Lift/shocks question(s)

[Jason4x4]

As most of you know, I have an '06 TJ. I bought a Rubicon Express 2" economy lift (spring spacers w/ shocks) about a month ago. I had the kit installed today at Mount Zion Offroad in Dover, PA.

I have a couple of questions for you guys.

1) What exactly are the differences between the shocks for the front and the rear?? The reason I ask, is that I opened all of the parts in the kit before I dropped the Jeep off last night, and I noticed there were 2 different part numbers for the shocks, one for the front and one for the rear. I also noticed that the shocks in the packages with the part number for the front had labels on them different from the ones in packages with the part number for the rear. Specifically, the fronts had labels on them containing the 'old' (I presume) Rubicon Express logo with the tire in the middle of "Rubicon" and "Express" with the blue/red/white stripes. The labels on the rear shocks had the 'new' logo with RUBICON in big letters with ".com" in small print beside it with kind of a reflective background. Now, I could care less about the labels on the shocks except that I noticed after I got home that the front Driver's side shock has the 'old' logo and the front passenger shock has the 'new' logo. Should I be concerned about this?? I would think a shop like Mount Zion wouldn't screw something like that up...but what do you think?

Also...

2) I noticed a little bit of what I believe to be drivetrain vibration. They did not install the transfer case kit I purchased. I told them I would trust their judgement and if they thought I needed it to install it and if not that was fine. It's not bad, just kind of a low rumble (not much actual 'shaking', really) in lower gears during accelleration. I did notice that when I had a little extra weight (i.e., 2 passengers) that it went away, so if the drivetrain alignment is off, I don't think it's by much. I'm off work on Monday and I hope they're open Monday (going to check tomorrow), but I'm thinking about taking it back to have them look at it. If they can adjust it without using the transfer case kit that's fine. Does what I've described sound like drivetrain noise? Or do you think it could be something else??

Anyway, sorry, no pictures, it was already dark when I got back. I'll post pictures tomorrow for anyone who is interested. Thanks for the help!

 

[TwistedCU]

Loosen the nuts under the TC case (near bottom center of skid plate) just enough to allow the bolts to slide. Then take the Jeep around the block, driving easy. Tighten the nuts back up and see if it is gone.

It may be all it needs. If it still vibes after that I'd try to make a 1/2" drop instead of the 1" drop you bought (I'm assuming it's a 1" drop). It won't take much to correct it at only 2" of lift.

Now... got any pics of the Jeep since the work was done?

 

[Jason4x4]

Not yet, it was dark when I got back...I'll take some pics tomorrow. Any opinions/advice on my other question (i.e., them possibly installing the shocks in the locations)??

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The shocks should have different part numbers front to rear, but not side to side. The sticker issue sounds like a non-issue to me.

As for the vibe, it may not be in the rear. The most common vibe I've found after a 2" BB on a TJ is caused by the front pinion angle. With the 2", you need to run the caster all the way out using some adjustible cam bolts on the axle end of the lower control arms. The cam bolts are available at the stealership for about $12 each, they came stock on older TJ's like the '97 but not on newer ones.

 

[Jason4x4]

Is it possible that they could install a rear shock on the front (i.e., would it fit?)??

 

[Jason4x4]

As promised, here are some pictures of the new lift. Sorry, I was later than normal getting home today and it was getting dark, but I did my best.

First, a before/after comparison shot:

And the rest:

Let me know what you think!

 

[TwistedCU]

Looks good!

No, they could not have swapped shocks F to R. On YJ's and TJ's, the front uses a long stud to mount the top side, and a bar pin for the bottom. The rear uses a bar pin for the top and a standard bushing for the bottom. Impossible to mix them up

 

[Jason4x4]

Update:

TC, I tried your solution but it still had a vibration. I took the Jeep back to Mount Zion today so they could look at it (after calling and talking to Mike). They tried a few things and ended up having to install the transfer case kit as a last resort. That took care of the vibration. Mike said that was the first TJ they had seen that needed a transfer case kit on only a 2" lift. So anyway, at least everything's working fine. So I lose about an inch of clearance on the lift with the tc kit, but I'll pick some of that back up with some bigger tires here before too long.

 

[TwistedCU]

Update:

TC, I tried your solution but it still had a vibration. I took the Jeep back to Mount Zion today so they could look at it (after calling and talking to Mike). They tried a few things and ended up having to install the transfer case kit as a last resort. That took care of the vibration. Mike said that was the first TJ they had seen that needed a transfer case kit on only a 2" lift. So anyway, at least everything's working fine. So I lose about an inch of clearance on the lift with the tc kit, but I'll pick some of that back up with some bigger tires here before too long.

That's cool, at least it's fixed. Just curious, did they by change adjusting the front pinion angle?

Did they ever pinpoint the vibes to the front or rear driveshaft?

I'm curious because if BH nailed the problem (he usually does ) then I would probably have the same issue. If it was the rear, then mine should be good to go as my wheelbase is longer.

How was Mt Zion to deal with? My YJ has been in there twice (inspections) and Mike really seems to be a decent guy.

 

[Jason4x4]

They seem like a bunch of good guys. To install the lift they quoted me $350 (just for the lift install). I ended up having them change the oil/filter, install a new air filter and rotate the tires while they were at it. The total bill was $287. When I took it back today, they gave me a discounted service rate because I had to bring it back again. So I walked away a happy camper. He didn't say exactly what was causing the vibes, and I didn't think to ask if they had adjusted the front pinion angle. I can call back and ask if you'd like to know.