Selecting a Lift kit

jmark · **Posted:** Mon Sep 13, 2010 2:28 pm

i'm looking into boosting up my KJ a bit and wondering the best way to do so.

Important to me:

Alignment in spec, proper tire wear
No Drive line damaging effects
Still decent on road (80% on road, 20% off road)

Level ride/no need for clevis lift

I was thinking of the JBA setup or the frankenlift. Any suggestions?

I'm also looking to put on an ARB bumper in the future, again, minimal adjustment to keep the ride height level is the goal.

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Sep 13, 2010 2:40 pm

Frankenlift
or
OME springs and good shocks all around like Bilsteins

**oh and plenty to read in this section on what works what doesn't :wink:

timmyb457 · **Posted:** Mon Sep 13, 2010 2:52 pm

just stop looking right now and listen to tom. its easier that way

jmichaelsjeep · **Posted:** Mon Sep 13, 2010 3:15 pm

x2 on the listening to Tom!

There is a post that is dedicated to lifts for the liberty, I highly suggest to peruse it, but then, listen to Tom.

:lol:

jmark · **Posted:** Mon Sep 13, 2010 3:22 pm

tommudd wrote:

Frankenlift
or
OME springs and good shocks all around like Bilsteins

**oh and plenty to read in this section on what works what doesn't :wink:

frankenlift sounds like a good method.. hows the on-highway performance and do i have to worry about it sagging? This is my first lift.

omGoddard · **Posted:** Mon Sep 13, 2010 5:44 pm

jmark wrote:

frankenlift sounds like a good method.. hows the on-highway performance and do i have to worry about it sagging? This is my first lift.

I've got the franky, highway ride is good. Trust me, I've pulled about 5,000 miles on the WV turnpike with it. Sagging shouldn't be an issue for a long while.

prionic1 · **Joined:** Fri Aug 20, 2010 1:32 pm **Posts:** 79

I must admit that I am also pretty curious about this as well. I don't mean to hijack a thread but it's pretty much the same topic.

I have often read you guys stating that the frankenlift or ome with quality shocks/struts is the way to go. Ok I hear that, however, how do those compare to the JBA coilover system? Do you recomend the previous mentioned lifts simply because they are cheaper than the JBA? Basically within the three options of frankenlift, ome springs with quality shocks/struts, or JBA coilover system, with money not being factored in to the calculation... which is the best lift. Especially considering that there is a guarentee that more weight will be added latter with skids/bumpers and whathaveyou...

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Sep 13, 2010 6:35 pm

Long term.....I had OME heavy duty coils / Rancho RSX shocks and they lasted me over 100,000 miles with an ARB up front the whole time, I did have to add some clevis but that was after 65-70,000 miles plus I wanted HIGHER!! Running a modified sort of kind of Franky now, and if I would not of gotten the Franky parts like I did I would of went back to just OME springs with extras
The JBA is a different setup and so not completely comparing apples to apples

But money no object more than likely the list would be
JBA
Frankenlift
OME coils etc

prionic1 · **Joined:** Fri Aug 20, 2010 1:32 pm **Posts:** 79

I understand that the JBA being a coilover system is really making it different and hence the not comparing apples to apples statement. I get that, however, the end desired result is the same, is it not? You'd be looking for a kit to lift your liberty a few inches, put bigger tires, drive it off road, and for most people have it handle well on road also. So I supose the comparison is based on those terms.

By saying that the coilover system is different enough to not really make the comparison balanced, does that mean that the JBA system really has a different application than the other spring lifts out there?

tommudd · **Posted:** Mon Sep 13, 2010 7:34 pm

Based on those terms then yes all of those mentioned do the same thing, lift for larger tires and upgrade for a better ride and handling.
Having not driven a KJ with coil overs I can't comment on ride of those, but with the OME coils both the 927s I had before and now the 790s both ride great on the highway and on trails. Handling is a huge improvement over stock or cheaper lifts.
It all boils down to what you want, like and how deep your pockets are.
We are limited from the get go on how high we can go without lots of mods, how big of a tire due to gearing, so in the end its what you want.
With the setup I have now, I have what works for me and does an outstanding job. Out of over 50 different 4 WDs over the last 38 years this is about the best, if not the best, overall ride and handling one I have had.

KJActionFigure · **Joined:** Mon Jul 12, 2010 9:45 pm **Posts:** 43

I think what you are looking for foremost, is that the spring is made of high quality. If the spring sags, then the rest of the system is Isht. OME makes very good springs. I would trust them over Ironman, Rustys, and/or whoever else. They have a proven and reliable track record.
So...the OME springs win over all the rest.

Next is the dampers (shocks). OME makes great shocks, and so does Bilsteins (which I use on all my sports cars). Bilsteins are great and bullet proof (well,almost haha). OME is great stuff too. Bilsteins may ride a bit harsher, they're all business. Just look for a good deal on either, you will be pleased with both really.

If you know how to remove the front strut assemblies and disassemble them, you can save $$$$hundreds. If not, if can be dangerous, and you could get hurt, so either learn how to disassemble "loaded" springs, or have a shop do it. The main thing here is, "Dont get hurt". You cant really drive a liberty with half a face lol.

Now if you plan on getting a bumper with a winch, you would want to upgrade to the OME 790 spring (the 927 is for stock bumpers and no winch). You need to make your own considerations, and figure out when exactly in the future you will be getting that stuff, and if you can do the work or not to replace your springs. If you arent getting the bumper for a few years, then maybe you can get the 927 springs. I have an ARB bump with a winch, and it isnt always a joy to have that extra weight sticking out in front.....your choice tho..gl!!!

tommudd · **Posted:** Wed Sep 15, 2010 7:27 am

927s are for more weight like an aftermarket bumper
I know some ( Me) who ran the 927s with an ARB for over 100,000 miles so you may want to go 790s but they are not for everyone
Some misinformation being handed out as " must have " here

Selecting a Lift kit

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