Caution: TF 2.5" Lift, when using 3rd party shocks
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
I recently purchased the Teraflex 2.5" coil lift with Bilstein shocks. As many of you know, the recommended rear Bilstein shocks (part #24-146715) to be used with this size lift have been on back order. As an alternative, vendors are selling this combination with slightly longer Bilsteins (part #33-186887). The advantage of this is better articulation.
What may not be obvious, however, is that these longer rear shocks will cause the upper portion of the rear springs to dislodge while under full articulation. This issue been discussed in a general sense in other threads on JK-Forum (e.g. here).
Among other solutions, the above thread discusses coil guides/spacers that were included with certain TF 2.5" coil lifts:
However, TF is no longer including these guides (for any 2.5" kits with or without shocks):
I have been told that TF is working on updating the pictures on their web site to accurately depict the parts that are included with their 2.5" lifts.
I started this thread to give everyone a heads-up about this. If you are running the TF 2.5" lift with aftermarket shocks, you may be in a situation where the upper portion of your rear coils may become dislodged under full articulation. This in result may cause safety issues. If this applies to you, be sure to implement a solution, such the TF 1/2" coil spacers (part #1954105), to remedy the problem.
What may not be obvious, however, is that these longer rear shocks will cause the upper portion of the rear springs to dislodge while under full articulation. This issue been discussed in a general sense in other threads on JK-Forum (e.g. here).
Among other solutions, the above thread discusses coil guides/spacers that were included with certain TF 2.5" coil lifts:
However, TF is no longer including these guides (for any 2.5" kits with or without shocks):
I have been told that TF is working on updating the pictures on their web site to accurately depict the parts that are included with their 2.5" lifts.
I started this thread to give everyone a heads-up about this. If you are running the TF 2.5" lift with aftermarket shocks, you may be in a situation where the upper portion of your rear coils may become dislodged under full articulation. This in result may cause safety issues. If this applies to you, be sure to implement a solution, such the TF 1/2" coil spacers (part #1954105), to remedy the problem.
Last edited by RedJK2; Sep 22, 2011 at 06:26 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Originally Posted by planman
This is the best solution:
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...807RRK&cat=273
If you lift your rear by 1/2" with the coil spacers with guides, you need to decide if you also want to run 1/2" coil spacers in the front.
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...807RRK&cat=273
If you lift your rear by 1/2" with the coil spacers with guides, you need to decide if you also want to run 1/2" coil spacers in the front.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Originally Posted by karls10jk
So there isn't a problem with the Bilsteins, they just need a simple coil spring retainer for the longer shocks.
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Originally Posted by planman
I highly doubt that you would stretch them enough at full droop to change their spring rate or damage them in any way.
With OME HD springs, OME LT shocks, EVO RockStar skids/shock relocators, and Currie spring retainers, my rear springs acted sort of like limiting straps at full droop to a small extent. This did no damage to the springs.
My reason for starting this thread was not really to discuss the pros and cons of the various coil retaining options. I just want folks to realize that if you purchased the 2.5" lift with 3rd party shocks (Bilstein, Fox, etc.), there may be issues.
One way to check is to jack up one side of your Jeep near the rear (not under the axle) to simulate full flex. Then look at the coil on that side to see if it still seated at the top. The bottom of the coil should be okay since Teraflex includes lower retainers.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 2
From: Manitoba
Its also important to make sure your shocks aren't too long you don't want them bottoming out before your bump stops hit on full suspension compression, otherwise you will kill the shocks and you upper shock mounts.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: Arizona