Rubicon Express 5.5

Has anyone here installed a 5.5 rubicon lift on their xj ? Curious how hard this is and how long it would take ?

If its a short arm kit, project 4-10 hours with air tools, and 2-3 people..

Double that with no air tools

Remember, get a LOT of pb blaster..

if Its a long arm kit, probably 8-20 hours.

I have a RE 5.5 kit on my XJ and am happy with it. I did not install it though. I did do a 3" Rough COuntry lift on a friends XJ over the weekend. Boy, what a pain in the ass. Be sure to have 2 jacks, lost of tall jackstands, tons of PB blaster, a torch, a breaker bar, a 19mm and 21mm deep well socket, and plenty of band aids.

at least two long 8+ hour days with 2 or 3 people I'd say. Some have less problems, but get ready to cut, grind, sweat, bleed and curse. If you need help, ask me, I just got done with this kit.

I have not done mine yet, but if the parts come I hope to do it this weekend. I have been reading on it and figure it will take me a Friday night and 1/2 day on Saturday to get the job done. I was impressed with this link that tells about putting the lift on. There is quite a bit of info out there on this install.

http://www.jeepin.com/features/rexd/index.asp

Curt

Time and difficulty will be largely affected by your mechanical experience and aptitude, tools, and rustiness of the XJ. Ask RE to e-mail you the instruction sheets for the 5.5" kit so you can see what it involves. Although some of the instructions aren't really clear while reading them, when you're doing it and looking at the parts, they make sense. This was my second XJ suspension system and it took me about 20 hours by myself with good tools. I had the typical leaf spring bolt problems and had to make new brackets for the frame-side upper shackle mounts, and had some difficulties with the front axle positioning, but other than that it went pretty well. The important thing is that it was well worth it, because it works great on the trails and on the road.
(Looking at the link above reminded me to recommend the upgrade to adjustable arms)

If you haven't already done the install, be sure and spray all the nuts and bolts down with rust penetrator at least the night before you start. I know from experience, this tip will help you frown muuuch less.

Thanks for the input. Now I have a question about tires. im looking at 33x12.5 ssr, anyone running these ??? If so tell me pros and cons. Also looking at tsl 33x12.5 bias, anyone running these ??? If so tell me pros and cons.

XJOFFROAD said:

Thanks for the input. Now I have a question about tires. im looking at 33x12.5 ssr, anyone running these ??? If so tell me pros and cons. Also looking at tsl 33x12.5 bias, anyone running these ??? If so tell me pros and cons.

Click to expand...

I just installed the rear section of the RE 5.5 kit this last sunday. I also took the oppurtinitiy to install a D44 rear axle. This was the "easy part" of the lift install. Most of the work is in the front. I can agree with the guys about the PBblaster. I bought 3 cans and have used 1.5 cans on the rear alone. It is a must. Air tools, air tools help out a lot as well. Just make sure RE shipped you all of your parts before you start. They forgot my ubolts, shims, and brakelines. I have a set of 33x12.5 TSL bias plys mounted up waiting to go on next weekend. I will post more pics if you are interested then.

Here are some pics of the install on sunday

http://digitalrealm.dyndns.org/website/jeep/liftinstall/liftinstallday1-1.JPG
http://digitalrealm.dyndns.org/website/jeep/liftinstall/liftinstallday1-2.JPG
http://digitalrealm.dyndns.org/website/jeep/liftinstall/liftinstallday1-4.JPG
http://digitalrealm.dyndns.org/website/jeep/liftinstall/liftinstallday1-5.JPG
http://digitalrealm.dyndns.org/website/jeep/liftinstall/liftinstallday1-6.JPG
http://digitalrealm.dyndns.org/website/jeep/liftinstall/liftinstallday1-7.JPG

-Scott

XJOFFROAD said:

Thanks for the input. Now I have a question about tires. im looking at 33x12.5 ssr, anyone running these ??? If so tell me pros and cons. Also looking at tsl 33x12.5 bias, anyone running these ??? If so tell me pros and cons.

Click to expand...

I am running 31's and am happy with them. It is plenty of tire and still has some balls off the line for daily driving.