What lift

WADEKJ · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 1:06 pm

I really want to lift my Liberty, but I have a confession to make. I DON'T WHEEL IT !!!!! Sorry about that. I drive it daily and I use it for huntig and towing my quad. The only off-road it sees is maybe crossing a muddy field to get to a hunting location. So my question is what lift do you recommend for me.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

Rusty's coil lift.

If you are more concerned with looks than ride you could go with a spacer lift.

Bullet · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 1:37 pm

Ok here is the thing, I spent HOURS researching lifts, surfing the web, talking to folks on here, talking to folks at suspension shops...yada yada.

Spacer lifts scare me (safety reasons) so I won't go there....but for spring lifts

If you want quality, and safety, go Frankenlift. By the time you purchase another lift and install it the money spent on the Frankenlift will be more than well spent.

What I did not know when I first decided to lift my Jeep is that you have to, for safety and handling sake, replace the shocks and struts when you do a spring lift. Only a select few companies actually sell the longer struts so be careful when ordering. Rusty's has them for about $119 a piece before shipping.

By the time you add the price of the shocks and springs with the installation fee if you dont have a spring compressor, the Frankenlift is actually cheaper....I did the math. Initially, I was going to go with a Trailmaster spring kit...

$240 for springs including shipping...actually a screaming deal for springs
$300 for Rusty's shocks not including shipping
$225 for installation- I don't have a spring compressor.

Add the shipping in for the shocks and I am already the same price as Frankenlift! And the lift is not as good of quality.

From what I hear, Rusty's is a great kit...about 500 or so but the installation can be a pain. And there is room for error in assembling the front strut assembely. And the big Frankenlift selling point is that it is a lift specifically designed for the KJ and the needs of their owners.

I don't offroad much, I go mudding a few times a year, but safety, quality, and longevity are vital when lifting your KJ. I bought the Frankenlift knowing that if my needs change, they are already met, and that my children will be safe in my KJ post lift!

Anyway, that is just one opinion among many!

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

For mostly on road with occasional muddy fields I still say Rusty's coil lift can't be beat. It provides an excellent ride, NO UBJ contact, and is probably the best value on the market. The Frankenlift is awesome (and that is what I have), but you won't see much benefit if you don't plan to off road. Even if you end up taking it off road Rusty's is still a great choice and half the cost. Not sure about the numbers above. Rusty's site lists the entire kit for $465 plus shipping.

http://rustysoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=rustys&Product_Code=KJSS&Category_Code=sus_kj_kit

The Frankenlift is $775 plus shipping.

http://www.boulderbars.com/kjproducts.htm

Also, I think you'd have a hard time proving that spacer lifts are in any way less safe than spring lifts. There's just not much there to go wrong. They are definitely inferior in terms of performance, but not safety.

warblade666 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 2:28 pm

$465 for Rustys kit
$225 for a shop to install springs on struts
$50 shipping ?? I think thats right??

$740 total for Rustys

You realy don't save much.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

If you'd pay to have Rusty's lift installed then you'd have the same cost associated with the Frankenlift too, right? And you have to pay for shipping with both lifts, right? Seems to me you save $310 no matter how you slice it.

And if the spring compressor is the only issue you can borrow or rent one (some car parts places actually let you use them FREE if you provide a refundable deposit). Or you can have a shop assemble just the strut assemblies for $50 if you don't want to do that part. If you can install the Frankenlift you can install Rusty's (the ONLY difference is assembling the struts).

Again, the Rusty's lift is $310 cheaper, provides an awesome ride, better CV angles (it isn't quite as tall), NO UBJ contact...seems like the right choice for somebody in his situation. Why deal with UBJ contact, a stiffer ride, and all that stuff if you don't see the benefits of using the Frankenlift for its intended purpose...OFF ROAD.

BTW, there is NO WAY a shop would charge $225 to assemble just the struts...that's for installing the entire lift.

Here's the worst you're looking at provided you do the install, but don't have access to a spring compressor:

Frankenlift - $775
Shipping - $50
--------------------
Total = $825

Rusty's Lift - $465
Strut Assembly - $50
Shipping - $50
--------------------
Total = $565

You save $260!! If you can drive over to the parts place and borrow a compressor you save $310!!!

Bullet · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 2:54 pm

Quote:

If you'd pay to have Rusty's lift installed then you'd have the same cost associated with the Frankenlift too, right? And you have to pay for shipping with both lifts, right? Seems to me you save $310 no matter how you slice it.

