Installing A Rubicon Express 3.5" Lift | How To Lift a XJ

[@aidanmakinster922]

What size tires are those?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Those are stock wheels and tire off a JK. Size a 255/75r17. I think thats close to a 32” tall tire

[@shaggyduder]

Hey Drew, I know you quit the channel, but just thought I'd say, we miss your content. Hope all is well.

[@slowcook992]

Just finished installing the lift on my XJ. I repeatedly checked this video like it was the textbook during an open book exam. Legitimately couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

thank you so much for this comment! I am soo glad this video helped you out. Comments like this inspire me to keep making more videos. Thank you so much

[@gregj.gotham4402]

I agree this video is super installation of this kit. I’ve watched it several times so far. Will review during my installation.

[@alexandervilla5027]

I know this video is a few years old but I just want to say THANK YOU for making this. Rubicon Express is phasing out a lot of their XJ parts and lift kits. I picked up this set on FB marketplace on the cheap and this video was my step by step guide. Cheers!

[@LVTHN69]

You do a great job on showing people how to do it the right way.

[@a105-t5m]

Of all my tools, the "solo brake bleed bottle" was one of the best investments. So easy to use, and the check valve in the cap beats the old "glass jar" method

[@gregj.gotham4402]

I just used a bottle from tea popped a hole in the top added a hose to fit on air removal plug. Works great for the last 5 yrs

[@BradMillsOK]

Just had this lift pro installed and it still rides like a rock. Every small bump is a jolt. Mickey Thompson 33”s . Lowering the pressure to 25psi today to try that. Tires were made in 2009 and came on Jeep. Wowza!

[@gregj.gotham4402]

You make it look easy. I spent 5 hrs alone just to get one side on the rear finished. Mind you I’m 68 yrs old. Looks like my tires are small now in fact they are 31x10.50 R16 they need replacing before winter gets here anyways. Finished the rear today. WOW it looks really high.

[@GoatOffroad]

Nice to see you being able to use the plasma and fab the parts for the shocks. Great video and editing! ❤️🐞

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

thanks bug

[@gregj.gotham4402]

I ordered my 3 1/2” Rubicon super ride lift kit Friday. Just got mine delivered even on a Sunday. One package still at Syracuse is the coils. I will start install on well the next day it’s not raining. Im taking photos of before and after. I will take time to remove a bit of rust with a brush on grinder then paint. Just bought this 2001 XJ out of PA very clean so I’ll take care and remove a bit of rust first then Etching primer and paint for protection then install lift kit.

[@BradMillsOK]

How did it turn out. Mine rides like a brick. Wasn’t impressed. About to try drop brackets, shocks and different coils more than likely

[@domkarleone5800]

Straight to the point and very informative. Thanks!

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Thanks man. Thanks for watching

[@user-kb4so3fq8p]

Great step by step instruction on this lift. Any comments on SYE and drive shaft? Digging into an ‘88 this weekend, so any pointers will be appreciated. Nice job on this video.

[@shultzs5219]

I just bought the same lift:) i ordered 33" wheels as well so i hope it will be ok:) thx 4 sharing, greetings from Poland!

[@gregj.gotham4402]

Let us know how you made out on those 33” tires

[@BradMillsOK]

How does yours ride? Mine is like a rock. About to have the whole lift inspected for shortcomings

[@CrazyDavesHotSauce]

This video really was helpful in installing my 3.5” rubicon leaf springs, thank you!!!

[@CrazyDavesHotSauce]

But I can add this, measure from the hole to the center and the shortest length goes to the front approx. 23”

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Glad it helped!

[@Hillbillyoutdoors38]

Thank you for this video and information i recently bought a used this lift used and with the details you put in the video was very helpful!!!! Thanks again keep on with the good work.

[@HectorGarcia-eo1lq]

Really good job Jeep looks great

[@bezalelex31]

Did Y'all's re-install the rear sway bar? If not, Why? Also, did u need to use the 1" transfer case drop kit to compensate for the change in DS angle? What about the front sway? Did you need to install an adjustable bar? Just purchased same kit minus the shocks. Will use Bilstein shocks instead and am using 31" A/Ts. BTW. will use your procedures to accomplish my install. Thanks! One more thing, best time to do complete brake job; disks, drums and pads. Again, Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@hksfarmhksfarm]

Instead of fabricating bar pin eliminator brackets, you could have used the brackets from the rear sway bar.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Hksfarm I’ve seen people use them and I’ve used them on my XJ. I don’t know if it’s the shocks I’ve installed in the past or what but it always seems like those brackets are to narrow then the shock bushing. The shocks we installed in this video were the same way, about an 1/8” too narrow. That makes me think that those brackets work for some shocks and not others.

