Lifted or Not???

Joe Jeep Owner · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 11:33 am

I know this is an odd question but its something I noticed over the weekend.

Is there a way to tell if you have a OEM Lift installed and if so, how? I have a 2002 that I bought used so I only know what I did and what was on the parts listing but its not complete. I noticed on two different occassions this weekend that I was parked next to two similar 2002 Liberties but I was higher and had more space between the tire and fender than they did (running 245/70/16's). Could I be lifted and not know it and if so how would I be able to tell?

From what I can tell there is nothing other than stock parts (Mopar I believe) but I keep seeing posting about a "OEM lift" which I would imagine would look stock and not stand out. To be honest though, I wouldnt really know what to look for even if I was lifted. The people that purchased the Jeep new went all out and bought just about every bell and whistle you would image (and paid a lot extra for it) so it is a possibility.

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

Common misconception - take a look at those posts again. Chances are they say OME not OEM. Big difference. "Old Man Emu" instead of "Original Equipment Manufacturer".

Anyway, couldn't say what type of lift it has on it, but from what you're saying it is entirely possible. Does it have any poly spacers under the springs? Are the springs black? If its all spring (no spacer) and black then you're looking at a OME or Rusty's coil lift most likely.

ZachMan · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:01 pm

Is it 2"+ taller?

Joe Jeep Owner · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:11 pm

Ahh, you are right. Like I said I am new at this

Anyway, yes the springs are black. I have to look again tonight to see if there are spacers or not because I dont remember but I'm thinking there isnt any but I could be wrong.

I was a little taller than the two others, maybe an inch to an inch and a half but thats just guessing. I definatley had more space from tire to fender though.

Wouldnt the dealer have said something at the time of purchase if there was a lift installed? I would imagine it would be more of a selling point or something.

broncsrule · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:20 pm

probably a prelowered Libby. The difference is very noticeable on the older Libertys.

Joe Jeep Owner · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:31 pm

Pre-LOWERED? Then wouldnt I have been shorter or at least the same hieght? I'm a little confused

So if by chance it is pre-lowered is that a bad thing?

broncsrule · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:41 pm

Pre-lowered refers to "before lowering". Meaning if yours is prelowered it would be taller then a non prelowered. I don't know the exact date, but DC lowered the Liberty late 2002. They basically changed to a smaller spring.

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

Broncs that even more confusing.

There are "pre-lowered" KJs (2002s) and "lowered" KJs (2003+). So it is entirely possible that you pulled up next to a 2003+ and noticed the difference in height (around .75")

broncsrule · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:51 pm

yup! what he said!

sorry...

Joe Jeep Owner · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:59 pm

So no free lift for me? :cry:

I thought I maybe got lucky or something, that is pretty confusing though. Is there any benefit or anything to the spring difference?

broncsrule · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 1:07 pm

In a way you probably did get lucky. You might have a little more gorund clearence than most Libertys(stock). And IMO they look better taller.
And also this is just a guess on what is happening there. Still take a look under there for spacers and such.

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

Yeah, that's just one possibility. It would still be worth getting out the tape measure and comparing with another KJ.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 1:32 pm

Joe,

I have a pre-low and the same size tires as you...It puts you 1 1/4" higher than a after-low with stock tires. Your estimate was right on.

It works great like it is, especially with the best all around shocks:

http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/iasshock_index.html or

http://www.monroe.com/products/mp_categ ... e%20Reflex

Keeping the components at stock (low stress) angles, good articulation, and good shocks are best for me.

If you ever change front struts, throw on the 1/2" spacers.
http://rustysoffroad.com/Merchant2/merc ... sus_kj_par

Since the rear is over 1" higher than the front, you might want these:
http://rustysoffroad.com/Merchant2/merc ... sus_kj_par

If you want bigger tires, you'll have to lift so it articulates and Not rub (as much).

245/75/16 will fit a stock pre-low with little rub, if thats what you want.
I mean since it already sits higher, you'll have to spend good $$$'s to get only between 1/2" and 1" of pumpkin clearance, and more componet stress. Not a good trade off for higher center of gravity (to me) Thats what skid plates are for: :wink:

Joe Jeep Owner · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 4:37 pm

Thanks everyone, that was very helpful and I learned a few things that I didnt know. It can get confusing sometimes.

I will check to see if there are any spacers tonight and re-post (incase anyone cares other than me).

The1jferg - Thanks for the links! Are those shocks better than stock or were you saying to stick with stock? I might purchase the spacers as well depending on what I find tonight. Do you have any experience with the Monroe shock, better ride or anything like that? Plus, I just need spacers for the front, I can leave the back as is right?

I was looking for a way to upgrade my ride/offroad abilities without spending a lot of cash at first. I wont be doing anything hardcore for a while, so this seems like the best of both worlds.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:27 pm

Disclaimer: These are/were only my opinions.

I think any shock is better than stock, you'll notice a diff right away. I changed shocks/struts on every new vehicle I ever owned within 5K miles.
Those "Reflex" shocks make a very big safety diff. They do keep the meat on the ground very well too. "Techno break thru"

I always run Monroe "Reflex". The same company makes the "Rancho"
They are expensive though.

If you plan to lift then you might not want to waste your money on expensive shocks just yet, you'll need longer ones with the 2+ kit.

The back is already over an inch higher than the front so your kinda leveling it out but leaving it still a little nose down.

You don't have to buy spacers, you can do the "Clevis" lift in the front...Just not my bag either.

I'm not againt those 2+ lifts, it just ain't cost effective for my prelowered. I don't think you get enough added capability from the small "pumpkin" height gain.

Its all up to you. :wink:

Joe Jeep Owner · **Posted:** Fri Oct 14, 2005 10:29 am

Well thank you again, I will definately look into all the options. At least I have some choices now.

When should you normally replace your shocks anyway, considering I do very light off road and normal highway driving.

I dont know what I am doing for a lift but it wont be anytime soon. This is my only car and I have to keep it in one piece, this is why I dont do much off road stuff right now.

5characters · **Posted:** Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:34 pm

hah I had no idea about this pre lowered thing.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:41 pm

5characters wrote:

hah I had no idea about this pre lowered thing.

Any KJ built before April 12, 2002 was 3/4 of an inch higher
then a **** journalist rolled a two wheel drive while doing something he shouldn't have been
and we ended up lower

5characters · **Posted:** Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:44 pm

It's crazy how much i have learned from going back and reading these old threads.

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Dec 05, 2012 5:58 pm

I first got on here in September 04, read for a few months before I ever posted. Wanted to be up on everything before I started asking a bunch of questions :wink:

Lifted or Not???

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