TheAutoBuilder.com

TheAutoBuilder.com > It’s A Jeep Thing, Try To Understand

It’s A Jeep Thing, Try To Understand

Installing a Rock Krawlers 6-inch, long-arm suspension kit

 

Our stock 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee held a respectable look with its conservative suspension and stance. We were about to change all of that with the installation of a Rock Krawler suspension system.

With the Jeep legend continuing to grow it is no wonder that more and more people are finding ways to customize their Jeep. Whether it is traditional Wrangler or a new more luxurious Grand Cherokee, people seem to want to feel that Jeep energy; the energy that has gotten Jeep where it is today.

If there is one thing that can be counted on it is that Jeep owners are loyal ones. You will not find a single Jeep owner that has not either previously owned several or plans to purchase several more. These rugged four-wheel drive vehicles are known for their reputation of being outdoor rock crawling machines and because of this they attract a loyal following.

While Jeep has always marketed their Wranglers and CJs as something worthy of even the hardest trail, there is another sibling making its way up the ranks. The Jeep Grand Cherokee. Once, known as simply the more preppy or elegant version of the Jeep name, this vehicle is quickly moving its way towards the top of its class for solid off-road abilities.

The newest trend for this elite vehicle is its transformation into a rock climbing machine. Fans soon realized that they too could have all the comforts of a luxury SUV while keeping up with the hardcore rock climbers.

We wanted to put this theory to the test. Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee really take the stance and look of a hardcore rock crawling machine? We turned to Rock Krawler Suspension for some guidance. Known for their 6.0″ Severe Duty Long Arm Suspension package for the Grand Cherokee, Rock Krawler has created the ultimate in Grand Cherokee suspension. Using and effective three link front end combined with their track bar geometry yields a kit that is unsurpassed in the marketplace.

We tagged along on an installation article with a Grand Cherokee to get an insight as to what makes Rock Krawler the elite in Jeep suspension. Read along thought the installation process before running out to raid your local Jeep dealership. You may learn a thing or two about suspension.

 

Rock Krawler supplied us with every part we would need to complete the installation. Items such as new 6.0″ springs, upper control arms, shocks and sway bars came in the eight-box kit.
Next, we aligned the rear arm mounting bracket with the holes on the frame and welded into place. To avoid rust on our new bracket in the future, we also applied a coat of spray paint to our bracket.

 

Before removing any stock suspension parts, it was necessary to unbolt the steering stabilizer and let it hang with the axe!

 

While using a support system to under the front axle housing we removed the front shocks using a 15mm box wrench for the top and 13mm socket on the lower bolts.

Moving ahead we then unbolted and removed the front sway bar connectors along with the front springs. We simply set aside for disposal later. These original parts were not required with the new Rock Krawler lift system.

What we were left with was a clean and empty suspension canvas. Our next step would be to add our new Rock Krawler suspension components.

 

 

Before we could install the upper and lower control arms, we had to ensure that they were all the same length and would continue to keep the axle square to the frame. To do this, each control arm was measured from its new location on the bracket to the frame and then matched with its mate.
With our installation finished we could now proudly boast, “It’s a Jeep thing, you wouldn’t understand”, although I think others may have an idea now as to what we are talking about when you see the new stance of our powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee. With the addition of 17-inch KMC wheels wrapped in Goodyear rubber, we were ready for it all.

Article Sources


Goodyear Tires

330/796-4144

1144 E. Market Street Akron, OH 44316

KMC Wheels

909/784-4562

1455 Columbia Avenue Riverside, CA 92507

Network Alignment

602/867-8061

12639 N. Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ 85022

Rock Krawler Suspension Inc

518/270-9822

15 Lower Hudson Avenue Green Island, NY 12183

Scroll to Top