Other than your own garage, where do you guys get your work done? I want to upgrade my suspension as well as a few other things, but I'd like to find a good shop that's done a few JK's. I wish I had the time and space to do it myself, but I don't. Thanks!

 

I have been dying to get my Rubi lifted for the past year, but due to lack of tools and time just never felt I could do it myself....even though I know I should try. Yesterday I stumbled across a place called Alpha Auto Repair in Crestwood, IL. It is about 30 min from Chicago so probably an hour from Wilmette. Their website has pics of some JKs they have lifted and it seems they know what they are doing. I called today and they said they will install a lift that I purchase from online. I think labor is about $70 an hour. I am planning on buying a 2.5" Teraflex lift and having them do it. Hoping they don't gouge me on the labor cost. I can let you know how it turns out. I just can't afford to have my daily driver in pieces on my garage floor because I can't get a coil in place.

 

you guys need to make friends on here. I would suggest starting with Dirtman. He lives in champaign.. i live in the same town.. i moved down here from the gurnee area. I also had a list installed by a dealarship. not saying they did a bad job.. but they will kill you on the labor costs. at 70 bucks an hour.. if its a budget boost.. i promise you they will bill you for at least 3 hours. thats 200 bucks you could spend on other parts for your jeep.. and then you dont learn anything about it. if you are going to do any offroading at all.. I would go about it the other way. Dirtman is superfriendly.. and super smart. hes got a huge shop with any tool you would ever need. he helps me and a lot of other forum members with mods.. from lifts.. control arms.. to fabbing up bumpers. He also designed his own snorkel that looks better than most out there. Grant.. its an hour and a half drive for you.. but its well worth the trip.. and besides.. then you could come out to the badlands with us.. its only an hour away from here. we are planning a big trip on go topless day next month if you guys are interested.

 

Nickit,
Thanks for the helpful info. Unfortunatlely, Champaign is almost 3 hours from me. I would love to join you guys on some rides, but need get the Rubi a little more trailworthy first so I don't humiliate myself. Thanks again.

 

Nickits right though, there are a bunch of great guys in the Chicagoland area that I'm sure would be more than willing to help with that install. You should think about coming to the Suds N Grub at the end of the month and meeting a few of us!

 

my stock 2dr sport has done fine both times out at the badlands. kept up with the modded jeeps just fine. zero humiliation.

 

Thanks guys. Saturdays are tough for me to make on short notice, but I'd really like to get out to some meets this summer.

 

I doubt you would have a problem finding some free (excluding beer) help on any install you want to do. You all need to hit any of the Suds & Grubs to meet some folks. 4-30 in Orland Park seems to have a pretty good list of attendees...FYI . As for the stock Rubi, you should be fine!

 

youd be surprised what a stock rubi can do. i had a stock X and it shocked me. Besides.. at the badlands.. there are by passes on all the trails.. so if there is something you cat get through or dont wanna try you can move right along. Believe me when I say you will feel guilty after spending money on labor and not on parts..

 

the next badlands trip is 3 weeks away.. thats not exactly short notice.