didnt want to post a report without a report. But I’ve got my new tires and lift kit installed, I like the look by the way. Here’s where it goes wrong. When you buy springs or a lift kit everything is based on a trail hawk, well I don’t have one. The 3” lift I installed is closer to 4.5 and my front axles are hating it. Would anyone out there have any thoughts short of removing some of the components? Just looking for any thoughts or ideas so I’m not riding on a rumble strip all day. Thanks in advance,
What lift did you get? How long ago did you install it? I know there is some settling time on the suspension from my previous lifts on vehicles.
I’ve had it installed Saturday, so two days. The guys at the shop said it’s at a steep angle (ifs). I’ve been searching for ideas, I thought maybe some of you guys have experienced this. I’m hearing from some people the lack of weight in the front end (non trailhawk) could be a factor. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated. Oh and sorry it’s a rough country with eibach springs. Thanks again
So the Eibach springs is what brought you up to the extra lift. Rough Country's site is only showing a 2" lift.
yea they don’t tell you this but it’s going to be a rougher ride when you jack it up and especially when you throw different tread on. I think you’ll be fine. the angles aren’t that significant in my application (unless the mechanics didn’t grind off the strut assembly near half shafts) the moment you add people in your jeep you’ll see a lower ride height. these things aren’t built for weight! EDIT- if you pull any components out of the kit- you’d be talking about switching the springs back to stock or putting a trailhawk spring in per se, or removing the spacer. either way you look at it there you’ll lose 2” of that lift height and, sure it might ride a little smoother as the angles return closer to stock but I don’t think it’s worth the squeeze IMO. maybe add some weight in the front end?
Rough country is 2” and the eibach springs are supposed to be 1.1”. Which is the 3” lift I was wanting. So I’m guessing I’ll have to remove the springs then?
well, that is an option (and costly at that- time and $$) but I think the ride height might settle. I was disappointed in my new ride heights particularly in the front (was a lower addition than the rear) and the stats on the eibachs were not as reliable as I thought too. give it some time, get to know the new jeep you got and feel it all out. If down the road you’re interested in switching to a lower spring, I have my original trailhawk springs advertised. Keep in mind, the ride heights will lower significantly when you fill her up!
Is it safe to assume some weight, like skid plates and heavier components may help? I hate to remove the lift springs. At about 3/4” lower I think it would be fine.
If you just want to come down 3/4" Weight is definitely the way to do it, Skid plates would help, but probably not enough to get it down that much... When I added a Rocky Road Outfitters Winch Mount and Winch to the front it brought it down about that much and you could feel the difference in the ride as not being as stiff. But unfortunately, RRO doesn't make a Non Trailhawk setup, I think your only options are the Daystar Bumper (Expensive, and in my opinion ugly) Or Avid (Perpetually on back order)
Good information, I’ll start researching the parts tonight. The wife has a trailhawk. They seem to be basically the same underneath I’ll look into the atp skid plate and the rro winch mount to see what I need. Thank you for the info. When I put other tires on in the spring I’ll easily gain the height back with tire size. Thanks again,
The RRO Winch Mount unfortunately is Trailhawk Only, it depends on the tow hook mounting points, and holes in the bumper cover. It's not trivial to swap those parts onto a Non-Trailhawk renegade either, as the structure under the bumper is totally different, and the radiator is mounted lower in the Non-Trailhawk. You're only real options are Avid and Daystar for winch mount on other Renegades.
Kingdomwrecker, might look into a diff drop spacer. Probably can be made easily. It's just a block basically that goes between the differential and the mounting point to lower it just a little. I used one on my IFS 4runner b/c I keeped tearing boots off after i lifted it.
I’m on vacation this week. I’ll pull it into the garage, remove the tires and get a better look at what to do. I’m thinking of adding a hitch receiver to the front and mounting a winch and push bar to that. Or worst case cutting down the spacers, either way I’ve got to do something. I can already see the grease coming out (only 75 miles since install).
