TJ lift, how hard?

[scrambler013]

Ok I have a question. How hard is a 2" suspension lift to install on a 2001 TJ? I have worked on CJ and YJ suspension but not the TJ. I just got my springs today and want to put the lift on this week or weekend. Are there any special tools I may need to buy or borrow? How long should it take? Links to Shop manuals would help(to the acctual page). If anyone has shop manuals for sale let me know, thanks.

[Blupupher]

What type of lift? Are you installing a rear trac-bar bracket? The OME I did, the only "special" tool needed was a 90 degree drill to drill the holes for the tracbar bracket. Also make sure you have a torx-55 socket to remove the front sway bar. Jackstands are a must also. An extra set of hands also helps. Timewise, anywhere from 4 - 8 hours, just depends on too many factors, maybe even more.

[scrambler013]

Ok the type is an Explorer Pro Comp. Four springs and four shocks. The shocks aren't hard. It is the springs that I was wondering about. I have heard that you need a spring compresser to do them. I hope not. That is all I need to know. If I can get away with just dropping the axle and lowering the Jeep onto the springs, that would be cool. Talk about time saver. ;)

[ChiliTJ]

I installed coil spacers and new shocks not long ago and wished I had borrowed/rented a coil compressor. It can be done without one but everything is easier with the right tools. Good luck.

[Blupupher]

It can be done without spring compressors, but as said above, it may make it easier, especialy if your doing it by yourself.
Just disconnect the sway bars and support the body on jackstands, remove tires, then shocks, and then springs.
A trick some people have used (no personal experience) is to take a jack and place it between the axle and frame or solid part of the underside and jack the axle down so it fits. When I did the one, I just hung on the axle (290lbs) and the other guy pushed them in.

[TJx2]

Yeah.. with 2" coils you should have no real problems. I installed my 3" with no spring compressor, and it just took some "persuation" with a mallet and a pry bar to slide the springs onto the pads. remove the shocks and disco the swaybars so jou have plent of suspension movement available.

I set the jeep up on stands supported by the frame... then jack one side of the axle all the way up (until it just starts to lift the Jeep... then back off a bit to let the stands take the load again) and have a buddy push down on the other side. Then I inserted the top of the spring in, and used the long prybar to slide the spring into the lower pad. The mallet just helped it anong it's way It takes a little practice, but after a few tries you bercome a pro. You may not even need the prybar with a 2" spring.

[Big Black TJ]

I installed a 2.5" Skyjacker suspension lift a couple months ago on my 2002 Wrangler Sport. It was fairly easy, but you need a ball joint separator. All you need to do is remove the traction bar, then take off the nut from the right side (looking at the front of the car) that joins the two bars, then seperate the two bars with the tool and the whole axle should drop down to allow the springs to come out. I still have the instructions if you want me to fax them to you. Jeep on... -(ChriS)-

[scrambler013]

Well I got it done today. Took a total of around 5 hours of work. That was by myself. The wife helped a little but she worked all day before giving me a hand. It really wasn't that hard. Not as bad as I thought it would be. Thanks everyone for the suggestions and hints. I will post some pics of the after as soon as I can. The ones I took in the garage didn't turn out at all. Too dark. :cry: One of them was a good one with a TJ with a 2" front lift. It was taken before I put the rear together. Kinda funny looking. :D The TJ rides a lot stiffer with the new shocks and springs. Now I need bigger tires. :g

[Blupupher]

Congrats. Glad you got it done.
What type of shocks are they? If they are gas charged, that can make for a rough ride.

[scrambler013]

The shocks are Pro Comp ES300. I think they are gas charged. The box doesn't say one way or the other. The place I got them, the website, says they are. Sorry it wasn't 4WD. The deal I got was great. $360 for the lift and four shock boots. I like the way it rides now, the stock suspension on the TJ's is a little too soft for my liking. But I still like my TJ. Now I just need some bigger tires. :D

[Blupupher]

yes, and then after the tires, bumpers, then a winch, then a locker, then a tera low, then a..... :D

[BloodredTJ]

It can be done without spring compressors, but as said above, it may make it easier, especialy if your doing it by yourself.
Just disconnect the sway bars and support the body on jackstands, remove tires, then shocks, and then springs.
A trick some people have used (no personal experience) is to take a jack and place it between the axle and frame or solid part of the underside and jack the axle down so it fits. When I did the one, I just hung on the axle (290lbs) and the other guy pushed them in.

That is the same thing we did on my 4" lift. (hang on the axle) :D

[scrambler013]

yes, and then after the tires, bumpers, then a winch, then a locker, then a tera low, then a..... :D

LMFAO :D . That is what my wife said, as she rolled her eyes. I will get the tires this spring. The only thing is, I am going to have to re-gear the TJ. Come to think of it it would be easy to put lockers in while I re-gear.(how hard would it be to convince the wife). Oh no the voices are coming back!!! :D