gully369
Mud Slinger
Barely Started
Posts: 127
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Post by gully369 on Jan 24, 2009 1:05:03 GMT -5
I am sure I am not the only one who has had that familar clunk when you hit a bump or dip that you can feel through the floor. I have read on a few other sites about getting rid of this. So I finally broke down and purchased a set of the bar pin eliminators from JKS. I was pleasently surprised that not only did it cure the bang on the big bumps, it also quieted down many of the other smaller rattles on rough roads.
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gully369
Mud Slinger
Barely Started
Posts: 127
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Post by gully369 on Jan 24, 2009 11:03:42 GMT -5
So here is the quick and dirty on getting it done with minimal tools. This is an easy swap that anyone with limited skill can accomplish. All I needed was a socket with extension, wrenches, and a c-clamp. I now there are easier ways to accomplish this. A vice or press would have been nice, but not all of us have those. First, get your jeep up on some jack stands, block the wheels, and get the tire off. Alright so I didn't mention the jack stands above, sue me. Use your jack if you must just realize the safety issues. issues.Next get some wd-40 on the no doubtedly rusty bolts and get them soaking. Then get the top of the shock disconnected. I have the post type, if you have the loop type you shouldn't even have to pop the hood. Next unbolt the bar pin from the axle, sorry didn't get a pic. If you have ABS brakes, make sure to move the ABS wheel speed sensor wiring harness grommets are disconnected from the routing clips (just move the cable out of the way of the bolts so you don't damage it). I used the socket underneath with the wrench on top (I used a rubber hammer to break it loose, you could use your foot for leverage to get by if needed . Then compress (shorten) the shock, and pull the post out through the shock tower and lift the shock out from it's resting place. This is where a vice could have come in handy but I used a c-clamp and the edge of my plywood top bench to press the old bar pin out. A small socket comes in handy to finish pressing the pin out. (Another missed photo opportunity) Here you can see the difference b/n the original and the JKS. There is hardly a comparison. The diameters are the same but how the JKS attaches is SOLID. Use the clamp to press the greased bar pin back into the bushing in the loop, if the bushing is in good shape. Once the pin is through you will have to place the other block on and clamp it down until the bold slides in to position. If you don't need the clamp you need to place a 5/8" washer b/n the block and the bushing. The preload is the key to taking out the slack so the bushing doesn't bang during that first 1/8th of an inch of travel. Next clean up the mounting surface so the mounting blocks can sit flat on the lower shock mounting surface. Place the bottom of the shock back into position and expand the shock to the top post on the shock goes back through the top shock hole (don't forget the washer/retainer pictured above on the post). Then bolt the bottom back down. About 35-40lbs of torque using your highly sensitive, calibrated, hand operated box end wrench (unless u own a torque wrench of course ). Bolt down the top post to 17 pounds, button everything back up and enjoy the quiet ride. Don't forget the ABS line, it clips back in just above the mounting blocks (you can see the routing clips in this pic) It also felt like this upgrade tightened up the front end sideways travel. Hope this helped all you newbies realize that this is a simple upgrade that you can do in your driveway without any special tools. For $40 and an hour and a half of time this was an easy and worthwhile upgrade. ;D
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gully369
Mud Slinger
Barely Started
Posts: 127
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Post by gully369 on Jan 24, 2009 11:05:41 GMT -5
Whoops, here is the second pic.
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Post by UnlimitedNJ on Jan 24, 2009 14:47:47 GMT -5
I've had JKS BPE's on my LJ for a few years, great quality product. You get what you pay for with JKS stuff.
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Post by Halo Performance on Feb 9, 2009 20:55:17 GMT -5
I've been thinking about these for the XJ for a while. Always heard good thinks about JKS stuff. I have their discos, and they are great.
Nice writeup btw. You should post that in the How To section as well.
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