And if the spring compressor is the only issue you can borrow or rent one (some car parts places actually let you use them FREE if you provide a refundable deposit). Or you can have a shop assemble just the strut assemblies for $50 if you don't want to do that part. If you can install the Frankenlift you can install Rusty's (the ONLY difference is assembling the struts).

Again, the Rusty's lift is $310 cheaper, provides an awesome ride, better CV angles (it isn't quite as tall), NO UBJ contact...seems like the right choice for somebody in his situation. Why deal with UBJ contact, a stiffer ride, and all that stuff if you don't see the benefits of using the Frankenlift for its intended purpose...OFF ROAD.

BTW, there is NO WAY a shop would charge $225 to assemble just the struts...that's for installing the entire lift.

The $225 installation is for the whole lift. And no I won't need to pay for installation of the Frankenlift. I have seen the install instructions and feel comfortable doing that one with a bit of help from my boyfriend and neighbor. So, I personally would have ended up paying more with the way I was going. You would save money on Rusty's even with paying for the install, but my point was that there is only a couple of hundred dollars at most difference and if my driivng needs change I won't regret not getting it. Also, shipping charges will effect the price a lot. I only paid $60 in shipping for the Frankenlift, but Rusty's was quite a bit more. Can't remember the exact amount. Depends on where you live in relation to the company you are purchasing from.

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

Why would you pay $225 to have a lift installed when you feel comfortable doing everything except the strut assembly yourself? And can get that done super cheap. The rest of the install is exactly the same as the Frankenlift...

Bullet · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:20 pm

Quote:

Why would you pay $225 to have a lift installed when you feel comfortable doing everything except the strut assembly yourself? And can get that done super cheap. The rest of the install is exactly the same as the Frankenlift...

That is a great question. My answer is that firstly, I did not know you could actually pay someone to do that unless they were going to install them. LOL. I am pretty new at this and still assemilating all of the information! I did not mean in anyway that Rusty's was not a great lift. I was almost sold on it until I priced everything out for myself, considered that my driving needs may change in the future, and knowing that since the Frankenlift comes preassembled, if there is a problem there is no fight over who is responsible for product failure....the seller of the lift parts or the assembler. For me, the Frankenlift takes all the guesswork out and gives me peace of mind!

If you don't mind, can we continue the pros and cons of spacer lifting topic? I have heard horror stories, but would like to get the scoop from y'all around here.!

ManicMechanicJoe · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:24 pm

you could buy a coil spring compressor for the struts for around $40...don't forget the cost of the alignment afterwards...

Why does a spacer lift kit scare you? I have wheeled mine pretty hard for the past two months. If you don't plan on doing a lot of wheeling and spend most of your time in the mud, a spacer kit is probably the most cost effective thing to do. You don't need suspension travel in the mud, you only need ground clearance.

If you want to have fun and save $225 you could start a lift party in your area. If somebody in your area has a lift, chances are good they have or know somebody with a coil spring compressor.

Struts are nothing to be worried about. You just need to take your time and set it up correctly. I have swapped springs and struts on dozens of vehicles and never had a problem. It is a very simple process and if you follow directions, it is very safe.

the1jferg · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:28 pm

Wade,

If thats all you do with the KJ, waste your money on a new gun. You don't need a lift.

I'm up 2.5-3" and it don't do nothing it would not do before, except roll over easier, cost money, and look a little cooler.

Someone said: "Spacer lifts scare me (safety reasons) so I won't go there....but for spring lifts"

Well, You already have spacers...just little ones. Spacers ain't gonna hurt nothing and you get the factory spring rate.

The spring lifts are nice too. I see you have a 2002, is it a prelowered? even more of a reason not to waste money on springs or spacers.

Sounds like with the Quad, and Your Boots, you already have the optimal offroad setup.

Bullet · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:43 pm

Quote:

Why does a spacer lift kit scare you? I have wheeled mine pretty hard for the past two months. If you don't plan on doing a lot of wheeling and spend most of your time in the mud, a spacer kit is probably the most cost effective thing to do. You don't need suspension travel in the mud, you only need ground clearance.

If you want to have fun and save $225 you could start a lift party in your area. If somebody in your area has a lift, chances are good they have or know somebody with a coil spring compressor.

For spacer lifts....I have just heard that they adversly effect the handling and many people have had problems....your basic horror stories. I really don't know that much about them...the pros cons etc...