[@danhambrick6331]

Nice job guys.I noticed he did a disk brake conversion in the rear and he has IL. tags...I live in ILLINOIS....

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Dan Hambrick yeah I think he got everything from a zj for the conversion. Where we live is split by the river. Illinois is just 2 mins away from me in Iowa.

[@youruniquehandle2]

Yep, the brakes are from a 98 v8 ZJ.

[@mccartneystuart]

@@youruniquehandle2 what all did you have to pull from the zj to make the conversion work?

[@baltod4978]

lol - "Help your street cred at the mall." I drive an H2 that I never take out XD... Great vid!

[@Zoofactory]

Aw Man.. Things aren’t going well.. Better break out the CNC Machine and fab up some brackets! Just like that. 👍👍👍. ( I’m going to crawl under my XJ in the grass and start on the front end of my lift. Rear end is good. A garage, $30K. A CNC, $10K. A friend that will work with you in the grass and mud? They don’t exist or are in Louisiana over 1000 miles away.... 🥺. Great Video!

[@jelly7310]

Great video , men. I'm about to put a OME lift on my 2000 XJ Classic.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Thanks mans! OME makes some good stuff

[@doalex2085]

I can’t wait to do that to mine looks good!!! Thanks!!

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

its a great lift! thanks for watching

[@jampierfigueroa9112]

Wow i love the beast

[@jennahart84]

Awesome video!! You guys are so good 😊👍

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Jenna Hart thanks. Jon was a lot of help.

[@justjsse8917]

You have to drill the spring hole out? Good to know. I just ordered this kit.

[@sulaimandaiaiji]

Nice video, i learned a lot. Also, cool, lovely man. Love from Saudi Arabia.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

I'm glad the video could help. Saudi Arabia! That's awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@prospectorjake933]

U deserve more than 812 subscribers. Just subbed

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Thanks man. I appreciate the kind works.

[@lycan2965]

The jeep sliding is me lmao i do that to hella fun

[@countrymagic61]

Question: With the shocks bolts you punched out, instead of threading the bolt through with a wire, can you instead insert a riv-nut and use the bolt through the shock mount in to the riv-nut?

[@ptombelli]

Hey, I'll be installing the same kit soon. What tools are a must besides the jack, impact wrench, ratchet....

[@gregj.gotham4402]

Your video is so helpful on installation of this kit. What is your recommended tire size for the Rubicon 3.5“ super ride kit.

[@MacGregor.]

Looks damn good

[@MrJmattr3]

Good video!

[@caseyscarberry3447]

Did you have to reuse all of your hardware with this kit? I was looking at this one on Amazon and I read complaints of no hardware with the kit.

[@robflange]

I can't get over the rust on the underside

[@Toddzor]

DId you end up having to do a SYE and new shaft?

[@cesarhernandez9358]

Did you need to install new shackles with the lift?

[@strippedthreadsrc7224]

Did you guys have any issues with shackle angles or shackles bottoming out on the mount? It seems almost as if the leafs RE gave me are too short.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

The shackle angle might be slightly more vertical than factory but not much

[@colt45d]

looking for a lift on my 01 how is the ride with the rubicon would love a duel use lift. thanks

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

The ride is firmer than stock but good for the price.

[@alialbahar]

Hey man! Appreciate the video and amazing walk through. What else do you think I need to purchase besides what comes with the RE kit? Also extended front brake lines?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

extended brake lines would be a good investment. depending on were your jeep is from, you may want to buy new bolts for the leaf spring eyes that bolt the spring to the body of the jeep. they sometime like to get stuck in the bushings.

[@nightterror6951]

@@TheOffRoadCorner What size are the bolts, the leafspring? Thanks, and great video. I'm In the middle of receiving my order. Everything was backordered.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

I’m not actually sure. The owner of the jeep bought everything so I don’t know.

[@sglasgow79]

Jeep looks great!! I'm thinking of getting this kit for my xj. Any need for a SYE kit for vibration? Would a transfer case drop kit be sufficient?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

You will get a slight driveline vibration, but it's not that bad. A transfer case drop would remedy it tho.

[@paulkaufman4901]

Rusty’s sells a cross member that lowers the TC 1” without giving up any ground clearance. It is also stronger.

[@projectbumblejeep4190]

Thanks for the Sub!

