Jeep YJ - Rubicon Express 2.5" Standard Suspension Installation Part-2 (rear) (RE5505)

Installation of the Rubicon Express 2.5" Standard YJ suspension RE5505 onto a 1991 Jeep Wrangler YJ.
Vehicle: 1991 Jeep Wrangler YJ 4.0L/AX15
Lift: Rubicon Express 2.5" standard suspension #RE5505
Wheels: Factory Jeep TJ Rubicon 16x8
Tires: 265/75/R16 D Load Range BF-Goodrich All-Terrain T/A K/O
Part 1: • Jeep YJ - Rubicon Expr...

[@Scantron1978]

Thank you for the reply Jeepcollector your videos have been a huge help and guidance tool in installing this lift on my 92 YJ

[@20JK10]

That's a really nice YJ.

[@AJ31CO]

Good job. Perfect stance and the wheels look great.

[@jeepcollector91]

Thanks.

[@jackroose9841]

You are an incredible teacher. Thank you for these videos... I am installing an Old Man Emu 2.5” on my ‘94. Not certain if I have to remove the track bars... I am installing the light duty suspension...

[@jeepcollector91]

+Jack Roose The Rubicon Express 2.5" suspension came with a relocation bracket for the front track bar and said to remove the rear entirely. (I removed both) Other kits come with a relocation brackets for the rear as well. I don't think the Old Man Emu suspension comes with any relocation brackets for the track bars and if you intend to keep the track bars you should have no problem installing the suspension while leaving them in place. Old Man Emu makes a really good leaf spring for the YJ so you would be fine without the front and rear track bars but that is up to you. Thanks.

[@DanielsFernandez]

Awesome! thanks for the quick response and the helpful video.

[@randall9791313]

Thank you for putting this up. I just got finished with the rear. I over torqued everything. The instructions I got and the chilton both said 90 ft lbs. but oh well.

[@Poweraddicts]

Great video! That is one clean rig you have there. Mine was a junker that got pushed off the trailer because it wasn't able to be safely driven. BTW .. you commented on one of my videos a while back. I still have those boat controls just haven't gotten around to installing them yet. One of the levers is gonna be throttle control for sure (for the OBA that I have most of the parts for). Picked up a "hill holder" valve from a Subaru stick shift car a few weeks ago while rummaging through the junk yard. The other lever may actuate that valve. Again .. great video, thanks for sharing!

[@jeepcollector91]

Thanks...Hoping to finish up my YJ build through 2015. The Dana-44 rear and non-CAD Dana-30 are going in soon. Hoping to take the YJ out west again in 2016. Also building an offroad camper trailer for the Jeep. Using an old 60" KW sleeper for that build.

[@JLMURCIAE]

excelent video. thanks.

[@cp-jc2784]

A lot of handy little tips, Courtesy of Hank Hill :) Good video bud

[@jeepcollector91]

I ended up installing the transfer case/skid plate lowering kit and running the stock driveshaft for a while. I am about to begin the next stage of my YJ build and will install my other NP231 transfer case that I installed an SYE in last year to get the t-case back up where it belongs. I am going to shorten an XJ front driveshaft to use with the SYE in the rear. Will also finally install my '87 XJ Dana-44 & '98 XJ Dana-30. The YJ will be down for a few months.

[@jeepcollector91]

Its just the factory one for '87-'91 YJ's. '92 & up have the "family style" roll bar to give a mounting location for the rear seat belts. '87-'91 only had lap belts for the rear seat.

[@dougharlow6037]

First off GREAT video! Just wondering, could you have used the leaf spring center pins from the old YJ leaf springs on the new Rubicon Express 2.5" Standard Suspension leaf springs?

[@jeepcollector91]

I have multiple sets of Torx sockets (several different brands) but the one I used in the video I believe came in the one set I have from Harbor Freight.

[@southernarsenal908]

First time I’ve ever seen shocks installed upside down. Whatever works

[@jeepcollector91]

No issues rubbing the frame. 30X9.50 BFG's on the YJ's original 15x7 wheels would rub the front leaf springs slightly at full lock when the tires were brand new. The stock 15x7 wheels had more backspacing than the 16x8 Moab's (TJ Rubicon wheels) that I currently run with the 265/75R16 BFG's. These tires are very close to the front leaf spring at full lock and would probably rub slightly on the leaf springs as well if tires were new. Not sure about the clearance on a TJ with coil suspension.

