2000 Jimmy lift kit/steering repair progress report

[Chicago5]

I've been pretty busy working on my little bro's Jimmy. He "ran over something" at speed and did a good amount of damage. Both left side wheels were collapsed, the left rear wheel was set back, almost rubbing on the wheel well, bent upper control arm and more. While looking for prices on parts, I came across a Rough Country lift kit for about equal cash. So far I've replaced/repaired: shocks front/rear, leaf spring shackles/bushings, front/rear sway bar end links, lowered the dual exhaust to fit with the new shackles. New upper control arms, inner/outer tie rod ends, upper/lower ball joints, torsion bar keys, aftermarket center link, new 20" wheels. It's been a blast figuring it all out. I did learn the instructions that come with some kits are nonsense. The Chilton's manual, and the web did me better. Anyway, here is a link to the progress. http://s985.photobucket.com/albums/a...immy%20Repair/

[ROYO]

LOOKS like your hands where full . lotta work there

[Sport/Truck]

Originally Posted by Chicago5

I did learn the instructions that come with some kits are nonsense. The Chilton's manual, and the web did me better. Anyway, here is a link to the progress. http://s985.photobucket.com/albums/a...immy%20Repair/

You know what instructions are..... Just another man's opinion!

[pxwolvie]

Nice Chicago, you got alot done , those rims look cool ,like to see what look like with all the black against the chrome.

[Chicago5]

Yeah, I can't wait until it's all done and on the road. I was surprised at how pricey some of these parts are, and, how they had to come from Phoenix, Raleigh, NC, and Bakersfield, CA. I've got in the practice of taking photos of everything so I can have a neat log, but I've used the photos countless times for reference when I'm putting it all back together. Later.

[Chicago5]

On the upper control arm mounts, the bolts have that half square shape and they fit in to the cams. Do you guys know how to use those cams to get the right camber/toe? I've been reading a little, but it seems vague because I don't understand the technical terms. Thanks for any help. Later.

[Chicago5]

Does anyone know what this piece is? It's the part with the bolt sticking out. I see that it attaches to the drive axle and I think the frame. It's bent near the bottom and I believe it's what's causing the wheel to set back like it is. I just don't know what it is. The first two pics are of the bent piece on the pass. side, the second two are what I think is the same thing on the driver's side. Thanks.
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[Chicago5]

I finally got this Jimmy on the road. The 285/50 R20's look awesome, but the passenger side front still rubbed the wheel well (the rear, by the door) when it turned right. We scored some new Cooper 275/45 R20's on craigslist. They made a big difference, but the rub is still there. I'm hauling it to Mike's Off Road, the guys who did my S-10. I could "tinker" with it for another month, but it seems I'm just doing the same things over and over. I'll post some pics with the new 20's soon. Later.

[Chicago5]

Well, I got the 20's on, as well as some new, lower profile 274/45 R 20 Goodyear Eagles. The alignment shop said the pitman arm, idler arm, and both CV joints are shot. I'll replace those soon. The 20's have to go though. After much research, this rig will just be eaten up by such a huge rolling mass of the 20's. I'm looking for some 18's. The tire's will cost a lot less to replace, and they will be easier on ball joints, brakes, etc. Later.
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[BAGGED70C-10]

Looks great! I like it..