[@nobsatthistime]

No Adjustable Track Bar No Front End Alignment are 2 must do's that should be done. Could cause Death Wobble.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Adjustable track bars don’t cure death wobble unless you are replacing a wore out track bar with a adjustable track bar. Although alignment can cause death wobble, the alignment has to be WAY off for it to cause death wobble. On this lift the toe-in hardly changed. Definitely not enough to cause death wobble.

[@nobsatthistime]

@@TheOffRoadCorner I own a 2000 Jeep XJ that is Stock and well cared for, one owner with 76 Thousand miles on it when i picked it up. The Jeep went down the road fine for Month's, but was about 8 yr's old and the Suspension was worn out rear Leaf Spring Shackle rotted and banging. So not wanting an off rd ride i swapped out the rear leafs and Shackles with new Stock Replacements. That move put the Jeep in a nose dive. Next move i made was to buy New Springs for the front 2 inches over Stock Height and 4 new Shocks/ fronts for a 3 inch lift along with new front lower control arms/ new longer front Brake lines. That move made the Jeep look perfectly level. The first time i took it for a test drive when i hit about 35 MPH the Jeep had Death Wobble so bad it ripped the (Track Bar mounting Bracket right off the Axle). So i bought a Replacement Bracket re welded it to the Axle and installed a New Adjustable Track Bar and had a Pro Line Up done and never had that problem again. The only change i made was to lift the front 2 inches. Still has Stock Steel Jeep Rim's and P 235 75 R 15 inch tires. I'm no Pro but just by doing the work you can see the higher you raise the front the more the Stock Track Bar pulls the front Axle to the drivers side when your lining up the Bolt Hole. Didn't seem like a big deal, but for me it was. I've put another 40 Thousand miles on the Jeep since doing the work and all is well. Paid ed 38 Hundred for the Jeep in 2008 spent about 7 Hundred on Repairs another 4 Hundred on New Rubber just this month and it's been my Daily Driver for the last 12 yr's. I'd say i got my money's worth. Keep those videos coming Thanks.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

These Jeeps are amazing. Suspension geometry is huge to keep the jeep handling great. Changing parts can hinder that like changing spring heights with addressing other parts like trackbar or control arms can change handling easily. Thanks man! More videos coming!

[@gregj.gotham4402]

@@nobsatthistime . The death wobble is more from of worn out control arms and the bushings. Track bar diagnosing for death wobble have a friend sit in your jeep you under neath have your friend turn steering wheel back and forth just a bit and see if you have movement between bushing on track bar and the bolt if there is even 1/4” that can be the cause of death wobble.

[@kneeknockers1712]

Any driveline vibes after install?

[@mrautomatech2329]

Thanks for posting this. This is the exact kit I want for my 95. What shocks did you guys go with? The mono or twins? Also, how does it ride? Thanks, it looks awesome.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Jon got the twin tube shocks with his lift. He says the ride is a little stiff now but has been softening up.

[@mrautomatech2329]

The Off Road Corner thx

[@gregj.gotham4402]

I purchased without shocks and got some Quadratic 3 1/2” - 4” hydro 7 shocks for a softer ride

[@nellaob4229]

Great Video!!Was the rear sway bar Re-Installed? (I did not see that happen)Were the New Rear Spring Packs stiff enough to eliminate Sway? (Eliminating re-installing the rear sway bar?)

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

The rear sway bar wasn’t reinstalled. The kit doesn’t come with new sway bar links because most people just pitch the rear swaybar. I don’t notice a difference with or without the rear swaybar installed

[@nellaob4229]

Another Question (s): (I am interested in installing this same lift kit on my 2000 XJ)1) How does your friend Jon's jeep Ride and Drive now?2) Did you guys end up needing to install the "Slip Yoke Eliminator Kit" into the NP231 TC?3) Did you need to upgrade to a Aftermarket Adjustable "Track Bar"?Thank You Sir!!

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

1. Yes Jon daily drives his xj 2. We didn’t install the SYE. I don’t think it’s needed with this lift. 3. He hasn’t upgraded to a adjustable track bar. I don’t think it’s needed unless you want to adjust the front axles position left to right.

[@efremgaluppo9683]

it possible to have the measures for the partss shocks ?

[@jacobschwenk4050]

I really wish it was that easy

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Right. It could us a full weekend to complete.

[@Al3xxN3t]

Does this suspension level out the XJ? Or does it lift the back more?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

it seemed to level the suspension out. the jeep was sagging in the rear before the lift and its sitting level now.

