Full Traction Suspension Jeep JK Wrangler
3″ Ultimate Lift Installation Write-Up

Full Traction 3 in Ultimate Lift
Truly, there are few 3″ lift kits available on the market today for the Jeep JK Wrangler that are as complete and well made as the Full Traction Suspension 3″ Ultimate Lift. Made here in the USA, this lift kit comes with 3″ taller coils, adjustable lower and upper control arms, adjustable front and rear track bars, bump stop extensions, brake line relocation brackets, new longer sway bar links for the rear and sway bar link disconnects up front for X and Sahara model JK’s. In essence, you get EVERYTHING you need to dial in your ride as these components will allow you to reposition and center your axles under your Jeep, set your rear pinion angle (if you have an aftermarket drive shaft) and set your caster angle to where it needs to be after lifting your Jeep and installing bigger tires.Having personally tested the Full Traction 3″ Ultimate Lift, I can tell you that with the addition of the optional M-Force Monotube Gas Charged Shocks, this lift kit offers a ride that is in my opinion is better than stock on and off the pavement. On the rocks, I have found this lift kit to provide amazing articulation and the super beefy 2″ x .250″ wall DOM control arms take severe punishment with little more than a scratch to show for it.

Need I say, if you’re looking for a high quality and very complete 3″ suspension lift for your Jeep JK Wrangler, the Full Traction 3″ Ultimate Lift Kit is one that I would definitely recommend.

What You Will Need


Sockets & Wrenches
• 10,14,15,16,17,18,19,21mm
• 7/16,5/8,3/4Additional Tools
• 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive Ratchets
• 3″ & 6″ Ratchet Drive Extension
• 12″ Ratchet Drive Extension
• Ft. Lb. Torque Wrench
• Breaker Bar
• Large Crescent Wrench
• Power Hand Drill
• 1/8″,11/32″,1/2″ Metal Drill Bit
• Sawzall or Reciprocating Saw
• Sawzall Metal Cutting Blade
• 21″ Floor Jack (2 if possible)
• (2) 6-Ton Jack Stands
• Wheel Chocks
• Angle Finder
• Hammer
• Center Punch
• Pry Bar
• Pliers
• Wire Snips
• Ruler or Tape Measure
• Safety Glasses
• Bench Vice

Additional Hardware
& Supplies Needed

(1) 1/2″x3″ Grade 8 Bolt
(1) 1/2″ Lock Nut
(1) 1/2″ Grade 8 Washer
• Anti-Seize Compound
• Grease Gun
• White Lithium Grease
• Zip Ties
• Pencil or Marker

 

What You Will Get


FTS7143 4-Dr 3.0″ Ultimate Suspension System (2) 50-7102 Front Coil Springs
(2) 50-7103 Rear Coil Springs

(2) 50-710206 Front Upper
Adjustable Control Arms
(2) 50-710204 Front Lower
Adjustable Control Arms
(2) 50-710207 Rear Upper Adjustable Control Arms
(2) 50-710205 Rear Lower Adjustable Control Arms

(1) 7112 Adjustable Front TracBar
(1) 7115 Adjustable Rear TracBar

(2) 50-7101 Rear Bump Stop Blocks
(2) CA1003 2�X3� Aluminum Bump Stop Ext.
(1) CA2007 Bracket, Rear Brake Line / Left
(1) CA2008 Bracket, Rear Brake Line / Right

70-7133 Master Hardware
(8) 90 Degree Zerk Fittings
(2) 1/4� x 3/4� Bolt
(2) 1/4� Metalock Nut
(2) 1/4� Flat Washer
(4) 3/8� x 3/4� Gr.8 Bolt
(4) 3/8� x Flat Washer
(4) 3/8� Metalock Nut
(2) 3/8� x 2.5� Self Tapping Bolt
(2) 12mmDia x 60mm Bolt
(2) 12mmDia x 65mm Bolt
(4) 12MM LockNut

