I bought the Mopar kit, it is basically the R.E. kit rebadged.

I am hearing of serious bushing issues.

If you drive one of these kits, please entertain me with your experience.

I am hearing, from whom I understand to be VERY RELIABLE SOURCES, is that simply driving the jeep could cause bushing failure which could lead to axle wrap etc.....

I am now just beside myself with confusion....

I thought I was all set to lift her up.... the kit is in route to me, as are my new 37" BFG KM2's...........

....... now I just want to throw up as two of my "JK heroes".... are telling me I am gonna be changing bushings on VERY regular basis.

any input is sooo seriously appreciated!! Thanks!

best,
Jacob

 

I would like to hear about this lift also as I'm thinking about upgrading to it from my 3.5" superflex.
JT

 

awe man, i really am sorry to have been the bearer of bad news. in spite of what some may have to say about me, the problem is real and is something that most people who have this kit don't know about and/or have no idea what to look for. to help them and you out, here are some pics of what the blown radius arm bushings will look like....







so you know, these bushing were on a jk that only played fast and hard on the dunes - no flexing around. i have personally seen this on multiple jk's with this lift on. in my opinion, while the decision to use radius arms in the rear was unique, i think time has proven it to ultimately be a one that was a mistake.

 

W.O.L. those are really good pictures, thanks man!!!!

How do you know when it is time to replace the bushings? Can you see the torn bushing when it is still attached to the axle bracket?

thanks,
Jacob

can't wait to lift her.... I now have more posts than I have miles on my new jeep!!!!!!

 

actually, it is hard to tell when it's time to replace them. at least, with them still attached to your axle, it can be hard to see whether or not the bushing is split or crumbling. once you pull it off the mount, it is very easy to see. i know this sounds crazy but a good tell tale sign is if you start to notice that your suspension is flexing out like a 4-link setup. also, from the outside, you should be able to see your axle shift and your pinion move a lot upon acceleration.

 

I guess that I should look for another long arm lift then. I think it would be nice if AEV came out with out one.
JT

 

o.k. now we are getting somewheres and maybe with a little more of your help we can help owners of this set up decipher if they are having issues or not.

Let's say that I wouldn't know the difference, right off the bat, of a 4 link vs long arm kit, and let's say that you didn't notice your axle shift.... I would imagine that you WOULD FEEL it if your pinion was moving a bunch upon acceleration? Yes or know, and what would that feel like?

THanks AGAIN MAN!!!!! Much obliged!
livin

 

aev makes great products but all their suspension stuff is basically the old nth degree stuff. and, if they were to make a long arm kit, i would just hope they didn't make one like their tj kit which used radius arms as well and suffered all kinds of joint bushing problems too.

 

not necessarily or, at least, not until the bushing got real bad. at that point and time, you'll be able to hear the crush sleeve hit the outter ring of the bushing mount. otherwise, if the bushing is just starting to go out and you're still running a factory shaft, you may not notice it. if you have an aftermarket double cardin u-joint style shaft installed, the change in pinion angle will put a lot of stress on it, the u-joints and yokes. you might feel some of this stress in the form of vibrations as the u-joints start to bind up.

 

What lift would you recommend for someone looking for at least 4.5" of lift and a good ride quality?