Work from home LJ

Just got absolutely wrekt by the install kit on the swayloc.

Took me about 30 minutes to get this stupid little stud out after installing on driver side.

I was fighting the stud real hard to even get a nut on it, so I’m thinking something wasn’t right out of the box.

The supplied hardware wouldn’t go on without an absolute fight. I should have known better

Going to hardware store to get some different options and continue with install.

1FCFC5F3-8954-4236-85CB-DCA6171AC2E6.jpeg
 
Just got absolutely wrekt by the install kit on the swayloc.

Took me about 30 minutes to get this stupid little stud out after installing on driver side.

I was fighting the stud real hard to even get a nut on it, so I’m thinking something wasn’t right out of the box.

The supplied hardware wouldn’t go on without an absolute fight. I should have known better

Going to hardware store to get some different options and continue with install.

View attachment 348294

Looks like there was not enough threads engaged. I think I had to use a longer bolt to pull it in to where I could get the stud threaded. You may of needed to run a tap in to clean up the threads also.
 
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Yep. I used an entirely different stud the rest of install and it went 100x better. For whatever reason, the one included in the box wasn’t quite right
 
Ended up throwing 2 small washers on each steering stop to prevent rubbing. I’ll revisit once I’ve installed the new springs/35s
 
I’ve always hated the front bumper on my LJ, but it was on a low list of priorities to fix.

I had to remove it to install the Swayloc and decided to replace it then.

So have a motobuilt stubby front bumper on the way and a guy buying my current bumper this afternoon!

This is new one I went with (based on recommendations from this forum) https://motobilt.com/products/jeep-yj-tj-stubby-front-bumper-bare-steel

Attached is the current bumper. It’s fine, but huge.

There’s a chance I need more width to pass NC inspection. Luckily I got inspected last month. If so, I’ll pick up a stock bumper to swap on by next year

64C22055-B1E1-4CAC-B594-618AD99F074E.jpeg


A064D5F5-AC9E-4FB4-B05D-C1BFF51F616D.jpeg
 
I’ve always hated the front bumper on my LJ, but it was on a low list of priorities to fix.

I had to remove it to install the Swayloc and decided to replace it then.

So have a motobuilt stubby front bumper on the way and a guy buying my current bumper this afternoon!

This is new one I went with (based on recommendations from this forum) https://motobilt.com/products/jeep-yj-tj-stubby-front-bumper-bare-steel

Attached is the current bumper. It’s fine, but huge.

There’s a chance I need more width to pass NC inspection. Luckily I got inspected last month. If so, I’ll pick up a stock bumper to swap on by next year

View attachment 350336

View attachment 350337

I think you’ll like the new bumper. I have the same one. I did have to grind a bit to get it to clear the bushings for my anti rock, so make sure to test fit before you paint.
 
I’ve always hated the front bumper on my LJ, but it was on a low list of priorities to fix.

I had to remove it to install the Swayloc and decided to replace it then.

So have a motobuilt stubby front bumper on the way and a guy buying my current bumper this afternoon!

This is new one I went with (based on recommendations from this forum) https://motobilt.com/products/jeep-yj-tj-stubby-front-bumper-bare-steel

Attached is the current bumper. It’s fine, but huge.

There’s a chance I need more width to pass NC inspection. Luckily I got inspected last month. If so, I’ll pick up a stock bumper to swap on by next year

View attachment 350336

View attachment 350337

Wow, that current bumper is HUGE. Good choice on the new MotoBilt!
 
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This weekend will be fun. Going to start installing stuff!

- Currie 4" springs
- Currie bump stops
- Rancho shocks
- Savvy control arms
- Currie trac bars - front/rear

Still waiting on Savvy body lift. Once I get that Ill do the motor mount lift, shift linkage and body lift
 
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This weekend will be fun. Going to start installing stuff!

- Currie 4" springs
- Currie bump stops
- Rancho shocks
- Savvy control arms
- Currie trac bars - front/rear

Still waiting on Savvy body lift. Once I get that Ill do the motor mount lift, shift linkage and body lift

If you have the time, do the shift linkage now. It's worth it regardless of a BL.
 
Edit: nevermind. I was being an idiot yesterday.

So I got my a** kicked yesterday working on this.

Anyone know what size the front upper control arm bolts are? I have looked online and it looks like size varies based on model year.

I was working on this after 3-4 hours in garage and heat so there’s a chance I was being dumb, but I tried just about every socket in my 2 sets and nothing seemed to seat to get any torque.

I’ve watched a few videos on YT where people used a 15mm but that didn’t seem to grab yesterday.

I could just get them off I know, but not willing to accept defeat just yet
 
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Edit: nevermind. I was being an idiot yesterday.

So I got my a** kicked yesterday working on this.

Anyone know what size the front upper control arm bolts are? I have looked online and it looks like size varies based on model year.

I was working on this after 3-4 hours in garage and heat so there’s a chance I was being dumb, but I tried just about every socket in my 2 sets and nothing seemed to seat to get any torque.

I’ve watched a few videos on YT where people used a 15mm but that didn’t seem to grab yesterday.

I could just get them off I know, but not willing to accept defeat just yet

Axle side or Frame side? Depending on the rust condition, you may have to take a smaller socket and pound it on the head of the bolt forcefully to get it to grab. Also, the factory nuts have a stupid little leg to prevent rotation on the front axle side...and it is almost guaranteed to spin on you. Its also very thin and trying to grab it with channel locks or something is not easy.
 
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about 5 hours in and have entire front end broken down. Springs, shocks, Trac bar, 2” budget boost lift pucks and bump stops are out.

Ended up having to cut one of the shocks out. That was not fun.

Installed longer brake lines and threw 2 savvy control arms in to help hold axle in place. I’ll get axle squared up on the stock bump stops before proceeding to install the Currie bump stops.

That’s going to be a stopping place for a few days.

Need to pick up a stronger drill for Trac bar holes and get back to it!
 
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so I’m making fine progress. The only thing I can’t figure out is why this upper front control arm doesn’t fit.

I’ve tried it on both sides and it won’t go on. The other control arm fits fine on both sides so I’m guessing the tolerances are just off on this one?

the black metal end of the arm will not go on either axle side mount. As in it won’t slip over the bushing. I haven’t reamed the bushings yet, just doing test fits

Which absolutely sucks because I don’t have a great way to expanding it I don’t think

9DA8D895-11E1-4D2C-87CB-8D53E36A0D9E.jpeg
 
so I’m making fine progress. The only thing I can’t figure out is why this upper front control arm doesn’t fit.

I’ve tried it on both sides and it won’t go on. The other control arm fits fine on both sides so I’m guessing the tolerances are just off on this one?

the black metal end of the arm will not go on either axle side mount. As in it won’t slip over the bushing

Which absolutely sucks because I don’t have a great way to expanding it I don’t think

View attachment 352126

You can take a little off the clevite bushing with a grinder or just get a long bolt with two nuts to spread the joint housing a little. I don't remember it not fitting on mine, but I put them on a few years ago so it's possible.
 
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