I am installing a FT Ultimate 3" kit with the M-Force shocks. I have read that the front shocks require removal of the 'pins' so that the bolt can be inserted. Is this the proper size hole for this bolt? Won't the threads tear up the rubber bushings? Is a steel insert required for this installation? This is holding up the lift installation. Any help will be greatly appreciated. :sad:

 

Hey Cheaper Jeeper, if your shocks came with bar pins then yes, they will need to be removed so that you can install them. With your shocks, you should have gotten a set of metal sleeves for the bushing holes especially if the hole is of a much wider diameter than your bolt. However, your factory mounting bolts are smooth and thread free throught the main lenght of it and if the fit is about the same size, you should be fine installing them as is. If they are loose once installed, this is a problem.

 

In my experience most of the shocks that say "JK" do not have the JK hardware. You will need to use your existing hardware.

Rubicon Express was swapping out the hardware however they no longer are.

Also, in my experience it does not tear up the rubber, the process is pretty simple to remove the old and replace the new ones (only if you have the proper equipment) for example bench press.

 

Thanks for answering Wayoflife.
There were no metal sleeves in my kit. And the bolts on my jeep are threaded the full length. THe holes that the pins are in look too large for just a bolt.

 

You know, I was looking back through my pics and realized that you are right, the bolts are threaded all the way. Well, by the sound of things, you will need to get some new sleeves or reused the factory ones. A tight fit is necessary in order for your shocks to work well.

 

Wayoflife, you have a FT ultimate 3" don't you?
I am worried about the bushings in this kit. some have no zerk fittings, i.e. the track bars. Do they need to be packed with grease befor they are assembled?
Also; I read your post describing the approximat adjustment for the upper & lower front control arms. But I did not get any info about the rear arms. This info would be a great starting point. for me.
I am through installing the front (no adjustment yet) and I am starting on the rear. I plan to let it sit on the front suspention & tires without shocks, till the rear is in.
Your JK is a 2 door like mine, right?

 

Yes, I have this kit now and can tell you that so long as you install the bushings with white lithium grease during installation as is explained and shown in my write-up, you shouldn't have any problems with it. I have 10,000 on mine and they still are quite to this day.

Actually, I should have this detailed on steps #57 and #58. But, let me know if you still have questions.

No, I have a 4-door but I have done this install on a 2-door before too.

 

Why use white lithium grease? Will Lucas's Red "N" Tacky #2 work? It says it is a lithium blend. I had planned to use only this grease on all my jeep applications.
I just found your FT Ultimate install write-up. I got some new reading to do.

 

White lithium is very pasty, long lasting and very resistant to being washed out by water. The Lucas stuff should work too but I have not used it before so I cannot say for sure how much better or worse it will be compared to white lithium.