PROJECT JEEP INSTALL

1A. With solid axles and simple suspension systems, Jeeps are straightforward to work on. You just need a clean, warm space and a few essential tools, even to swap out the suspension. A well-illustrated reference for this project is available online from TeraFlex, entitled JK Spring Removal and Installation. If you have an older Jeep, seized/rusty bolts and nuts will always be a challenge.

1B. A visual comparison of a 14AC front coil (left) from my stock 2-door JK and the 17AC front coil (right) replacement. The rear springs show subtle differences. Note the serial number tag, which is affixed to all Jeep OEM springs. This is a handy reference when comparing these parts.

2. With the shock, track-bar link-lower bolt, and brake-line clip removed, I applied a spring compressor to shorten the spring length so it would clear the bump-stop extension for easy removal.

3. During this specific project, the deteriorated OEM bump stop fell out and I replaced it with an aftermarket bump stop by Rugged Ridge.

4. As the new 17AC coil was slightly longer, I slipped it into place with the use of a spring compressor, making sure that the end of the spring ‘buts’ up against the tab on the lower spring perch. 5. I decided to replace all four bump stops. The OEM front and rear bump stop (right) compared with their replacement. A bump stop is an important limiter, which protects suspension components from damage during extreme compression or articulation. They are simple to replace when the springs are removed. Be sure to clean up the extension tube where they are mounted and compress them into place. 6. With the new Rubicon take-off parts installed, everything looks good. Tighten everything to snug, and final torquing is required once the vehicle is sitting on its weight. The sway bar link is 75 ft-lbs; the shocks are 55 ft-lbs; the rear track bar is 125 ft-lbs, and the wheels are 95-115 ft/lbs. 7. The rear suspension components follow a similar process. Pictured here is the sway bar lower link bolt, shock, bump stop, and track bar that was removed. I also replaced the track bar on the rear suspension since the old one was rusted. 8. With the rear track bar, shock, and sway bar link disconnected, a spring compressor was not necessary to slide the rear spring in place. Take care to free the brake line retainer clip to avoid overextending the brake line - as seen here. 9. The end result – My Jeep sitting a little higher and more solid.