I just got my boiler shims (they look great!) and i am curious how to know how tight to make the bolts when i put everything back together...

Is there any way to gauge that i made it strong enough or do i just really crank down on it good? (i will probably use an impact gun if it fits in there)

I installed boilers shims and used the torque spec that are in a how to post of diggers. I think it was for a clevis lift.

how do you actually gauge the amount of torque...

If you don't already own a torque wrench, and plan on doing your own mechanical work, I would highly recommend you buy one.

is this what i want?

I guess the real factor is, what rating wrench do i need? Do i need 20-80? or like 200 lbs.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ue&prdNo=1

or this?

http://www.amazon.com/Michigan-Industri ... 454&sr=1-4

I assume the craftsman is worth the extra dollars considering the warranty on it.

Craftsman has some pretty good torque wrenches learn to use them.
(the 3/8" is in inch pounds - most of the bolts you'll be tightening need 50-100 ft lbs - so 1/2" drive)

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944595000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=

only use impact wrenches on low pressure and use the torque wrench to tighten - or else you'll be replacing a lot of broken bolts.

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2005 CRD
stuff
Skeptic quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur

Ok I guess I'm picking one of those up. Probably worth the money for the warranty on a tool like that.

As far as the actual installation of the shims, do I need to remove the wheel wells at all or can I just work around them? I am assuming I have to jack the car up, remove the tire, remove the bolts to the strut assembly, slip the shim over and put back together. Any idea how much torque to use?

PM sent

Just my opinion, but I don't like my c'man torque wrench at all. The twist lock thing broke after a few uses, and I'm not sure if they have the same warranty as standard hand tools, not sure at all...

I'm tring to snag a like new used snap on from ebay, have had several opportunities to grab them at about $120 but I've seen similar but different torque rating ones go under 100. The flat type, with the knob that turns a dial under glass are really nice. I think one with a part number like the type I like is Tqfr100A (and B).

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2005 KJ Renegade
Fabrications for sale: Aluminum Roof Rack (See Page 9)
Aluminum Gas Tank Skid -- Radiator Skid -- Front Strut Shims
Coming Soon: Rear Bumpers with lots of options

Now that you mention it I did break mine when I installed the shims.I broke it the first or second time I used it(15 or more years ago) and still had broken parts with some reusable pieces that put it back together again. But hey I can break anything.

gonna ask if its covered when i go to sears


If no warranty, no buy.

Here in WA I can go to Auto Zone and rent a torque wrench w their rental program. I asked the guys how it works and if it is only in WA State. The rental program works like this, you purchase the tool at full price you take it home use it keep the receipt bring it back after using and they give you a full refund even if you broke the tool. If you decide to keep it you don't have to do anything just added to your tool box. If you decide to return it I think you can keep it for a week or less, not sure. I would call your local Auto Zone and check if they have the tool rental program. I love to use it specially for torque wrench cause I don't have to worry about it being calibrated. Well hope it helps.

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08 Jeep KK Blue. Currently Stock.

Sounds like what i do at gamestop with video games

I've had my Craftsman for about 4 years. It works great and has held up to everything I have used it for. Including my lift install, many tire changes, and an engine rebuild (another rig).
Not sure how old yours were, and maybe there was a design change, but I love mine. It's holding up great!

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07 KA Light Khaki, Manual trany.
2.5" Adjust-A-Strut JBA lift, Euro taillights,
Home made; Front Tilt Hood, Roof Rack, RAM Air, & CAI.
ESP Off Switch
Take a ride on the Trō side!

just picked up a craftsman 1/2" wrench, didn't realize how big these things were lol... or expensive. When i left sears i had spent $105.00. I purchased the wrench as well as a 10" extension and 3/8" adapter. I'm pretty sure the 1/2 extension and sockets are unnecessary?

So can anyone answer me as far as installing these? I hope to get on it tomorrow. Basically just need a list of steps... i assume it would be

1: remove battery tray
2: jack up car
3: remove tires
4: remove wheel well? (is this necessary to get to the area? Is there a way around it because i do not own a riveter)
5: take out bolts to the strut towers
6: slip the shim over
7: Reverse the above and put back together.


i assume this is the torque rating i am looking for
Front Shock/Strut Mounting Nuts 18mm 80 lbs-ft

You can leave the inner fender in it's not in the way.

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2003 KJ Renegade, 5 speed, frankenlifted,Al's a Arms 4.5,Moabs 245/75/16 BFG KM2's, custom rock rails, full Mopar skids, Hella ff220 lights,Hd cooling,Front DTT,Riddler diff cover,Rola safari rack,Cobra 29 peaked & tuned.

Pastafari Alum, Pink shovel recipient

I'll be sure to write a how to as I do this.

I love my Craftsman, Hope you get just as much use out of yours as I do mine.
Check this out. HOW TO: 2.5 Inch JBA Lift, "part 1" will have all the info you need. Except for the part about adding the shim.
Just take what you need from it, to get the job done.
A how-to specifically for the shims would be great!

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07 KA Light Khaki, Manual trany.
2.5" Adjust-A-Strut JBA lift, Euro taillights,
Home made; Front Tilt Hood, Roof Rack, RAM Air, & CAI.
ESP Off Switch
Take a ride on the Trō side!

Which craftsman o you have?

I was thinking of using it and returning it because I read some nasty reviews on it that all said it breaks at the lock ring for the torque setting after minimal use even when cared for properly.

Granted I can always go to the store, buy a new one and bring it back as the old one. If its out of warranty.

Both times mine broke it has been at the rachet head. There is a snap ring that holds the 'Guts' each time a part broke in there. Taking something back that breaks is taking back something used is