Need some help/opinions from the Mechanically inclined

zoso7374 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2011 11:13 am

Hey everyone! Its been awhile since I posted, hope all is well. Digger . . . how are you?

So I have about 85K on my '08 Liberty, and I have some issues I want to ask about.

First off, I think I need shocks. The ride has become very rough, and I am guessing this is the problem. Does 85K seem okay mileage wise? I do pretty much ZERO off-roading, and stick mostly to country back roads and highway miles. The only change from stock is that I am riding on Grabber's (225/75/16 General Grabber AT2's), which I love, and I have rotated as required. I am curious what shocks cost, and if there are any recommendations for a upgrade on these (without breaking the bank). Curious what the upgrade options are, and what the stock options are in terms of cost.

My second issue, may or may not be related to the first issue. But I have a knock in my front right side. It's a clunky kind of sound, that seems to come and go based on bumpy roads. I don't hear it on super smooth roads, and the bumpier things get (I live in the woods, so alot of bumpy roads mostly from flooding and winter damage), the more clunking I get. Any thoughts on this?

And last but not least, I have never had my brakes done. My KK is a manual trans, so obviously my breaks will last longer. But I was wondering what this typically costs.

So, in conclusion:

1.) Shocks(Struts?) - 85K miles, is this normal, and what am I looking at for cost (upgrades?).
2.) Clunking?
3.) Brakes . . . how much $$?

Thanks guys. Hope everyone is well. I don't post as much as I used to, but I still love stopping by. Cheers.

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2011 3:49 pm

85,000 you're past due to replace the shocks and springs as well. Time to upgrade ! Your noise is more than likely a front shock that is blown. If you just replace shocks without the springs then you'll be back doing it again in 30-40000 miles or less

Brakes depends on if you're just throwing on a set of pads or doing it right with new hardware etc, check NAPA for all the parts and prices

zoso7374 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2011 4:03 pm

Tomm . . . what do you think on cost of an upgrade of shocks and springs? I figured thats what my noise is, that was my guess anyway. Thanks for the help.

At The Helm · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:17 pm

Jba sells the old man emu spring/shock kit for $750 (4 shock, 4 springs). You could save a little by getting just the springs from jba (320 + shipping), and bilstein shocks from shockwarehouse ($340 free shipping). Installation if you don't do it yourself $?. Plus 50 for alignment.

zoso7374 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2011 5:37 pm

AttheHelm . . . I assume its this one?

http://jeepinbyal.com/prod-OME_1_50__lift_kit-776.aspx

Think I would need the A-Arms? Anything else need to be done to compensate for the slight lift? Brake lines?

cgass · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2011 6:19 pm

zoso7374 wrote:

AttheHelm . . . I assume its this one?

http://jeepinbyal.com/prod-OME_1_50__lift_kit-776.aspx

Think I would need the A-Arms? Anything else need to be done to compensate for the slight lift? Brake lines?

That's the one. You might need brake lines depending on what spring you go with. Call and talk to Marlin about it. The 1.5" advertised is actually a low estimate. What I've been told by Marlin and ARB is that the HD springs will yield about 3" if you don't have bumpers or a winch. The standard springs are about 2". You need to change the rear brake lines once you get to 2.5". The front lines are ok.

At The Helm · **Posted:** Mon Oct 17, 2011 6:32 pm

zoso7374 wrote:

AttheHelm . . . I assume its this one?

http://jeepinbyal.com/prod-OME_1_50__lift_kit-776.aspx

Think I would need the A-Arms? Anything else need to be done to compensate for the slight lift? Brake lines?

You should be ok without the a arms as long as your ball joints are in good shape and you dont add anything else like a top plate or clevis lift. Rear brake lines should be good too but you'll need rear bumpstops as well as longer front bumpstops like the terraflex ones they sell. Two hockey pucks per side bolted to the lower spring perch work for the rear.
I'd go with the 927/731 springs as long as you don't add a steel bumper or winch, in which case use the 790s

Need some help/opinions from the Mechanically inclined

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