Well my Daystar lift model number KJ09115BK, that I ordered from All J's (great service by the way), just arrived. As I tear the box open like a kid at christmas the first thing I see on the installation instructions is "Note: The 2 1/2" lift is not for 2002 and CRD models", having an '02 I start wondering: Why? Dyastar's website says it fits All Js says it fits but the flipping instructions say it doesn't. If I may ask which one is right, and if said lift fits do I have to do something special so that I can lift my jeep tomorrow. My tires are sitting in the local Goodyear stores warehouse just begging to be put on, and I can not deny them this now can I

Also is there anything I should know, advice that would be helpful, anything going into this installation tomorrow. I am mechanically inclined as are the people helping but none of us on Friday are mechanics and that is the tear down day. I did see on the instruction that I need a special tool for the removal of ball joint, are these readily available i.e. autozone, or a rental place, or is there an alternative like a BFH

Again any information will be greatly appreciated

It will fit just fine on your '02.That's jsut a liability statement due to some of the early '02(made up til april 12th 2002) being 3/4" higher then the rest and the fact that the CRD's have one really short CV shaft that causes CV boot tears from more then 2" of lift.

Thanks TJ as mine is an early 02 actual manufacturing date was 05/01 on the drivers side door, so I guess that makes it a pre-lowered one. Any advice as I know you have torn several KJs apart.

Start soaking the the bolts in PB Blaster,do it for a few days before you put the lift on,it makes the bolts come out much easier.If you don't feel comfortable compresing the coils your self take it to a shop to be done(the strut assembles only),most places only charge about $20-$30 per strut to put together.And being you have a '02 I would highly suggest replacing the stock struts with ones from Rancho(17505 is the part #),your OEM struts are probally about done anyway,might as well do it all while you got it apart allready.Also you will need extended rear shocks,the Rancho 17004" are the ones to get(made for a stock Dodge Durango).

also you do not need a special tool to remove the ball joint,
loosen the nut up all the way cleaning the threads good as you go, then making sure you have the nut part way on to hold it, take a BFH and smack the top part of the spindle a couple of times it (upper ball joint) should pop right off. May want to have a jack under the lower control arm, not putting a lot of pressure just touching it to hold it.

when reinstalling the upper ball joint some run into trouble, take a long bar and stick back into the spring and pry down on the upper control arm and run the nut up on.

main thing like tjkj said was spray everything down really good for a couple of days, will help a lot later

Tom

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hmmm!!! no way to get shocks and struts this weekend and I am losing air in 2 tires now and spare is done. I hate to do things twice, but to get out of a jam will it work with tired shocks and struts atleast for now rear shocks are cake to change struts not so easy though.

Just to let you know the OEM rear shocks will be to short for the added lift,I would replace them ASAP.I believe Adavnce Auto Parts can get Rancho shocks/struts,if you have one nearby they should be able to get them in a day or two.

The OME shocks I have are the same length as the stock shocks and theyve been doing fine for 3 years now.

KJKen, make sure to measure the before and after height. I would guess you will get more than 2.5" of lift but I wonder how much more you will get.

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Thanks again everyone, I am currently trying to find the struts so I just have to assemble them once. Trick Trucks carries them in stock in a PA warehouse 1-2 days away, but I need them for a saturday install. Any ideas in maryland of a dealer that would possibly carry them in stock?