Jeep YJ - Rubicon Express Rear Shock Relocation Bracket Part# RE2007

Part-3 of the installation of the Rubicon Express 2.5" Standard YJ suspension (part #RE5505) onto a 1991 Jeep Wrangler YJ.
Due to clearance issues with the rear shocks that came with the 2.5" Standard Suspension System, Rubicon Express sent me these shock relocation brackets (part #RE2007) to move the shocks away from the axle tube on my 1991 Jeep 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

[@jeeprenegade1985]

Rubicin Express did end up revising this design. They use a smaller 5/16" bolt now that fits through the back of the axle bracket. And the hole in the Rubicon Express bracket is smaller now, to match the 5/16" bolt. I just installed these brackets yesterday.

[@jeepcollector91]

I'm glad to hear they did fix that issue. Thanks.

[@pathutt9122]

Thanks again for answering questions that I had. I just got mine in the mail today. Only thing I didn't like the leafs were not in a box they are zip tied together and a crappy cardboard piece wrapped around them with my address. But good news !!! For you ad well. I talked to Rubicon in California today and they said the springs have been redone so that clearance shouldn't be a problem but if it is they will send me them free of charge. The guy from rubicon mentioned your video to me I was like omg that's why I'm calling about this. He said your videos are helpful and good. He said that because of your videos they have worked around with some of the things that needed work !

[@jeepcollector91]

My new leaf springs were barely in the box when they arrived. One was trying to escape. The box was too weak to keep the springs from moving around inside and busting out. Getting rid of the box may have actually been better. Never expected to hear that the guy from Rubicon Express has actually seen my videos. Thats great. I am curious to see the changes. You should make an installation video since the kit is now different. It will help future installers. I consider the issues I ran into as minor but if they fixed all the issues then that should make it that much easier to install. Keep me posted on how the install goes. I think you will be very happy with the RE5505 lift. I know I am.

[@jeepcollector91]

Patrick Huttner Did you get the lift installed over the weekend?

[@carllarsen6234]

I've been doing this for 34 years..Almost nothing fits according to plans. (Welcome to the club)

[@chrisparrinello4192]

Thanks for the input the biggest thing I am learning in this restoration process is to get it all cleaned up and reassemble with the new parts before final paint or powder coating I like a dumb ass got it all painted and then discover the problem Probably best to cut em off and move em forward and repaint Thanks again much appreciated!

[@skydanzer]

Obviously Rubicon watched your video and made some changes. I just got my relocation brackets in and the mounting bolt is now 3/4L x 1/4D. Luckily, I have a 1/2" wrench that will fit inside the bracket. Thanks for the Video.

[@GaryLown]

Awesome thanks for the info.

[@willywill6486]

In that case a 3/8 nutsert will do just fine 4:20 thing is when you buy this brackets most of the times they don't even say what it actually is, nor they will say measurements or anything, is just the add and buy it now

[@jeepcollector91]

1/4"D x 3/4"L Grade-8 bolt (1/2" head). I did use one flat washer on the outside (under the bolt head) and a locking washer on the backside (under the nut)

[@jeepcollector91]

The relocation brackets were to resolve a clearance issue between the shock tube and axle tube. The shocks included in the Rubicon Express 2.5" lift have large tubes and when installed properly make contact with the axle tube. They aren't helping anything else and appear to add more leverage that could break the shock mount off the axle. They will be eliminated when I install my Dana-44 and relocate the shock mount to the spring plate. I only installed them as a temp fix for the clearance issue.

[@jeepcollector91]

I wont need these relocation brackets when I finally get around to installing my '87 XJ Dana-44 rear axle. It has been sitting in my shed for over 2 years. I am going to move the shock mounting location to the spring plate. I plan to use a set of front spring plates from the '92 YJ I parted out and re-drill the holes to work with the Dana-44 U-bolts and mount the shocks to the sway-bar mounting stud.

[@jeepcollector91]

I would wait until you get the rear suspension installed just in case they made any changes in the shocks. Or maybe they will be included in the kit? Since I noticed the problem during installation I contacted them to ask if the shocks could be run upside down and thats when they mentioned the shock relocation brackets. They did not charge me for them but I did point out the fact that it was advertised as a complete kit. The brackets will be coming off my YJ soon when I install the SYE.

[@dougharlow6037]

Just curious, what did Rubicon Express say about the extended shock bracket not being included in the kit to begin with, especially when you bought the shocks and lift from them, and also about the rear leaf spring pins? Both of those issues are a big deal. What if that Jeep was your only transportation. You would be stuck.

