Hi Everyone,

I'm sure this has probably covered in other threads... I just can't find a specific answer.

I'm getting ready to install an OME LT lift kit. Not having wrenched on the Jeep yet, I want to make sure I have the jack stands positioned correctly to accomplish the task, and be safe.

A couple of questions...

1. Is it better to work on one axle at a time, leaving the tires/wheels attached to the other axle, or is it better to get the whole Jeep up on stands?

2. I have read that jacking under the axles is preferred. Is it best to jack under the axles and then place the jack stands under the frame rails? Should the jack stands be inboard of the axles, or outboard (for safety, and for having room to do the install)?

3. Are there recommended locations for jack stands when placed under the frame?

3. If I place the jack stands under the frame as described in item no. 2 above, will I have enough drop from the axles to remove and reinstall the springs?

Anything I'm missing?

Thanks for your help.

Jeff

 

yes. just work on one side at a time.

yes, use the axle to jack up your jeep as it will require the least amount of jacking.

place your stands just behing the lower control arm mounts on your frame rails. the passenger side rear won't sit quite right due to the gas tank skid mount but it will be fine.

pick up a set of 3-ton stands from harbor freight as they go really tall. with these, yes, you can drop your axles plenty.

 

 

Just to make sure I understand correctly... You are recommending to work on side of each axle at a time? (In other words... only having one tire off an axle at a time?) (I will be installing upper adjustable control arms and adjustable track bars, front and rear, too. I want to make sure I plan this correctly so I don't waste any time.)

Cool

Cool

Thanks for the recommendation. Before I became a member of this board, I probably would have avoided Harbor Freight... but, I purchased some tools there a few weeks ago, and might just make a trip there for their sidewalk sale tomorrow. The prices are low enough, and there is a guarantee on most of their tools that it makes hard not to selectively shop there.

Thanks again for your input.

Jeff

 

your front axel drop will probably be limited by the drive shaft hitting the skid, not the height of the jack stands.

but, the bigger the stand the wider, so it would be safer to use the larger stand partially extended than a small stand full-out.

You should be able to reach everything from the side, so don't get under the jeep if you don't have to.

 

No, he means to jack up the front complete your lift then lower and do the back. You will need to have the axle & tires completely off of the ground, just one axle at a time.

Here is a write up that WOL completed. It may be a little different as the LT kit has a few more components. Old Man Emu 2" Lift

 

personally i prefer to have my jeep on the ground with only the tire/wheel that i am working on jacked up and supported on the stands. also my stands arent very tall so if i need the extra height i move my second jack right behind the jack stand and give a little boost, but get it back to the stand asap.

note: the above statement reflects my personal preference, due to a few friends having had random body parts injured (one guy killed) when either a jack or the jack stand failed. as a second to what yellowtoy said.... DONOT GET UNDER THE JEEP IF YOU DONT HAVE TO!

 

this is true up front but even with the skid plate removed, your axle droop will be limited to how heigh you can get your jeep up. at least, when you are working with 37" tires and 4"-6" of lift anyway. you really do want all the droop you can get as it will make spring removal and installation that much easier.

exactly - thanks robar.

doing this will not allow your axle to drop enough to work on it effectively. you will make your job that much harder. being able to work on your axle freely is especially helpful when installing a complete set of control arms. trying to do this one side at a time will create a significant amount of force being placed on each arm and will make it almost impossible to remove and install your arms.

no offense is meant by this but seriously, who ever got hurt was probably not using the right equipment for the job and/or not exercising proper safety. always use the right tools for the job and you will greatly reduce the chance of injury. also, when in doubt, it is always a good idea to place your wheels under the frame rails of your jeep. if the stands were to fail for some reason, your jeep will fall on the wheels and that will prevent it from coming all the way down and hurting someone.

 

yeah, my friend who was killed was using a scissor jack to do a brake job when the jack collapsed and crushed his head. i always put my tires under the rig for the reason you mentioned

as for having both wheels off the ground for a lift install.... it makes sense why i didnt seem to have enough axel drop when i did my lift and the lift for my friend

 

Hey Everyone... Thanks!

After a few lift installs, some of this will probably be second-nature.

Wanting to do it right (and safely) really makes me appreciate all of your input.

Thanks for sharing.

Jeff