Wrenchfest - A Request for a Few Good Members

[RalphTomaccio]

As some of you may know, I finally bought a lift and it needs installing. Last year's wrenchfest went really well and was a lot of fun. I have contacted Jeff and we have use of his neighbor's garage, with a lift and heated, set for March 12th up in Westford MA.

I purchased a Rock Krawler 2.5" Flex System lift that contains:
Coils
Bilstein 5100 Shocks
Front LCA's
Front Track Bar
Rear Track Bar Bracket
Sway Bar Quick Disconnects
Sway Bar Straps
Front & Rear Bump Stops
Front Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Exhaust Spacers
Front & Rear Coil Retainers

The rear track bar bracket can be held on with the supplied U-bolt, but I would really prefer to have it welded. There will also be a little drilling involved for the coil retainers and sway bar straps. I'll bring everything I have, but it's not as complete a toolbox as some of you have.

If there is anything more experienced members can suggest that I should have available, please speak up i.e. grease, lock-tight (red or blue) etc.

We'll definitely need a good torque wrench available as well. I have the torque specs.

I would love to have your help. If you can make it, please come. As it's a rather large project, I'm thinking a start time of 9:00, but I'm flexible on that. We all are familiar with how projects end up taking more time than anticipated. Since we will have a lift at our disposal, I don't know if we'll need a floor jack and/or jack stands, and I don't remember if the garage has them for our use if needed.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Ralph

[Kurt]

Ralph,

I ought to be able to lend a hand on that day.
Other stuff to have there...
- Flare nut wrench's for the brake lines
- PB for the stubborn stuff
- Locktite Blue
- AntiSeize
- Grease Gun to grease your new joints
- Torx Bits probably needed for the brake lines
- A drop light or two (The ones there are usually broken)
- Welder if you want to weld on the new track bar bracket
- New copper washers for the brake lines on the caliper end (if the kit doesn't include them)
- Angle meters to set the new control arm lengths

There are usually a couple of floor jacks there as well as an axle lift post (as I recall)

[Kurt]

Do you already have adjustable CA's in the rear already? Not needed?
Is there a need for a longer rear brake line or is the stock one long enough?

[schwalby]

Lol Ah you beat me to it. I was going to see about a wrenchfest that day. Lol

Can't wait to hear how you like that lift after it is installed.

[RalphTomaccio]

Lol Ah you beat me to it. I was going to see about a wrenchfest that day. Lol

Can't wait to hear how you like that lift after it is installed.

Come join us!

[schwalby]

Come join us!

Would love to but we are in a position now that we need every second we can get to wrap up the Jeep before it heads west.

[RalphTomaccio]

Ralph,

I ought to be able to lend a hand on that day.
Other stuff to have there...
- Flare nut wrench's for the brake lines
- PB for the stubborn stuff
- Locktite Blue
- AntiSeize
- Grease Gun to grease your new joints
- Torx Bits probably needed for the brake lines
- A drop light or two (The ones there are usually broken)
- Welder if you want to weld on the new track bar bracket
- New copper washers for the brake lines on the caliper end (if the kit doesn't include them)
- Angle meter to set the new control arm lengths

There are usually a couple of floor jacks there as well as an axle lift post (as I recall)

Thanks for your generous offer, Kurt.

These are the items I either have or will get:
Locktite
PB
Torx Bits
Drop Light
Angle meter
Anti-seize
Copper washers (included w/lines)

If someone could provide the:
- Flare nut wrench's for the brake lines
- Welder
. . .that would be great. If no-one has flare nut wrench's available, let me know and I guess I'll bite the bullet and buy them, although I doubt I'd ever use it again. What sizes are usually required?

The "anti-seize" you mentioned. Is that grease to put on the bolts during install? If so, I'll pick some up. Anything special about the kind I should get or any brand will do?

What range of sizes in torx bits would you guess I should get? All I have is a T-40 currently. Sets seem to contain T5 - to T40 or T50. Would that be ample?

Is this angle meter adequate?


And the grease gun I have is a small one that I use to use on my lawn tractor. Is it adequate? And the grease is a multi-purpose lithium grease. Okay, or should I get something else?


Never did much in the way of auto mechanic's, so my tools are limited, even after all these years.

Appreciate everyone's help.

[Kurt]

Ralph,

I can bring...
- Magnetic Angle meters
- Torque Wrench
- Flare Nut Wrench's
- Torx Bit Set
- Welder, gas, extension cord, masks, gloves
- Antiseize

Your grease should be OK.

[RalphTomaccio]

Do you already have adjustable CA's in the rear already? Not needed?
Is there a need for a longer rear brake line or is the stock one long enough?

I've been asking a lot of questions of a few people and as I understand it, it appears adjustable CA's aren't absolutely necessary with a 2.5" lift, but desirable. And I enquired about whether all had to be done or, if not, what was the best way to approach it piece meal. If all 8 can't be replaced all at once, the front lowers and rear uppers was the next best way. If that was not possible, then just the front lowers. But, to answer your question, no, I don't have any other adjustable CA's.

As for longer brake lines, I was told replacements may not necessarily be needed with a 2.5" lift and really only needed for the front if at all. Most 2.5" lifts don't include them. Rock Krawler includes rears as well with their 3.5" lift size.

Ralph,

I can bring...
- Magnetic Angle meters
- Torque Wrench
- Flare Nut Wrench's
- Torx Bit Set
- Welder, gas, extension cord, masks, gloves
- Antiseize

Your grease should be OK.

Sounds great! I jumped the gun and bought a few things prior to getting your email. Bought a Torx bit set, anti-seize and another work light. So, unless something else comes up with something else, we should be good with all the stuff between us. I'll bring an extension cord as well and a few bulbs. I remember last year we had to search for a bulb that burned out on a work light.

[ASauer17]

Maybe i can join... I need help. But I'd feel bad if i can only say for 3 hours max..

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

I have the 12th free! I'll be there at start time.

[RalphTomaccio]

Maybe i can join... I need help. But I'd feel bad if i can only say for 3 hours max..

I have the 12th free! I'll be there at start time.

Great! Looking forward to you being there. Should be a great day.

[RalphTomaccio]

What concerns, if any, are there with changing the front brake lines with the ones included in this lift kit? Do the brake lines need flushing, brake fluid added or anything of this nature?

[Kurt]

Should be no concerns. The brake system will need to be bled after the new lines are installed.
Good time to do it as brake fluid should be replace every few years to get the moisture and contaminants out of the system.

* Add a quart or so of brake fluid to your list

[FSHJNKY]

I was thinking about joining the wrench fest until I read that you were looking for "good members" lol.

Seriously not sure if I can make it but if I can I will be there. Sounds like a fun time.


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