[@jeepcollector91]

Not in this video. After installing this lift, I ended up running the T-case/skid plate drop for a couple months. I then got tired of it and reinstalled my other transfer case that already had an SYE installed and used the shortened XJ front driveshaft again for the rear. T-case drop is removed and will never be used again. Will show that in more detail whenever I get back to work on the axle swap and upload some more videos.

[@jeepcollector91]

I could have added longer shackles or even bigger degree shims rotate the axle more and gain clearance for the shocks but I don't want or need longer shackles and am not a big fan of degree shims. When I install my XJ Dana-44 I am going to do away with the shims and weld the perches in the right place for the correct pinion angle. Also will be moving the shock mounts to the spring plate. Even then, I will be maintaining the stock shackle length but will fabricate stronger ones. Thanks.

[@jeepcollector91]

Sorry that I don't currently have access to any TJ's to help answer your questions better. May ask some TJ owners on JeepForum or WranglerForum.

[@rjnixon1061]

Sweet Jeep. Looks like 31" tires, correct? Perfect stance! Nice video

[@rickyhino2367]

I bought the 2.5 inch lift kit from rubicon, it says that you have to weld the swaybar disconnects to axle , I see that you didn't, confused here

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Gotta throw a 2" body lift in next! Me and my cousin did a 3" on his 95 yj that already had a 4" lift, looked real nice on 33s

[@jeepcollector91]

I am trying to keep this Jeep low and stable this time around. I have had some experience with body lifts in the past but not all was good. If you really beat on your Jeep offroad I would stick to no more than a 1" body lift or simply build new body mounts to raise the body up. Any higher than 1" body lift and you risk breaking the bolt and even losing the lift puck causing the body tub to sag possibly rubbing the tire (doubt you would rub the 33's since you say it already had a 4" lift) Building raised body mounts out of 1/4" plate is very easy. On this '91 though, if I go larger than 32's I will be building custom high line front fenders and trimming the rear. Of corse if I go bigger, I may just jump up to 37's and swap over the 14-bolt & Dana-60 axles from my old military truck but then it will be heavy and possibly even too wide for some trails. Thanks.

[@jimbob2422]

Body lifts really are not good and with jeeps its good to keep your center or gravity as low as possible

[@padvancedaquariums8287]

can I fit 33s with a 2.5 lift with 4 inch shackels

[@tannerdow3029]

Can you fit 33's with the 2.5 inch or do you need to go bigger?

[@notpcone]

Thanks anyway! I will probably either have to buy new rims or add a spacer to my aluminum rims to swing 32s. {Although the tire dealers don't recommend wheel spacers}

[@greenbowshrimper]

Ahh gotcha. I thought at 2:51 it looked like you had one installed/ your driveline was not of slip yoke variety. My mistake

[@charleskuykendall9625]

They make a shock relocation bracket buy them ever wear for 30.00

[@angelleyva1260]

Megusta soy fan Aese jeep

[@Rzero11231]

nice video thanks

[@robbievick5203]

Rzero11231 what about chocking wheels

[@Rzero11231]

have no problem chocking the wheels. if you're working on something it needs to be safe other wise your improvements are worthless if your dead or hurt.......

[@deanml116]

Did your springs ever settle? Noticed it gave you a whole extra inch of lift as opposed to the 2.5" it is advertised as. I just bought this kit and just wondering if I were to swap my 30"s for 32"s if I'd ever have rubbing issues down the road (don't plan to offroad much or trim stock flares)

[@jeepcollector91]

