OP
The pup approves of the changes
Installed DPG Super Ultimate lift on my LJ
- Thread starter ItchyDong
- Start date
OP
Yeah, honestly I had no interest in writing a build post for such a simple and common install. The guys who do that are installing long arms and doing belly ups and all that. No need, IMO, for such a small job.
Those are the BFG KM3 33X10.50. I was shooting for 10.50's. For some reason that pizza cutter/tucked look has always suited my eye. Sort of pays homage to that old Willy's and early CJ days. I love the tires. Very quiet considering they're an M/T. Keep in mind I've only ever owned shit tires (i.e Kenda, Federal, etc) M/T's prior to this, so I couldn't possibly compare noise or drivability to any other brand.
The lift rides like a dream on the road. I've heard a ton of guys complaining about OME springs. Then you'll read on and see that they've installed HD springs on a rig with no bumpers, no hardtop, etc., just to get a half inch more lift. Folks claim that springs have no effect on rideability... They'll get into the "science" of dual rate, and use really big words to explain their stance. My retort has always been, if stiffer springs do not effect rideability, why not throw on a set of dump truck springs and gain a few more inches? Anyways, I have never engaged in that debate, and any rebuttal to this paragraph won't be responded to. I'm just not interested. I'll just go ahead and hand over the win in that debate before it ever gets started. The point of this paragraph is just - that as an anecdotal experience, if you use whatever springs Dirk suggests, you'll have a smooth riding ride. Don't go for HD springs to get a little more, and then complain when the thing rides like the axles are welded to the frame.
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Looks good!
Big fan of bfg 33x10.5 as well.
Also.. x2 on Dirk being squared away and helpful.
OP
Forgot to mention that in conjunction with the lift, I also:
Re-geared to 4.56 Revolution.
R/R all body bushings with the Crown Master Kit.
R/R all Control Arm Bushings
R/R Dana 30 Spicer Ball joints
R/R Transmission mount with Crown Rubber stock style mount.
** Also a little update. FUUUUUUUUCK the Brown Dog Rubber (not Poly, so I don't want to hear it) Motor Mount upgrade. ** I chased horrible vibes at idle for the longest time. I suspected the Brown Dog MML, but damn it's hard to replace a brand new part. I followed the instructions to a T, didn't over tighten the bolt, had the XSMN mount loose when I lifted it (again, don't want to hear it). I performed all the tricks while installing. I tested everything from smoking the vacuum system, to watching my O2's operate at 2000 rpm after it was warmed up on my Scan Tool, performed injector balance tests, fuel pressure tests, and on, and on... Finally bought the 1in JKS spacer and (2) brand new Crown factory style motor mounts.... Vibes gone. Also, I called and left two messages with Brown Dog before I ripped the stupid things out, no call back (which surprised the crap out of me after seeing all the rave reviews about their customer service on this forum). My two cents, I just don't think there's enough rubber in those mounts. The MORE Bombproof look like they've got a lot more.
Re-geared to 4.56 Revolution.
R/R all body bushings with the Crown Master Kit.
R/R all Control Arm Bushings
R/R Dana 30 Spicer Ball joints
R/R Transmission mount with Crown Rubber stock style mount.
** Also a little update. FUUUUUUUUCK the Brown Dog Rubber (not Poly, so I don't want to hear it) Motor Mount upgrade. ** I chased horrible vibes at idle for the longest time. I suspected the Brown Dog MML, but damn it's hard to replace a brand new part. I followed the instructions to a T, didn't over tighten the bolt, had the XSMN mount loose when I lifted it (again, don't want to hear it). I performed all the tricks while installing. I tested everything from smoking the vacuum system, to watching my O2's operate at 2000 rpm after it was warmed up on my Scan Tool, performed injector balance tests, fuel pressure tests, and on, and on... Finally bought the 1in JKS spacer and (2) brand new Crown factory style motor mounts.... Vibes gone. Also, I called and left two messages with Brown Dog before I ripped the stupid things out, no call back (which surprised the crap out of me after seeing all the rave reviews about their customer service on this forum). My two cents, I just don't think there's enough rubber in those mounts. The MORE Bombproof look like they've got a lot more.
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Oh oh.... i am waiting on my browndog mml to be delivered.
Did you do the mml first.. then a bl?
I always thought those 2 items should get installed togethor.
OP
No, you'll do the BL first. Then the motor mount lift. They should be done together to avoid issues with fan clearance without having to mod your shroud. I loosened my gas cap filler hose, the four bolts holding the gas cap bezel (whatever it's called), and removed the bolts from the fan shroud that mount it to the radiator before you lift it.
