Let the mods begin

ivanidea · **Posted:** Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:16 pm

I should be collecting a 2005 Liberty Sporty 2.8 auto on Saturday, and have begun the process of planning the mods.

The Liberty will be my daily driver, since I have a modded TJ to play with. I do intend to use the Liberty for light off-road instruction (BORDA certified) and corporate hospitality days, where I need to be able to accomodate 4 passengers (the TJ is currently a 2 seater).

It seems that a 2.5" lift can be purchased cheaply, and I think Daystar has been recommended. One of the links suggests Quadratec, but I have not seen any lifts for the KJ on their website. Anybody have any part numbers for them?

I am not sure what the maximum tyre size I can run on an unlifted KJ, or what the maximum useful size on stock gearing would be. I would like to run 31" AT tyes, but funds won't allow any major expenditure for a while, so the lift kit might have to wait a few months.

I am also confused about what wheels will fit a KJ as well. I have been offered a set of Cherokee Pear Drop Alloys, with a set of BFG 235/75r15 mud tyres fitted. Would these fit a KJ (lifted or unlifted)?

Sorry for all the questions, but I thought I would ask on the Euro site first.

Ivan

501 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:27 pm

Greetings Ivan,

First thing, I noticed your avatar is a geocoin, I take it your a cacher?! I'm 501_Gang at gc.com

Here is a couple of places to get the 2.5" daystar lift http://www.boulderbars.com/kjproducts.htm they have them here for $155, I got mine at: http://www.jeeperz-creeperz.com/comfort-ride-lift-p-3972.html?osCsid=1b3478c19d5ff627d3eaaf3a7d594f71 for $159.95. Don't forget to get some extended rear shocks too.

JIMMY JEEP · **Posted:** Fri Jun 27, 2008 12:30 pm

Hello Ivan and welcome from Uk ,your not to far from me .

Dutchy · **Posted:** Sat Jun 28, 2008 4:43 am

Hi Ivan,

The 15 Inch rims would probably not fit the KJ as they would not fit over the discs/rotors, you could try them first before buying them but there is a 99% changce they wont fit as the KJ is made for 16 Inch rims.

If you use your KJ for daily driving it is probably better to get the BF Goodrich at's instead of the mud terains as they are a better mix for on and off road use.

ivanidea · **Posted:** Sat Jun 28, 2008 6:43 pm

Many thanks for the welcome and the info (yes I'm a cacher too

).

Just discovered I need to get the KJ serviced and taxed (probably explains why I got it cheap), so I won't be buying any mods for a few months. At least when I had it checked on the Jeep service computer, there is no outstanding warranty work.

I noticed I have front fog lights, but no rear fog lights, is that correct? Since the only manual which came with the KJ was for a Grand, I can't even check that (as supplied by the main dealer when new)! I've downloaded the manual from jeep.com, but presume it does not cover EU/UK models.

I also have no side lights, so I presume I will need to change those bulbs, when I get my hands on a manual (seen one on Ebay) - pity jeep uk don't have the facility to download the manuals.

It is good to be back in a quality vehicle again as a daily driver, although I do miss the storage spaces my Berlingo had.

Ivan

ivanidea · **Posted:** Sun Jun 29, 2008 5:27 am

Just tried to fit some Mopar sill protection guards (side bars), and they don't fit due to the plastic sill skirt moulding.

I will take some photos and list it in the for sale post.

It seems 2005 was the year Jeep changed the radio electrononics, which mean it is no good me buying the Peripheral Electronics adapter to fit in the cd changer. The Grom Audio adapter will not work with SKIS fitted, and I believe the UK models have this as standard.

Ivan

Dutchy · **Posted:** Sun Jun 29, 2008 7:41 am

ivanidea wrote:

Many thanks for the welcome and the info (yes I'm a cacher too

).

Just discovered I need to get the KJ serviced and taxed (probably explains why I got it cheap), so I won't be buying any mods for a few months. At least when I had it checked on the Jeep service computer, there is no outstanding warranty work.

I noticed I have front fog lights, but no rear fog lights, is that correct? Since the only manual which came with the KJ was for a Grand, I can't even check that (as supplied by the main dealer when new)! I've downloaded the manual from jeep.com, but presume it does not cover EU/UK models.

I also have no side lights, so I presume I will need to change those bulbs, when I get my hands on a manual (seen one on Ebay) - pity jeep uk don't have the facility to download the manuals.

It is good to be back in a quality vehicle again as a daily driver, although I do miss the storage spaces my Berlingo had.

Ivan

It looks like you have got some kind of import KJ, the UK spec models all have rear fog lights and side lights, they also have the antenna in the rear window, electrical folding mirrors, LSD,radio with CD player and the little display for mileage etc in above of the rear view mirror and no trailrated batches.
If you are missing one or all of these items and it is right hand drive it could come from Cyprus, Gibraltar, Malta or as far as South Africa or Australia.

ivanidea · **Posted:** Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:35 am

Panic over, I managed to find the rear fog light switch - it was very stiff and had to be forced - probably never been used (I bet the same could be said about 4Lo as well, but that will soon be rectified

).

It looks as if both sidelight bulbs are blown, will get round to replacing when the manual arrives.

It's definitely a UK sourced model, originaly supplied by a UK dealer, and I've got to phone them to get the radio code

before I install my handsfree kit.

