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| Franken Lift and 2002 Prelowered http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=23903 |
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| Author: | Joe Jeep Owner [ Thu Aug 30, 2007 9:40 am ] |
| Post subject: | Franken Lift and 2002 Prelowered |
Ok, I'm pricing out the Frankenlift (premium vs reg) and I'm doing my research so I'm hoping that this wont be a rehash of the same old "which lift should I use or what size tires" (but it stil could be) I got to thinking, I'm currently running 245/70/16's with no rubbing and I'm not doing a lot of offroad stuff right now. I dont want to cut the KJ, I may consider pounding the welds or removing liner but not sure I want to do that either (at least until it's paid of). From what I see on the tire chart and on previous posts, the biggest tire I can run with the lift and no cutting is 245/75/16, maybe 255 with pinch weld work but 245 seems safer. So if I'm not doing anything extreme where I need a ton of flex, would it benefit me to get the Frankenlift (Premium package and probably Al's A-Arms) and run a larger tires OR replace stock set up with OME shocks and struts without lifting and stick with the current 245/70/16's I have? I want to upgrade for the better on/offroad manners but dont want rreally want to get into cutting and all that until the Jeep is paid off (about a year and a half). I was going to wait but I figure if I get some input it will make my decision a little easier. |
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| Author: | Video Guy [ Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:37 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Franken Lift and 2002 Prelowered |
Joe Jeep Owner wrote: So if I'm not doing anything extreme where I need a ton of flex, would it benefit me to get the Frankenlift (Premium package and probably Al's A-Arms) and run a larger tires OR replace stock set up with OME shocks and struts without lifting and stick with the current 245/70/16's I have?
I want to upgrade for the better on/offroad manners but dont want rreally want to get into cutting and all that until the Jeep is paid off (about a year and a half). I was going to wait but I figure if I get some input it will make my decision a little easier. Even an inch or two of lift will make your KJ more capable offroad and enahnce its appearance with a more aggressive, truck-like stance that most 4x4 owners like. The only way to gain true ground clearance (i.e., raising up not only the bottom of the chasis but also the differential housings) is by installing taller tires. However, big offroad tires are expensive, and, unless you invest a lot of time and money into regearing to 4.10:1 gear ratio, the weight of oversize tires reduces your KJ's acceleration and gas mileage a little (1-2 mpg). Going with really big tires causes your speedometer and odometer to under-report by a small percentage, as well. If you don't go offroad on really aggressive terrain on a regular basis, I think a Frankenlift would be wasted on your rig. If you're already running 245/70R16 tires and want those fabulous OME shocks, consider adding the OME coil springs as well to get a solid 2 inches of lift over stock height. (You've already gain a half-inch from the 29.5" tires. OME springs will give you at least 1.5 inches.) You'll spend a few hundred dollars less than the Frankenlift, but have a capable Liberty that's well-mannered on the road and off, without making 245/70R16 tires look small. In fact, having a little more space in the wheel well draws attention to the suspension lift, especially when parked next to a stock KJ. If you want a little more lift than OME but don't want to spend as much money, the 2.5" coil spring lift kit from Rusty's Offroad might be the lift for you. I don't have personal experience with this lift, but many L.O.S.T. members use it and speak highly of it. (I have heard of Rusty's springs sagging prematurely, which could be a problem.) Skyjacker offers a similar lift kit costing about $200 more (around the price of the full OME Liberty suspension). Old Man Emu and parent company ARB have a reputation for durability. If I had $700 to spend on suspension upgrades, OME would be my choice for a rig that's a daily driver. If you decide to save your money for the Frankenlift and associated mods, but still want to ride a bit higher, gain about 1" by raising the height of your struts in the strut forks (a.k.a. the clevis lift) and inserting extra Mopar islolator pads above your rear springs. Sounds like you're not interested in a spacer lift as a compromise, so I won't even mention them. I hope this helps. |
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| Author: | tommudd [ Thu Aug 30, 2007 11:49 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Dont have to spend 700 on OME full lift if you dont want to go off road I would UPGRADE the stock suspension with OME springs you can go with different spring rates and for you I would use the mediums in the front which are rated at 375 lbs (by the way Rustys are only 310 lbs.) This will give some lift, will ride so much better than it does now and with the tires will do a great job. The OME Mediums are OME 926 with the Medium rears OME 947. OR Best bet call AllJs and talk to Heather tell her what you want to do and she can help you out. They are the very best to work with by far!! Oh and make sure you "upgrade" your shocks/struts as well! Tom |
