Lift installation, please help!

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jeep2cruiser

jeep2cruiser

Joined
Jun 20, 2019
Threads
11
Messages
175
Location
Houston, TX
Hello all,

I don’t want to beat a dead horse but I need some help. Installing Fox 2.0 suspension system and SPC UCAs. Could not get my KDSS valves open (20+ applications of Kroil, torch, impact driver, hammering in 5mm, JB welding 5mm in, hammering in torx bit... nothing) but as I’ve read a few times on here, it’s still possible to install suspension without opening the valves so I proceeded with the install. For those who have done it, what tips do you have? The Sway bar linkage seems to be getting in the way of the coilover. Also, any tips on getting the drivers side UCA bolt out?

Thanks in advance!
 
For the drivers side UCA bolt, gat a helper.
Remove the nut off the bolt and slide the bolt forward enough that the bolt is out of the rear pivot. Move the bolt as far forward as you can and twist the control arm so that the bolt is pointing up. Have your helper pull the bolt out from the top.
You may have to remove the battery. It's been a while since I did mine. Seems like that's what I had to do to get the bolt out.
 
To install the coilovers, remove the sway bar linkage from the lower control arm. Mark the position of the LCA adjusting cams, then loosen the nut on the back side. Remove the two bolts that hold the lower ball joint to the steering knuckle. This will allow the lower control arm to drop low enough to install the shock. Use a jack stand to support the hub and upper arm. Start the bolts/nuts on the top of the shock to hold it in place. Lift the lower arm to get the lower shock bolt through. Line up the sway bar linkage with the lower control arm pocket. Use a jack to lift the lower arm if needed. If the sway bar has dropped lower than the arm, use a jack to lift it.
 
While you can get coils overs and rear coils in without opening the KDSS valves... the KDSS will never be balanced as all the height values are now changed.

In my experience, the 200 has a weird kinda rebound feeling when you don’t let it all settle.

So yeah, you can get them in there, but I don’t if you’re going to like how the ride rebounds. Or maybe you’ll get lucky and it will ride great. Just something to think about.
 
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Try a 50/50 mix of ATF and acetone. It has worked for me better than any off the shelf product I’ve used.
 
Thanks for the insight, fellas. This is the issue I’m running into. The sway bar linkage is in the way of me seating the coilover into the LCA.

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My mechanic actually installed the Foam Cell Pro lift and UPC without breaking both valves free on my 14. He said it took a long time and he had to fight it the entire time. When they dropped it on the ground it was completely uneven! It looked like the frame was twisted because it was so lopsided. He decided to take a final crack at getting the one stubborn valve loose. It sounded like his torch was what finally broke it free. Once both valves were opened the truck settled and now sets completely level. The shop said that it would have been so much easier to install everything with valves open. My advise would be not to install your lift until you are able to get both valves loose. FYI, two different top grade 5mm Allen sockets were broken during the process as well. I thought I was going to have to send my parts back and even contemplated selling my truck at one point. I am so glad I didn't. Be patient and they will eventually break free with the right mechanic.
 
You should be able to remove the two bolts on each side that hold the KDSS Swaybar to the frame and suspend them out of the way with some straps to get that strut in. I'm sure it will be a bear to get back on.
 
Is the other side of the vehicle off the ground?
 
Try jacking up the KDSS piston on the opposite side and see if it lowers the sway bar. In order for this to work the sway bar will need to be reattached on the opposite side. This is what I had to do on my wifes GX470 with KDSS and frozen valves.

This is a picture of a 4runner but just to give you an idea, should work on the 200 series.

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ckkone said:
Try jacking up the KDSS piston on the opposite side and see if it lowers the sway bar. In order for this to work the sway bar will need to be reattached on the opposite side. This is what I had to do on my wifes GX470 with KDSS and frozen valves.

This is a picture of a 4runner but just to give you an idea, should work on the 200 series.

View attachment 2235858
Click to expand...

I will give this a shot!
 
Got that sucker in. @ckkone that trick worked like a charm. Now the upright assembly won’t swing back up to meet the UCA. Tightened the LCA back to previous spec and relieved tension on the sway bar. Again, ideas?

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Leave the LCA loose for now, torque once everything is put back together and the vehicle is at ride height.

Your axle looks like it came out of the CV joint. Make sure it goes back in the correct orientation, make sure the boot isn't twisted.. once that is back into place the knuckle should be able to pivot into place.
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After many 2 long days and a few days to clear my mind, the installation is done. With this being my first time doing any work this intensive on a vehicle, and not much literature on how to Install a suspension system without opening the KDSS valves, it certainly wasn’t easy. She sits level and rides beautifully. Will make a post on Fox shocks as an option for 200 series owners.

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jeep2cruiser said:
After many 2 long days and a few days to clear my mind, the installation is done. With this being my first time doing any work this intensive on a vehicle, and not much literature on how to Install a suspension system without opening the KDSS valves, it certainly wasn’t easy. She sits level and rides beautifully. Will make a post on Fox shocks as an option for 200 series owners.

View attachment 2239777
Click to expand...

It’s no Jeep. You did a great job and I can relate to how difficult this can get sometimes on our cars. I’ve done many race suspensions but this took the cake. I thought it would be easier on a tall car that wasn’t slammed on the ground but I was sorely mistaken. Luckily the folks on mud are a huge help and wealth of knowledge and the owners seem to be willing to put in more elbow grease than some others!

Enjoy the ride! Curious what your thoughts will be once you get them dirty.
 
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