[@GaryLown]

I just ordered the RE5505 kit for my 92 YJ 2.5L. No one mentioned these shock brackets and now I'm wondering if I should just order them now?

[@patricklasslett9420]

Thanks JeepYJ91. These 3 vids are all good. Methodical and info laden. Thanks for that. I have been considering installing the very same items... Would you be able to tell me if you like the changes it made to your rigs stance and drive-ability? Have you done a video where you talk about that? I’d love to know what you think of the your YJ now that this install is in.

[@jeepcollector91]

Thanks! The new suspension is absolutely perfect for my needs. Stability on road feels about the same if not slightly better than stock. Even when towing a trailer. Off road it is very stable, smoother, and flexes much better than stock. Having 3.07 gears, re-gearing was a must with the tire size I run otherwise 5th gear becomes nearly worthless on the highway. The YJ now has 3.55 gears and performs well at Interstate speeds. With the drop pitman arm I installed, the steering feels the same as it felt before the lift. I highly recommend installing a slip yoke eliminator. Once the leaf springs are broken in you will need extended front bump stops to keep the front tires from contacting the fenders off road if you plan to disconnect the front sway bar. After installing the suspension the LT265/75R16 tires mounted on the Jeep TJ 16x8 Moab wheels only had about 1/4" clearance from the front fender under full compression with the sway bar disconnected. After a few hundred miles of on & off road use the springs would flex enough for the tires to make contact with the fenders. I tested it with a set of Jeep TJ 15x8 Ravine wheels with 30x9.50R15 BFG All-Terrains and the springs flex enough that even that small tire can contact the front fenders. The springs haven't settled any noticeable amount. They just flex really well. Sorry for the long reply.

[@patricklasslett9420]

JeepYJ91 Thanks!

[@johnwhisenant5401]

I just cut them off for clearance even with the axle tube and purchased two front shackle mount plates and put them on the rear the shock mounts to it

[@jeepcollector91]

John Whisenant I removed these shock relocation brackets when I installed my XJ Dana-44. I ended up using the two extra front spring plates that I had from a '92 YJ that I parted out a while back. The rear shocks are now attached to the former sway-bar mounting studs on those spring plates. Works perfectly. I did have to re-drill a couple holes for the U-bolts to line up correctly since the spring plates were drilled for two different size U-bolts.

[@paperboy979]

what size bolt did you end up using?

[@josephcruz2196]

Lol everything he puts in, “ran into a problem” just imagine when he eats food, yeah foods good but ran into a problem lol, just joking good videos man

[@pathutt9122]

Also what site did you order your lift kit from and rear shock bracket?

[@jeepcollector91]

I ordered mine lift from 4wd.com since they were offering a deal at that time. As for the shock relocation brackets, I called Rubicon Express directly about the issue and they sent me the brackets for free. As much as this lift cost I am pretty sure you can get the place you order the lift from to throw them in for free as well. Maybe they have started including the brackets in the kit now or even changed shocks? Let me know what you find out when yours arrives.

[@pathutt9122]

Unfortunately no I did not. I'm gunna wait 2 weeks. And do install it with a few buddies of mine. I don't have all the tools needed. And the weather here in Chicago has been crappy. Also I'm gunna buy the new brake lines and new shackles. My friend is a genius with cars and he has all the tools needed as well as air tools. So I'm just gunna wait till then. But now it's time for me to jump on morris4x4 and buy some things!!!!! I'll definitely show before and after pics as we are doing this.

[@jeepcollector91]

Air tools and some assistance would make it a lot faster. I went with extended front brake lines in place of the relocation extensions that came with the kit. I used Goodridge Part # D-FBL-47 which were only $35 from 4wd.com. I fabbed up some mounting brackets to mount it similar to factory. Wish I could have made an installation video for those. Don't forget to spray those brake line fittings with PB also.

[@graysav]

Do you think your clearance issue came from using the angle shims?

[@jeepcollector91]

No. Without the degree shims the issue would have been worse. I no longer use these shock relocation brackets since I now have a shock mount on the spring plate.

[@chrisparrinello4192]

I just happened to come across this video and I have the same problem with a ford 9 inch rear axle on a 78 bronco that I am restoring I put a 4 inch suspension lift in it which I purchased through the bronco graveyard and same problem the shocks hit the axle tube they have no remedy for the problem could you tell me the name of the outfit you got these through ? Looking at them it seems as they would solve my problem Any input you could give me would be a great help Also I noticed in the comments you talking about the shackles could that be the reason for the clearance problem?

