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Suspension Rebuild
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=90331		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  bronco9588 [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 4:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Suspension Rebuild
Howdy Everybody,

I had a 2005 Jeep Liberty at 202K miles. I put on about 30K for work this year so this is quite the uptick in use on the vehicle. I would like to keep her running as she has no payments. 100K timing belt maintenance is complete. I have yet to change the diffs, xfer, and tranny oils.

The front end seems to rattle quite a bit on the bay bridge. I think this is the ball joints going bad. Smooth roads feel fine. Tires were just replaced as she was resonating from 25 to 45 mph with little tread. Seemed to quite things down but didn't fix the noises on rougher roads.

I think that the ball joints are original and I was planning on buying the ~200$ ID parts steering refresh kit. However, this only includes the upper a-arm with ball joint, lower ball joint, and tie rods. Tie rods were just replaced. U-Joints on the prop shaft were replaced as well.

Do I just replace the ball joints, or do I replace the bushings and shocks while I am in there as well? Any recommendations on a Kit? ID parts doesn't have a bushing kit.

I would assume everything is original minus the tie rods.
Author:  TKB4 [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Suspension Rebuild
I just replaced lower ball joints and upper A arms with greasable MOOG brand ones I bought at Rockauto which were about half of the local NAPA price and I am very happy with them. It immediately restored the tight firm steering feeling and the tendency to try to dance around the road. If you have a lift especially over 2 inches or are planning to I would recommend the JBA (Jeeping By Al) otherwise you may not be able to adjust the camber enough to get true alignment. These are the parts I used:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... 2225&jsn=4
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... 2225&jsn=7
As far as shocks/struts go I can't advise but I hear good things about Bilsteins . Others will likely advise. I didn't replace the bushings, mine looked ok but it couldn't hurt.
Author:  bronco9588 [ Wed Aug 14, 2019 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Suspension Rebuild
TKB4 wrote:
It immediately restored the tight firm steering feeling and the tendency to try to dance around the road.


She definitely has a tendency to do that.

I am pretty sure I am bought into an alignment and might as well do some of the other stuff as well...

I have not replaced a coil over in a car before. Time to learn something new.
Author:  flash7210 [ Thu Aug 15, 2019 12:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Suspension Rebuild
I’m at 230k miles.
The only suspension parts I’ve had to replace are:
1. Front lower ball joints at 90k miles. Used Moog heavy duty greasable ball joints and they’ve been great ever since.
2. Front upper arms/ball joints, twice. First time used Mevotech greasable uppers. They barely lasted 2.5 years. Second time with JBA rebuildable uppers, done a year ago.
3. Shocks, all four. KYB GR-2 front shocks are the worst. Current Gabriel’s have been great. Skyjacker rear shocks have also been great.
4. All four coil springs but only because of my 2.5 suspension lift.

Really surprised that my rear arms have help up. Still factory there.

While it’s mostly used on the highway, I do take it off road a couple times a year.
Author:  bronco9588 [ Thu Aug 15, 2019 2:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Suspension Rebuild
Since I cannot verify any suspension has been done outside the tie rods and I have put the last 140K on, she is getting a whole new Moog and Monroe suspension. Came out just shy of $1,000. I went with the Monroe shocks that already had a spring on. I am terrified of springs after seeing one fly through a windshield.
Author:  flash7210 [ Thu Aug 15, 2019 4:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Suspension Rebuild
Quote:
I went with the Monroe shocks that already had a spring on.

I know that the quick struts are easy but you don’t know what spring rate you’re getting with them. So be sure to keep your old springs in case the Monroe springs aren’t up to task.
Author:  bronco9588 [ Fri Aug 16, 2019 8:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Suspension Rebuild
Well, I am keeping the suspension the same. I understand the diesel engine weighs more. I guess you would see spring rate issues on ride height.

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=689830

If it doesnt go well, I will take new springs, new shocks, and the old coil overs to a shop for them to do.

Retmil of the link above installed them on a CRD with appropriate ride height.
Author:  WWDiesel [ Fri Aug 16, 2019 10:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Suspension Rebuild
bronco9588 wrote:
Well, I am keeping the suspension the same. I understand the diesel engine weighs more. I guess you would see spring rate issues on ride height.
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=689830
If it doesnt go well, I will take new springs, new shocks, and the old coil overs to a shop for them to do.
Retmil of the link above installed them on a CRD with appropriate ride height.

You may want to consider adding these with your install:> https://www.rustysoffroad.com/rustys-sp ... es-kj.html

Strut Top Plate Spacers
Image
Author:  bronco9588 [ Thu Aug 22, 2019 9:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Suspension Rebuild
I am whooped, but I got everything swapped up front and ride height is good. Spring diameter and number of curls are identical on the monroes.

I am getting a clunk on hard left turns and in reverse. I guess the CV joints are bad or got damaged in the process?
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