70-7134 Front & Rear Trac Bar Hardware Kit
(2) KMX-12 3/4″ Chromoly Rod Ends
(4) 50-713315 Mis-Alignment Spacers
(4) CA1022 Black Vecton Trac Bar Bushings
(2) SLE 105 Trac Bar Sleeves
(2) 3/4″ Jam Nuts

70-7135 Bushing & Sleeve Kit
(12) MO2668 Lower Control Arm Bushings
(6) SLE10091 Control Arm Sleeves

70-7535 Control Arm Hardware Kit
(4) JM-16T 1″ x 1-1/4″-12 Male Rod Ends
(4) 1-1/4″ Jam Nuts

70-7539 High Mis-Alignment Spacer Kit
(8) 50-750608-04 High Mis-Alignment Spacers

FTS306071 JK NEW GEN. Front Sway Bar Link Kit (Assembled)
(2) 50-710301 JK Front Sway Bar Link Rods
(4) 50-5007 JK Disconnect Ends
(4) U0120677 Bail Pins
(4) MOO392-BK-01 5/8� Hourglass Bushings
(4) SLE104 1/2� x 1-3/8� Sleeves

70-4175 12� Straight Rear Sway Bar Link Kit (Assembled)
(2) 12� Straight Shank Rear Sway Bar Links
(4) SLE104 1/2� x 1-3/8� Sleeves
(4) MOO392-BK-01 5/8� Hourglass Bushing

 

Optional Equipment


Hydro Shock Absorbers
(2) Front Shocks 524515(658526)
(2) Rear Shocks 527005
(6) MOO392-BK-01 5/8 Hourglass Bushings
(2) BPJK Bar pin 3 1/2� Rear
(4) SLE104 ½ x 1-3/8� Sleeves
(2) 8172Bag1Stem Pack Lrg Dia
(4) MOO337-Black Shock Boots
(4) Zip Ties
(4) FTS DecalsM-Force Shock Absorbers
(2) FTS825097 Front Gas Shocks
(2) FTS835100 Rear Gas Shocks
(6) MOO392-BK-01 5/8 Hourglass Bushings
(2) BPJK Bar pin 3 1/2� Rear
(4) SLE104 ½� x 1-3/8� Sleeves
(2) 8172Bag1Stem Pack Lrg Dia
(4) MOO337-Black Shock Boots
(4) Zip Ties
(4) FTS Decals

FAQ


Q. Did you have any problems with wandering on the highway or with the ESP activating after you installed your Full Traction Suspension 3″ Ultimate Lift Kit?
A. No. Due to the design of this lift kit and it’s ability to completely dial in my suspension I did not have any problems what so ever with my ESP system or with wandering.Q. Did you have any problems with rubbing after installing 35″ tires?
A. Not really. The Full Traction 3″ Ultimate Lift Kit is a perfect fit for 35″ tires and with the exception of some minor rubbing at a full flex and at a full turn, I have had no real problems with it rubbing.

Q. Were you able to set your caster angle with this lift kit and if so, what did you set your caster angle to?
A. Yes, the Full Traction 3″ Ultimate Lift Kit comes complete with adjustable upper and lower front and rear control arms and I was able to set my caster to a +7°. At this setting, my Jeep JK Wrangler drives very straight and the steering wheel just about snaps back to center after making a turn.

Q. What shocks did you decide to run with this lift kit?
A. I have been running M-Force Shocks on my TJ for a couple of years now and feel they are some of the best shocks I have ever run. Need I say, I decided to run them on my Jeep JK Wrangler as well and I’m glad that I did.

Q. How long does it take to install this lift?
A. Depending on how much experience and help you have, the installation of this lift should take one whole day to do (6-8 hours).

Q. I have no experience working on Jeeps and was wondering if this is something you think I could do on my own, or should I have a shop do the install?
A. This is absolutely a mod that you can do on your own and I would highly recommend that you do. The experience you will gain is invaluable and you will learn a lot about your Jeep. Just make sure that you have all the right tools before you get started, follow these directions carefully and take your time.

