Installing lift kit - control arms

[Danarch]

I am hoping to install my 3” lift on the LJ this weekend. On the JK’s I loosened the bolts at upper and lower control arms. The instructions for the BDS lift only states to disconnect the lower control arm at the axles. Does the upper control arm not require to be loosened at all? I’d prefer not to but if needed I will. Any thoughts?

 

[PNW_LJ]

I would loosen all control arms and retorque to spec at ride height, when you’re finished.

 

[06lj]

Definitely loosen than all. It would also be a good time to inspect the bushings and replace them if necessary.

 

[P man]

Just to add..I can usually get a little more room for the coils by standing on the end of the differential..with 3 inch springs you may not need to though. I have a spring compressor but will do just about anything to not use it.

 

[Danarch]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. That was my thinking too but thought maybe something was different on TJ/LJ compared to the JK’s. I do not have a spring compressor so hopefully will get them in there. Didn’t need one for the three 2.5” lifts on the JK’s I did, but they are a different beast as was 1/2” shorter.

 

[P man]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. That was my thinking too but thought maybe something was different on TJ/LJ compared to the JK’s. I do not have a spring compressor so hopefully will get them in there. Didn’t need one for the three 2.5” lifts on the JK’s I did, but they are a different beast as was 1/2” shorter.

I have found I can "thread" the coil spring into place most of the time and skip the compressor.

 

[OldBuzzard]

You might have to disconnect the track bar at the axle to get that end of the axle to drop low enough (front and rear).

You might have to disconnect the lower control arm at the front axle (only one at a time) because the CA can contact the bracket, keeping the axle from dropping far enough:

 

[Danarch]

I have found I can "thread" the coil spring into place most of the time and skip the compressor.

Good idea. I’ve been a barely short and been able to pry them in.

 

[Danarch]

You might have to disconnect the track bar at the axle to get that end of the axle to drop low enough (front and rear).

You might have to disconnect the lower control arm at the front axle (only one at a time) because the CA can contact the bracket, keeping the axle from dropping far enough:

View attachment 501249

Thanks for the info. I am replacing both track bars with adjustable track bars. The lower front control arms are being replaced with adjustable arms.

 

[Danarch]

Sort of weird, done three lifts on JK’s and for some reason all worried about doing it on the LJ. Sprayed all the bolts with penetrate. It seems like the axle side track bar is a little tight with the gas tank but I am thinking with the axle dropped down the bolt will clear the tank.

 

[06lj]

Sort of weird, done three lifts on JK’s and for some reason all worried about doing it on the LJ. Sprayed all the bolts with penetrate. It seems like the axle side track bar is a little tight with the gas tank but I am thinking with the axle dropped down the bolt will clear the tank.

It is a tight. My track bar just barely clears the gas tank. If your installing a track bar relocation bracket keep and eye on the fuel line and wiring harness. I had to extend my bump stops a bit after installing the rear suspension on my LJ.

 

[Danarch]

It is a tight. My track bar just barely clears the gas tank. If your installing a track bar relocation bracket keep and eye on the fuel line and wiring harness. I had to extend my bump stops a bit after installing the rear suspension on my LJ.

Thank you for that. I called BDS and asked since I am replacing the track bar with an adjustable one do I still need to install the relocation bracket. They said the recommend it. Any thoughts from people here? I am thinking the bracket should still be used.

 

[LJBean]

Use the bracket in the rear to avoid interference with the gas tank skid. You shouldn't use any relocation brackets on the front as long as you are using the stock pitman arm. If your kit came with a drop pitman arm, I'd suggest utilizing it as a paper weight.

 

[LONGJP2]

. The instructions for the BDS lift only states to disconnect the lower control arm at the axles. . Any thoughts?

Check the directions.
If it mentions loosening and retorquing later, then follow the instructions and leave them tight for now.

 

[zachpeakee]

To alleviate any concerns, from what I remember of my experiences installing/wrenching a suspension lift on the JK platform..

It's almost IDENTICAL to the TJ/LJ, in respects of how to do it, and where arms are located.

Things are shifted around a bit differently between the two, but for the most part the main components/layout are damn near identical.
(control arm locations, track bar location, tie rods, etc)

If you can do it on one, you can do it on the other.

 

[jjvw]

I am hoping to install my 3” lift on the LJ this weekend. On the JK’s I loosened the bolts at upper and lower control arms. The instructions for the BDS lift only states to disconnect the lower control arm at the axles. Does the upper control arm not require to be loosened at all? I’d prefer not to but if needed I will. Any thoughts?

Any link that uses a bonded rubber bushing needs to be loosened and re-tightened at ride height. This is true regardless of the vehicle, in order to release the twist from the bushing.

 

[LONGJP2]

If you loosen everything up at once, the axle will want to rotate due to the spring not being centered on the axle (in the front).
The control arms could end up in a bind.

 

[Danarch]

Use the bracket in the rear to avoid interference with the gas tank skid. You shouldn't use any relocation brackets on the front as long as you are using the stock pitman arm. If your kit came with a drop pitman arm, I'd suggest utilizing it as a paper weight.

Agreed on the pitman, seen and heard of too many aftermarket one’s break. It didn’t come one either

 

[Danarch]

Check the directions.
If it mentions loosening and retorquing later, then follow the instructions and leave them tight for now.

That is just it, re-read the instructions several times and it only states to disconnect the LCA at the axle. Then retorque once the weight is on the axle. It never mentions the other CA bolts. Based on what I’ve heard and understand I am used to them all be loosened then retorqued once the weight is back on the axles.

 

[jjvw]

That is just it, re-read the instructions several times and it only states to disconnect the LCA at the axle. Then retorque once the weight is on the axle. It never mentions the other CA bolts. Based on what I’ve heard and understand I am used to them all be loosened then retorqued once the weight is back on the axles.

It doesn't matter what the instructions say. Loosen anything that is a bonded rubber bushing during the install. And re-tighten anything that is a bonded rubber bushing at the final ride height.