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| Author: | Joe Jeep Owner [ Thu Aug 30, 2007 1:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Well to be honest, I dont see myself doing anything hard core until the Jeep is paid off (aprox 2 years). UNLESS I wind up with a second car as a DD, which doesnt seem to be in the cards right now. So that may have convinced me to ditch or hold off on the complete frankenlift for now. I do however want a better set up that stock and would prefer to get the OME set up. I'm not looking to run huge tires and like I mentioned before I dont want to cut until I fully own it so 245/75/16 wouldnt seem like a big enough difference for me to make the jump. Besides the fact that it's my DD, I have never cut any of my vehicles before and I would be going in a doing it completly blind (dont want to take the chance). OME front/back shocks/struts sounds like a good option for me along with adding a possible clevis lift. By doing this, would I need to upgrade to Al's A arms or would I be good with stock? Would this set up throw anything out of whack and cause problems (I read alot about angles and stuff). I lightly offroad for now, which makes me happy. As much as I want to go hardcore, no second car makes it hard to justify. |
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| Author: | ATXKJ [ Thu Aug 30, 2007 2:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Random comments - not connected Actually - there have been a couple of issues where the Frankenlift is too high until you wheel it hard enough to 'break it in' folks were worried about the CV angles. There have also been a cases of tires - fitting stock - that rub after the lift - a function of moving the body higher - results in different places where the wheel contacts (I don't remember the tire size) The OME coils should improve on road ride as well as offroad. - although if you're pre-lowered - they'll add less than an inch of lift - they're 40mm longer than the 'lowered' springs the 245/75/16 - may also hit the pinch weld after the lift - mine has scuff marks on the plastic, even though it looks like it has lots of room - I need to flatten it. one correction "The only way to gain true ground clearance...is by installing taller tires" -is true for the rear end - but not for the front - on the front suspension - adding taller springs raises the center differential - and because of the leverage of where the spring attaches, a 2" lift will typically move the differential up almost 4". |
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| Author: | Video Guy [ Fri Aug 31, 2007 11:32 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
ATXKJ wrote: one correction "The only way to gain true ground clearance...is by installing taller tires" -is true for the rear end - but not for the front - on the front suspension - adding taller springs raises the center differential - and because of the leverage of where the spring attaches, a 2" lift will typically move the differential up almost 4".
Ah, yes. I was thinking of solid axle and not IFS. Thanks for pointing that out. |
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| Author: | hatu [ Fri Aug 31, 2007 4:08 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
I have a '03 Limited w/48000 miles and am also starting to look at upgrading suspension parts. Contacted All J's today and they quoted the following: OME 927 HD Front 150.00 OME 948 HD Rear 146.00 Rancho RSX 17505 Front 170.00 Rancho RSX 17004 Rear 130.00 Shipping to OH about 60.00 Total Parts = 656.00 Tires = 500.00 Labor Install = 350.00 Total = 1506.00 Figured I might also add 1 or 2 Mopar isolator pads per side in the rear. Not sure on that though. Still trying to learn all this stuff. All J's did not have OME MD springs in stock, but said pricing is identical to the HD's. I have to call them back, I didn't ask if the struts and shocks will be mounted before shipping or if I have to find someone local to do it. All in all, at 48,000 miles, I figure I should replace shocks/struts, I need tires, so I'm really only spending roughly 300 extra for springs.... Hope this helps, Dave |
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| Author: | Joe Jeep Owner [ Wed Sep 05, 2007 11:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
Dave That's great, thanks. I should give them a call and talk to someone as well just to kind of explain what I'm looking for. I have 55K on my 02, bought it used about 2 + years ago but everything looks stock. Still rides fine, just looking to upgrade without spending a ton of cash for stuff I may not need. |
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| Author: | tommudd [ Wed Sep 05, 2007 4:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
You can search around for cheaper prices for example I got my rear Ranchos at Summit Racing for 52. each and free shipping, I think Rustys still have the OME coils for a little less as well or did have 
Oh and no matter how you think it rides now wait until you upgrade and it will be so much better! |
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