Bit the bullet...

heiliges · **Joined:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 11:57 am **Posts:** 35

Ordered my JBA 4" lift. Though there is info on it for the KK its extremely limited. Looking for tip and tricks now before it comes in. JBA said they are a bit behind schedule on the build so it might take a couple of weeks. Want to be sure I am set and ready for whatever when it comes in.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:12 pm

Congratulations!! I just got my JBA 4 inch lift installed last week. I had a 4x4 shop do it, since I am lacking tools, a driveway, and any experience working on a suspension. However, it looks great. Here are some photos: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=780799#p780799

Arctic_Libby · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2013 4:06 pm

The UCA's are probably the most difficult part. Well, depending if you have a mounted spring compressor or not. But anyways, the passenger side UCA bolts arn't bad at all, the driver side ones are a little more difficult. You'll have to go to the driver side wheel well and take out the 10mm nuts to loosen up the steering rod. That will give you more room to get back to the back driver side UCA bolt. When you put the bolts back on tighten them up, but make sure you really tighten them when your rig is on the ground again. That way they are tight in a neutral position.

Other than that it's pretty easy going if you got the right tools and space. Plus, you're gonna re-fall in love with your libby once it's lifted.

JeepNCrowd · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2013 5:29 pm

Arctic_Libby wrote:

The UCA's are probably the most difficult part. Well, depending if you have a mounted spring compressor or not. But anyways, the passenger side UCA bolts arn't bad at all, the driver side ones are a little more difficult. You'll have to go to the driver side wheel well and take out the 10mm nuts to loosen up the steering rod. That will give you more room to get back to the back driver side UCA bolt. When you put the bolts back on tighten them up, but make sure you really tighten them when your rig is on the ground again. That way they are tight in a neutral position.

Other than that it's pretty easy going if you got the right tools and space. Plus, you're gonna re-fall in love with your libby once it's lifted.

One of the Great things about The JBA 4" is that you don't need a spring compressor. The struts comes from JBA pre assembled. Yes the Drivers side UCA is a PAIN to install, just suck it up and try to figure out what works best. Be sure you have experience working with brake lines or take it to a shop. I took it to a brake shop and they had trouble adding the brake lines. I'm glad I didnt do that part myself. If by chance something goes wrong with your JBA brake line (like mine did), it will probably be cheaper to get new ones locally fabricated (and slightly longer) rather than bying new ones from JBA. And don't completely center the thrust angle with your track bar. Have it run about an inch or so off center line towards your passenger side (ie. away from the gas tank). If it is centered your drive shaft will hit your gas tank skid at full passenger/rear flex.
Congratulations on your new lift. :JEEPIN:

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2013 11:52 pm

Here's a little trick to getting to the driver side bolts:

You will need, 1 universal adapter (ball in socket style preferred), a lot of extensions, the socket and ratchet...

If you pull the grill off, it gives a nice, almost straight shot to the nuts. If you have a second helper that can guide the socket in to place, it helps a lot :wink:

Scar0 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 19, 2013 4:39 am

I didn't take off the grill, but I did use a short and long 1/2" extension from where the battery tray was, to get the the drivers rear UCA bolt. Once you break it loose, swap the breaker bar for an air ratchet. Zip, right off...

Don't forget to pickup a rear axle breather hose extension, and some spacer washers for the rear shocks. For the spacer washers I used 1/2" (Lowe's), then reamed them out a little to fit. If you get thin washers you will need 8, thick washers you will need 4.
My new front clevis fork was also a little loose, so I added fender washers there(what I had on hand). But if you do this, you will need to make sure the tab on the bolt does not touch the washer, or it will squeak and make you crazy. :banghead:

Bent the tab out 1/16", problem solved. :BANANA:

heiliges · **Joined:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 11:57 am **Posts:** 35

Thanks all. It will be awhile before Marlin said it will ship, but I am eagerly anticipating the day. Hoping I can get it before Jeep Beach down here in Florida and show it off.

_benjammin · **Posted:** Tue Mar 19, 2013 10:36 am

Just wanted to say "thanks" to Scar, Digger, and Arctic for all the advice and tips. My JBA Silver 2.5 will be here tomorrow and I'll be installing on Saturday (I ordered on March 6th).

heiliges · **Joined:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 11:57 am **Posts:** 35

so 2 -3 weeks. That's about what he said.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:25 am

Hey there _benjammin, your welcome. Looking forward to the Pics, and any notes you may have I can add to the install instructions, would be great. heiliges, that goes for you as well.
Anything to make future installs easier...

heiliges · **Joined:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 11:57 am **Posts:** 35

ok quick question, its all in but the rear sway bar links. Should I wait before I get those for install or can I get everything else installed and then drive without the links until they come in Monday?

huntb · **Posted:** Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:29 am

You should be fine without the rear sway bar

heiliges · **Joined:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 11:57 am **Posts:** 35

ok ... so the install is not completed yet but its lifted. Still have a brakeline to figure out and install the rear sway bar links but though I would post some pic since I cant work on the Liberty right now. Right now I have about 3.5" of lift all the way around... give or take a little.
The Kit

Stock Liberty

Lifted Liberty

lfhoward · **Posted:** Tue Apr 16, 2013 6:49 am

Looks great! :JEEPIN:

Welcome to the lifted club!

heiliges · **Joined:** Thu Nov 15, 2012 11:57 am **Posts:** 35

Finally got the oppourtunity to flex it in my front yard since I have not had the chance to do so and take pics to date. Heres some pics of the flex:

Bit the bullet...

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