 

Credits


This Full Traction Suspension Jeep JK Wrangler 3″ Ultimate write-up was photographed and writen by Cindy (wayoflifette) & Eddie (wayoflife) Oh.

   

Instructions


This is a pic of all the parts you should get with the Full Traction Suspension 3″ Ultimate Lift Kit. Take some time to make sure you have all the parts shown as well as all the tools listed on the left prior to starting this project.
Assembling the Full Traction Suspension
Track Bars and Upper and Lower Control Arms
1. Start by applying anti-seize to the threads of all Full Traction Suspension rod ends. 2. Using your finger, spread anti-seize on the Full Traction Suspension rod ends. 3. Install your Full Traction Suspension jam nuts onto all rod ends. Check for damaged threads and clean or file as needed to ensure a smooth rotation.
4. Install your Full Traction Suspension rod ends onto all the lower control arms. You do not need to set their fixed length at this time. 5. Apply white lithium grease to all the black Vecton bushings that come with the Full Traction Suspension Ultimate Lift Kit. 6. Insert the greased black Vecton bushings into each of the large eyelets on the opposite end of the Full Traction Suspension
upper and lower control arms as shown in this pic. A rubber mallet may be needed to tap them all the way in.
7. Apply white lithium grease to metal sleeves that’ll go inside the black Vecton bushings. 8. Insert metal sleeves into the black Vecton bushings on the Full Traction Suspension upper and lower control arms. Again, a rubber mallet may be needed to tap them all the way in. 9. Insert the Full Traction Suspension mis-alignment spacers into both sides of the lower control arm rod ends as shown in this pic.
10. Using a 3/8″ wrench, install the zerk grease fittings into the upper and lower control arms with the nipple end pointing towards the length of the arm. DO NOT tighten these fittings all the way down as it is not necessary and it will make adjustments to its position difficult once everything is installed.
11. With the control arms done, begin assembling your Full Traction adjustable front track bars by applying some white lithium grease to the 2 halves of the black Vecton bushings and then install them into the end of the track bar. If the fit is tight, use a rubber mallet to pound them in or a bench vice to compress them in.
12. Remove the protective plastic sheath cover off the chromoly rod ends and then apply some anti-seize compound onto the threads of it.
13. Install the jam nuts that are included in the hardware kit all the way on to the end of the rod end. 14. Install the rod end with jam nut all the way on to the Full Traction front and rear adjustable track bar arms until the jam nut makes contact with the track bar arm itself. 15. Apply a little white lithium grease to the track bar metal sleeve included in the hardware kit and insert it through the center of the black Vecton bushings.
16. If you find that the track bar metal sleeve is difficult to insert, use a bench vice to help compress it in as shown in this photo or use a rubber mallet to tap it all the way in.
17. Insert the 2 mis-alignment spacers into the rod ends of your Full Traction Suspension adjustable front and rear track bars.
 
