TOOLS REQUIRED;

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TXVhCtoMI/AAAAAAAAAzA/zTfvLqEKI_s/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20049.jpg 15/16"/ 2-18mm's/ 17mm/ 15mm wrenchs , 18mm & 13/16" sockets , flex head and regular ratchet and alignment pins/bars.

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TWhxCtoGI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/2aeP4BsQwnA/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20042.jpg High quality grease or anti-sieze, this is synthetic that I've used for years.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TQGhCtnnI/AAAAAAAAAuU/n4zxfCbBoxI/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20015.jpg Thread locking compound, I prefer Loctite 271............

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TLQxCtnVI/AAAAAAAAArs/0OlPqge2lWg/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20001.jpg A pair of floor jacks and a jackstand, 4x4 chocks and don't foget the wheel blocks to prevent roll-off!

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6W0RxCtoZI/AAAAAAAAA2o/0-TgduGANSM/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT.jpg 13mm & 15mm sockets , good gloves , real prybar , small soft hammer extension and 3/8'" ratchet.

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6TPWBCtnkI/AAAAAAAAAt8/-M1ZOSHbVug/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20014.jpg Inventory parts again....

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TL-xCtnYI/AAAAAAAAAsE/SEn7yk0TwA0/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20005.jpg Position a jack under the control arm, I use a old spring isolater as a grip/non marr attachment.

FRONT INSTALL;

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6TLfBCtnWI/AAAAAAAAAr0/Ay5JLoOiFs4/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20002.jpg Break lower strut bolts loose and unseat them as they are press fit at the shoulder. Remove the lower 13mm brake line bolt on the strut case and the 15mm sway bar link nut. Use the small floor jack to release tension on the sway bar to enable the link to seperate.

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TLrxCtnXI/AAAAAAAAAr8/63t-mD6dy2E/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20003.jpg Upper fasteners also, remember that it is supported from below............

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TMtRCtnbI/AAAAAAAAAsc/JCX5Q0AJ0Cw/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20006.jpg Release tension on jack and press down on the rotor while checking that everything is clear and not snagging on the brake lines. Use your foot for the rotor while watching from up top.

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6TNVBCtndI/AAAAAAAAAss/SprWMQTE5q8/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20007.jpg When everything is nice and free, work the lower strut flange off of the steering knuckle while supporting its weight. About 20 lbs. Ease the assembly out towards the rear of the Jeep from the bottom first then let the top of the strut follow. Up on the bench it goes.............................

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TQURCtnoI/AAAAAAAAAuc/i1lrXmTrB7s/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20017.jpg Bolt up the spacer with the nuts that RR suplied. Use Locktite...... Notice how the prybar is jammed into the space between another nut and the spacer. The other end of the prybar is on my shoulder.

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TQcxCtnpI/AAAAAAAAAuk/XbsDPk1NX4Q/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20018.jpg Reposition the strut on the knuckle down below and check to see if the upper studs line up with the holes. If not, just drop it down and twist the top, it moves with some force.Once aligned, use the jack to lift it in place.

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6TRcBCtntI/AAAAAAAAAvE/iIIbOSz3t9A/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20019.jpg Time to torque everything down and check it all again. Notice that the adjustable camber bolt is in the top hole on the knuckle. Brake line is refastened and upper nuts have been torqued. The sway bar link extensions go in as shown. Double check everything...........

REAR INSTALL;

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TR2RCtnvI/AAAAAAAAAvU/LomrH9kd1JY/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20021.jpg Locate upper fasteners and remove them.

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6TSCBCtnwI/AAAAAAAAAvc/aC5A9DWKU1s/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20022.jpg Sway bar link next, just the nut.

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TSeRCtnyI/AAAAAAAAAvs/acefg9gD-lc/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20023.jpg Lower shock nut too.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TSrhCtnzI/AAAAAAAAAv0/DSQ29IqRIk0/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20024.jpg Lower knuckle nut.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TS6hCtn0I/AAAAAAAAAv8/UF-k_zjxLEI/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20025.jpg Outer radius arm nut.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TT8hCtn4I/AAAAAAAAAwc/49d9xm-3D0A/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20026.jpg Inner radius arm bolt until it is nice and loose, but don't take it out yet.

