Rough Country Install Guide anywhere?

[draxus]

Yeah the only "specialty" tool I ended up needing was a big torque wrench, I picked this one up and it worked great and was only $40
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BZKWRCK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I didn't need a spring compressor either, and I did have to manhandle the back springs back in though. I could not get it drooped low enough to go in easy, might have done something wrong. Overall the kit took me 12 hours to install, this was my first time attempting anything like this and I spent a good amount of time finally learning what a track bar is when it says to unbolt it I only had hand tools and feel like I could do another lift in 6 hours now that I understand the process. So based on your experience my guess for this kit is 6-12 hours with hand tools. Socket, ratchet, jack stands ... the simple stuff

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[aug0211]

You really don't need the spring compressor, just tall enough stands to let the axle drop down. There will be no pressure on the springs if done right.
Make sure you have a larger torque wrench. I know a lot of people skip this step, but it is a good idea to loosen all your control arm/track bar bolts and torque them back down once you are at the new ride height. If my memory is correct the front lowers now require 180ft lbs of torque.

Thanks all for the responses! Questions on the spring compressor - my understand is that it will make things a lot easier (requires disconnecting less parts to squeeze the springs in and out). Still not worth it?

 

[TTEChris]

Thanks all for the responses! Questions on the spring compressor - my understand is that it will make things a lot easier (requires disconnecting less parts to squeeze the springs in and out). Still not worth it?

I have a lift, so this is almost not a fair comparison. But there really is not a lot to disconnect....
I always disconnect the track bars since they need to be re-torqued on the ground anyway. Driveshaft removal is not needed, and there are only a few connectors/brake line bolts that need to be disconnected.
If I already have the Jeep on the lift with the wheels off this is a 1.5 hour job(Without torquing all the bolts on the ground, that takes another 45 - 1 hour of crawling around under the Jeep.)

 

[TTEChris]

Thanks all for the responses! Questions on the spring compressor - my understand is that it will make things a lot easier (requires disconnecting less parts to squeeze the springs in and out). Still not worth it?

The only reason I would get spring compressors is if your stands are not tall enough to allow your axle to droop down and remove the springs.... Even then I would rather invest in some taller/heavier duty jack stands before I use a spring compressor(I don't like those things unless they are the wall mount variety with safety straps.) When I was younger(16-17) I had a spring compressor nearly take off my leg when we were installing lowering springs on my buddies car in his driveway. He didn't tighten them evenly and one shot off and hit me in the knee. I couldn't move my leg for a good while, right when we were about to head to the hospital I started getting feeling back and luckily nothing else bad came from it.

 

[aug0211]

The only reason I would get spring compressors is if your stands are not tall enough to allow your axle to droop down and remove the springs.... Even then I would rather invest in some taller/heavier duty jack stands before I use a spring compressor(I don't like those things unless they are the wall mount variety with safety straps.) When I was younger(16-17) I had a spring compressor nearly take off my leg when we were installing lowering springs on my buddies car in his driveway. He didn't tighten them evenly and one shot off and hit me in the knee. I couldn't move my leg for a good while, right when we were about to head to the hospital I started getting feeling back and luckily nothing else bad came from it.

Ok, sold. Thank you. I was thinking of it as an alternative path to the same destination. I understand it now to be more of a shortcut. And I’m not a fan of shortcuts. There’s always a trade off.

Also, I’m glad your leg wound up ok man!

 

[4LowPhoto]

I am specifically confused by the third step:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/roughcountry/install/921677000.pdf

Mark and remove front driveshaft from axle using a 15mm socket. Hang the driveshaft up don't let it fall or rest on the driveshaft boot or it could damage the boot.

I have never done this before, what and why are we marking?

I installed this kit and did not remove the driveshaft

 

[WXman]

The sway links on page 1 are installed wrong. You shouldn't have any funky angles at the bushings when you're done.

Also, this video has a few pointers to keep in mind before you get started. You'll need a full Saturday to do this at home if you've never done a lift before.

 

[Arkewn]

Hope to install my RC 2.5" spacer lift this weekend. So far I've found the following install guides & resources below... I'm kind of surprised there aren't better videos on youtube but there are good tips on the ones below.

Does anyone have another resource they used that I'm missing and can share?

Thanks!

https://s3.amazonaws.com/roughcountry/install/921677000.pdf
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ep-suspension-lift-kit-2018-wrangler-jl.4411/

 

[Bubba33]

I didn't disconnect the drive shaft. I used a spring compressor which made it easier to get springs in. I used a cordless impact also. Feel free to PM me when you go to do it, if you need any info.

 

[TTEChris]

I didn't disconnect the drive shaft. I used a spring compressor which made it easier to get springs in. I used a cordless impact also. Feel free to PM me when you go to do it, if you need any info.

I also didn't remove the driveshaft on my last two installs. I had zero issues getting the springs in/out without the use of a spring compressor, but having a lift and being able to drop the axle on stands does make things a lot easier.

Some of the aftermarket springs I can see the compressors being useful, but with this kit I didn't find it needed at all. Of the five RC spacer kits I've installed they were all done by myself without the use of a compressor. My 3.5-4" Skyjacker springs required removing additional components to get the axle to "droop" far enough to get the springs in place, but I didn't need compressors. Any longer than those springs and I can see a compressor needed to get them in.

This install is really easy as far as lift kits are concerned. My wife and I have considered taking a trip to CO in early August. Want to buy us some plane tickets and I will come out and help you j/k

I'm also available via PM or TXT if you need some help installing the kit.

 

[Bubba33]

I also didn't remove the driveshaft on my last two installs. I had zero issues getting the springs in/out without the use of a spring compressor, but having a lift and being able to drop the axle on stands does make things a lot easier.

Some of the aftermarket springs I can see the compressors being useful, but with this kit I didn't find it needed at all. Of the five RC spacer kits I've installed they were all done by myself without the use of a compressor. My 3.5-4" Skyjacker springs required removing additional components to get the axle to "droop" far enough to get the springs in place, but I didn't need compressors. Any longer than those springs and I can see a compressor needed to get them in.

This install is really easy as far as lift kits are concerned. My wife and I have considered taking a trip to CO in early August. Want to buy us some plane tickets and I will come out and help you j/k

I'm also available via PM or TXT if you need some help installing the kit.

It was easier doing it on the ground with no help. With the spring compressor. I don't have a lift or do it everyday though.

 

[4LowPhoto]

It was easier doing it on the ground with no help. With the spring compressor. I don't have a lift or do it everyday though.

You don't need a spring compressor, you just put jack stands on the frame and use a jack to flex the opposite of the axle.

 

[Arkewn]

I definitely didn't want to have to deal with disconnecting the driveshaft. This approach seems manageable. Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully no emergency posts from me this weekend!

 

[WXman]

No spring compressor needed. Loosen the control arm bolts, unhook the sway bars, unhook the shocks, and then let the axle droop all the way down until the coil spring just falls right out. Reassemble in reverse order.

The rear is easier than the front. The hard part of the job wasn't actually installing the spacers. The hard part was dealing with the horrendous instructions, hardware that needed to be modified to work properly, and figuring out how to monkey that front passenger corner bump stop extension bolt and nut together.

 

[4LowPhoto]

I definitely didn't want to have to deal with disconnecting the driveshaft. This approach seems manageable. Thanks for the feedback. Hopefully no emergency posts from me this weekend!

I did not take off the DS either. Just put those stands behind the lower Control arm mount.

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