Hey everyody,
So yesterday I spend about 8 or 9 hours installing the LiftMeister 2.5" kit, Bilstein HD shocks in front, Z71 shocks/springs in rear, and my eBay 1.3" hubcentric wheel spacers.
My work is installing my 265/75/16 Cooper Discoverer S/T tires as we speak, and pics will be posted. During my installation, I ran into several.... eccentricities, and I felt that I should share my thoughts with you to help out future lifters:
*An impact wrench will make your day much easier. I used only hand tools for my wrenching, and I suffered for it.
*After removing the coil spring assembly, replacing the shock, and installing the spacers, I encountered difficulty, even after disconnecting the stabilizer bar, with fitting the assembly back into place. I found that using the factory bottle jack on top of the upper control arm allowed me to lower the whole thing enough to fit the arm onto that nut. This took me about half an hour to figure out
*When lowering the rear driveaxle, it is possible to push down on the assembly and lower it even more. *Have that factory bottle jack on hand to allow you to raise one end of the driveshaft at a time.
*Ensure that you completely torque down the upper shock bolts in the rear. If you forget, your TB will remind you by clanging constantly when going over bumps.
*I encountered the common problem of needing spacers for the lower mounts of the z71 shocks. If you are like me, and encountered this problem past the time of being able to use power tools (~9PM), then about 6 or so zip ties per shock, zipped tightly on either side, will suffice for a period of time.
*If the day is hot, and you plan on working without a shirt, apply plenty of sunblock.
*At the end of your install, multiple beers are acceptable, and in fact recommended.
That's all I have for now, but if I remember anything else, I'll be sure to edit this post and tell you guys.
-Phil