How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

One of the most important modifications that can be done to a Jeep Cherokee when people want to start doing some off-road adventures is to lift the suspension. The easiest way to do that is to utilize a Jeep lift kit for the suspension that comes with everything a person needs to take their Cherokee from the street to the wild.

How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

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How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

It is important to understand that installing a Jeep lift kit is relatively easy for someone who knows what they are doing; it may be rather difficult for a newbie. People who are new to installing Jeep modifications will want to make sure they have a more seasoned mechanic around to assist. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to install one of these Jeep lift kits.

The first step in the process is the remove the coil springs from the front of the vehicle. This is done by removing the small curved clip that is on the spring pads. Then move the bolts that hold the lower and upper control arms to the axel. Then disconnect the bottom of the shock to give you axle a little more room to move.

After the coil springs have been removed the new front coil springs will need to be put into place using the factory spring retainers (if they fit the new springs). Then the bolts will need to be reinstalled on the upper and lower control arms. The shock will also need to be reattached to the lower mount as well. It is a good idea to turn the steering wheel from side-to-side once this has been done in order to check the clearance level of the Tires. It is recomMended that a front wheel alignMent is done after installing the Jeep lift kit.

Once the front end has been proven to be clear it is time to move to the rear of the Jeep Cherokee. The first step in this process is to remove the rear leaf springs. These springs are held to the axel by four different bolts, two of these bolts will need to be removed from either end.

After the bolts have been removed the new rear leaf springs can be installed for the Jeep lift kit. These will be placed into the same place that the other ones were, but they will be curved differently than the factory installed ones so it may take a little effort to get them into place. Once they are in place the Cherokee can be lowered.

The new Jeep lift kit may cause the factory installed brake lines to be too short, so it is important to make sure they are still properly connected. If the brake lines are not properly connected new ones will need to be installed to account for the added height.

Once the Jeep lift kit has been installed and all the hoses, lines, and other wiring is secure it is time to head out in the wilderness to test out the new kit. Most people are surprised home much of a difference there is with even an inch or two more height. It is also important to understand that the lift kit will make the Jeep Cherokee a little looser on the highway and it may take a little while to get used to how it handles.

How to Install a Lift Kit on a Jeep Cherokee

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

Failure to start falls into two categories:

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

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Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

1) The engine will not turn over - the starter motor will not run

Or

2) The engine turns over but will not fire and run.

This article will adDress the first cause. If you engine turns over but will not fire see my other article.

Start by checking the battery volTAGe. Most Jeeps have a volTAGe Meter on the dash. If the voltage is low - below 10 volts, check the following:

1. Fist check to see if there is a cause for the battery to be discharged. Were the lights left on? Doors left open or other power draining accessory left on? If so, turn off the drain and use jumper cables to start using a charged battery from a different vehicle.
2. If there has been no excess power drain, check the condition of the battery cables. Remove the cables from the battery posts and clean the contacts. Also check the connection of the ground cable to the vehicle body.
3. If the battery cables are clean and making good contact and the voltage is still low, verify that the alternator is functioning properly.
4. If the battery continues to fail to start your Jeep, replace the battery.

If the battery voltage is normal but the engine still will not turn over, the most common cause is one of the safety interlocks. On an automatic transmission there is a Neutral Safety Switch (NSS) that only allows the engine to start in neutral or park. The contacts in the NSS can corrode and cause the switch to malfunction. Move the shifter back and forth while turning the key to start. Often the motion will cross a spot on the switch that still works. The NSS can be disassembled and cleaned or simply replaced with a new unit.

If the NSS is working properly but the starter still will not turn, you may have a defective starter or starter solenoid. The starter and solenoid are replaced as a unit on the XJ Cherokees. However before buying as replaceMent starter, check the wiring connection on the starter and the trigger wire to the solenoid. Often these connections can become loose or dirty due to the rigors of off road driving. Some people have reported that starters can be disassembled and cleaned to correct problems but I have not tried this procedure.

Help My Jeep Won't Start - Jeep Cherokee Trouble Shooting

Lifted Jeeps Built-in Easy

Lifted Jeeps have a superior ground clearance, can fit bigger Tires and look really great. You can build these vehicles to have room for larger Tires and boost approach and departure angles for increased off-road capability. When you begin this awesome project, make sure you are using good judgMent and focus on safety when modifying a vehicle both during the work and considering how the completed vehicle will handle and drive.

Lifted Jeeps Built-in Easy

Lifted Jeeps Built-in Easy

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Lifted Jeeps Built-in Easy

Lifted Jeeps Built-in Easy

Join a group of people who have built lifted Jeeps and are interested in the same model Jeep as yours. They will be an enormous source of encourageMent and opinions plus be in a position to help solve the problems you may encounter with lifted Jeeps.

Consider what your general goal is at the onset of your project. Are you lifting your dailydriver a few inches for larger tires and trail endurance, or are you building the ultimate trail rig that you will take to events? Look at different manufacturers ' lift kits for and prices to decide on the one that is the best for you. The kits will range from a few spacers that cost a couple hundred Dollars to large groups of parts such as springs, shocks, track bars and control arms for several thousand Dollars.

Once you get all the parts you need and have secured the tools and a garage or driveway level surface you are ready to start. If you have any doubt about your mechanical skills consider having your lift kit professionally installed. Always follow the directions that came with the kit for lifted jeeps! Depending on the extentand type of kit, the directions will most likely begin with "support the front end of the vehicle on jack stands sturdy on a level surface and remove the wheels and tires." This is a vital step for ensuring your safety during the installation and allows access to the suspension parts.

Then you will remove the front shock absorbers and coil springs so they can be exchanged for the taller parts. You might also replace or modify control arms, brake lines, track bars, and the pitman arm steering parts. After completing the lift installation, have a friend move the steering from full left to full right while you examine the moving parts for any signs of obstruction. Solve any problems before attempting to operate lifted jeeps. Install new tires and wheels. Repeat the leftto right steering test for any signs of interference. Do this on the ground and with each side jacked up to maximum suspension flex to check brake lines and for tire rub on suspension or body parts.

Finally, go straight to the alignment shop and get a total front end alignment. The lifting of a vehicle will change the suspension geometry and proper alignment is crucial for safe operation and good tire wear. Now head for the trails! Have fun, stay safe and above all, show your lifted jeeps off!

Lifted Jeeps Built-in Easy