Homemade KJ lift kit

Max Rebo · **Joined:** Sun Nov 30, 2014 7:04 pm **Posts:** 13

Hello all. My name is Matt and I'm from reading pa. I am new to the liberty scene, but have experience in the 4wd/lifting area. I work at an automotive repair shop where I am the manager. My dad also runs his towing company out of the same area. I acquired this liberty after it was rolled over by the previous owner. The passenger's side banged up and engine hydro locked with motor oil; perfect for an off-road build. After swapping out some doors and windows, and pulling the plugs to expel the oil from the cylinders, I decided to lift it. I've put plenty of lift kits on (and also made my own) so since a good size kit is so expensive for the liberty I used some old parts from other vehicles. Rear coil springs are stock from the front of a tj, rear shocks are f150, I used cheap coil spring spacers I had laying around and then I purchased 2 strut mounts (factory liberty) and cut them up to space out the body from the strut. I will be doing much more modding to it, so keep an eye out for updates. Glad to be on the page!

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

More pics of your lift, how high are you lifted?

Tom you see this?

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:38 pm

4x4kayak2112 wrote:

More pics of your lift, how high are you lifted?

Tom you see this?

Yes saw it

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

tommudd wrote:

4x4kayak2112 wrote:

More pics of your lift, how high are you lifted?

Tom you see this?

Yes saw it

I figured you would get a kick out of it....

Max Rebo · **Joined:** Sun Nov 30, 2014 7:04 pm **Posts:** 13

It sits about 4" taller in the front and 4.5" in the rear.

This is the new strut mount I cut up and welded to make it a spacer

A comparison to stock height

Picture I took after install (don't worry, I put the spring back in the rubber isolator)

And my favorite part. The relocated turn signals!

I'll take more photos this weekend if you're interested in the front suspension setup.

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Dec 11, 2014 10:25 pm

Bumpstops ?
Upper Control Arms?
to start

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

I guess its lifted......

Some guys use the JK springs in their TJ for a ~3.5" lift. In fact some guys use the TJ front springs in the rear of their TJ.

REAL CRITICISM......

But not the way i would of done the front, especially using the stock springs and shocks.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Fri Dec 12, 2014 12:23 am

I like the enthusiasm, but please realize this is probably not safe and I'd be curious to see how long it lasts.
Like previously mentioned, you need bumpstops and JBA upper control arms to say the least.
On a positive note, I find it creative what you did with the turn signals. Never seen that.
This site is full with YEARS of information. Use it to your advantage.

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

Note: this is NOT the best way to lift your KJ

I honestly dont see the promblem using the TJ springs (same way sfa guys use "other" springs) or the f150 shocks. Might be a little stiff, not the best. Needs bumpstops.

The front is where i cringe. Those plates are only 1/8" thick and arnt designed to be under that kind of stress. Id make them atleast 3/16, more like 1/4. And you need arms to bring your alignment into specs. Im betting your only actual lifted 3 inches or so. Whats your hub to fender measurements? Im betting 22" or so.

But either way, i love the "out of box thought process" and then creativeness.

Trust me i have seen whole lot worse crap pulled on Impalas and LeSabre when "they" would try to fit "24s" under them. Blows my mind, so in hindsight OP didnt do too bad.

Atleast the OP didnt make a too plate spacer out of a 2x4, not even treated. Guy at work has one on his 2012 chevy pickup, blows my mind it hasnt fell apart yet.

Would i do it to my Jeep? HECK NO!!! I LIVE MY 4" IRONMAN LIFT!!!

Note: this is NOT the best way to lift your KJ. Best way would be with Full Spring/shock replacement.

WHITE the civilian · **Posted:** Fri Dec 12, 2014 5:17 am

This is badass, darn shame I didn't know a thing when I first started! Hahaa good on ya.

KJ/toy · **Posted:** Fri Dec 12, 2014 6:10 pm

She sure is up in the air....

CobraNutt · **Joined:** Sun Feb 05, 2012 3:57 pm **Posts:** 15

I kinda like the turn signal mod...

Sent from my mystical handheld gizmo.

Max Rebo · **Joined:** Sun Nov 30, 2014 7:04 pm **Posts:** 13

Glad I could rustle a few feathers haha. By no means was this meant as an instructional guide for anyone to tackle so I apologize if it came off as such. Just showing other possibilities.

As you guys already pointed out, yes, I'm to the point I need to figure out something to do with the upper control arms. Jba looks like a great product and I love the idea of replacable ball joints but Xmas time is not a good time to be blowing money on myself. If you guys have any other suggestions I'm all ears.

New spacers were already in motion for the front suspension; just deciding how tall to make them.

If this is correct, I sit at 24 1/4 in the rear.

I have just about 1000 miles on the vehicle since I installed everything and haven't had any issues. ....yet.

**Although most people find enjoyment in off-roading their vehicle, my favorite part is the build itself. Where's the fun in installing parts that fit? Haha. I'm a pro at "ruining" vehicles.

All of your positive and negative comments are welcome!

If you'd like to see my other personal vehicles that I built, I uploaded them to my member introduction page: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=80853

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

Max Rebo wrote:

Haha. I'm a pro at "ruining" vehicles.

.....i must say...i have my popcorn cooking up, i wanna see how this pans out.

24.25" is 5.25" over stock. You need JBA arms and im sure your rear boomerang isnt too happy either, your pinion angle is all messed up. Your CVs, im sure are using a few choice words, and your camber is all kinds of wack. And first time you have full droop you will kill the LBJ. And im sure your arms are touching your coils. (I have JBA arms with 4" ironman and i have contact when going over speed bumps)

The reasons above is why you go with the correct type of lift.

......Tom even the fourms are turning into "its a kj thing" im about loose my mind!!!

