When
considering a suspension upgrade for the Grand Cherokee
we all look for that ideal kit that retains our stock
driving characteristics and allows us to traverse any
imaginable terrain, anywhere, anytime, under any
conditions. For this type of product to be developed you
must employ a group of loyal Jeep enthusiasts that
possess a naturally high mechanical aptitude along with
a sincere love of Jeeps. The previous sentence would
serve as an accurate description of the good folks at
TeraFlex.
There
are many companies out there that can, and do, produce
lifts for your Grand Cherokee but few compare to
TeraFlex. These folks not only lift Jeeps and build
kits, they drive Jeeps themselves. Keeping in touch with
the 4x4 Jeep community allows them to remain on the
cutting edge of suspension development. Try calling one
of the big "lift all" companies and requesting
specific info on lifting your Grand - no dice. Call Tera
and you are likely to be talking to someone who owns a
lifted ZJ themselves.
Now
lets talk about the true performance of this lift. The
days of lifting a vehicle and throwing its on road
driving manners out the window are long gone when it
comes to the Tera kit. This kit not only includes the
finest springs available but all the necessary bump stop
extensions, brackets, nuts and bolts to complete the
install.
Parts Included:
two front springs
two rear springs
installation kit:
two rear sway bar links
four washers, flat 5/16" SAE
eight bushings, rubber
two spacers, 3"L x 1.25"W x 1.50"H
(rear)
four bolts, 8mm x 60mm
four washers, flat 5/16"
four nuts, nyloc 5/16" NF
two spacers, 3" OD x 1.5" tall
(aluminum)
two bolts, self tapping 2" x 3/8"
one bolt, 10mm x 75mm
one nut, 10mm x 1.5p hex
one bracket, rear track arm
one nut, 1/2" NC
one washer, flat 1/2"
one washer, lock 1/2"
one bolt, 3" x 1/2" NC
two bolts, 1" x 5/16" NF grade 8
two nuts, 5/16" NF
two washers, lock 5/16"
two washers, flat 5/16" SAE
one spacer, 1.62" x 1" OD x .5" ID
Tools Needed:
Torx bit T55
drill bits (5/16" & 13/32")
jack stands and jack
standard hand tools
external spring compressor recommended (sometimes
called a strut compressor). These are commonly
available at local auto stores as a
"rental" tool for free use by customers.
The following is a step-by-step installation as per Tera
instructions. The rear of the vehicle is always lifted first so
that it is possible to lift the rear one evening and the front
the next evening. If you can change your oil and rotate your
tires - you can lift your Grand Cherokee. Full install takes an
average of eight hours.
Jack up the rear of the ZJ by the frame and secure it with
jack stands. Make sure you get the tall 4x4 stands and not
the short stands for normal vehicles.
Remove the rear shocks.
Remove the rear sway bar links.
Remove the rear rubber bump stops by grasping the bump
stop and pulling down with a side-to-side motion.
Remove the bolts inside both bump stop cups.
Remove the spring clamp and bolt. Remove the rear springs.
With two new bolts (60mm x 8mm, 1.5 pitch) replace the
bump stop cup placing the spacer (3"L x 1.25"W x
1.50" tall) between the bump stop cup and the frame.
Remove the plastic dust shield that covers the bolt
securing the rear track bar to the rear axle housing. You
will no longer need this shield.
Remove the Torx headed bolt size T55 and set it aside.
(Note: It is easy to remove and replace the track bars front
and rear with the Jeep on the ground.) Tie the track bar end
up out of the way while you install the track bar extension
bracket.
Hold the rear track bracket extension over the axle
bracket positioned as shown in the picture. Using one of the
bolts (3" x .5" NC) and the spacer (1.62" x
1" OD x .5" ID) insert them in the hole vacated by
the Torx headed bolt. Use the spacer to fill the spot the
track bar once occupied. This will keep the bracket from
collapsing when the new bolt is tightened.
With the new track bracket in place you will see the
smaller two holes in the bracket should line up close to the
holes in the axle bracket vacated by the plastic one way
fasteners you removed to get the plastic shield off.
