Lifting the Liberty

[jeepsR4Girls]

We have decided to take the plunge with lfiting the liberty.  Several vendors make 2.5" kits (apparently the highest you can go without causing some type of problem with the CV joints, I think) What we have seen are spacer lifts in the $150-$250 range and then "suspension lifts" that have new coils and such more in the $450-$550 range.  (Rusty's offroad & skyjacker both have both options) Keeping in mind that we are not huge tech people, I was wondering what everyone could tell us about the two options.  What are the advantages of spending the extra money?  Would we be fine with just the spacer lift so we can fit some bigger tires (31's according to the lift manufacturers)? Appreciate any input!

Julie & Ed

[94_xj_country]

if i were you guys, i would go with the rusty's spacers for now. run the spacers for awhile and have some fun with it. if you decide to go bigger from there your not out anything. i've used rustys products before and like them, they have pretty fair prices too

[Nosilla]

I agree with Brian. At a 2.5" lift i would also just go spacers. You will probally need longer shocks as well.

Glad to see you are gonna make the jump. Let us know if we can help you with the install of the kit. I always have a garage to get those things done.

[ouchman]

i was going to run 3" spacers all around, but ended up getting coil springs for the front and used the spacers in the back, i got good shocks, and it rides good.

if you need help with the install, post a thread , im sure i can help

[NewRide]

Or get a YJ and have lots of fun with it :-)

[jeepsR4Girls]

We were really thinking about getting a new one but have decided to try doing a few things to the liberty since you don't see many lifted and done up.  We are still thinking of getting a used one somewhere down the road.

[Anonymous]

YGay......Hmph

Definitely let us know what you decide.  We can get it lifted up for you with no problem.  Either at Neil's or my place.

[Yager]

I have a YJ and did some research as to why they went with square headlights. It doesn't just look GREAT, but it actually provides a tremendous amount of aerodynamic advantage that equates to better traction, a smaller turning radius and a more dependable power train. Why do you think the new Liberties and Commander's have circle headlights covered with square glass?

[jeepgirl95]

::woot:: I have square headlights too!

[TechJeeper]

I agree with the spacers as well, specialy 2.5".  I had 3" spacers on my TJ for a long time, like doug said, get good shocks, you will thank him for the advice down the road (literaly) lol.  

As for the install, sounds like a wrenchfest!  ::woot::

[jeepfan1974]

we did spacers on jeepgirls grand cherokee too and i agree with doug   splurge and get the best shocks you can doug got pro comp es 9000's   we like bilstien's  but got a amazing deal on them they are way expensive   (like 80$ a piece)

[jeepsR4Girls]

Concensus seems to be that the spacers will do, so they are on order from Rusty's Offroad!  They had gas shocks with the kit for an extra $60.00 so we added those as well.  Now, here is the next question... When we inquired about lifts in the past, Skyjacker and other companies are saying you need to have 4" backspacing to the wheels, meaning we will have to buy all new wheels in addition to the all new tires... However, we have seen a couple liberty's with the 2.5" lift that still appeared to be running on their factory wheels.  When I asked a guy at Rusty's about it a couple months ago he swung back and forth between saying you could run your stock wheels, but then also saying you needed the backspacing.  Can anybody give a definitive answer on this?  If we don't get the new wheels, are we going to tip over the first time we take a turn above 5 MPH or something?

Thanks again for everyone's expertise!

Julie & Ed

[ouchman]

i run stock rims , but mines a tj, the only problum i have is rub then the wheels are turned all the way one way or the other, i dont see the difference unless you go bigger than 10.5, or to tall

[Anonymous]

To the best of my knowledge, you can still run stock rims.  Mitch had a BB on his KJ, and I believe he still ran stock rims

[94_xj_country]

4" backspacing?!?!?! no way. if your gonna run 31's i wouldnt worry about rubbing.