Hey all you Rusty's do-it-yourselfers!!

nolakj · **Posted:** Fri Jun 16, 2006 12:44 pm

My Rusty's suspension lift is on the way. I plan on doing it with the help of some pals. I know i need a spring compressor (among other things). Can anyone tell me the part # and where you bought your compressor(s)? Any other tricks/special tools that might help are EXTREMELY welcome. Can't wait to git er done and post some pics.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Fri Jun 16, 2006 2:12 pm

I used the Auto Hobby Shop an an Air Force base, but their pneumatic spring compressor didn't work and their "manual" ones were too big to fit on the struts, so I had to run over to Pep Boys and pay them to do it and the nice guy that drove me over to Pep Boys and back to the Auto Hobby shop (he tried to turn down my $20 but I insisted).

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jun 16, 2006 3:14 pm

I think that it would just be safer and easier to take it somewhere and let them do it for you. I watched when they did mine, installed the Heavy Duty OMEs, and I am quite sure that I would not want to do it on my own. The mechanic kept looking at the spring then at me then back to the spring as if to say Run like he** Of course Rustys is not nearly as strong but...

nolakj · **Posted:** Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:14 pm

I appreciate the replies guys but I know some of y'all out there did install the fronts yourselves. I need to bond with my Jeep and tackle this.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Jun 16, 2006 6:35 pm

nolakj wrote:

I appreciate the replies guys but I know some of y'all out there did install the fronts yourselves. I need to bond with my Jeep and tackle this.

Bonding is alway good. Sorry I cant help, mine were already together.

bighause · **Posted:** Fri Jun 16, 2006 7:52 pm

Auto Zone has a loan a tool program if there is one near you. You pay for the tool and then just return it when you are through using is and they credit it back to you.

You need a set of macpherson style strut compressors, It is a long bolt with a hook on each end and as you tighted the bolt, the spring compresses. You put 2 on each spring (one on each side) so it compresses the spring evenly. An impact wrench makes tightening the compressor MUCH easier.

Check out this page for a picture of what it looks like.
http://www.autobarn.net/cta4035.html

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:29 pm

I did do the install myself, just not take apart and reassemble the strut assembly. Removing the original and installing the new strut assemblies was a piece of cake. Just be careful not to tear the boot.

You definitely want someone helping you with some of the work like the rear shocks and springs. Life is much easier with a friend helping. The rear is very quick and easy but as I said before, it helps to have a friend assist.

If you do a search, I believe someone made a list of all the tools you will need to do the lift install.

Edwin · **Posted:** Fri Jun 16, 2006 9:38 pm

The best spring compressors I've found were from Advance Auto. If you don't have one near you, you can buy online. The brand is AmPro, the part # is T70570. The Craftsman type are hard to get between the coils. HillcountryKJ brought a set of the AmPro to the lift party we had, and they held up fine. I bought the AmPro and I've used them on OME HDs with no problem. Yeah, Bighause was there, we gave those spring compressors hell with that impact.

damo252 · **Posted:** Sun Jun 18, 2006 10:18 am

I did the install myself, and it is easy and straight forward. Go to your local hardware store, the closest to me happened to be autozone. I paid 50.00 deposit for the spring compressors, which I got back when I returned them.

Remove the entire front assembley, (so you can do the entire process away from the car) put the compressors on it, unbolt it, and loosen the compressorso the springs are uncompressed. Backward for the install. If you are worried about safety, just keep the loaded spring assymbly pointed away from you.

elephantrider · **Posted:** Sun Jun 18, 2006 7:59 pm

dont be suprised after you get the lift on and the rear shocks rattle around like a loose cannon ball in the back of the liberty.

be sure and put an impact wrench on the top bolts of the shock bracket to keep em' quiet for a while, but plan on re doing it every month or so...

or you could go buy the rancho shocks and end it once and for all...

nolakj · **Posted:** Mon Jun 19, 2006 9:21 am

Awesome!! Thanks for the great info. LOST Rules!!!!

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 19, 2006 1:18 pm

jasonk wrote:

dont be suprised after you get the lift on and the rear shocks rattle around like a loose cannon ball in the back of the liberty.

be sure and put an impact wrench on the top bolts of the shock bracket to keep em' quiet for a while, but plan on re doing it every month or so...

or you could go buy the rancho shocks and end it once and for all...

Or you can just put a washer behind and infront of the shock on the top bolts, so then nothing will rattle.

nolakj · **Posted:** Mon Jun 19, 2006 5:44 pm

I have always wondered what it would be like with a loose cannonball rolling around the back of my Jeep...... BUT I think I will install the washers. :lol:

Don't they come with the kit or do i have to pick some up at Home Repo?

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:11 pm

You get some with the kit but you will want to get a few more.

Also,

Cannon Ball will cost you $63.25

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-79259197987812_1903_16782535

Myke · **Posted:** Tue Jun 20, 2006 12:10 am

bighause wrote:

You need a set of macpherson style strut compressors, It is a long bolt with a hook on each end and as you tighted the bolt, the spring compresses. You put 2 on each spring (one on each side) so it compresses the spring evenly. An impact wrench makes tightening the compressor MUCH easier

Edwin · **Posted:** Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:25 am

Myke wrote:

bighause wrote:

You need a set of macpherson style strut compressors, It is a long bolt with a hook on each end and as you tighted the bolt, the spring compresses. You put 2 on each spring (one on each side) so it compresses the spring evenly. An impact wrench makes tightening the compressor MUCH easier

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Hey all you Rusty's do-it-yourselfers!!

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