I Need Help Assembling the Front Suspension

Scottm2010 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:36 pm

Ok, so I am putting a lift on my Liberty ("The Liberator"), except I need some help putting the front suspension parts together. I have some pictures showing what I have, I would like it if someone could tell me how to assemble it and what I will need to do so. Thank you very much!

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:50 pm

Well you will need some spring compressors 1st.2nd you will need to remove the old front coilover assemblies as you will need the upper and lower rubber isolators that fit on the bottom and top of the coils.

Scottm2010 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:52 pm

Ok, is there a certain "amount" that I compress the spring? And do you know where the two black rubber things go along with the metal washer?

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 06, 2011 6:57 pm

Scottm2010 wrote:

Ok, is there a certain "amount" that I compress the spring? And do you know where the two black rubber things go along with the metal washer?

Well your missing one big washer anyways,and just throw that black plastic cover away on the shock as it has no use besides making noise.

Looking at the end of the shock shaft it goes.............

Big,thick washer
Rubber bushing
Upper plate
Rubber bushing
Big,thick washer
Nut

Make sure the upper plates has the bolts in it before putting together,and make sure they are grade 8 or metric 10.9's only.

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Jan 06, 2011 7:02 pm

Not to sound like a jerk
but if i were you I would just pull the front coilovers out and take them somewhere to compress them and hand them back to you.
But like troy said you need to compress the springs, take the nut off the top of the shock, then take the compressors off, you will be able to see how everything goes back together from there. Have to compress your new springs and reinstall everything as it came off
Simplified explanation but basically thats it. It can be done but for a first timer again you may be better off having someone else compress and make sure they are back together correctly

Bobzkj · **Joined:** Fri Nov 05, 2010 7:43 pm **Posts:** 9

An Amen to Tom's comment. You are asking for trouble (and frustration) if you have not been exposed to working on suspensions.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 06, 2011 8:20 pm

that and plus those front coils do not like to compress evenly which makes getting the shock stud through the top plate a ***** depending on which kind of compressor you use

if i had to do it again, even though I had a floor stand coil compressor last time, I'd just take the front assemblys to a shop and let them do it for me while I had a cup of coffee and watched SPEED on tv

Scottm2010 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:14 am

Ok, thank you very much guys! I knew that I could count on all your guys' advice. Haha.

I only have one washer per side, so should I go find and buy two others? And also, that one plastic piece that goes over the shock is basically pointless and it won't mess it up any if I take it off like you suggested?

I love Speed TV so I kinda like that idea of just having someone else doing it, Haha.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:15 am

that or can reuse a washer from the stock assembly, places like ACE or "nut and bolt" hardware shops usually have that same washer for about a quarter

tonycrd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:18 am

There already is a washer on the shock...the one that holds the plastic dust cover.

Do you really need another one? IMO you don't.

Scottm2010, I don't know where you got this stuff but it looks like an incomplete frankenlift.

Are those OME springs? If you fit them like that with the Daystar (or look-a-like) topplate you'll be in for a fun ride. Way to little pre-tension on the springs so your KJ will bounce like a 70's Caddy.

Furthermore, with this topplate you lower the mounting point of the shock. You need extended bumpstops (terraflex/daystar) to protect the shock from being squashed at full compresion.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 9:53 am

I think its a BDS kit from the looks of it
They come as sort of a you assemble it yourself since we are too lazy to do it kit :wink:

If it is the front springs are rated at 425 lbs.

KTM87 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 12:05 pm

Thought i would give my :2cents:

dont know if your even past the point though, but as other have said compressing the springs is no walk in the park :banghead:

and dont know how much experience you may have but for when me and a buddy did mine thought we would have it done in a day, ended up going into the next day due to the springs and with the compressors i rented from Autozone, which were extremely scaring and life threatening to use, so if you have a place you maybe able to take them, i would.

Scottm2010 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:40 pm

Yeah, It is a BDS kit. My local club got a discount, so I went ahead and got their kit. The shocks/struts/whatever are Ranch RSX 17505's They were hard to find, but I found 'em!

From what I have heard, I think that I am going to be better off having someone else compress it and put everything together. Cause I know most of you have more experience than me, and you still said it was a pain. I just know that I would screw something/someone(me) up if I tried all that jazz by myself.

Oh, and the bumpstops are on their way. I ordered a set of the Teraflex bumpstops, they should be here sometime next week. I'll keep you guys updated.

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 2:45 pm

Ah, RSX 17505 right for the front shocks
instead of what you listed RSX7005s

just making sure :wink:

and Ha, knew it was a BDS
take that Tony!!!! :goink:

Scottm2010 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 07, 2011 3:27 pm

Crap... that's what I meant. RSX 17505.

tonycrd · **Posted:** Mon Jan 10, 2011 1:46 pm

tommudd wrote:

and Ha, knew it was a BDS
take that Tony!!!! :goink:

Got it!

I Need Help Assembling the Front Suspension

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