Suspension swap myself?

[CjMiller7]

I recently acquired rubicon coils and shocks to swap out my stock sahara parts. Most shops around me seem to be in the $500-600 range for install and alignment. Given the current times and trying to save some money, how hard is it realistically to do the swap myself? For background, I have never swapped a suspension system. Though I do have some family members who have worked on cars and could probably help but never done any work on Jeeps.

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[MarkY3130]

If you are mechanically inclined it is totally doable and many people do it themselves.

Note an alignment is not necessary as you won’t be changing out anything that can affect it. Just center the steering wheel up using the drag link adjuster. That’s all an alignment shop could do.

 

[AnnDee4444]

Since this is your first time, I recommend that you get some friends/family to help. You could very seriously injure yourself if you don't know what your are doing.

This is not to discourage you from doing it though, just a friendly reminder of what you're working with.

 

[Roky]

I recently acquired rubicon coils and shocks to swap out my stock sahara parts. Most shops around me seem to be in the $500-600 range for install and alignment. Given the current times and trying to save some money, how hard is it realistically to do the swap myself? For background, I have never swapped a suspension system. Though I do have some family members who have worked on cars and could probably help but never done any work on Jeeps.

YouTube is your friend....... don’t just watch one, watch several as there’s always little things that doesn’t get covered in just one . As these guys said, totally doable, and a sense of satisfaction when you’re done.......

 

[oceanblue2019]

First, check out if a local Jeep club and if they have weekend wrenching for newbies. I help out at a local one of these and it's a great way to learn, get some help, and get access to certain speciality tools that make the job easier.

Secondly you should definitely do it! From teaching at the above you see it in an owners face once they tackle something tough the sense of pride and further connection to their Jeep. That is why I do it as in todays world too many people don't know how to do such things. That is a skill that will serve you your entire life.

So go for it! Buy a good quality lift and DIY.

 

[blnewt]

Not a bad project at all, just take your time and it should be pretty straightforward, here's my install thread including longer LCA install (which I highly recommend when swapping Rubicon sets)
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/rubicon-suspension-on-2-door-sport.40700/

 

[CjMiller7]

First, check out if a local Jeep club and if they have weekend wrenching for newbies. I help out at a local one of these and it's a great way to learn, get some help, and get access to certain speciality tools that make the job easier.

Secondly you should definitely do it! From teaching at the above you see it in an owners face once they tackle something tough the sense of pride and further connection to their Jeep. That is why I do it as in todays world too many people don't know how to do such things. That is a skill that will serve you your entire life.

So go for it! Buy a good quality lift and DIY.

This would be the ideal option and would love to link up with a local jeep club. But surprisingly, given I am in Arizona and have trails galore, I haven't found many active clubs but still on the search.

 

[oceanblue2019]

This would be the ideal option and would love to link up with a local jeep club. But surprisingly, given I am in Arizona and have trails galore, I haven't found many active clubs but still on the search.

JCAZ is the one I've hit the trails with a few members from.

 

[PatrickR]

It isn't hard, but like other members have said, you need to make sure you are comfortable using jacks and putting a vehicle (safely) on jack stands.

What kind of work have you done on vehicles in the past?

 

[The Fixer]

I was going to recommend checking out @blnewt 's thread with the suspension install, it's very thorough. I will be following it when I install the Rubicon suspension on mine! I'm just waiting for the funds to get Rubi takeoff wheels and tires before I go through with it, because I'm not sure I'd like the look of the lift with the stock Bridgestone A/Ts.

 

[PatrickR]

I was going to recommend checking out @blnewt 's thread with the suspension install, it's very thorough. I will be following it when I install the Rubicon suspension on mine! I'm just waiting for the funds to get Rubi takeoff wheels and tires before I go through with it, because I'm not sure I'd like the look of the lift with the stock Bridgestone A/Ts.

I think it looks just fine with the Bridgestone at's, it doesn't look as high as the Rubicon since the fenders are lower. I can take some pictures of you want to see how it looks.

 

[Moto_21]

Shit id do it for like 100 bucks, or free beer

 

[The Fixer]

I think it looks just fine with the Bridgestone at's, it doesn't look as high as the Rubicon since the fenders are lower. I can take some pictures of you want to see how it looks.

Not that I want to derail the OP's thread, but that would be awesome if you could do that! Even if you could just PM me a few I'd appreciate it. Thank you @PatrickR !

 

[Clayton Off Road]

I recently acquired rubicon coils and shocks to swap out my stock sahara parts. Most shops around me seem to be in the $500-600 range for install and alignment. Given the current times and trying to save some money, how hard is it realistically to do the swap myself? For background, I have never swapped a suspension system. Though I do have some family members who have worked on cars and could probably help but never done any work on Jeeps.

You can do it! Ben from JK Gear and Gadgets made this guide on how to install your own lift at home you can check out. He's showing how to install our Overland Plus Lift Kit, however you should be able to use this for whatever lift you are installing. Good luck!

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