[@brano_1410]

what size tires are those?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

There 255/75r17. That makes them roughing 32” tall 10” wide

[@ky0611]

Is the passenger side rear shock more compressed than the driver side? When I installed the passenger rear side the shock seems shorter

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Mine seems to be opposite. Driver side is shorter than the passenger side. But my jeep leans to the driver side.

[@ky0611]

@@TheOffRoadCorner hhmm... if replacing the suspension in the video it should have corrected that right? I'm just wondering if it's common, bc I noticed my old passenger rear shock was compressed before I took it off. Then when I installed the new one I noticed it was also compressed

[@gregj.gotham4402]

You installed one chamfered bolt upside down. The front sway bar has a chamfered end that the supplied chamfered bolt should be installed chamfer to chamfer the bolt is 1/4” to long so you installed the bolt upside down you placed the chamfered end of the bolt under the sway bar on the link assembly and placed the nut on the sway bar which is chamfered. Just grind off 1/4” off the bolt and install chamfer bolt on to the chamfered sway bar end. The nut can break through the chamfered sway bar end and cause a driving issue. Yes I know what I’m talking about 30 yrs working in Engineering, Research and Development.

[@Kendalwong]

Even with new springs would you experience more body roll?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Not really because usually the new springs are a heavier spring rate

[@jakedavis1085]

How are the stock RE shocks? Not sure if you had any experience with the bilsteins, wondering if they’re worth the money. Either way probably better than my stock setup on my 97 xj

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

The RE are pretty good. They seem to work well with the lift. I don’t have any experience with bilsteins shock. I’m wondering if they are worth the money also. I would hope they are way better than stock shocks purely because they are so much more expensive.

[@francisbrackney2061]

We have some bilstein 4600 on a ZJ and they work great.

[@buildingusa9604]

What size of tires are they

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

255/75 r 17. They are real close to a 32” tall tire

[@northwesthappz5033]

Do you keep the rear sway bar off? And if so why is that

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

The rear swaybar is undersized for even the stock suspension. Most lift kits don’t make drop brackets to reconnect the swaybar so most people (including me) just remove it.

[@northwesthappz5033]

@@TheOffRoadCorner ok I still have mine o n and i have a 4.5 inch lift seems fine

[@northwesthappz5033]

@@TheOffRoadCorner might take off and see what happens

[@abdallahmoussa1983]

Nice. Did u get sye? How does it ride?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

I haven’t installed a sye kit. The jeep rides better than factory now.

[@abdallahmoussa1983]

The Off Road Corner thanks bro

[@mccartneystuart]

I've been looking at that same lift for my 92 limited for over a year now. Did you have to get anything extra that the kit didn't come with (track bar, TC drop spacer, etc.)? I don't have death wobble and am not wanting to add it through a lift, I hear an adjustable track bar is a must even at a 3.5" lift specifically for the wobble, did you have to add one? It will be this lift or the iro 3.5 premium lift. Any advice is much appreciated.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Lucc 701 this kit doesn’t make any changes to the track bar what so ever. In my experience changes to the track bar only re-centers the axle to the body. My thoughts are that if you don’t have death wobble now, you won’t have death wobble with this lift.

[@mccartneystuart]

@@TheOffRoadCorner that's my understanding of a track bar too. I've read when you lift xjs the front end wants to pivot to the passenger side enough to cause vibrations (death wobble) and an adjustable track bar pulls it back properly. Since you put on the RE I'm looking at, thought I'd ask if you've had this happen highway driving. I hear the higher the lift the more necessary the track bar, maybe 3" isn't enough to pull it out of whack.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

@Lucc 701 Jon says the jeep hasn't had any issues yet. the only thing he has noticed is a slight vibration during acceleration. this is due to the change in the driveshaft angle. And you're probably right that 3" isn't enough to require any track bar changes. my DIY budget 3" lift and Jon's 3.5" RE lift work without adjustable track bars. Death wobble is a strange thing. Really any change to the steering and/or the suspension geometry could produce death wobble. I'm currently dealing with some pretty bad death wobble on my 05 Ram and it's completely stock. It has the same steering and suspension setup has the XJ. that tells me that stock or lifted, death wobble can happen. I checked out that IRO lift. if it was me, I'd go with the RE lift. I've dealt with lifts that include add-a-leaves in the past and I never liked them.

