Looking for Help in Florida

kickit_in4wheel · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2005 8:18 pm

Hey guys, I'd like to apologize in advance if this post is in the wrong spot. I'm still pretty new to LOST. I've got an `02 Limited 4X4, I just picked up some new rubicon wheels & tires, and I'm purchasing a lift as soon as I figure out which one to get. I am wondering if there is anyone in the Central Florida area that is experienced with lift installation, or anyone that could point me in the right direction for someplace to take it or someone to help. I've only done basic maintenance to my Jeep so far, so I have no idea what I'm doing as far as getting into the suspension. This is my daily driver, and I don't want to get in over my head thinking I'm capable and then have my jeep in pieces all over the driveway for a week. I've been reading posts about this stuff religiously, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to pull this off alone. Any input would be really appreciated.

Rick, 22
DeLand, Florida

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:21 pm

Very easy and you can pm me if you run into any problems or post it here. Wish i could help ya. I just did mine.

http://www.jeepkj.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2638

I went with the ome lift, only gives around 1.5in of lift which is all i wanted. Rustys gives around 2.5 and i didnt want that much. i would get the rancho rear shocks if you go with the rustys b/c some people seem to have problems with the rustys rear shocks.

camper · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:42 am

I can help....I'm in altamonte springs....in the fall of '04, I installed the rusty's coil spring replacement lift by myself....I recommend it, or for a few more dollars, the frankenlift from all-j products....we could put either one on your jeep in a single day in your driveway or mine....there are other vendors that sell good products as well if you search these discussions for a few days....

I didn't know of any rear shock absorber issues with the rusty's kit when I ordered it....I've not had any problems with them and in my opinion, the concern is overstated....otherwise, the only real difficulty is compressing the front coils and assembling the struts for installation....I have a couple different sets of spring compressors....you just have to be careful....the frankenlift setup comes preassembled so you don't have to deal with those issues....you just have to pay a little more....

you picked a busy couple of weeks (holidays) but if you want to "private message" me here, I can discuss it with you....

I'd be glad to meet someone local and I have some friends out west who would be proud of me for helping...

regards,

CaKJFreedom · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 7:49 pm

Yay! Karma points for Steve!

Smart to ask for help before you start instead of when all the pieces are everywhere. Welcome to the board!

DispatchedKJ · **Posted:** Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:36 pm

I will try and help if I can. It would be a long drive for me from clearwater but it would be good practice for when my lift gets here hopefully soon. We could even try and make a day out of it.

kickit_in4wheel · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:18 am

Thanks guys! I'd be happy to buy some food and drinks for everyone that can help. I guess this is what the "LOST" crew would call a "lift party?" I have a decent supply of craftsman handtools, and one real good jack.

I sent PMs to you guys that offered to help!

Rick

camper · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2005 10:12 am

sent you a follow up message....

I would suggest we do the work at your location if that works for you....only because you would be in control of your destiny just in case some issue arose that delays the job....the install can be completed in less than a full day but you never know when a bolt needs replacing or a thumb gets smashed....it would be your jeep on jack stands overnight in your own driveway....not trying to be a pessimist....as for the "dispatchedKJ" from clearwater...I'd like to have him participate but I still think the first choice would be with you in control....

I have all the tools needed....we could use your tools up to any point where we needed something you don't have....a good floor jack and two good stands, 1/2 inch drive breaker bar and sockets....hammer....regular tool box stuff otherwise....I can bring all this with me....I'll do anything necessary but I'd let you do the work so that you can learn....

like I mentioned before....the central job is compressing the front springs....I have some hand tool compressors that I used with the rusty's kit....they work fine but it takes a while to tighten them....you have to take it slow and be very careful....another option would be to take the strut assemblies to a local shock garage and pay to have them assembled...it shouldn't be a big deal either way...

I'm not familiar with the rockfather kit....you might want to mention in the forum that the rockfather kit is what your considering....ask the fellows if anyone has installed it and what they think....

unfortunately, I can only help on a weekend....which means the only possible date in december would be the 17th or 18th....christmas and new years fall on the weekends this year....

I know some trails near you across the river in the forest if that appeals to you....

posting this here so some florida activity gets noticed...

and so I can say "thanks nanette"....I miss you guys...

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:37 pm

you need a 21mm, 18mm and 15mm socket. Deep well in the 21 and 18 is nice. Very fun in my book and i wish some people around here would put lifts on there jeeps and ask for help. Im jealous!! After they found out im only 19 they probably wouldnt trust me though.

Ohh yea, about needing bolts. I completly screwed up one of the upper ball joint nuts, so its nice if you have another car to drive, just in case. It only took me 30min to do the rear, and i would of had the front done in under 4hours.

Tightwadsjeeper · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:01 pm

DispatchedKJ wrote:

I will try and help if I can. It would be a long drive for me from clearwater but it would be good practice for when my lift gets here hopefully soon. We could even try and make a day out of it.

I'm in Tampa (Valrico).... if the lift party should get postponed until a weekend in January, I might be able to join in. Maybe we (DispatchedKJ & myself) could ride over together and split gas expenses?

