Currently, installing a Mopar 2in lift. I have Jack stands located behind the LCA mounting point and my jack in the center of the axle, exactly as shown in the pic below. I Removed the front links, shocks and I was able to lower the axle enough to remove the factory front coil springs but that's about as far as it will lower. The bottom of my axle is 14 inches off the ground currently. I'm trying to figure out what I need to do, to make it droop further to be able to install the lift springs, I need another 3inches or so. (ie I don't have a spring compressor).



Trying to figure out if I need to loosen my control arm bolts, or remove one side of my track bar which I haven't done or something else?

I'm also looking for that coil spring replacement write-up on this forum, if anyone has a link.

 

Had to get a spring compressor to do mine. Not sure if it can be done any other way or not. Good luck!

 

The pic is from this video where this guy is installing a OME 4in lift and he was able to install the springs without a compressor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwY0yjWfBok If he's fitting 4in lift springs, then I should be able to do it with these 2in lift springs. Looking at that pic, he took off his front track bar, so I'm currently leaning towards that's what I might be holding my axle up from drooping further. His jack is positioned much lower than mine can go before the axle stops dropping.

 

Taking one side of the trackbar will make it easier but its not necessary. You need to push down on the axle (sitting on the brake rotor helps) while pulling up on the coil spring to compress it a bit and it will all go together. If you have someone helping you, have them lift up the other side.

You didn't mention removing the bracket that holds the brake line to the frame....make sure to do that as well. Also, loosen all 8 control arm bolts. These need to be retightened after your lift is installed and the jeep on the ground. Otherwise, you preload the bushings which will cause premature wear.

I've done 3.5" springs with 1.75" spacers without a spring compressor.

 

What he ^^^^ about pushing down on the axle and pulling up on the coil. Additionally, it helps to jack UP the opposite end of the axle that you're working on. I know that doesn't sound right, but it helps. Example, if you're putting the coil in on the driver side, droop the driver side and jack up the passenger side. Then sit on the driver rotor. Put the top of the coil in, then pull up on the coil (about 2 winds up from the bottom) and insert it into the bottom bucket. Be sure you get the coil seated correctly at the bottom.

 

Spring compressor to go the safe route, but if you don't have one, then your gonna have to push down as much as you can. I jacked the opposite side of the axle and it helped during that part. Also another big thing is make sure you disconnect the brake line bracket on the axle side, that can help give you a few more inches and then re install when its back to normal. To be honest, I just cut those brackets off completely and zip tied them, giving me a few more inches of slack. Finally got rid of those all together and have braided stainless steel.

 

I just used a spring compressor on a 6" coil lift for an F250 and let me tell you that's some big honking springs. A spring compressor will make light work of the task and you can get one from Advanced Auto, O'Rielly's, AutoZone, etc. for free as they have loaner tools (a deposit is required).

Good luck!!

 

Thanks for the additional tips!!! I'm going to loosen the LCA bolts and remove the track bar...I'm replacing the LCA's and the Trackbar anyway. I've seen the opposite side jack method before, but with my jack supporting the center of the axle, I don't currently have that option unless I try and do a jack stand swap and place a stand in the center of the axle. I'll see how far the TB removal and LCA bolt loosening gets me.

Did the the brake lines brackets and ABS.

Do I need to loosen the upper control arm bolts?.....that looks like a PITA that I would like to avoid, but if it's necessary I'll do it.

Thanks again.

 

I have used the factory screw jack to push the axle down enough to squeeze the springs in before.

Make sure you un bolt the brake line bracket from the frame too.

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Hindsight 20/20. I thought of doing that, and am kicking myself now. I'm stuck in the drive way until the wife gets home, so it's not a short drive to the auto parts store currently.