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TUIxCtn5I/AAAAAAAAAwk/W_X-9vWLnp8/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20027.jpg Now use a jack to support the lower arm by placing a spacer(socket) on the lower eye of the shock. Lift it up slowly and all the tension will be released from the fasteners that were just loosened. Go ahead and remove the all now.

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TUXxCtn6I/AAAAAAAAAws/OwIpwooj_CQ/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20029.jpg As shown, the lower arm can be pushed out of the way after the jack is removed. The coilover shock assembly will pratically fall out in your arms.

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TUvRCtn8I/AAAAAAAAAw8/eLW8bl7Q1dQ/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20032.jpg Adjust new radius arms to required spec's(about 1/8" shorter than stock).

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TU6RCtn9I/AAAAAAAAAxE/18IHMV5fpcA/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20033.jpg Bolt spacers on top and note that nuts will not clear if they are not all put on at the same time. Be sure to use prybar and torque them now as there is not enough room when installed!

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6TVEBCtn-I/AAAAAAAAAxM/IGmqFvrBb6U/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20034.jpg Pry bar location.......

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TVeRCtoAI/AAAAAAAAAxg/cgrl8A3aLJI/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20036.jpg Ready to re-install.

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TVoxCtoBI/AAAAAAAAAxo/yZZ6fCvZ_jo/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20037.jpg Assemble lower shock connection first.

http://lh5.google.com/hvac59/R6TVzxCtoCI/AAAAAAAAAxw/iA0HqUyrTME/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20038.jpg Wrench bolt in and leave nut off.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TWAhCtoDI/AAAAAAAAAx4/MifH9XVGgeU/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20039.jpg Use alignment pins to do the work for you. The lower knuckle bolt is second.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TWLhCtoEI/AAAAAAAAAyA/ypW9Xcd1TdI/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20040.jpg A pin in the very bottom gaps will help get the bolt thru on it's own thread power. Remember, no hammers allowed for re-assembly!

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6TWWBCtoFI/AAAAAAAAAyI/mUzTOGcdMcY/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20041.jpg Use ratchet head to slightly spread the raius arm flanges.

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TWvRCtoHI/AAAAAAAAAyY/SN0YqlexVzM/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20043.jpg Drop in radius arm and finger tighten inner bolt.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TW6hCtoII/AAAAAAAAAyg/rlnM0ms3XUM/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20045.jpg Thread in outer radius arm bolt.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TXAhCtoJI/AAAAAAAAAyo/M4GCdvxgN6w/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20046.jpg Now begin retorquing. Starting with the inner radius arm first due to access when everything else is assembled.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TXFhCtoKI/AAAAAAAAAyw/eHic3HPcm5I/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20047.jpg If all your nuts were kept in one place, you won't have to move to torque the rest.

http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TXMhCtoLI/AAAAAAAAAy4/qjyf7HR3idA/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20048.jpg Do the outer radius arm and the sway bar next to last.

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R6TXfRCtoNI/AAAAAAAAAzI/YY3GfEn2x3Y/s288/08%20MK%20LIFT%20050.jpg Because this is last. It is nice to aquire habits to not allow mistakes of leaving fasteners loose or off. Now go back and check every thing again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---------------------BEFORE-------------------------

http://lh3.google.com/hvac59/R5JVCW8HUYI/AAAAAAAAAhc/txIca_BbmtA/08%20MK%20005.jpg?imgmax=512


--------------------AFTER---------------------------


http://lh4.google.com/hvac59/R6TY6hCtoTI/AAAAAAAAAz4/VDjorDu2i_U/08%20MK%20LIFT%20053.jpg?imgmax=512

If anyone has any comments, corrections or questions please let me know. I'll do my best to answer them.
hvac59

that looks GREAT! and i REALLY like the Rubicon wheels.

hey, IF i'm ever in MD, would you like to do my Compass???? :D

hvac

about how long did it take? Did you do it by yourself our were there firends involved?

tumprgt,
Did it by myself, it took about three hours including the pic's.

