Weekend Wrenching

JK Wrangler Lift

Posted June 14 2008 01:27 PM by Jp Editor
Filed under: Editorials, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, John Cappa

OK, I actually did it on Friday. But I bolted the 3-inch Black Diamond lift to our Project JK in the garage. I also slapped on 35x12.50R17 BFG Mud Terrain tires on AEV bead locks.

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If you really hoof it, a single experienced person could finish the lift job in a long day. But it's for sure an easy weekend project for nearly anyone. So far, I'm impressed. It went together easy and the Jeep rides and handles well. At least it doesn't look like a Moab rental Wrangler anymore. What do ya think?

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Reader Comments:

1. i'd drive it!

erichapman - Posted June 14 2008 03:06 PM

2. How do you like 35's with the 4.10 gears? Maybe you can use low range now!!

club31 - Posted June 15 2008 04:34 PM

3. Ya know. The 4.10s and 35s ain't as bad as I had expected. I can still pull the speed limit on the steep long grades around my place. For now I'm keeping the 4.10s. I can even pull second gear starts pretty easy, especially on a downhill.

I could never hold sixth anyway on steep grades when it was stock. I was shifting between 5th and 6th. Now I can hold 5th pretty solid in most cases. I think the fact that the 3.8L will rev is helping me.

Really, I am surprised it's working out so far.

Jp Editor - Posted June 15 2008 09:46 PM

4. looks good. you're doing the updates in the mag too right?

chariotofmanliness - Posted June 16 2008 04:37 AM

5. Yep. But only after I get some more miles on the thing.

Jp Editor - Posted June 16 2008 12:57 PM

6. I'm liking the AEV wheels, looks good!

cgreenwood - Posted June 16 2008 11:56 PM

7. Hey John,
What specialty tools(if any)were need to install that BD lift kit? Like most boomers my age, I have lots of the "back when" hand tools and such. Would like to know. The rig looks SUPER!!!!!

Jeepdriver1950 - Posted June 17 2008 02:19 PM

8. Thanks! Nothing really special. A good pair of jackstands that reach the frame, a good floorjack, and basic hand tools. I only had to drill two 17/64 holes for the front bumpstops. Also need a grinder to nip off a small section of the lower control arm brackets. It's not that big of a deal, you could use a quality hand file to do it. However, there are alot of mix an match of metric and standard bolts. And the metric bolts on the JK are oddballs, like 18mm, 17mm,...ya know, the ones you hardly ever use. I used an impact wrench for much of it but a 1/2 inch breaker bar and ratchet would work too. Easy weekend job for one person if you follow the instructions closely. Looks like the instructions are online at www.superlift.com.

Jp Editor - Posted June 18 2008 08:04 AM

9. Well I'm glad to see the bd lift,been eyeballing it for months now.Did you replace control arms as well?What about drive shafts? Looks real good,(what dosen't with 35's?)but I'm disapointed I thought for sure you would just cut the fenders and keep it low down and cheap. Hope to see some good skid plates on that thing soon,I'm planning out my 4dr build up based on what you guys break.

nourlmt - Posted June 22 2008 08:16 AM

10. Yep, just the lower arms. Stock driveshafts for now, no vibrations.

I'm waiting on skid plates. The company I want to use is still building them.

Jp Editor - Posted June 23 2008 03:10 PM

11. Looks great! 35's with the 4.10's isn't that bad. I've got a '03 Rubi on 35's with 4.10's. I've put almost 80k on it. Pulling my tent trailer is the only time I wish I had steeper gears. Only do that a hand full of times a year. Looks great. Will be waiting for a full write up! You guys ever get over here to Phoenix look us up. Mesa 4 Wheelers.

lonewolf71ta - Posted July 25 2008 09:59 PM

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