If I were doing it again, I would never re-order the Brown Dog MML. I'd go for the JKS blocks and factory style Motor mounts. I might experiment with the MORE mounts, but I can't personally speak to their performance.
Again, this is a very brief explanation of how to perform the lift. There are excellent write ups all over this forum on installing your exact set up.
I expressed my concerns with the Brown Dog mounts while on the phone with Dirk yesterday and he highly recommended them still. My gut tells me the factory style with loads more rubber isolators are better so I appreciate the insight into this issue. I will most likely opt for the spacers as opposed to an entirely new design for a motor mount. I will buy new factory-style mounts and spacers. I will most likely opt for a 33 but I like the wider 12.5 wide tires so I will be going that direction. Love the way your Jeep looks! The wife now wants me to paint my factory fender flares after showing her a picture of yours.....
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Right on! I'm also weird in the fact that I just love the look of the stock flares, especially the painted "Sahara" style.
And you do you on those 12.50's! Build her in a way that's going to make you turn around to give her a double take before you enter the grocery store
And look. There are positive review after positive review on Brown Dog. Maybe because I replaced ALL the rubber during my lift, it shined an ugly light on the Brown Dog's. I don't know, and I never will. They're in the Dothan City Dump somewhere. I hope they end up in Hell one day. Them not returning my calls/messages didn't help anything either.
rig looks great, I'm curious to see the 10.5s straight on, front and/or rear, do you have any photos you could post? I've got the same tires in 12.5 but I'm always plotting my next move for when the time comes & in the interests of shedding weight and hopefully getting a better ride on the street I'd consider going thinner. I've always liked the fatter looking ones appearance-wise but that may change.
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This is the only one I could find straight on. I don’t have any from the back, and I’m back in Afghanistan so I can’t just run out and snap on for you. Sorry about that. Ignore the apparent lean in this picture. My driveway, and neighborhood for that matter, slopes aggressively from the prospective right to left.
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What springs did you go with? When I spoke with Dirk he suggested light load springs for my LJ, which surprised because I ran 933/942 on my previous TJ and they worked out great. The HD springs are not terrible on my LJ but I’ve been debating calling Dirk again and going with whatever he recommends to see if the ride could be improved.
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That’s odd. He quoted me/and I installed 2933/2942 being that I had a soft top, no winches, etc. The only heavy mod I have is the exogate and of course a heavier spare. I couldn’t believe the difference the set up made in ride-ability. Paired with load range C tires and aired down to 28psi (I think
) she rides like a 50 year old Cadillac, which is a MAJOR upgrade from stock.Thanks for following up. Like I said, the ride is not terrible, but my ‘01 TJ that weighed less had a better ride with a similar suspension setup. The only considerable difference is that the TJ had 32x11.5 BFG KM2s and the LJ has 31x10.5 BFG K02s. I’m currently at 28psi and hesitant to go lower in every day driving.That’s odd. He quoted me/and I installed 2933/2942 being that I had a soft top, no winches, etc. The only heavy mod I have is the exogate and of course a heavier spare. I couldn’t believe the difference the set up made in ride-ability. Paired with load range C tires and aired down to 28psi (I think
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I know that I didn’t go the long travel route. But I don’t recall part numbers. I know they were the sport nitros.
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Just found my receipt. This is how shocks were listed.
Shock Options:
OME Nitro Sport Shocks Standard
Thanks, I was curious if he sent you the LJ specific shocks or the standard TJ. But we'd need the numbers to know that. Eitherway, glad to hear you like them. I've heard so many reports from people that the Sport Shocks ride rough. Its good to know that is not the opinion of everyone.
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Like I said previously... I’m pretty sure that he’s a lot to do with throwing heavy duty springs on a Tj with a soft top and no mods.
I've got the same lift and noticed your question on shock part #'s. My OME Nitrosport shock part #s are 60047 for the front and 60048 for the rear. I'm assuming those are the 'light duty' version, as that's how Dirk and I approached the lift when we talked based on my TJ (stock bumpers, soft top, no winch, usually no back seat, 31" spare; eventually going to 33"). I also bought from DPG Offroad based on forum feedback.
I think a lot of the feedback on shocks is very subjective. My OEM shocks were shot when I bought the TJ and briefly ran some cheap RC shocks that were horrible. I'm very happy with the OME's and for what it's worth, have had multiple compliments from others on the ride quality.
Fyi in case it helps.