Installing the Full Traction Suspension
3″ Ultimate Lift
1. Park your Jeep JK Wrangler on a level surface and chock your rear tires. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove the bolts and nuts securing your front sway bar links to the lower axle mounts. Then, slip a 19mm wrench inbetween the sway bar link and swaybar itself to secure the ball joint stud in place and remove the nut securing it in place with an 18mm wrench. Completely remove the links from the sway bar itself. (NOTE: If you have a manual transmission, skip to step #4).
2. If you have an automatic transmission, use an 18mm socket to remove the 3 bolts (one on each frame rail and one on the cross member) securing its skid plate to the frame of your Jeep JK Wrangler. Remove the skid plate and set it aside for now.
3. Remove the bolt securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front track bar to the front axle mount using a 21mm socket. This can be a tough bolt to remove and an impact wrench or breaker bar will help to make this job easier.
4. Using a 21mm socket and wrench (or crescent wrench), remove the bolt and nut securing the factory front track bar onto the frame mount of your Jeep JK Wrangler. Again, this can be a tough bolt to remove and an impact wrench or breaker bar will help to make this job easier.
5. Loosen (but do not remove) the lug nuts on your front wheels, raise the front end of your Jeep JK Wrangler one side at a time from the axle using a tall floor jack and then set it back down onto (2) jack stands, each placed just behind the lower control arm frame mounts as shown in this pic.
6. Remove the wheels off your Jeep JK Wrangler using a 19mm lug wrench or socket and then place them under the frame rails for added security. Leave the floor jack under the front axle to help support it. 7. Using a 5/8″ wrench, hold your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front shock can in place just below the upper shock mount to keep it from spinning. Then, remove the stud mount nut above using a 16mm wrench. 8. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt and nut securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front shock to the lower axle mount. Pull out the entire shock assembly and set aside the factory rubber bushings and washers as they will be reused.
9. Being mindful of your brake lines, carefully lower your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front axle until the factory front coils can be slipped out of the upper perch and be removed completely with ease. 10. Using a 21mm socket and wrench, remove the bolts securing your factory front lower control arms to your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front axle mounts. These bolts will be tough to remove and the use of a breaker bar may be needed. 11. Again, using a 21mm socket and wrench, remove the bolts securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s factory front lower control arms to the frame rail mounts and then completely remove it from your Jeep. Be sure to save the factory hardware as they will be reused.
12. Your Jeep JK Wrangler’s factory front lower control arms measure 22-5/8″ in lenght center to center. As a starting point, I set my new Full Traction adjustable front lower control arms to being 23″ long which is 3/8″ longer than stock.
13. Install your Full Traction Suspension adjustable lower front control arms onto the frame mounts using the factory hardware. Do not torque this bolt yet as it will need to be done once your Jeep JK Wrangler is back on the ground.
14. Install your Full Traction Suspension adjustable lower front control arms onto the axle mounts using the factory hardware. Again, do not torque this bolt yet as it will need to be done once your Jeep JK Wrangler is back on the ground. 15. Using a pair of needle nose pliers, pry off the wiring harness from your Jeep JK Wrangler’s drivers side upper control arm axle mount bracket as shown in this pic. 16. Remove the bolts securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s factory front upper control arms from the axle mounts using a 18mm socket and wrench. Be sure to save the factory hardware as they will be reused.
17. Using a 18mm wrench, remove the bolt securing the driver side upper control arm to the frame mount of your Jeep JK Wrangler and remove the control arm itself. Then, loosen the passenger side upper control arm frame mount bolt as shown in this pic. 18. As you can see in this pic, the passenger side upper control arm frame mount bolt cannot be extracted due to your Jeep JK Wrangler’s exhaust being in the way. For the purposes of this write-up, I recommend that you just cut it and replace it with a new bolt. 19. Pull the head of the passenger side upper control arm frame mount bolt out as far as you can and then cut it off using a Sawzall reciprocating saw and metal cutting blade as shown in this pic. Once cut, extract the remaining length of the bolt and remove the control arm itself from your Jeep JK Wrangler.