Using a 5/16" drill bit drill out the small holes
upper and lower to make room for installing the (1" x
5/16") bolts, nuts, and washers all 5/16" NF.
Install and tighten the nuts and bolts. (Note: Installing
the top small bolt is kinda tricky but very necessary. You
may find installation easier if you disconnect the drivers
side upper control arm at the axle.)
Line up the track bar with the upper holes in the new
track bar bracket and use the Torx bolt and nut you removed
in step #9 to secure the bar in place.
Install the new TeraFlex rear springs.
Install the new longer shocks you purchased along with the
kit. The boot of the shock goes up unless the one you are
using specifies differently.
Install the new longer sway bar links.
Lower the rear of the vehicle and jack up the front by the
frame and set stands in place.
Remove the front shocks. Save the lower bolts.
Remove the bump stop cushions and the bolts in the bump
stop cup. You will be putting these back after the new
springs are in place.
Remove the spring clamp and bolt, set aside.
Remove the front sway bar links.
Remove the springs, passenger side first.
Using the 5/16" drill supplied locate the center of
the front lower spring pad. You should see an impression in
the center that works well as a guide. Drill a hole through
the guide in the pad.
Using the aluminum spacer (3" OD x 1.5" tall) as
a guide, screw one of the self tapping bolts (2" x
3/8") into each hole to cut the new threads. Now remove
the bolts and set aside.
Install the TeraFlex front springs, passenger side first.
Set the aluminum spacer (3" OD x 1.5" tall) inside
the Teraflex spring as you put it up into place. Once the
spring is in place rotate the spring so the bottom end of
the spring butts up against the stop in the axle pad
support.
Replace the spring clamp and bolt taken out in step #20.
With the aluminum spacer resting on the lower spring pad,
center the spacer and install the self tapping bolt used to
cut threads in step #24. Tighten the bolt.
Replace the upper bump stop cup, bolt and cushion removed
in step # 19.
Install the new longer front shocks you purchased along
with the kit.
Re-attach the front anti-sway bar link. (Note: in picture
below you will see that we have already installed TeraFlex
quick disconnects in place of the stock links.)
Re-check ALL bolts and make sure everything is tight.
Now lets straighten out that steering wheel! (Note: Our
goal is to find the "neutral" location for the
front axle. If we do this the steering wheel will be very
close to center.
Make sure the Jeep is on flat level ground. Remove the
passenger side of the front track bar. With the Jeep on the
ground and steering wheel locked in its center position
bounce the Jeep up and down. Use the front bumper to do
this. After you have done this the front suspension and
steering should be in a neutral position. Now without moving
any other components raise the lower end of the track bar up
into its mounting bracket. Using the track bar center hole
as a guide mark the bracket. If you have room in the bracket
so the hole does not overlap any edges go ahead and drill
the new hole out. Make sure you are drilling at a right
angle to the bracket when drilling through the rear half of
the bracket. Use a 13/32" drill bit. If you drilled the
hole in the correct location you should be able to just lift
the bar up and insert the new 10mm x 70mm bolt. Torque bolt
to 40ft/lbs.
Note: If you can't get enough area clear of the old hole to
drill a clean hole then go ahead and reconnect the track bar.
Drive the Jeep. If it feels OK then leave it.
A full alignment to factory specifications is recommended
after every suspension modification.
Well, there you have it. The TeraFlex kit will give you the
off-road prowess that will make even the seasoned Jeeper take
notice as he watches you crawl and flex over seemingly
impossible obstacles. When you leave the trail after a long hard
day of off-roading it is sure nice to cruise home in the comfort
of a TeraFlexed Grand Cherokee that handles as well on road as
it does off road.
Look for the final segment next month when we install the
TeraFlex "FlexArm" (with OEM rubber bushings!) lower
control arms front and rear, along with the TeraFlex quick
disconnects for the front anti-sway bar.
Tera Manufacturing 7241 South 620 West Salt Lake City, UT 84047
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