John3:17 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2014 7:18 pm

4x4kayak2112 wrote:

......Tom even the fourms are turning into "its a kj thing" im about loose my mind!!!

I realize it's the OP's Jeepmand he can do what he wants but that's just asking for something to break and injure someone.

It's almost enough to make me sell mine and buy a JK! :furious:

JeepMorrison · **Joined:** Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:34 am **Posts:** 1236

John3:17 wrote:

that's just asking for something to break and injure someone.

It's almost enough to make me sell mine and buy a JK! :furious:

In my line of work, thats called "Job security" and some of them JK guys are even crazier like 40" tires on completely stock d30.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2014 9:21 pm

Max Rebo wrote:

Glad I could rustle a few feathers haha. By no means was this meant as an instructional guide for anyone to tackle so I apologize if it came off as such. Just showing other possibilities.

As you guys already pointed out, yes, I'm to the point I need to figure out something to do with the upper control arms. Jba looks like a great product and I love the idea of replacable ball joints but Xmas time is not a good time to be blowing money on myself. If you guys have any other suggestions I'm all ears.

New spacers were already in motion for the front suspension; just deciding how tall to make them.

If this is correct, I sit at 24 1/4 in the rear.

I have just about 1000 miles on the vehicle since I installed everything and haven't had any issues. ....yet.

**Although most people find enjoyment in off-roading their vehicle, my favorite part is the build itself. Where's the fun in installing parts that fit? Haha. I'm a pro at "ruining" vehicles.

All of your positive and negative comments are welcome!

If you'd like to see my other personal vehicles that I built, I uploaded them to my member introduction page: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=80853

Some of this has been mentioned but just going back over ( by the way you asked for comments) :wink:

First a spacer type of lift on a KJ is the very worst way to go, sure they may work " ok " on some other models but not long term on the KJ/KK.
Second you are too high, even the JBA UCAs will not completely take care of all the issues with, alignment, CVs/ Upper and lower ball joints ( which will be short lived) plus lots of UCA/spring contact on bumps ( anything over 22 with out JBA arms and anything over 22.75 ( middle of wheel to bottom of the flare) with arms you will have contact)
Third as mentioned the rear tri link will be gone in no time at all due to the extreme amount of pressure on both the ball joint and the front bushings
Fourth while the Ford shocks may work the valving I would say is off resulting in a harder ride than what a engineered shock for the KJ will provide
There are other issues that you'll find as you drive it more like tie rod ends at too much of an angle etc

While its always good to see someone step out of the box, we all also hate to see someone get hurt when suddenly the UBJ lets go at 65 MPH due to bad lift.
I've spent "some time" under KJs looking / twisting/ bending/ stretching/ changing and modifying and only so high can you go with out major $$$ spacer lifts just won't get it

While you work in a shop and should know the results of breaking parts when maxed out some may see your post and think Oh well he is a Tech so knows what he is doing and I'll do the same thing. I just hate to see KJs destroyed, I like to build them for 200,000-300,000 miles instead of 2000.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sat Dec 13, 2014 9:22 pm

4x4kayak2112 wrote:

Max Rebo wrote:

Haha. I'm a pro at "ruining" vehicles.

.....i must say...i have my popcorn cooking up, i wanna see how this pans out.

24.25" is 5.25" over stock. You need JBA arms and im sure your rear boomerang isnt too happy either, your pinion angle is all messed up. Your CVs, im sure are using a few choice words, and your camber is all kinds of wack. And first time you have full droop you will kill the LBJ. And im sure your arms are touching your coils. (I have JBA arms with 4" ironman and i have contact when going over speed bumps)

The reasons above is why you go with the correct type of lift.

......Tom even the fourms are turning into "its a kj thing" im about loose my mind!!!

I know its spreading everywhere :-)r

Max Rebo · **Joined:** Sun Nov 30, 2014 7:04 pm **Posts:** 13

Update on the most hated kj on the lost forum

Since the liberty has been so good to me after my homemade lift kit, I decided to spoil it and purchase the JBA Lifted Upper Control Arms. Although they are only rated for 3"(?) of lift, they brought my alignment back to where I can adjust. Beautiful control arms and highly recommended.

Still in need of 15" or 16" wheels so I can get some decent tires for it (stock are 17s) but haven't figured out what kind of back spacing/ offset I need.

Next steps I will be looking into is adjustable rear control arms, possible cradle drop, and aftermarket coil overs to replace the strut assembly.

Like always, your hate is welcome. But if you wanna show love, that's cool too.

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:54 pm

The only 15 inch steels that will work are aftermarket like soft 8s etc to clear the caliper
go with 7 inch wide 4 inches of backspacing on those or 16 inch
No need for any wider since we can't run 37s etc anyways
JBA arms are for up to 4 inches or so

Not that yours is hated, we've just seen builds like this before where a good KJ becomes a lawn ornament in a short amount of time :banghead:

Hate to see another one go that direction. A few of us have tested many different setups over the past 12-13 years so have a idea of what works / what doesn't
Mines been apart so many times in the last ten years I don't use regular nuts on any of the bolts, just wing nuts, way faster to tear down
We're still testing parts even right now, just came in from the garage after checking parts we're testing now. But we build them to last many many miles, not short term. We try to give the best advice so that a newbie with limited funds builds one that will last for them so they can enjoy it. Mine has over 213,000 miles ( bought new) and all but 20,000 have been lifted. :JEEPIN:

Again not hating, just the way it is :2cents:

But it is yours and you can do what you want. :pepper:

have fun and keep us posted
( oh and its not the most hated but we'll let that subject go for another time when we're sitting around the old potbelly stove) :lol:

Homemade KJ lift kit

Who is online