20. Your Jeep JK Wrangler’s factory front upper control arms measure 18-3/4″ in lenght center to center. Again, as a starting point, I set my Full Traction front adjustable upper control arms to 18-7/8″ long which is 1/8″ longer than stock.
21. Using a 3/4″ socket attached to a ratchet extension carefully feed your new 1/2″x3″ Grade 8 replacement bolt into the access hole on the outside of the frame rail and install the Full Traction Suspension adjustable upper control arm onto your Jeep JK Wrangler’s passenger side frame mount as shown in this pic.
22. Using a 3/4″ socket and wrench, secure the Full Traction Suspension upper control arm frame mount bolt in place using your new replacement washer and lock nut. Tighten but do not torque this bolt and nut at this time. 23. Install your Full Traction Suspension driver side adjustable upper control arm onto the frame mount on your Jeep JK Wrangler using the factory hardware. An 18mm socket will be needed for this job. Tighten but do not torque this bolt at this time. 24. Install both Full Traction Suspension adjustable upper control arms onto the axle mounts using the factory hardware. Make sure that the bolts are installed from the inboard to outside and then finger tighten but do not torque these bolts at this time.
25. Zip-tie the wiring harness you previously cut off of the factory driver side upper control arm to the new Full Traction Suspension unit as shown in this pics.
26. Clean off the lower spring perch on your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front axle and then, using one of the Full Traction Suspension aluminum bump stop extensions as a template, mark the center hole using a pencil or marker. 27. Set aside the Full Traction Suspension aluminum bump stop extension and then mark the point where you will need to drill your mounting hole on the lower spring perch using a center punch and hammer. 28. Use a 1/8″ metal drilling bit to make a pilot hole in the center of your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front lower spring perches. Then, drill the pilot holes you just made to their final size using an 11/32″ metal drilling bit.
29. Using a 9/16″ socket and one of the 3/8″x2-1/2″ self-tapping bolts provided with the Full Traction kit, slowly thread the holes you just drilled out by pressing down and ratcheting the bolt on. Make sure to back out often to clear out the debris and take your time. 30. Make sure your Jeep JK Wrangler’s coil isolator is still seated on the factory bumpstop tower. Then, take one of your new Full Traction Suspension front coils, slip it up over the factory bump stop and then before seating it onto the lower spring perch, slip in one of the aluminum bump stop extension through the bottom of the coil as shown in this pic. 31. Insert the 3/8″x2-1/2″ self-tapping bolt through the middle of the Full Traction Suspension aluminum bump stop extension and secure it in place using a 9/16″ socket and a 3″ ratchet extension. Working through the coils as shown in this pic, tighten the bolt to 30 ft. lbs. of torque.
32. Depending on what shocks you decided to get with your Full Traction 3″ Ultimate Lift Kit, you may find that bar pins will have been pre-installed into the lower shock bushing. If this is the case with your shocks, you will need to remove them and replace them with the metal sleeves that will be included with the shock hardware. A bench vice will help out a lot to press out the existing bar pin enough for you to pry it out and it will help you to press in the new metal sleeves.
33. Re-using the factory hardware, assemble one of the large flat washers onto your front shock mounting stud and then follow it up with the rubber bushing that has a raised center lip as shown in this pic. 34. Slip the front shock mounting stud up into your Jeep JK Wrangler’s upper mount, slide on the opposite rubber bushing so that it mates perfectly over the raised lip of the lower bushing and then cap it off with the other large flat washer. 35. Secure the front shock mounting stud in place with the new nut and jam nut that should be included with shocks. You will need either (2) 17mm wrenches to do this or an 11/16″ will make a good substitute. Tighten this nut to 17 ft. lbs. of torque.
36. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, secure your front shocks to your Jeep JK Wrangler’s axle mount using the factory hardware and tighten the nut and bolt to 56 ft. lbs. of torque.