[@jeepcollector91]

+Chris Parrinello I got the relocation brackets directly from Rubicon Express since the lift was advertised as being a "complete kit" for Jeep YJ's. www.rubiconexpress.com/Suspension/Rubicon-Express-Shock-Relocation-Bracket-Bolt-On-Rear-YJ-RE2007.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=90&t_pt=5900&t_pn=R%2FERE2007 I could have changed the pinion angle with either taller degree shims or longer shackles which might have rotated the shock mounts enough to gain clearance, but the pinion angle was fine so I didn't want to fix one problem by adding another. I swapped in a different axle since then and have welded a shock mounting stud on the spring plates which works perfect for my '91 Jeep YJ. If you can't get any shock relocation brackets to work for your application I would recommend removing your current shock mounts and weld them or a new set in the right location to gain the clearance you need.

[@pathutt9122]

So the shackles I'm looking at will lift my yj another 3/4 inch higher. Do you think I'll need a bigger transfer case drop or will I be good with the one from rubicon?

[@jeepcollector91]

The t-case drop that came with the kit should be plenty. The rear lift shackles will kick that pinion up a little more which may help the driveline angle for the rear. The front shackles will also pitch up the pinion of that front axle and will mess with the steering geometry a little. With 3/4" shackles though I doubt it will be much. What size tire are you planning on running?

[@jeepcollector91]

JeepCollector91 Just checked the RE website and they list the same part number (RE2100) for the t-case drop included for the 4" lift and the 2.5" lift.

[@pathutt9122]

I'm thinking 32 or 33 inchers not sure I'm waiting on a price for both. Short on money haha

[@jeepcollector91]

Patrick Huttner 32's will fit depending on width and wheel back spacing. Thats what I am running. I have LT265/75R16 which are basically the same size as 32x10.50's. For 33's you would definitely need some additional lift (shackles or small body lift) or some high line front fenders. The rear wheel opening should clear 33's but the flare may not without additional lift. Can always run TJ rear flares and if needed enlarge that rear opening.

[@pathutt9122]

I'm getting the same lift kit it'll be at my door tomorrow. I'm either putting it on this weekend or next. My question is can you still drive with it that close? I'm gunna buy the mount regardless.... but if it goes on this weekend will I be able to drive it if I don't get them in the mail before it goes on?

[@jeepcollector91]

You can drive with it like that but it will slightly dent the outer wall of the shock. I would say just run the shock upside down until the brackets arrive. The valving in the shock wasn't set up to run like that but for that short time I don't think it will be too noticeable. It shouldn't hurt the shock at all. Just might not ride as good as it could with the shock turned the correct way.

[@pathutt9122]

Thanks for your response. Your videos actually helped me decide which kit I wanted to buy. Also very informative. What size bolt did you use for the back side of the bracket? Also which company did you get your lift from? I bought mine from Morris4x4

[@jeepcollector91]

...don't forget to spray PB-Blaster (or your favorite brand of rust penetrating lubricant) on every nut, bolt, and bushing that you will be removing. I sprayed them just about every other day leading up to the install. Made life a lot easier.

[@pathutt9122]

Like I said your video was very informative. I've been PB blasting it now for a few days. It's weird though it never made sounds before the pb Blaster but it's makes sounds now almost like something is loose. Although it still drives perfect and the sound goes away after a day. Also you said you removed your track bars correct? How does your jeep drive with the tracks gone?

[@jeepcollector91]

Patrick Huttner The YJ is much better offroad without the track bars but feels pretty much the same as stock on the street. I haven't noticed any sideways axle movement on the street and the RE springs are a lot stronger than the stock ones which are most likely doing a better job at keeping the axles centered. With the sway bar connected it still corners great and with the XJ pitman arm installed the steering feels as good as it did at stock height. If you are planning on using the T-case drop and have a manual trans, don't be surprised if you have issues with 2nd, 4th, and reverse. I had to hold it into those gears to keep it from popping out of gear due to the drop causing the shifter to lean more toward the rear. The stiff rubber shifter boot didn't like that too much especially when cold and would try to push the shifter forward enough to pop out of gear when you let off the accelerator. The T-case drop has since been removed and an SYE installed.

[@MODEDIOSES]

whats the benefit of doing this?

[@jeepcollector91]

It fixes a clearance issue with the shock as covered in Part-2 of the suspension installation video. Click on the link below and it should take you to the part of the video that shows the issue that these relocation brackets resolve... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGeyYn2Gp8t3hpom40s I have since swapped in a Dana-44 from a 1987 Jeep XJ and now have the shocks mounted to the spring plates.