OME Lift Problem/Question

WarriorMP31B · **Posted:** Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:24 am

I'm half way done installing my Lift Kit. Yes, the rear of the KJ is lifted while the front is still stock. :shock:

Unfortunately my buddy and I ran into some problems installing the front and we had to put it back together before we could finish. There's an amazing "How To" over at JeepKJ Country for the Frankenlift, but I had some very newbish questions about the difference between the Frankenlift & OME Installations.

Obviously one of the main differences would be the fact that the Frankenlift's front is pre-assembled. Clearly we didn't follow the directions during the first time around and we ended up trying to remove the stock spring with spring compressors. :roll:

My question is with an OME/Rancho Lift Kit would one pre-assemble the springs and shocks and then install them just as shown on the frankenlift how to? Also, apart from this possible pre-assembly, are spring compressors required for the front installation?

I'm becoming a little frustrated with this lift installation and I'm asking for some guidance so that I may finish it tomorrow. Please keep the flaming to a minimal if anything above is incorrect or the wrong terminology is used. To be completely honest, while I've done some things vehicle related (audio, hitch & brush bar installation), I've never even changed a tired before attempting this :oops:

and while my buddy has a vast array of knowledge with other vehicles, the KJ is proving a little difficult for us to figure out (neither of us have slept for a few days due to work schedules!

Thanks for your help and understanding in advance!

WarriorMP31B · **Posted:** Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:29 am

And just to clarify, my kit includes...

OME HD Springs
Rancho Shocks
DayStar & Teraflex Bump-Stops

And here's the link to the "How To" in question...

http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29193

tommudd · **Posted:** Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:36 am

OK , I think I know what you are asking you bought springs and shocks, you will either have to rent spring compressors OR I SUGGEST since you have never done this before, take them to a shop that has a spring compressor and have them tear down you old assembly and reinstall everything of course with your new springs and shocks ( struts) and then the install would be the same as a Frankenlift at that point

First time I ever read those directions but they are pretty close to doing it the way I do
Good luck!

Oh and you have a PM in a short while :wink:

WarriorMP31B · **Posted:** Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:09 pm

Thanks for the help! She's all together. I absolutely love it!

The only problem I'm having (aside from some minor rubbing with my new tires) is that whenever I hit a bump (or just drive on an uneven piece of roadway) I get a banging noise from the back, almost like it's bottoming out. She'll also make the noise when I stand on the rear bumper and jump up and down. Sound like a "clunk-clunk" sound. Any quick explanations some of you more experienced KJers could make for this annoying sound?

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:54 pm

Double check your shock bolts, more than likely thats what it is.

BjBnet · **Posted:** Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:06 am

I'll be doing this too in Feb for the first time.
My understanding is to mount the front spring and shocks together before putting them on....and I can do the whole install myself as long as I have the spring compressors....which I do.
Did I read somewhere here that if you buy from a certain place (All J's??) they assemble the front springs and shocks for you?? Maybe my imagination...

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Jan 22, 2009 12:45 am

BjBnet wrote:

I'll be doing this too in Feb for the first time.
My understanding is to mount the front spring and shocks together before putting them on....and I can do the whole install myself as long as I have the spring compressors....which I do.
Did I read somewhere here that if you buy from a certain place (All J's??) they assemble the front springs and shocks for you?? Maybe my imagination...

You can buy the Frankenlift from AllJs and it is assembled

WarriorMP31B · **Posted:** Thu Jan 22, 2009 1:13 am

It wasn't too hard after I figured out what I was doing, but if I had to do it all over again I'd probably go with a Frankenlift just for ease of installation. As far as overall quality, etc... I'll leave that to those who have experience with both types of lifts, although I'm sure that's been discussed many times before.

SweepnChoke · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:12 pm

I just finished doing almost this exact install. Removing factory struts, re-using factory strut mounts, top and bottom spring isolators, and installing Rancho RSX 17505 Struts with OME 927 coils.

Yes you will need to disassemble the factory strut, and assembly the new strut assembly before mounting to the vehicle. It really isn't too had of a job, including disassembly of the factory strut and assembly of the new strut the job only took about 3 hours to complete including beer breaks.

You will definately need a spring compressor to assemble the new strut, but it isn't necessary to disassemble the factory strut providing you are careful.

If you are in Canada you can rent a spring compressor from Canadian Tire, and you get fully refunded when you bring it back.

SweepnChoke · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 6:15 pm

"Did I read somewhere here that if you buy from a certain place (All J's??) they assemble the front springs and shocks for you?? Maybe my imagination"

If you plan on re-using the factory strut mounts and spring isolators you will need to assemble the strut yourself. If you plan on buying new mounts and isolators then you can buy them assebled.

ZERO6 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:13 am

Did the same putting struts to-gether, wont do it again, actually looking for
another lift for my Renny..

USPLibby · **Joined:** Thu Jul 28, 2005 12:29 am **Posts:** 377

That banging sound in the rear is probably your new Rancho shocks bottoming out, which it not good. Did you install the new longer bump stops in the rear?

WarriorMP31B · **Posted:** Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:51 pm

Yes, I did. Top bolt turned out to be loose again. I tightened it. If it does it again, I'll have to figure out a better solution.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:54 pm

WarriorMP31B wrote:

Yes, I did. Top bolt turned out to be loose again. I tightened it. If it does it again, I'll have to figure out a better solution.

Double nut it and it won't come loose again.

OME Lift Problem/Question

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