I don't believe this to be true. I have a Trailhawk. I installed the AVID 2.5" lift and the ATP 2" springs. I only got 3.5" out of it (minus the .8" lift that the Trailhawk already has, that is lost when the springs are replaced) I believe this to be correct/what is to be expected. The only way I can see getting more then 4.0" of lift is if you install a 2" Lift, 2" Springs, and Bilstein 5100 struts and added some lift with the struts also (or another type of strut that provides additional lift). I do believe that if you did get 4.5" of lift that the front axles wouldn't be happy. Unless something was installed incorrectly, I don't see you getting more then 3.0" with the setup that you have using the Rough Country lift and Eibach springs.
It will be much easier to swap the springs back out. There are similar issues with other vehicles with IFS.
So your correct, because it’s on a vehicle and hard to measure and it could be 4.25”. (I’m a maintenance mechanic and machinist by trade). My measurements could be off a 1/4” , but even the shop that installed it said it was way to much. It’s going to take out drive line components soon if I can’t lower it back down some. even then there will be heavy wear. I can live with wear but not if it’s almost not drivable. At 3.5” I wouldn’t be complaining but The renegade is shaking while I’m driving and turn the wheel is dreaded as it binds up, pops and cracks. I’ve been asking for help and researching. The springs are designed to lift a trailhawk not a sport. So weight and the fact it already sits higher has played a factor. Add a 2” lift (didn’t measure before hand, manufacturers may make the measurements on the light side to make sure it’s at least 2”) and this puts me over the 3” mark considerably ( won’t say 4.5” until Guinness book can verify). The front of my renegade is also 1/2” to 3/4” higher than the back ( I say 3/4”, but I gave you some ground so you be able to believe me) and by lowering the front end at least 3/4” I think it will function properly, 1” would be better in my opinion , But I’m new here.
This is an interesting read. I've heard of other folks getting 4+" of lift with no ill effects. Are you absolutely certain that everything was installed properly?
I'm starting to wonder what corrupt reverend is saying as well. Although going strictly by the numbers, you should have 2" Rough Country Lift + 1.1" Eibach +.8" For the Eibach's since they were meant to lift a Trailhawk 1.1" That's 3.9", and just plain being a new install, it puts it in the realm of what you're saying you got since the suspension may not be fully settled yet. The two things that I find concerning are how much higher the front is, and you're saying you're losing grease from the axles. I read the RC lift instructions, and honestly don't see how they could get the front wrong, but by that same logic, I would bet if they did get it wrong, it should be fairly obvious when you look. The grease coming out of the CV or Tripod Joint boots however could also be from mishandling during install, I punctured one of my boots just a very small hole (Not noticeable until grease was everywhere) when I installed my avid 2.5 inch lift, and had to replace the boot. Were the Struts Properly trimmed as per the Rough Country instructions? If that wasn't done, you'll definitely get binding... This should also be obvious when you look at axle shafts, you'll see where they have been grinding the shafts. The sway bar links are also a common spot for noise, The design of the front suspension leads to a lot of movement on the links, and so far all the links included in lift kits have proven problematic. Did the installation shop do an alignment on it after the install, or has one been done at all?
Unfortunately it looks like the install was correct. What I’ve been reading is the springs are 1.1 rear 1.7 front and the trailhawk with no mods is already 300 lbs heavier than mine. So it looks like the weight and the spring settle is what I’m missing. Also 4 people 200lbs plus and we couldn’t get the front springs to move hardly at all. I’ll double check to see if everything was trimmed enough. It’s hard to see that part because the guys at the shop undercoated the Jeep while it was on the lift and apart. But I really appreciate info guys. It means a lot. Thank you all ps: Guinness book won’t be here till tomorrow so I’ll report back after they verify.
Ok... Problem solved for now, I added coil spring compressors to the front springs. Vibration is gone, bind up is gone and the front end is level. Thank you all for the help and ideas, I’ll just need to make the 1” drop for the front in a permanent version and it should be fine.