+deanml116 The springs haven't settled any noticeable amount but they have definitely broken in and flex a whole lot better. Ride is still great on and offroad. The 265/75R16 tires (basically 32x10.50) on the 16x8 wheels with 5" of backspacing don't rub the body at all with the front sway bar connected but with the springs flexing much better now the front tires will hit the fender under full compression with the sway bar disconnected. Last year I installed a set of 30x9.50R15 BFG A/T's on a set of 15x8 wheels with 5.5" of backspacing to see how much more up travel the springs would allow and surprisingly the springs flex enough that they contacted the front fender as well. So the front really needs some extended bump-stops if you plan to disconnect the sway bar. I think a 31x10.50R15 on a 15x8 wheel or 265/70R16 on a 16x8 wheel (both with 5" of backspacing) would be perfect with this lift. Paired up with front suspension bump stops that are just long enough to keep the tires about 1" off the front fenders and you would get the most out of this 2.5" suspension. I am downsizing to 245/75R16 (basically 31x9.50) for my next set of tires on this Jeep. Thinking of trying out the Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx.

[@notpcone]

Do you have any issues with tires rubbing frame in a hard turn? I'm guessing you are using your stock Jeep rims with this set up? I have a TJ, and would like to utilize a set of Jeep aluminum rims very similar to yours.{15X8} And with those rims I would like to mount 32s on them. {Going with a 2.5 inch lift as well} Any thoughts on this in respect to clearance?

[@schileyrhoden7704]

How is the ride of the Rubicon Express kit that you installed, my son has a rough country on his yj and it is none jarring, thanks

[@jeepcollector91]

The ride is really good on and off road. It also handles good towing a trailer. Does well on washboard roads even with 28psi in the tires...

[@DanielsFernandez]

So you did not need to replace your drive shaft with a CV-type drive shaft?

[@jeepcollector91]

265/75R16 (32x10.5)

[@Scantron1978]

Can you tell me how the spring pin fits into the perch Im afraid it’s not going in deep enough with the shims on

[@jeepcollector91]

+Gregor Rogers Just make sure the centering pin is long enough to go thru the shim and still have around 1/4" to seat into the perch. At 13:10 in the video it doesn't look like much is sticking out of the shim but the spring is still arched so if you notice there is a gap between the center of the shim and the main leaf. That was roughly an 1/8" so figure the center pin will protrude that much more once the u-bolts tighten everything together. With the open type of spring perch like my Dana-35 has you can see the center pin from the inside of the perch once everything is together. I hope that helps.

[@ramoncabrera1252]

Nice Video! I have an 87 YJ and want to change my wheels. What wheels are you using? It looks like a TJ stock wheels. I want to use JK wheels. Would that fit? Thanks for you help.

[@jeepcollector91]

They are factory Jeep TJ Rubicon wheels. (16x8 Moab wheels) The JK wheels are a different lug pattern so you will have to use an adapter. Lots of Jeep owners using them and the only downsides I can see is the JK wheels seem to have a flatter outer face which may see more damage on the trail and running wheel spacers does add another failure point to keep an eye on. Thanks.

[@ramoncabrera1252]

Thanks for getting back. I'll see if I can get some TJ wheels or get an adapter.

[@justinlee5305]

im looking in to getting the rubicon express for my yj how much better does it ride?

[@andresfvelasquez438]

Can you fit 33's with a 2.5 inch on a 91 Renegade, I understand they have a bit more tire clearance ? thanks.

[@jeepcollector91]

The '91 Renegade just has wider flares. Still the same metal fender behind it. 33's would rub just the same as if they were on a standard YJ with a 2.5" lift. Could use the 2.5" lift and remove the renegade flares then buy or fabricate some new front fenders (metalcloak work great for this) and trim the rear wheel well openings. TJ rear flares would finish off the rear nicely. Another option would be to install a small body lift along with the 2.5" lift or just go for the 4" lift.

[@dunlapmichaell]

Did you have any vibration issues without a transfer case drop or SYE?

[@jeepcollector91]

+Michael Dunlap Yes. Had very minor vibration when decelerating. It might have gone away once the suspension settled a tiny amount but I ended up installing the transfer case drop. Ran it with the T-case drop for a few months until I finally got around to installing an SYE.

[@vollfreak16]

What type of roll cage is that? I really like the two bars that come down in the back

[@magnusstrmsnes1839]

its called a family cage. came standard on the yj from 1993 i think.