[@mccartneystuart]

@@TheOffRoadCorner man I greatly appreciate your input. Death wobble on a stock suspension I didn't think was possible. Definitely didn't think an 05 ram would have the same setup as a solid axle xj. I agree since the leafs are stock I didn't want to mess around with the add a leaf so was spending the extra for full replacement leafs. The iro lift I was looking at is the premium one but comes with adjustable upper control arms, adjustable track bar, TC drop spacers that the re lift doesn't. Some say these things are necessary, others don't so thanks again on the knowledge. This is the iro lift I'm looking at. With the full leaf replacement it comes to $1,050 plus $140 in shipping. Not sure how much your re lift cost in comparison depending where you got it from. www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

No problem man. I'm here to help. That lift kit looks pretty complete. I like how adjustable it is. The RE super ride lift comes with new fixed lower arms (with rubber bushing)and you reuse the stock uppers and track bar. I check the RE website and looks like this kit was about $800. So youre paying more but youre also getting more. $1200 for a brand new adjustable suspension seems like a great deal. HAHA, you might have swade me.

[@mrautomatech2329]

Do you know what size tires he’s running? Thx again

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Mr Automatech he’s running stock JK wheels and tires. Tires are 255/75r17. Standard tire size would be close to a 32x10

[@ninja63639]

I'm about to install this lift on my xj. I got the RC shackle relocation brackets but I'm not sure if I need them. Hows the shackle angle looking without relocating them?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

The shackle angle could be better. Their almost vertical at ride height. Those relocation brackets will give you a better ride with a better shackle angle.

[@ninja63639]

@@TheOffRoadCorner Did it sit level front to back with 3.5" coils?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

it might be slightly higher in the back but will settle with time.

[@bravosierraoutdoors400]

Anyone know where I can find this lift? Can’t find it for some reason

[@alexandervilla5027]

Rubicon Express is phasing out their XJ kits unfortunately.

[@Zoofactory]

On a more serious note... By order of installation on the front end? 1. Control Arms, 2. Shocks and Coils, 3 Adjustable Track Bar, 4. Steering Damper. Is that correct or doesn’t it matter. No source will confirm it. OME LIFT WITH JKS HARDWARE. THX ANYONE!

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

I don’t think there’s an order that is better than others. I’d save the control arms for last if possible. It’ll keep the axle under control while installing the other parts.

[@francisbrackney2061]

We left off the lower arms until we installed the coils. Then installed everything else. Just loosen up the bolts on the upper arms to help with removal and installation of the coil springs. Then tighten and torque all of the bolts after it is on the ground with the wheels installed. We used blue locktite on all of our bolt threads to help keep them secure.

[@rachelbowen2353]

How much did you charge him in labor?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Rachel Bowen I didn’t charge him anything. He is a friend of mine.

[@marshallcox134]

My 2000 classic doesn’t have rear disk 😒

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Jon has upgraded his xj’s rear brakes to the disk from drums

[@jimbarber2947]

do u need to get front end alignment after lift

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Yes. the change of the drag link angle due to suspension height change causes the front tires toe-in.

[@gregj.gotham4402]

You can do your own toe in alinement

[@gatordave6629]

Did you need a sye

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

SYE isn’t needed. 3.5” lift is probably the limit before you need a SYE

[@gatordave6629]

@@TheOffRoadCorner well it's my first lift ever sonic need advice the rubicon express sits at like 4 inches though? Wont this cause bad vibrations in my driveline

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

At 4” you might notice a very slight vibration but it won’t be bad. Just noticeable.

[@daltonbauer3967]

hey just wondering did you tighten the leafs on the jeeps weight or while it was in the air?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

I tightened everything up with the wheels on and the weight of the jeep sitting on the ground.

[@daltonbauer3967]

The Off Road Corner ok thank you i couldn’t find it anywhere on the web so helps a lot thanks

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

No problem. Thanks for watching

[@davidzion7007]

Did you add the slip yoke eliminator for this lift?

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

david zion nope. There is a little vibration on accel and decel. It’s not enough vibration to be worried about.

[@davidzion7007]

@@TheOffRoadCorner I thought there was a risk of the drive shaft dropping out when flexed with 3" or more lift.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

david zion I haven’t ran into that. If had my jeep at full flex with the tires spin and haven’t had a issue.

[@mrkultra1655]

👍🏻

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Torque Wrench

[@BradMillsOK]

Mine rides like a wooden wagon. Not impressed

[@LVTHN69]

You do a great job on showing people how to do it the right way.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Thanks man! Comments like ours keeps me making videos. Thanks for watching!

[@LVTHN69]

You do a great job on showing people how to do it the right way.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Thanks man! Thanks for watching