HELP NEEDED - Rusty's 2.5 inch suspension lift

Shortbus04 · **Joined:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:50 am **Posts:** 24

So my buddy and I attempted to install the Rusty's 2.5 inch lift this past weekend on my gf's KJ and we ran into something that I really need advice on.

After the original strut assembly was pulled from the KJ, we compressed the stock spring, removed the mounting brackets, and pulled the original strut out. We then compared the strut to the new Rusty's strut and found that the two were IDENTICAL in size and length. We were concerned and puzzled b/c the new springs were larger, yet the strut was the same length. So when the strut assembly is put pack together, essentially its like trying to shove a bigger, stiffer spring into the same space. Regardless, we continued on, hoping that we were just seeing things. Once the front drivers side was assembled again with all the new parts, we lowered the vehicle and took a measurement as a sanity check. Over lift gain was just around 0.5 inches...NOT 2.5 inches! Granted, we only did one side.

I spoke to Rusty himself this morning and voiced my concern. I verified with him that i've received the correct parts (4 springs, 2 shocks with bushings, 2 struts, and that's it). I also spoke to him about the matching sized struts and he said that I'm incorrect and that the new struts are longer (longer shaft by about 0.5 inches and longer piston) and he began to explain that all 4 sides must be completed before any measurements can be taken.

So my question to you all are the following:

1). Even though the spring itself is longer, total height is going to be limited by the length of the strut. Yes?

2). Since this is my first encounter with IFS, is there something different about IFS vs SFA that would make our method of measurement incorrect? When we measured the drivers side height,we had connected the sway bar back. So the sway bar was attached to one side with original ride height and then the other side with a "raised" ride height. On a TJ, this should give the Jeep a cockeyed look since its a SFA, but with IFS, maybe it reacts differently since each side is essentially independant of each other?

If anyone has any insight as to this installation, please post a reply or PM me. I really want to get this kit installed and it's bothering me to no end. Thanks!

-Eric

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:44 am

first you can not really tell anything with only doing one front side , then always measure from the center of the wheel to the bottom of the flare for an accurate measurement point, , struts, (shocks actually) are the same lenghth basically, springs are what give the heighth you get after a lift, shocks do nothing in providing lift. Finish the lift and then see where you are. And at least you got to talk to someone at Rustys, that doesn't always happen.
Continue on and good luck with that lift, hope you upgraded the rear shocks if not get plenty of washers on both sides and expect rattles, after 6 years he still can not sell a shock that fits well.

Tom

SoDakJeep · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 12:19 pm

its not the end of the world tomm.....quit preaching just get a few washers slide them in between when you put on the rear strut and tighten. No annoying rattles...but if you havent got your shocks yet go with the ranch rsx 17004 iirc.

Xodius · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 12:41 pm

Not to start a razing but, Tom is right and while it is not the end of the world, why would you want to spend money on something that does not work properly? If you don't care about it working, don't complain when it breaks/doesn't function or causes more damage. As always Buyer beware.

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:01 pm

SoDakJeep wrote:

its not the end of the world tomm.....quit preaching just get a few washers slide them in between when you put on the rear strut and tighten. No annoying rattles...but if you havent got your shocks yet go with the ranch rsx 17004 iirc.

no preaching to it stating facts is all to try and help people out, if you don't like what I have to say skip over every post I do and I will do the same to yours :wink:

Other companies that supply parts for the KJ, such as say AllJs and Rock Lizard to mention a couple, have changed/upgraded parts as time goes on , Rustys have not, so just informing new people who maybe reading this forum for the first time

so no longer Simon says
....now Rev. Tom!!! :wink:

just preaching the gospel (as I see it)

SoDakJeep · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:52 pm

Haha oh I suppose all in good fun. No I agree Rock Lizard is great guy and really helped me out. I have the rusty's lift bought it used and just had to add an extra washer on each side to fix the rattle. Just down the line upgrade to the Rancho RSX rears and you'll be a happy man.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:50 pm

As a very experienced Rusty's Coil lift owner (3.5 yrs and no problems) (just replaced with the 4" lift), if you do things right, you will not have rattles. The additional washers are no big deal.

Let's get back to his situation. He did not ask to compare lifts or ask your opinion on Rusty's lift.

Install the whole thing then take measurements as said earlier. You didn't tell us how you measured so we can't answer your question.

Shortbus04 · **Joined:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:50 am **Posts:** 24

Measurement was taken from top of tire to bottom of fender flare. Only drivers side was measured. My theory now is that due to the sway bar being connected, that was forcing both side to level each other out which is why i may not have seen the lift i was expecting. Gonna try and do the install again later this week, this time do all 4 and see what happens.

Thanks for the tips on the rear shocks. I'll keep that in mind in case issues arise.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 4:43 pm

You cannot put longer shocks on the front of the kj. They limit the droop and if you get longer shocks then the upper A-arm will hit the coil and cause all sorts and cool noises.

Put the lift on and be happy. The rustys coils gave the front of my 2004 Jeep a full 3" of lift.

OME coil over on left, stock coil overs on right. The OME's are just a tad longer.

Guest · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:06 pm

Shortbus04 wrote:

1). Even though the spring itself is longer, total height is going to be limited by the length of the strut. Yes?

No, because the strut is NOT topped out when it's just sitting. you will still have some droop. Ever notice how the wheels DROP when you jack a vehicle up?

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:53 pm

Just know that the spring is stronger so it won't compress down as far as the stock strut assembly once you place the weight of the KJ on it. Don't worry that they are close to the same height.

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:08 pm

going on a year and a half with my Rusty's and I still can't complain. My rear has sagged (most complain about the front) but I carry a LOT of tools back there. Just finish putting it on, then appreciate the difference. Leave the rear sway-bar off for flex. On, if it's gonna be a DD for someone that can't handle a MINOR amount of extra roll.

Xodius · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:17 pm

Dje Ryu wrote:

going on a year and a half with my Rusty's and I still can't complain. My rear has sagged (most complain about the front) but I carry a LOT of tools back there.

You wouldn't happen to be a plumber...are ya?

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:49 pm

no. machinist.

Xodius · **Posted:** Mon Jun 16, 2008 11:59 pm

Dje Ryu wrote:

no. machinist.

...guessing you didn't get the joke there.

Inc · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:00 am

plumber's crack :wink:

Shortbus04 · **Joined:** Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:50 am **Posts:** 24

Lift is on. I guess my initial complaints about it were all for nothing. Total lift in from is just over 2.5 inches and total lift in back is almost 3. Definately a stiffer ride, but that's expected.

Thanks for everyones input. I appreciate the help.

Dje Ryu · **Posted:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 10:00 pm

Mine used to be about the same. I've since added a 0.2" clevis spacer and an extra upper rear iso to keep it at about 2.5" on both F/R.

HELP NEEDED - Rusty's 2.5 inch suspension lift

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