Lifting a jeep

[svenpurple7]

Hi all,
this time last year I barely knew how to put air in my tires.  As a challenge I bought an old beat up 1988 jeep wrangler and started learning how to "fix 'er up".   Eventually, a friend of mine and I replaced the engine, I rebuilt the carburator, etc, etc.
There are many other things I would like to do to it but the next project I want to tackle is lifting it.  Does anyone out there have any advice or links to recommend in order for me to start my research?

Thanks in advance,
Ben.

[beaky]

Haven't done it yet myself, but one very popular mfr of lift kits is:

http://www.arbusa.com/

[svenpurple7]

Thanks rotty.  I was already leaning towards an ARB kit.  I hear that it is possible for noobs to install these things, so I am hoping that I can do the job.  Sounds like fun.  Just need to research.

[Mushroom_Farmer]

It's not too hard. A friend and I lifted a late 70's CJ-7(Spring Lift) in the mid 80's to where 39" tires would fit it. We also decided to mount Dana axles from a Chevrolet pickup for extra stability. The axles were mounted on the bottom of the springs for added height, stock Jeep axles were mounted on top of the spring. Later a Chevrolet 350 CID engine was installed with a nitrous oxide kit. It made a quite good mud-bogger.
I don't remember what spring kit we used. Remember though, if you get radical with the lift, the steering shaft and box may have to be relocated and/or modified.

[expat]

Two pieces of timber about 10 feet long and 4 strong friends should do the trick

Matt

[Jared]

lol, been there done that with a couple of old volkswagon beetles...

actually it was a youth groupd challenge at my church...

there was two teams....whichever team carried the car across the finish line first won

[svenpurple7]

It's not too hard. A friend and I lifted a late 70's CJ-7(Spring Lift) in the mid 80's to where 39" tires would fit it. We also decided to mount Dana axles from a Chevrolet pickup for extra stability. The axles were mounted on the bottom of the springs for added height, stock Jeep axles were mounted on top of the spring. Later a Chevrolet 350 CID engine was installed with a nitrous oxide kit. It made a quite good mud-bogger.
I don't remember what spring kit we used. Remember though, if you get radical with the lift, the steering shaft and box may have to be relocated and/or modified.

Thanks for the info shroom.  I have a couple of trips I need to make in the next month and then  I'll go ahead and actually get to it an lift the darned thing.  I'm only thinking of getting a 3" lift kit or so.  Not more than that.


Hey Matt, remind me never to take my car to you for work!    Two problems with your suggestion:  1.) I don't think 4 people can lift a jeep in the manner that you are suggesting.  There has to be a better way.  2.) I don't think I can find 4 friends.

[expat]

I don't think I can find 4 friends.

Depends how much you pay them


Matt

[Mushroom_Farmer]

Just remembered. Another thing to keep an eye on driveshaft angles. Too much and you'll have u-joint failures. Some of the better kits come with adapters that tilt the differential up.