Ivan

kelticknight · **Posted:** Mon Jun 30, 2008 9:56 pm

hi ivan
welcome aboard
i have Daystar lift kit,worked good,if i had to do again ,would do spring lift,easier too do
have bf's,unreal tired on and off the road,so would recommend

tonycrd · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:29 am

You guys get side lights???

I only have aditional side blinkers there....

And I hate my Daystar lift.

kelticknight · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:51 am

why u hate your daystar kit b :?:

ivanidea · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 8:26 am

Sidelight below the main bulb.

I noticed there are no sidelights on the USA spec models (downloaded a manual from jeep.com).

Can anyone recommend a good service / maintenance book for the Liberty, since the owners book doesn't even tell you how to replace a bulb!

Any recomendations on how to protect the oil filter, since it looks so easy to hit located at the base of the engine.

Ivan

tonycrd · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:40 am

Aha so that's the sidelight? We call those parkinglights.

If you want a good manual you can buy a Haynes, beware that all paper manuals only cover the gasoline engines.

I picked up a CD through E bay that does have CRD info. For like $5 or so.

To protect your oil filter you'll have to fit a tranny skid plate...this is an ASFIR one. But there are many more for your auto tranny, the US guys know all about them.

Kelticknight: I hate my Daystar kit ofroad.

Since it thougens up the springs by compressing them suspension get's really stiff which is great on road but not on a rocky trail. I need to fit something else if I want to keep wheeling without breaking something.

ivanidea · **Posted:** Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:22 am

Shipping for the Frankenlift II looks to be approx $1000, so I might have to go with a budget lift, unless I can find alternate shipping methods.

Pity the kit is too big and heavy to go as hand luggage - I know somebody who will be cruising on the QE2, which will be visiting the USA in September.

Ivan

tonycrd · **Posted:** Thu Jul 17, 2008 8:34 am

Can't your mate bring you only the OME FRONT shocks from the US? Those are the most expensive parts in this lift.

They do not weigh that much...maybe he can bring another set for me too :lol:

Furthermore the Frankenlift II was designed for 3.7 gas engines, not for the CRD. On the 'frankie II for CRD' all you get is pre-assembled OME front struts. Nothing more.

Just go OME 131 front shocks, then 132 rears. ( or if you want more flex get 132L and bumpstops )

Springs: OME 927 or 790 heavy duty ( for your 2.8 I'd get 790's ) an rear 948. Springs are around a £100 a set over here.

Jeeesh...I have been looking at this for so long I spit out the partnumbers like it was my phonenumber...I need to get a different hobby

ivanidea · **Posted:** Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:17 pm

It will be a few months before my overdraft has reduced enough to get any mods :cry:

I know a few XJ owners who have the Rustys lift and are happy with it, so I am considering the KJ version. My friend only paid $600 shipping for his kit. I know duty and vat need to be added to the final cost :cry:

If I were to go the OME route, do I need anything other than the shocks and springs (as mentioned in the previous post)?

I think my first mod must be the transfer case skid plate, since I will need to protect the oil filter.

About to book it in for some warranty work - leaking transfer case / autobox seal, and the alarm keeps going off.

Ivan

tonycrd · **Posted:** Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:28 am

ivanidea wrote:

I know a few XJ owners who have the Rustys lift and are happy with it, so I am considering the KJ version.

Don't they sag on the CRD.

ivanidea wrote:

If I were to go the OME route, do I need anything other than the shocks and springs (as mentioned in the previous post)?

No. (But if you are going to fit them yourself some heavy duty spring compressors

)

ivanidea wrote:

I think my first mod must be the transfer case skid plate, since I will need to protect the oil filter.

Good idea!

ivanidea · **Posted:** Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:52 am

Last weekend, I took the KJ to the off-road site I teach at, and took it for a circuit. The road tyres were fine since it was dry. I did scrape over the humps, but haven't worked out what was touching.

I now have an ASFIR transmission/transfer skid plate (http://www.tbruk.com), which I plan to fit soon, if I can work out how to lift the Jeep to allow me to work under it. Although it is aluminium and should not corrode, is it advisable to paint? The aluminium colour doesn't bother me since I won't be seeing it, but was wondering if paint might reduce longterm corrosion / oxidation?

I notice that TBRUK also sell OME coils and shocks, although they didn't list the 790 and 948 coils, I have sent them an email asking for a price for those. Hopefully for just over £600 delivered, I will get a lift kit. Just need to persuade my friendly Jeep mechanic to help me fit, using his ramp and equipment. Worst case would probably 5 hours at his discounted labour charge.

Ivan

kelticknight · **Posted:** Sun Aug 31, 2008 11:42 am

you can paint aluminum but it will peal ,maybe you could put lacker over it

ivanidea · **Posted:** Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:49 am

Finaly got around to fitting the ASFIR skid plate.

Typical of Jeep to move one of the front skid bolts and not fit any nuts in the cross member. I had to drill a hole so both front skid bolts secure the skid, and used the chassis bolts and spacer to secure the skid at the back. Now looking for a suitable method to secure the skid to the cross member.

I feel happier now the underside is protected, and will be playing on a basic site next weekend. Hopefully, the Jeep is now usable as an offroad instruction vehicle.

Next step will be to replace the tyres. Unfortuantly I need to replace them shortly, and don't have the luxury of time and money to wait til after I fit a lift. Probably go for BFG AT 245/70r15.

Ivan

Let the mods begin

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