Jeepster55,
Sure, come on down! The second time around is always faster. I'd like to be able to align it myself. Straight axles are a piece of cake, but this independant stuff is a little sketchy. The camber does not look bad and can be adusted(fine tuned) with tire wear monitoring. The rear toe and cross axis measurements are something I need more understanding on. Glad I got tires I'm not worried about, maybe I'll give it a try anyway.
hvac59

Wow, thanks for the detail. I am not planning a lift on this one, maybe the next one :)

Looks great and good detailed pics

Rich

Well,
I decided to take a chance and stop at the dealer today! They had a few cancelations and took my Jeep in for an alignment. Glad it's on my way to work. The parts dept. guy's had to come out and take a look and brought two tech's out to. This is the first Patriot they have seen lifted. Anyway, here is the results and the ride quality is back to stock......................One minor complaint is that the steering wheel is ever so slightly "OFF" to right. I might try to ceter it myself and do a write-up on just that. Also, the tech report states that the "PINION FACTOR" was adjusted to 3%(as close as it can be with these tires),,,,,but on the way home my GPS is still reading about 10% faster than the speedo':confused:. I'll have to get it rechecked:(.

Note the right(pass) rear is good,but not exactly in spec. The tech said that that is all the adjustment that can be made.

hvac59

http://lh6.google.com/hvac59/R6gjPBCtobI/AAAAAAAAA3w/8jZehSfoPHM/scan0001.jpg?imgmax=512

hvac great info and pics. did you use factory alignment specs or did rockyroad supply lift specific alignment specs? Also what size tires are those?

Awesome write-up! I copied it to the Knowledge Base.

WOW thats excellent if i come down there how much would you charge to put it on my pat (Does it void the warranty?)

Depends on the dealership for a warranty claim. Some that modify Jeeps don't have a problem with minor lifts, such as this! Those are the factory specs on the alignment. I don't know if RR's are differant.
hvac59

Excellent post hvac! :smiley_thumbs_up:

Nice Post hvac59. Have you taken your patriot offroad yet to test it out? How is the ride since you have had it on for a while now? I do like this kit and may get one for my patriot along with the supersliders.

metalhead,
Thanks, and yes it has been offroad. No problems whatsoever. I have convinced myself that this tire is a winner. They are running at 28 psi and do have quite a bit more SQUIRM at high speed than the factory low profiles, dosen't bother me in the least tho'. If you happen to ease off the road edge and have to get back up on top. You don't have to over shoot or anything like that. Just a little squirm if you rock the wheel at like 50 or 60. This could be disheartining to anyone that hasn't become used to Jeeps or trucks. My last ride was a LJ with 35" Krawlers at 20 psi...........But, it is well worth it for the much improved road feedback. No slapping or jolting a all! For the down side..................running these at 28 psi let's outside temps of less than 20 f bring the tire pressures down to BINGO,,,, 25 psi and will set off the tire pressure warning. They warm up in less than 5 minutes to like 27 and will have to clear the alarm after five restarts without the condition being present. I am certainly not going to pump them up to greater thatn the door jam sticker pressure to get it to clear and then air them down again. I want to run this pressure until I get a really good reading on the wear pattern and adjust from there! The other bad news is that I keep having to remind myself not to run the tire over it's rated speed or not to get on the Autobahn............Just a joke, you would have to been there :) :)
Later,
hvac59

WOW thats excellent if i come down there how much would you charge to put it on my pat (Does it void the warranty?)

its simple to install at your own home, and no it wont void warranty.

nice truck man im thinking about doing the sema style patriot but i need to know one thing what do u think about the gas this is a big thing does it change a bit or alot?

Thanks for the post HVAC, the install went well...but those rear parts are a bear to get back together again... :)

@Hvac59, I went to the Rocky Road website, I which lift did you get? Is there only one height? And can someone who has never done a suspension mod pull off this install? Thanks

@Hvac59, I went to the Rocky Road website, I which lift did you get? Is there only one height? And can someone who has never done a suspension mod pull off this install? Thanks

The lift you want. (http://www.rocky-road.com/patriotsus.html) There is only one RRO lift for the Pat. The height is set. It is 2 1/8" lift kit. It is made so that everyone can do it.

well having replaced my rro lift with stus springs i must say a much better option. and alot easier sorry
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc33/elbowt/IMG_0140.jpg