Rugged Ridge 4-Inch Lift Kit without Shocks, 76-86 Jeep CJ Models - Manual (Page 2)

Page 2
FRONT INSTALLATION:
1. Open the bushing bag that is marked “F” for front (on 55-75 models the front and rear bushings
are the same so there is only 1 bag enclosed). Apply a thin coat of lithium-based grease around
the polyurethane bushings and insert into each eye of the new front springs then apply a thin
coat on the outside of bushings. Insert the metal sleeves into the springs eyes (on 76-86 models,
sleeves are only required in the larger eyes).
2. Raise front of vehicle and support securely with jack stands under the frame behind front springs
and block the rear wheels. Remove the tires, shocks, u-bolts (Caution: once the u-bolts are
removed, the front axle will be free to move, so support securely on a floor jack). Loosen but do
not remove, the bolts attached to the sway bar.
If a drop pitman arm was purchased, disconnect the tie rod from the original pitman arm; and
install new arm following the instructions included with the drop pitman arm.
3. Unbolt each end of the front leaf springs and remove both springs from vehicle. (If new shackle
bushings were purchased, grease and install them at this time) When installing the new springs
on 76-86 models, be sure to install them so that the end with smaller-eyes are toward the front
bumper. On 55-75 models, install the front springs in either direction.
(NOTE: It is important to NOT tighten the spring eye bolts at this time. If springs are tightened,
with no load being applied on the springs, a false lift and stiff ride will result. These bolts will be
tightened later in step 6 once the vehicle is on the ground.)
4. While still supporting the front axle with the floor jack, lower axle down to the leaf springs. Be
sure the tie bolt heads align and fit into the holes in the axle housing. Install the new u-bolts
included in this lift and torque them to 80 ft.lbs. On all CJ models, one of the front u-bolts is
wider than the other 3, as was originally. On 55-75 models the other 3 front u-bolt are only slightly
narrower (2
1
⁄
2
") than the 4 rear u-bolts (2 3
⁄
4
"), and some models may need to drill out holes in u-bolt
pad to 1
⁄
2
". If new bump stop brackets were purchased, they should be installed along with the u-
bolts.
5. Install the new shocks and tires then lower vehicle down to the ground. Stand of the front bumper
and bounce vehicle vigorously to help relieve any friction or binding. Tighten the spring eye bolts
at this time. Finally, re-tighten the sway bar bolts that were loosened in step 3, or install the sway
bar lowering kit, if purchased.
REAR INSTALLATION:
6. Open the bushing bag that is marked “R” for rear (on 55-75 models the front and rear bushings
are the same so there is only 1 bag enclosed). Apply a thin coat of lithium grease around the
polyurethane bushings and insert into each eye of the new front springs then apply a thin coat on
the outside of bushings. Insert the metal sleeves into the springs eyes (on 76-86 models, sleeves
are only required in the larger eyes).
7. Raise rear of vehicle and support securely with jack stands under the frame in front of the rear
springs and block the front wheels. Remove the tires, shocks and u-bolts (Caution: once the
u-bolts are removed, the rear axle will be free to move, so support securely on a floor jack).