1 Day Away - Throwing Down 4 the Suspension (1 Viewer)

[BG_TX]

Hello -

After 2 years of getting everything up to snuff on the 62 and getting a good feel for the wagon I am ready to throw down for the suspension (finally). I am about to purchase the HFS 3" spring lift, HFS extended shackles, HFS stabilizer, etc tomorrow. I spoke to the folks at CCOT today to confirm the kit includes everything needed for install and to confirm they have everything in stock so I am not waiting for parts to show up... they have everything needed in stock (I will purchase the lightswitch box to raise the LSPV separately, thanks to the forum for that fix!).

I am going with HFS for 2 reasons... I have not heard any bad reviews for their lifts and they are local if I have an issues with a broken spring or something (no shipping involved). It is also a break from the OME mold, not to say the majority are wrong just something different.

Anyway... before I throw down the loot if there are any extreme nay-sayers to this purchase please tell me. I am 99.9% committed to this setup but I also don't want to blow money on a product that will give me more headaches than enjoyment.

I plan on doing the install with a friend who is a Jeep guy, but if he flakes I might have to hit up some local talent in need or some cases of beer, loot, etc. Either way, I will post pics of the install, before/after measurements, etc.

Let me know if you think this is a bad purchase, thoughts, etc... I won't take it personal.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

I think you will be just fine with it and will enjoy the ride when it is all said and done.

Clint

 

[sl33py]

I have my 84 with BDS lift (pretty stiff) and my 87 w/ stock tired springs. The 87 is running better than it ever has, but Jesus on a pogo stick... it's crappy to drive.

I notice now a lot of body roll... just feels like it wallows around. Engine is purring and acceleration w/ stock gears and smallish tires (31's i think) is great. hate taking a corner though.

BDS is not OME, but happy with it. Feels like a ferari in the corners compared to the stock mess.

so get it and have fun! it will be an improvement!!

GL!

rob

 

[alaska60]

I'm sure your Jeep buddy will come around soon.......... He'll buy a cruiser soon especially if he keeps hanging out with you. I feel for him.

 

[slcfj62]

So, you want to be careful when you go out there to pick the suspension up. Take your wife with you because I've been to their website, and there are half naked women all over the place!

 

[BG_TX]

I can't wait to get it on... my suspension right now is pretty sloppy and body roll is awful! I picked up the components today, and added extended greasable shackles and greasable hanger pins.

My jeep bud who is going to help with the install is concerned about the pitman arm with the lift. I have read dozens of sua install threads for the 60 and not seen much regarding this. I estimate between 3-4 inches of lift with the setup... will this leave the pitman arm at an acceptable angle?

...and the goodies.

 

[Trapper50cal]

Oh Man...that is quality cruiser porne...So nice. You are going to LOVE it.
New bushings, HFS shackles, swaybar extenders, stabilizer, shocks...get ready for Hog Heaven!

You should be okay with the pitman. Check your draglink length and toe-in and adjust the tierod after its all on.

 

[boombapslappy]

You'll be fine with that setup. Personal preference is one thing. Buying junk is totally different. HFS isn't junk. Heard lots of good things. Have fun with the install!



















































ps...whatever you do, don't let your buddy have a beer durring install. J**p guys mess stuff up all the time. You don't want to accelerate it.

 

[eraldovallejo]

how much was the set up? I am looking to do the same sometime down the line

 

[Trapper50cal]

That's like the fiance asking how much you spent on the diamond.

 

[sl33py]

how much was the set up? I am looking to do the same sometime down the line

CCOT's site:
Lift "HFS" FJ60/62

lots o goodies...

rob

 

[sirenmoses]

another new BDS roller. Got it for a good price, and it's night n day from the saggin wagon...

you have been warned that lift leads to new rubber & sliders & bumpers &.... right?

 

[BG_TX]

don't let your buddy have a beer durring install. J**p guys mess stuff up all the time. You don't want to accelerate it.

That's an accurate stereotype, he fits that mold! No beer (for him) until it is mounted!

...you have been warned that lift leads to new rubber & sliders & bumpers &.... right?

I purchased some new meats about a year ago, 33x10.5 MTs, I have rotated them 3 times over the year and they are in great shape. The should fit the lift well...

I should see some impressive gains from the lift (sound like a steroid user), the stock springs are mega flat!

 

[sirenmoses]

I should see some impressive gains from the lift (sound like a steroid user), the stock springs are mega flat!

Yeppers. I only went 2.5" w/another .5" from the shackles in the back... my tailgate now has the same height as my inseam . Now I've gotta get a dog ramp for da pups....

 

[rchalmers3]

My jeep bud who is going to help with the install is concerned about the pitman arm with the lift.

Get-r-done and check it out. Pitman arm replacement is no big whoop. Why, I'll bet your jeep bud has done a few.

Most certainly your steering wheel will end up outa whack and you will have to turn tie rod adjusters to bring it back to straight. Prolly want to visit an alignment shop after you drive it for a day or so to have the toe confirmed.

Rick

 

[MrMoMo]

Prolly want to visit an alignment shop after you drive it for a day or so to have the toe confirmed.

Rick

Could someone explain this to me further (not to thread jack or anything...) How can the toe change when the whole axle is going down? I can understand the entire steering angle, but nothing is changing from side to side??

 

[Trapper50cal]

Well, draglink get's effectively shorter as a result of the increased angle, caster changes as a result of diff angle change, so it can make the stance of the front tires different (and yes Tierod length should be a constant) but when you monkey with all that stuff, it's a good idea to reset and recheck everything.

At least that's my simple understanding of it...

Always better to CONFIRM something stayed the same rather than ASSUME it.

 

[jgordon]

For better or worse, I just got in and drove around when I installed my OME suspension. Didn't seem like anything was off, so I never went to get it aligned. 1.5 years later, things are still good. Hopefully nothing changes with yours either. That said, Trapper is probably right - it's likely worth the half hour at the alignment shop to make sure you're good.

 

[BG_TX]

I was advised by the good fellas at CCOT to tighten the u-bolts but leave everything else just kind of snug and drive it around the block, etc to allow everything to settle. Then I should torque everything to specifications. Sound good?

Also, should I order extended brake lines or will OEM work? Looking at the suspension I am thinking with the lift and some flex the brake lines will be stressed...

 

[Trapper50cal]

The HFS shackles should not be overtightened (they go on pretty snug to begin with) The shock mounts you can just torque to spec outta the gates. IMHO. On the brake lines, you'll prb. be okay but find a place to droop each corner and see if they are getting extended too far.