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| Want to hear real life Frankenlift II experience http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=34455 |
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| Author: | railguy [ Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Want to hear real life Frankenlift II experience |
I have been comtemplating a CRD Frankenlift II for my 2005 Liberty CRD for some time, but I would like to hear some real life experience (with arduous backcountry use) from people who have it installed on their CRD. I have been doing some measuring--my stock CRD has right at 6 3/4" of ground clearance at the front skid plate, which is pathetic. I figure that when the front suspension (I really do hate IFS off-road) goes into deflection, I lose at least another half-inch. By my reckoning, the Frankenlift II would increase my ground clearance by about maybe 1 1/2" with 245/16 tires--to a "whopping" 8 1/4". Compare this to my Cherokee with 31's and a 3.5" lift that has 9 3/4" inches at the front differential--with no ground clearance loss from suspension deflection. I love the CRD engine, but I want the Liibby to perform off-road at a level at least close to the Cherokee. With the Frankenlift II, I'm afraid the CRD may still come up short on ground clearance. What are folks' thoughts? I hesitate to invest the $$ in the Frankenlift II if the Libby still won't have enough ground clearance. For reference, I recently took both vehicles over the same arduous 4WD trail. My stock CRD made it, and the engine performed flawlessly AND economically, but the the front skid plate got a major workout--even with some very careful wheel placement to avoid clearance issues. The Cherokee traversed the same trail, albeit with much poorer fuel economy, without hitting anything on the skid plates at all. After the Liberty trip, I was exhausted from having to avoid every even medium obstacle in the road. With the Cherokee, it was a breeze, and I wasn't tired at all. I sure wish the CRD engine was available in the Cherokee back when, and I sure wish the CRD was available in the Wrangler Rubicon now--that would be sweet. |
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| Author: | fastRob [ Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:05 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Why Not? |
Sir Sam is doing an engine swap and there are others doing it too. I bought the parts and did my own lift, measures 10 cm taller but I hope it settles down. You might save yourself some money by buying the parts from the lowest price supplier. Not much of an off-roader myself, just live in the woods and stuff happens but I like the OME springs and although I bought the Rancho rear shocks, would get the OME rear shocks if doing it again.. Hockey pucks make great spacers at $1. each |
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| Author: | Bill.Barg [ Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
I have a Frakenlift I from the previous owner... installed by All J < I beleive. I like the ride of the new springs. the clearance has been great for AZ off road. The 2.0" lift is just right and the 245-75 16 tires are a good match to top off the overall lift to 2.5". I have the ranchos, and they seem fine... maybe OME are better?. The front alignment is off a bit, and is probably at its adjustment limit. The front tires wear on the outside due to this. Also, the steering locks (stays fully turned without holding hte steering wheel) at full turn due to the lift I believe. New A arms would solve both problems. Any way.. thumbs up for Frankenlift I |
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| Author: | Pablo [ Mon Jul 28, 2008 1:06 am ] |
| Post subject: | |
One of the few good things about IFS is that this 2.5 inch lift gives you much more under the front wheels than 2.5 inches. In order to move the whole vehicle up 2.5 inches-- the space between the wheels (the lowest point) and the ground goes way up-- about 3.5-4 inches total. I had 7 inches under the front wheels before the lift and with the lift and 245/75/16's now have close to a foot. The lowest point now is the rear diff and where the LCA's mount next to the wheel (no big deal). It does MUCH better offroad and onroad with the lift. The front springs on the lift are way better. This is the way it should have been stock. It is still not a heavily modded Cherokee, but it will go everywhere a stock XJ will go and then some. It also bobs around much less than my friends XJ and wont make you "sea sick". I can take moderately hard terrain easier than he can with his XJ with a 4 inch lift (Rubicon Express), as the KJ just handles better over that terrain. The 2.5 Frankenlift is a good way to go. I would do the A-arms too. You will still need your skids, but not nearly as often. If 2.5 is not enough maybe you can talk to Rock Lizard about Jeepin By Al 4 inch on a CRD? I have looked into that, but am not sold on it yet as I already have a Frankenlift and it rides very nice. |
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| Author: | Cowpie1 [ Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:16 pm ] |
| Post subject: | |
Used to bottom out a lot running thru my pastures and cornfields before I put on the Frankenlift II. I have hit some pretty good erosion channels in the field I couldn't see until I slammed into them. The Old Man EMU springs, struts, and shocks take the hit in stride. The ride is light years ahead of the OEM suspension. The CRD feels better on the road as well. Well worth the investment. I did Al's A arms and Moog LBJ's at the same time. Figured I might as well do the job right the first time. I know the skid plates take a lot less abuse now that the Frankenlift II is on the Libby. As was stated earlier, this is the way it should have come from the factory. Oh well... any thing to cut corners on production! |
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