37. Now that we have raised our Jeep JK Wrangler 3″ in the front, the axle will have shifted and will need to be shifted back over towards the passenger side by about 3/8″ in order to re-center it. So, unscrew the rod end on the Full Traction adjustable front track bar back out until the gap between the jam nut and the edge of the track bar arm measures 3/8″. Once the adjustment you need to make has been made, make sure that the mounting hole in the rod end is facing the same direction as the Vecton bushing end and then secure the rod end in place by tightening the jam nut against the track bar arm finger tight.
38. Install the Vecton Bushing end of your new Full Traction adjustable front track bar onto the frame mount of your Jeep JK Wrangler making sure that the bend in it is facing the appropriate direction and clears the differential. Then secure it in place using the factory hardware.
39. Reinstall your Jeep JK Wrangler’s front wheels, lower it back down on the ground and tighten the lug nuts to 95 ft. lbs. of torque.
40. Use a crescent wrench to secure the rod end jam nut in place and make sure that you still have both misalignment spacers in place. With the engine off, put your key in the ignition, make sure that the steering wheel is unlocked and then have a friend turn it in one direction or the other until you can line up your new Full Traction adjustable front track bar rod end with the axle mount hole on your Jeep JK Wrangler. Secure the rod end in place using the factory hardware.
41. Using a 21mm socket, tighten your new Full Traction adjustable front track bar to the axle mount of your Jeep JK Wrangler to 125 ft. lbs. of torque.
42. Again, use a 21mm socket and wrench to tighten your new Full Traction adjustable front track bar to the frame mount of your Jeep JK Wrangler to 125 ft. lbs. of torque.
43. If you have a Sahara or X model Jeep JK Wrangler, install the new Full Traction Suspension sway bar link disconnects onto the sway bar itself using the hardware provided and the front axle mounts using the factory hardware. Tighten them to 75 ft. lbs. of torque. You will need an 18mm socket and wrench to do this job. If you have a Rubicon model JK, you will need to install the factory rear sway bar links after they have been removed.
44. Using a large crescent wrench, tighten all your Full Traction Suspension adjustable lower and upper control arm jam nuts. Keep an eye on the lower control arm rod ends as you will want them sitting parallel to the mounting brackets and they will have a tendency to rotate over as you are doing this. If they do, use a pry bar and place it between the rod end and one side of the axle mounting bracket to help you keep them in place as you tighten the jam nut.
45. If you have an automatic and removed your skid plate earlier, use an 18mm socket to re-install and secure it to the frame of your Jeep JK Wrangler using the 3 factory bolts.
46. Remove the wheel chocks from the rear and place them up front. Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Then, lift the rear end of your Jeep JK Wrangler from the differential using a tall floor jack and then set it back down onto (2) jack stands, each placed just behind the lower control arm frame mounts. Remove the wheels using a 19mm lug wrench or socket and set them under the frame rails for added protection. Leave the floor jack under front the axle to help support it.
47. Using a 16mm socket and a 6″-12″ ratchet drive extension, remove your Jeep JK Wrangler’s 2 upper rear shock mount bolts. 48. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt and nut securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s rear shocks to the lower axle mounts. Remove and set aside your shocks for now. 49. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt and nut securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s rear sway bar links to the lower axle mounts. Using a 19mm and 18mm wrench, completely remove the links from the sway bar itself.
50. Remove the rear track bar bolt and nut from your Jeep JK Wrangler’s lower axle mount using a 21mm socket. As was the case with the front track bar, this can be a tough bolt to remove and a breaker bar will help to make this job easier.
51. Using a 10mm deep well socket and extension, remove the 2 nuts securing your Jeep JK Wrangler’s emergency brake cables to the bottom of the tub. This is necessary in order for you to get your rear axle to droop enough to install your new coils. 52. Using a 10mm socket, unbolt the rear brake line brackets which are fastened to the outside frame rails of your Jeep JK Wrangler. Leave them dangling at this time. 53. Slowly lower your Jeep JK Wrangler’s rear axle being mindful of the ESP wiring. Once your axle is dropped low enough, your factory coils should just about fall out and can be removed with ease. Set aside the upper rubber isolators as they will be reused.