I'd have to get a photo of 3 Libs in the driveway!!

Luis

DispatchedKJ · **Posted:** Wed Dec 07, 2005 5:55 pm

Camper I know what you're saying. I woud prefer to do it at my place for the same reasons you mention but I would still come and help to get some experience. I'd feel bad though asking you to go from one side of the state to another but if you're willing that would be the best bet. Tightwadsjeeper mentioned being in tampa which is close to me, so at least that makes 4 of us in central fl. kickit_in4wheel we can make a day of it at some point but if it is going to be on a weekend so camper is off work I will have to take a day off to do it. I dont have a problem doing it I just need notice for it. I am pretty sure I have the time for at least a day plus my vacation time I have planned in mid jan. Just keep me posted.

DispatchedKJ · **Posted:** Fri Dec 09, 2005 4:38 pm

I got my lift in today. Now I just need to install it. Depending on who I can get to help and when I might have to go someplace to get it installed. NOw that its sitting on my floor I wanna get it on there! Will post before and after pics when I get the chance.

RedJeepCRD · **Posted:** Sat Dec 10, 2005 4:13 pm

I'm in Leesburg, Florida. I can help out when you decide when your going to do the lift. Let me know.

Wes

jpzkj · **Posted:** Sat Dec 10, 2005 6:05 pm

This is GREAT stuff guys....your on your way to building up a nice lift party !

The best part of Jeeping is the freindships you make along the way

camper · **Posted:** Sat Dec 10, 2005 6:06 pm

this discussion started because rick in deland asked for help....I offered to help and remain ready.....I haven't heard back from him and he may be waiting for his parts....I didn't realize you were closer to aquiring the parts for your jeep than he....clearwater is a little farther from me....I'd really like to help you out but you guys picked a difficult month for me....it's not possible for me to get to clearwater till after the holidays....sorry....

sam, it's not rocket science and I or wes could probably talk you through it if you wanted to try to do it yourself...but you need to have some general "fix-it" experiences so that you'll have confidence....and a reasonbly good selection of hand tools...

you need a good floor jack and two good car stands....you don't have to use air tools if you have a 1/2 inch drive breaker bar, ratchet, and metric and fraction sockets....sometimes a plain ole box end wrench is called for....if you remove the front strut/spring assembly(s) and take them to a midas or sears garage, you could pay a small fee to have them compress the old springs and disassemble/reassemble the units....then the job is pretty basic....a set of tool box coil spring compressors are needed if you want to attempt the entire job alone....

you can drive it a few days (or more) until you get a chance to have the front end realigned....

it's a great feeling to do it yourself and later you'll know what to look for if something seems wrong....I hate to see you spend several hundred dollars for labor just because you're anxious it get the lift installed now....

if you want my phone number, send me a PM....

DispatchedKJ · **Posted:** Sat Dec 10, 2005 11:31 pm

I think I have all the tools I would need and I could get the spring compressers from auto zone. The big thing is that the lift didnt come with directions and W/o someone with some clue knowing what they are doing I dont want to pull my jeep apart. My next days off are the 15 and 16th. If I cant get it done on those days I may wait till after the holidays. Problem is I am going on vacation shortly thereafter. The people who can help let me know if you can on those days, otherwise it might have to wait till after the holidays. Also and if you can help let me know if you've put a lift on before esp one from RRO. Thanks in advance.

RedJeepCRD · **Posted:** Sun Dec 11, 2005 12:11 am

Well maybe we can setup a date after the holidays. Steve and I can maybe meet up and car-pool down. Anyways, we'll start looking at dates.
If you attempt it by yourself just email me and I'll send you my nextel ID or cell phone number. That way you can call if you need help. Steve and I have both done lifts. I think we have installed three different kinds of lifts between us. I had two lift on my 2002 before getting the rusty lift.

Wes

kickit_in4wheel · **Posted:** Sun Dec 11, 2005 2:57 am

Sam, I emailed you the directions I got from another member. I hope they are of some assistance. If you wait until after the holidays, I will try to make it over there. As for the others that volunteered, I will post here when my lift comes in too. Thanks!

Rick

DispatchedKJ · **Posted:** Mon Dec 12, 2005 1:46 pm

OK after looking at my schedule it doesnt look like we could get people together until the end of jan. Another complication is that my days off will be in the middle of the week then. I will keep you all posted on if I would have to take more time off for a weekend so people with normal schedules could help or if I will try and do it on my own weekend.

Rick thanks for the directions hopefully they will help enough.

camper · **Posted:** Mon Dec 12, 2005 10:30 pm

sent you a message....I really hope we can help you and rick and luis with this....rick is waiting on his parts so he'll probably be after the holidays also....

I've met wes "redjeepCRD"....he's cool...we rode in forest together last year when he was "blackjeepliberty" or something like that...

so if we could meet you fellas, we'd have the start of a florida lost group...there's a few other names on here that are florida also...

Tightwadsjeeper · **Posted:** Tue Dec 13, 2005 10:07 am

I'd definitely like to join in... just give me some notice.

Obviously, Clearwater is just a quick hop around the bay for me.

Luis

Looking for Help in Florida

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