before buying our Liberty, I did do all of my own maintenance. Including brakes - oil/fluids - alternators - starters - water pumps - rear suspension changout - etc. I'm not terrified by the idea of trying this, but I'd need to find someplace I can get ahold of a spring compressor... and a better jack.

Advice?

Thanks.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:56 pm

BrendonR wrote:

Scar0 - that lift looks GREAT.

I've looked over your "how to" pdfs... and overall it DOES look pretty straight forward.

Given a scale of 1-10, what kind of skill level should somebody have before attempting this in their own garage?

I'm not a mechanic, however before buying our Liberty, I did do all of my own maintenance. Including brakes - oil/fluids - alternators - starters - water pumps - rear suspension changout - etc. I'm not terrified by the idea of trying this, but I'd need to find someplace I can get ahold of a spring compressor... and a better jack.

Advice?

Thanks.

I'd rate it a 6 to 7. This was my first lift install. I got a spring compressor from the local parts store, you can rent them as well. The spring compressors I got were the Napa cheap ones. On hind sight, I should have gotten the more expensive one, or rented. They lasted just long enough to get the job done and are now wasted. (threads stripped)
Good jack stands, a floor jack, and a good torque wrench, are a must for this. Also plenty of extensions for your ratchet.

All my skills are self learned. By necessity mostly, as a kid the $ was pretty tight. If you had never turned a wrench, I would say have it done.
With your experience, you should be fine. Just remember the springs are a loaded weapon, and should be treated as such.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Thu Apr 16, 2009 6:11 pm

yeah +1 on the loaded weapon

friend of mine years ago had a spring fly off in his face and was lucky to end up with only a broken nose, no matter how good the compressors are keep them pointed in the right direction

Scar0 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 21, 2009 12:40 am

Now that it has had time to settle, I have remeasured it. I am sitting around 1 3/4" lift in the Nitro (KA)

I measured at 6 points;
Both sides front pinch weld, just behind the front mud guard.
Both sides rear pinch weld, just in front of the rear mud guard.
Center of the front lower bumper.
Trailer hitch.

Had a little issue with the A-arms hitting in the top of the front pocket. Marlin is working on this.
Left

Right. This is the side I flexed. A little more pronounced.

There is only about 2" of clearance on the front strut/shock until it is at full compression, from riding height. So I don't think the knuckle will go up much higher. I will do another flex test and see how close the strut is to full compression when the a-arms hit.

2.5" JeepinbyAl lift in a KA

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