OME 2 Lift - Sanity Check Needed

[k-huevo]

That is an angled relocation bracket, which is appropriate when the pinion is raised to accommodate a DC driveshaft. Here's a well designed relocation bracket https://teraflex.com/shop_items/tj-rear-track-bar-axle-bracket-kit .

Get a Currie rear trackbar. It's a versatile, lifetime piece of suspension hardware.

 

[fuse]

Well in case that previous link didn’t work, is this rear track bar relocation bracket ok?

View attachment 117187

You can only use that bracket if you have a DC drive shaft. It’s angled to compensate for the modified pinion angle.

If you’re sticking with the stock drive shaft, you want a straight bracket like the OME one.

 

[fuse]

Can you advise a good source and/or part numbers for said rubber? My ‘98 TJ has 180k miles on original rubber and it’s all toast.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8X1Q5G/?tag=wranglerorg-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094QIQLQ/?tag=wranglerorg-20

You may find the parts cheaper elsewhere.

EDIT: Forgot the jounce bumpers, which are probably also in poor shape. Part numbers are Crown Automotive 52087636AC or OMIX-ADA 18280.25. Somehow these aren't so cheap but maybe you can find a deal on them somewhere.

 

[Specks]

I'm ordering parts for the lift. The jounce jumpers appears to be in excellent shape so I can skip that for now. I know I'm overthinking this and all Jeeps are different when it comes to lifting, but I also want to get as much of this right as I can the first go 'round.

I have also stumbled across locker compressors being re-located, LED lights for the interior, ZJ steering upgrades, etc. I finally had to tell myself baby steps, one project at a time.

I did add some seat spacers which I believe to be a nice easy mod and some newer headlights. No LED's as I prefer halogen (I know that's a discussion for another thread).

I'll be on vacation all next week and I hope to get this lifted with some new tires installed.

The forum is an absolute wealth of info, and temptation to spend more $$$.

 

[Specks]

I should add this thread was good learning, especially on the rear track bar and fuel pump wiring harness. Kudos to @David Kishpaugh for his contribution.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/ome-2-5-lift-bump-stops.9070/page-7

 

[LONGJP2]

For a small lift and light wheeling:
Rear track bar would be overkill for now. A straight relocation bracket can be added, but not really needed. Sometimes it's monetarily beneficial (due to labor) to do multiple projects at one time (like gears and lockers), but track bars, and sway bar links can wait. Your Rubicon is good to go. Other than springs and shocks (for taller tires); the ZJ tie rod is a good upgrade. After that, a HD adjustable front track bar.
Most basic lift kits would include TB bracket, bumpstop spacers, SB links, springs, and shocks. No problem sourcing your own.

 

[Specks]

My OME springs came in today and they are the same height. I thought I had read one would be taller than the other and they would be mounted opposite. I thought I recalled the taller rear on the passenger side and taller front on the driver side.

Did they change their spring heights to avoid confusion?

 

[fuse]

My OME springs came in today and they are the same height. I thought I had read one would be taller than the other and they would be mounted opposite. I thought I recalled the taller rear on the passenger side and taller front on the driver side.

Did they change their spring heights to avoid confusion?

You could contact them to ask about it. Their customer service is pretty responsive.

 

[Specks]

I just ran across this and checked and my springs are labeled A&B. Sorry for not paying better attention.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/new-ome-2-0-lift-questions.8422/post-124473

 

[AussieNick]

@Specks dis you install your lift today and how did you go?

 

[Specks]

I’ve started on it, got the front passenger side done. I ended up having to work this weekend due to some emergent work. That isn’t a bad thing as it funds upgrades for the Jeep.

I hope to finish it tomorrow as I’m on vacation this upcoming week.

 

[AussieNick]

@Specks what did you end up with on the rear track bar?

I installed my whole lift this weekend and 4wp back ordered my track bar relocation bracket so it wasn’t available. Getting my original track bar back in after a 3” lift was the toughest part of the whole lift.

It was supposed to be a 2.5” lift using rough country shocks but I got about 3” front and rear.

 

[Specks]

@Specks what did you end up with on the rear track bar?

I installed my whole lift this weekend and 4wp back ordered my track bar relocation bracket so it wasn’t available. Getting my original track bar back in after a 3” lift was the toughest part of the whole lift.

It was supposed to be a 2.5” lift using rough country shocks but I got about 3” front and rear.

I opted for the JKS adjustable.

Overall it wasn't too bad, definitely a good learning experience. I got my a$$ kicked on the T50 bolt that holds the track bar. I soaked it in Aerokroil, PB Blaster and was using a pneumatic ratchet to try and break it loose. No dice. I later remembered reading on here sometimes you just need a BFH. I gave it 4-5 good whacks and it broke loose. What a relief that was.

My initial impression is that I am rather pleased with the amount of rake.

 

[Specks]

@ncfitton

I meant to ask if your front axle is off after installing your lift? When I was going through the alignment procedure yesterday I noticed mine is off close to an inch. Not sure my OCD will allow me to leave it as such.

I already have the parts for the ZJ tie rod upgrade but I didn't install it when doing the lift as I didn't want to change too much at once. My thoughts were to do the lift, drive it for a week or so and get a feel for it. Then I would add the ZJ upgrade and hopefully be able to tell how that improves the performance. It looks like I'll be adding an adj front track bar when I do the ZJ upgrade.

 

[AussieNick]

@ncfitton

I meant to ask if your front axle is off after installing your lift? When I was going through the alignment procedure yesterday I noticed mine is off close to an inch. Not sure my OCD will allow me to leave it as such.

I already have the parts for the ZJ tie rod upgrade but I didn't install it when doing the lift as I didn't want to change too much at once. My thoughts were to do the lift, drive it for a week or so and get a feel for it. Then I would add the ZJ upgrade and hopefully be able to tell how that improves the performance. It looks like I'll be adding an adj front track bar when I do the ZJ upgrade.

Yeah I measured my toe in at 2” !!! I had installed the ZJ steering upgrade a few days earlier so it’s an easy adjustment but I didn’t do it yet - knuckles need a little break.

I installed a RC adjustable track bar on the front and everything looks centered well.

 

[Specks]

Mine was toed out. I took it for the initial drive knowing I was going to need to the the alignment and adjust the steering wheel. I should have done all that before driving it. Anyhoo, the jeep was wandering and I didn't like the feeling of it.