There are only a select few people I trust to be careful with my baby...a lift party sounds fun, as long as no one touches my KJ with greasy hands, or leans on her with buttons, zippers, sets soda or beer bottles on her......get the picture? LOL.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:14 pm

ShezaJeeperl wrote:

Quote:

Why does a spacer lift kit scare you? I have wheeled mine pretty hard for the past two months. If you don't plan on doing a lot of wheeling and spend most of your time in the mud, a spacer kit is probably the most cost effective thing to do. You don't need suspension travel in the mud, you only need ground clearance.

If you want to have fun and save $225 you could start a lift party in your area. If somebody in your area has a lift, chances are good they have or know somebody with a coil spring compressor.

For spacer lifts....I have just heard that they adversly effect the handling and many people have had problems....your basic horror stories. I really don't know that much about them...the pros cons etc...

There are only a select few people I trust to be careful with my baby...a lift party sounds fun, as long as no one touches my KJ with greasy hands, or leans on her with buttons, zippers, sets soda or beer bottles on her......get the picture? LOL.

Haha, I'm the same way so dont feel bad. I must say I've never heard of a woman putting a lift on a jeep, thats pretty cool.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:17 pm

This person does NOT need a FRANKENLIFT! Getting a Frankenlift just to cross muddy fields is like spending the money for a bazooka to hunt rabbits. A waste and excessive.

Spacer lift is cheapest and effective for the needs of "just crossing muddy fields.

I will say this though, never say never. You may change your mind and the off-road bug might bite you down the road.

Bullet · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 4:20 pm

Thanks! I like to do as much of my own work as possible. You learn more that way. The problem is that most of the men I know (honestly no offense to all you great guys) would rather do it than help ME do it. I can just see them standing impatiently....thinking "are you SURE you don't want me to do that for ya really quick! I am the same way watching my man on the computer so I can understand how he feels, but still, I WANT to learn all about my Jeep. I will defer though when it is an issue of getting something done right not just quick.

Guyute1210 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 5:12 pm

warblade666 wrote:

$50 shipping ?? I think thats right??

My Shipping on my Frankenlift from CA to PA was almost $100! :shock:

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

Tokyojoe wrote:

This person does NOT need a FRANKENLIFT! Getting a Frankenlift just to cross muddy fields is like spending the money for a bazooka to hunt rabbits. A waste and excessive.

Spacer lift is cheapest and effective for the needs of "just crossing muddy fields.

I will say this though, never say never. You may change your mind and the off-road bug might bite you down the road.

Thank you David...that was exactly my point. Even the Rusty's coil lift might be overkill, but at least he'd still feel good about his purchase if he decided he actually does want to wheel it. Even if the two lifts were the same price I think I'd still recommend Rusty's over Frank's lift.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:45 pm

ShezaJeeperl wrote:

Thanks! I like to do as much of my own work as possible. You learn more that way. The problem is that most of the men I know (honestly no offense to all you great guys) would rather do it than help ME do it. I can just see them standing impatiently....thinking "are you SURE you don't want me to do that for ya really quick! I am the same way watching my man on the computer so I can understand how he feels, but still, I WANT to learn all about my Jeep. I will defer though when it is an issue of getting something done right not just quick.

GOOD GOD! Where can all of us single guys find a woman like this? WOW!

As Cmdr Riker once said "What's a beautiful woman like you doing in a computer-generated Gin Joint like this?" :lol:

Bullet · **Posted:** Sat Feb 25, 2006 11:26 pm

Quote:

This person does NOT need a FRANKENLIFT! Getting a Frankenlift just to cross muddy fields is like spending the money for a bazooka to hunt rabbits. A waste and excessive.

Spacer lift is cheapest and effective for the needs of "just crossing muddy fields.

I will say this though, never say never. You may change your mind and the off-road bug might bite you down the road.

You guys make some great points about getting a lift suited to usage. I have just always been one to think of what I may want or need in the future when I make a purchase in the present. I have found that I saved money in the long run. It was the "never say never" part of the idea that I had on the brain. It is great to see other perspectives and learn from them.

WADEKJ · **Posted:** Sun Feb 26, 2006 12:47 am

Thanks for all the tips guys and gal. My jeep is the pre- lowered 02. I know this because I had an 04 limited that was lower. I admit, I just want the lift because I love the way a Liberty looks lifted with big tires on it. In my opinion, that is how the should've come from the factory kind of like the s-10 blazer zr-2, they just look right with the bigger tires. So I want to lift it, but I want to lift it right. I've read many good things about the frankenlift, and I saw the article on the installation and it looks like a great kit. But don't worry, even if i go with the frankenlift, I still won't hunt rabbits with a bazooka!

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