[@edgarherrerasoto7775]

Con ese aumentó de suspensión que tal quedo ? Que tal la estabilizado ? Esta blanda ?

[@jeepcollector91]

The ride is slightly softer than how it was with the original springs. Stability isn't bad. Steering feels exactly as it did before since I did install a Jeep XJ pitman arm. I was hoping for a suspension with similar on road characteristics to the stock suspension with better offroad ride and that is exactly what I got with this Rubicon Express suspension.

[@GiovaniB52]

So what size tires do you have for this 2.5 inch suspension or recommend?? . I want to raise my jeep a little bit not much . I think 2.5 is just right . I still have stock suspensions on it . My size tires are P215 and I would like to stick with that size ...

[@jeepcollector91]

I am currently running a set of 265/75R16 BF-Goodrich All-Terrains on 16x8 Moabs (Factory TJ Rubicon) with 5" backspacing. No spacers. These are basically 32's. Any wider than these 265's or anymore wheel offset and rubbing would be an issue. 31x10.50R15 or 245/75R16 would be perfect. I am considering going with 265/70R16 for the next set or maybe 235/85R16 but the 265/75R16's are just fine. I ran 30x9.50R15 BFG Mud-Terrains with the stock wheels on this Jeep for many years and it was perfect at stock height. Couldn't disconnect the sway-bar back then and if I could I am sure the front would have rubbed. But with sway-bar in place it was fine. Front tires did barely rub the front leaf spring with steering held at full lock when the tires were new but it wasn't an issue or anything.

[@GiovaniB52]

JeepCollector91 I see ... I just purchased a month ago some brand new rims ( Dick cepex dc-2 ) size 15 x 8.0 and im trying to figure out what upgrade of a tire I can put on this rim once I do the suspension lift of only 2.5 inches . My local jeep off road store tells me ( Morris 4x4 ) tells me I can get away with 30/10 tire on those rims . Is that right ? all the way up to 12inches wide , is that right to ?

[@jamesgibson3557]

Sure you said it but what size tires were those. Thanks

[@jeepcollector91]

@James Gibson LT265/75R16-D

[@jamesgibson3557]

Appreciate it. Thanks. Looks great.

[@greenbowshrimper]

did i see an sye or no?

[@MSaber1]

did you need to buy anything else along with this kit i want to buy this kit but im not sure if i need to buy an sye or a cvo driveshaft according to their installations instructions For optimum rear driveline performance we recommend a slip yoke eliminator kit and CV drive shaft be used with this lift (see slip yoke vibration in “troubleshooting” before proceeding). also would removing the front and rear track bars affect the jeep in anyway and would i need to upgrade the steering stabilizer. i plan on getting 31X10.5R15LT C Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar Outlined White Letters Pro-Grade along with 15x7 Ultra Type 164 Black Painted on my yj 2.5 auto. thanks again fir your time JeepCollector91.

[@jeepcollector91]

Only thing I would recommend buying thats not included in the kit is the front brake lines. The kit does come with extensions but you can get longer braided stainless brake lines for less than $40. The SYE is nice to have and yes I did finally install one but you don't have to have it right away. The T-case drop took care of the minor driveline vibrations but it does reduce ground clearance a little and with my AX15 made it tough to shift into 2nd, 4th, and Reverse when the shifter boot is cold and stiff since the T-case drop does make the shifter sit back more than normal. Since you have an automatic, you aren't going to have the same shifter issue and I would also suggest leaving off the T-case drop until after going for a test drive. Mine had only minor vibrations. If I remember correctly, your automatic is slightly shorter than my AX15 which means you may have different driveline angles than I did and may have no vibrations at all. Just make sure you have good U-joints whichever route you go. The rear track bar doesn't get reused with this kit. I did remove the front one as well and can tell a difference in flex offroad. It feels just as stable as stock on the road without it. The springs are much better than the stock leaf-springs for keeping the front axle centered. I do have the front sway-bar still and the quick disconnects are nice. I changed the steering stabilizer on mine a long time ago and its still working fine. I figure it will get bashed on a rock long before it wears out.

[@jeepcollector91]

Michael hill Still running original shackles. I do plan on making a stronger set in the future but am sticking with factory length.

