Chevy & GMC Vans

Not.....

Well, we tried to install the used lift kit on my wife's Jeep this past Sunday. Took the front left suspension apart, with me breaking stuff loose and then handing the wrench to her (some spots were too tight for the BFP*). All ready to install the replacement strut which has the lift spacer already bolted on top of it, when I notice something, something bad. Whoever installed the lift previously was a ham fist and can't tell the difference between metric (stock) and SAE (lift) threads. The result, the bolts welded to the lift spacer are stripped. I sit with the assembly on my lap real quiet for a bit, trying to think of a way to move forward with the lift. Without looking up, I tell my wife, "You aren't going to like what I have to say. The lift currently isn't safe to install. We have to put all the stock stuff back together." She was a little upset, but understood. Luckily, we discovered the problem on the first corner and were able to put her Jeep back together rather quickly.

I've spoken with the manufacturer, bought replacement studs (metric this time), and will be visiting a welding shop after work today in an attempt to repair the spacers.

*BFP: Big F-ing Pipe aka Breaking Bar

UHHHHHG! Oh, I hate when that happens. I'm sure we've all been there to one degree or another. Thats pretty far in to have to turn back, though.

Looking forward to seeing pics and hearing tales about that lifted Liberty.

Got the lift spacers repaired today, cost $30. If the weather cooperates, we'll install the lift Thursday after work.

The lift is just the beginning, she also has front recovery hooks to add this week.

She also plans to:
Increase tire clearance by trimming plastic and pounding down a pinch weld
Paint the stock rims black
Remove the carpet and Hurculine the tub
Hurculine the bumpers, fender flares, grill, and doors/body from the crease down
Install rock rails and more skid plates
Install a limited slip differential


I think playing catch up with Grumpy might take me a while, but I'm keeping my eyes open for a G80 every time I head to the yards.

Well, we started installing the lift at around 6 PM, it's now just after 1 AM and we just got done cleaning up and taking a test drive. She's super happy and we're both quite tired. I have to get up in less than 5 hours. I'll post pre and post pics later,

Still no pics, but she put the front tow hooks on while I was wrenching on Grumpy yesterday. She didn't tell me she was, one of the times I came out from underneath I looked over to see the grill removed and her working on removing the bumper. =D>

Women who work on trucks are HOT! I can't watch Spike TV's Powerblock because of the Xtreme 4x4 woman.

Pre-lift and 225/70R75 Tires


2.5" Lift and 245/75R15 LT Tires

Several weeks ago, we spent two days at the Badlands Off-Road Park. Guess how much I got to drive.....None. I did get to run around like Ruprecht the Monkey Boy to spot and take pics and vid though.

I think the only time I'll get to drive when we go wheeling next weekend will be on the drive down to TN once she gets tired. I've yet to drive it since the lift was put in.

I do, but I actually get enjoyment out of seeing her happily driving it. Truth be told, I haven't requested to drive the Jeep, it's her toy. She'd let me if I really wanted to.

You know...you buy the SPB and you both can go to the Badlands and do some serious wheeling! We'll even tow it out there for you and spend a weekend wheeling with you

BTW...tell your wife her Jeep looks GREAT! =D>

that is such an improvement!!! i really like the side profile view...tell her i think you two did an awesome job...all the future plans sound really good too... =D>