Problems installing Frankenlift

Wasatch15 · **Joined:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:52 am **Posts:** 242

2002 Liberty Sport built in May (05-02)
Installation of the rear shocks and springs were easy and went in great.
The front is becomng a nightmare!! Is it possible that my Liberty has a longer bottom clevis then the one this lift was designed for? I have tried everything I can think of.
A fraction of an inch before the bottom bolt of the clevis lines up with the hole in the lower A arm, the strut spring touches the inner fender well. It seems the clevis is just too long.
Has anyone else had these problems? I would really like to get this job complete.

Calvin56 · **Joined:** Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:59 am **Posts:** 345

It is a very tough fit because the assembly is longer than the original. I used some big prybars to coax it into place. Other people have mentioned that you neeed to notice the positions of the gear when you take it out, and the new one will slide right in. I took the brakelines off just to make sure I didn't pull them.

Wasatch15 · **Joined:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:52 am **Posts:** 242

The only parts I haven't removed in the drivers side front fender well are the upper control arm and lower control arm. All other components are either removed, or out of the way. I have even, carefully, pushed the lower control arm down using a porta-power. The lower you push the lower control arm, the further inboard the bolt hole gets that connects to the clevis. This is why the strut spring touches the inner fender well before the bolt holes line up between the clevis and lower control arm. The Clevis also contacts the inner CV joint boot/assembly at this point. (WHEW long winded) :cry:

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

I dropped the entire lower control arm. If you can't get it in any other way then that will work. Just make sure you mark your alignment with some whiteout. Then you can use a floor jack to get everything back in to place. Once I figured that out the install was a snap.

Wasatch15 · **Joined:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:52 am **Posts:** 242

Thanks for the replies. After marking and removing the lower control arms, the installation went smoother, still a lot of work. Lift is now installed and test driven. How long did you wait before you had the "toe" checked?

Calvin56 · **Joined:** Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:59 am **Posts:** 345

Until I wore out my goodyear sra's enough that my wife noticed the bald spots growing

"O my, how unsafe, I need new tires

"

Get it aligned asap, I had heavy wear within a month of installing the lift.

Wasatch15 · **Joined:** Wed Jul 13, 2005 7:52 am **Posts:** 242

Was your tire wear from the "Toe" being too far in or out or was it the difference in Camber/Caster?

Calvin56 · **Joined:** Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:59 am **Posts:** 345

I'm not sure, but I'm guessing camber/caster because the outsides of both tires were worn down.

skrracing · **Posted:** Thu Sep 08, 2005 7:52 pm

Tow...any lift on a kJ changes the tow enought that you need to get it corrected. later...Clint

Problems installing Frankenlift

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