[@PapaJohn_21]

are those tires 31s"?

[@phillipparker88]

Is this Kenny Powers??

[@panteradon]

Those are 30 inch tires?

[@jeepcollector91]

That's about right, with the tread that was remaining on that set when this video was made. Also only had 26psi in them and with the weight of the Jeep on them so they did seem extra small when looking at the measurement on the stick ruler when taking the lift measurements. They are LT265/75R16 which are around 31.5 inches tall (when new and without the weight of the vehicle on them) which is the same height though slightly narrower than a 32x11.50R15. I currently run an LT245/75R16 which is around 30.5 inches tall which is the same height and slightly narrower than a 31x10.50R15. I ran 30x9.50R15 BGF Mud Terrains on this Jeep for many years and currently run a 30x9.50R15 (29.5") on my daily driver. The suspension on this '91 YJ hasn't settled any noticeable amount but flexes much more now and even the little 30x9.50R15 tires will rub in the front with the sway-bar disconnected. I have extended bump-stops in the front now with the LT245/75R16.

[@panteradon]

Thanks. I am considering hpthe same kift and was wondering how it would look with my 30x9.5 tires. Which are 29 nches tall.

[@robbievick5203]

what about chookiing wheels

[@jeepcollector91]

I do chock the wheels most times when lifting the vehicle with the jack but usually move them out of the way once I have the end I am working on up on the jack stands. I always use the wide base jack stands and work on level ground so it is very unlikely the vehicle will be able to roll. If it were on uneven ground or if using smaller jack stands I would recommend not only leaving the wheel chocks in place but even placing a spare wheel and tire under the vehicle so in the event the vehicle falls off the jack stands it can't fall all the way down. I do own a proper set of heavy duty rubber wheel chocks that I used to use with my Freightliner but in this video I think I had used a set of brake drums as chocks... Thanks.

[@stigist123]

did you have to do a front end alinement

[@jeepcollector91]

No alignment was needed. Only the drag link was adjusted to center the steering wheel after the lift which you can do yourself. If your front end alignment was good before installing the lift then it should still be good after the install since the tie rod that goes from wheel to wheel doesn't get touched.

[@stigist123]

Thanks for the reply!! Id like to pick your brain some more if you don't mind. My YJ currently has a bad ax5 so I'm putting in a new ax15 which is about two inches longer than the ax5. normally this conversion would call for a 13 inch drive shaft, but i was wondering/ hoping with a 2.5 inch lift i could reuse my original 15inch drive shaft. Do you think this would work?

[@jeepcollector91]

stigist123 I honestly don't know if that would work. All the AX-5 to AX-15 swaps I have messed with ended up using a SYE and shortening an XJ's front driveshaft to use in the rear of the YJ. The slip yoke end of the original driveshaft on my '91 YJ (4.0L/AX15/NP231) doesn't go as far into the NP231 after the lift but I think it was only about 1" to 1.5" further out. You should be able to find the rear driveshaft that you need for very cheap since many YJ owners are swapping in a SYE and many end up just getting tossed in the scrap bin. You may even get one for free. Just ask around on JeepForum or some of the others and I'm sure someone would be willing to hook you up. If you are in my area of NC, I will give you the rear driveshaft from my '92 YJ that I parted out a while back (if I can find it in the shed).

[@stigist123]

I gotcha, iv been contomplating doing a sye conversion since i have the jeep riper apart but i was not sure if it was necessary but iv been reading that to make it right with a lift kit you should put one on. Im also wander how the jeep handles without the sway bars. And thanks the vids, they made my install a breeze, I can't wait to drive it !!!!!!

[@jeepcollector91]

stigist123 The Jeep still handles as good as stock on the street with the track bars removed. I do leave the front sway bar connected for the street, dunes, and any other higher speed offroading but disconnect it for everything else since it flexes so much better and keeps the tires on the ground much more than with the sway bar connected. I would highly recommend the SYE.

[@saulgarcia7083]

Doors?

[@jeepcollector91]

Factory YJ half doors painted with satin black VHT Roll Bar & Chassis Paint