Is a tummy tuck something I can do myself?

[LakeBeard]

I'm looking at a tummy tuck next. I'm not a mechanic but pretty handy. Is this something I can do myself? I already have the following installed:

Currie short arm w/ adjustable arms
Currie front and rear track bar bracket relocated.
shock mounts relocated
1.25 Savvy BL
1350 CV drive shaft
exhaust chopped to fit Genright tank, maybe need to cut more?

I would be installing on a 2004 Rubicon

 

[LJGreg]

It is pretty easy to do yourself except re-routing of the exhaust if needed.

 

[Irun]

Which TT? Some are very easy, some not.

 

[GPK03X]

I'm looking at a tummy tuck next. I'm not a mechanic but pretty handy. Is this something I can do myself? I already have the following installed:

Currie short arm w/ adjustable arms
Currie front and rear track bar bracket relocated.
shock mounts relocated
1.25 Savvy BL
1350 CV drive shaft
exhaust chopped to fit Genright tank, maybe need to cut more?

I would be installing on a 2004 Rubicon

Yes you can. I’m no great mechanic and had no problems installing the UCF extra clearance skid. I did have to do a little work on the exhaust, but no big deal.

 

[pagrey]

I'm not a mechanic but pretty handy.

I think handy really gets you further with a tuck than being a mechanic, it's more about making stuff work and figuring out clearances. Have you done a body lift yet?

 

[GPK03X]

I think handy really gets you further with a tuck than being a mechanic, it's more about making stuff work and figuring out clearances. Have you done a body lift yet?

Looks like he has everything needed to proceed. When I installed mine the exhaust was hitting on the front control arm mount. I just had to cut the hanger on the trans mount

 

[pagrey]

Looks like he has everything needed to proceed.

Ya, I can't read, BL.

 

[LakeBeard]

Thanks guys, you're giving me hope, any links to a good vid to watch?

 

[InOmaha]

I did it by myself with some 6 ton jack stands and a long reach jack.

I recommend another person to help if you can swing it, but its not necessary if you go slow and curse profusely.

 

[LakeBeard]

Looks like the skid was lowered? Can I simply remove this and replace w/ a new skid?

 

[GPK03X]

Looks like the skid was lowered? Can I simply remove this and replace w/ a new skid?View attachment 319040View attachment 319041View attachment 319042View attachment 319043

Since you have adjustable arms and CV driveshaft you can remove that drop and adjust your pinion angle. No need for a new skid unless you want one

 

[InOmaha]

You have an engine skid? I'd match that height if you can. It was great on the trails.

But for zero cost you can take out those skid spacers. Assuming you have the stock bolts.

 

[LakeBeard]

Cool, I'm going to replace it with the UCF high clearance

Since you have adjustable arms and CV driveshaft you can remove that drop and adjust your pinion angle. No need for a new skid unless you want one

 

[NskLJ]

Cool, I'm going to replace it with the UCF high clearance

When I did mine I made a trans support to hold everything up so I could work on things and raise and lower as needed. This is a lifesaver, whatever time you spend building the tool you will save on the install.

 

[GPK03X]

Cool, I'm going to replace it with the UCF high clearance

Cool, I'm going to replace it with the UCF high clearance

Like InOmaha mentioned you will need stock length bolts with your new skid

 

[LakeBeard]

Like InOmaha mentioned you will need stock length bolts with your new skid

Ok, thanks, isn't there a nuts and bolt rep on here?

 

[GPK03X]

Ok, thanks, isn't there a nuts and bolt rep on here?

You should check out the official tummy tuck thread in TJ resources. I read through it several times planning mine. You may have more issues than I did because of your higher lift and your Jeep being a rubicon with the larger transfer case