54. Remove your Jeep JK Wrangler factory rear lower control arms from the frame rail mounts using a 21mm socket. These bolts will be tough to remove and the use of a breaker bar may be needed. Also, be sure to keep your hardware as they will be reused.
55. Remove your Jeep JK Wrangler factory rear lower control arms from the axle mounts using a 21mm socket and wrench. As before, these bolts will be tough to remove and a breaker bar may be needed. Again, be sure to save the factory hardware as they will be reused.
56. Your Jeep JK Wrangler’s factory rear lower control arms measure 19-5/8″ in lenght center to center. As a starting point, I set my new Full Traction adjustable rear lower control arms to being 19-3/4″ long which is 1/8″ longer than stock.
57.Your Jeep JK Wrangler’s factory rear upper control arms measure 17-11/16″ in lenght center to center. As a starting point, I set my new Full Traction adjustable rear upper control arms to being 17-13/16″ long which is 1/8″ longer than stock.
58. Install your Full Traction Suspension adjustable rear lower control arms onto the frame mounts using the factory hardware. Finger tighten the bolts for now. 59. Install your Full Traction Suspension adjustable rear lower control arms onto the axle mounts using the factory hardware. Finger tighten the bolts for now. 60. Position a 2nd floor jack or your Jeep JK Wrangler’s scissor jack under the rear pinion to help support it. This will prevent the axle from rolling forward when removing the rear upper control arms.
61. Remove your factory rear upper control arms from the frame rail mounts using a 21mm socket. As before, these bolts will be tough to remove and a breaker bar may be needed. Be sure to save the factory hardware as they will be reused.
62. Remove your factory rear upper control arms from the axle mounts using a 21mm socket. Again, these bolts may require the use of a breaker bar in order to free it up. Be sure to save the factory hardware as they will be reused. (If you have a 4-door model Jeep JK Wrangler Unlimited, skip to step #66).
63. If you have a 2-door model Jeep JK Wrangler, your rear drive shaft will be at a steep enough angle that it can cause premature wear of your CV joint boots. Before installing your Full Traction Suspension rear upper control arms, I would recommend that you set the pinion up so that it’s parallel (or close to it as possible) with the drive shaft. Using the floor jack you have already positioned under the pinion and an angle finder, raise the pinion up until the degree angle on the pinion is the same as the angle reading on the drive shaft.
64. Using the factory bolts and flagged nuts, install the Full Traction Suspension upper control arms onto the frame mount mounts and finger tighten bolts for now. Getting the bolt to line up with the flagged nut can be quite a challenge but if you go slow and take your time, it can be done.
65. Using the factory bolts and flagged nuts, install Full Traction Suspension upper control arms onto axle mounts and finger tighten bolts for now. If have a 2-door model Jeep JK Wrangler and made adjustments to your pinion angle, you will need to adjust your rear upper control arms to the appropriate length prior to installing them onto your axle mounts.
66. Take your new Full Traction Suspension rear coil, hold it so that the tapered end is pointing down and then place the factory rubber isolator on top of it as shown in this pic. 67. Install your new Full Traction Suspension rear coils on the rear of your Jeep JK Wrangler making sure that the isolators and coils are properly seated in their perches. 68. Place the Full Traction Suspension Rear Bump Stop Blocks on top of your Jeep JK Wrangler’s rear axle bump pads and secure them in place using the 3/8″x3/4″ bolts, washers and nuts provided with the kit. You will need (2) 9/16″ wrenches for the job but a 14mm wrench will act as a good substitute
69.Using a 10mm socket and the factory hardware, install the Full Traction Suspension Brake Line Extension Brackets, onto your Jeep JK Wrangler’s frame rails. 70. Secure your Jeep JK Wrangler’s rear brake lines to the new extension brackets using the 1/4″x3/4″ bolts, washers and lock nuts provided with the kit. You will need a 7/16″ socket and wrench for this job. 71. Using an 18mm socket and 19mm wrench install your new Full Traction Suspension 12â€? Straight Rear Sway Bar Links onto your factory Jeep JK Wrangler sway bar using the 12×60mm bolts and nuts provided with the kit.
72. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, secure your new Full Traction Suspension 12â€? Straight Rear Sway Bar Links to your Jeep JK Wrangler’s lower axle mounts using the factory hardware. 73. Make sure your new rear shocks have the appropriate bar pin installed. Then, using a 16mm socket and a 12″ ratchet extension, install them onto the rear upper shock mounts on your Jeep JK Wrangler using the factory hardware. Tighten these bolts to 37 ft. lbs. of torque. 74. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, install your new rear shocks onto your Jeep JK Wrangler’s lower axle mounts using the factory hardware. Tighten these bolts to 56 ft. lbs. of torque.
75. Just as was the case up front, Jeep JK Wrangler’s rear axle will need to be shifted over towards the driver side by about 3/8″ in order to get it re-centered. So, unscrew the rod end on the Full Traction adjustable rear track bar back out until the gap between the jam nut and the edge of the track bar arm measures3/8″. Once the adjustment you need to make has been made, make sure that the mounting hole in the rod end is facing the same direction as the Vecton bushing end and then secure the rod end in place by tightening the jam nut against the track bar arm finger tight.
76. Install the Vecton bushing end of your new Full Traction adjustable rear track bar onto the frame mount of your Jeep JK Wrangler making sure that the bend in it is facing the appropriate direction and clears the differential. Secure the track bar in place using the factory hardware and making sure that you reverse the bolt so that the threads are pointing towards the rear of your Jeep. If you don’t do this, your bolt may come into contact with the bump stop extension. Tighten this bolt to 125 ft. lbs. of torque.
77. Reinstall your Jeep JK Wrangler’s rear wheels, lower it back down on the ground and then tighten the lug nuts to 95 ft. lbs. of torque.
example pic 78. More than likely you new Full Traction Suspension adjustable rear track bar rod end will not line up exactly with the axle mount hole on your Jeep JK Wrangler and you may find it necessary to have a friend push on the side of your Jeep a bit in order to get things to line up. Or, if you’re doing this on your own, you can use a ratchet strap as is shown in the example pic to the left (from the TeraFlex Budget Boost Write-Up) to do the same thing. Once everything is lined up and making sure that you have your misalignment spacers installed, secure the rod end in place using the factory hardware. Using a 21mm socket, tighten this bolt to 125 ft. lbs. of torque.
79. Use a crescent wrench to secure the rod end jam nut in place up against the Full Traction Suspension adjustable rear track bar itself as shown in this pic.
80. Using a 10mm socket, re-secure your Jeep JK Wrangler’s emergency brake cables hanger to the bottom of the tub using the factory nuts.
81. Using a large crescent wrench, tighten all your Full Traction Suspension adjustable lower and upper control arm jam nuts. Keep an eye on the lower control arm rod ends as you will want them sitting parallel to the mounting brackets and they will have a tendency to rotate over as you are doing this. If they do, use a pry bar and place it between the rod end and one side of the axle mounting bracket to help you keep them in place as you tighten the jam nut.
82. Using a 21mm socket, go around and tighten all the Full Traction Suspension adjustable lower control arm bolts, both at the axle and the frame mounts of your Jeep JK Wrangler, to 125 ft. lbs. of torque.
83. Using a 21mm socket, tighten the Full Traction Suspension rear adjustable upper control arm bolts, both at the frame and axle mounts of your Jeep JK Wrangler to 125 ft. lbs. of torque.
84. Using an 18mm socket tighten up your driver side Full Traction Suspension front adjustable upper control arm frame mount bolts to 75 ft. lbs. of torque. 85. Using an 3/4″ socket, wrench and wrench extension, tighten up your Full Traction Suspension passenger side front adjustable upper control arm frame mount bolts to 75 ft. lbs. of torque. 86. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, tighten up your Full Traction Suspension front upper control arm axle mount bolts to 75 ft. lbs. of torque.
87. Use a grease gun and lube up all the zerk grease points on your new Full Traction Suspension control arms. Some of the zerk grease points may be difficult to reach and I would recommend replacing the rigid barrel of your gun with a hose attachment as as shown in this pic it will help you out a lot. Also, you may find it necessary to adjust the position of the zerk nipples a bit to allow for better access and a 3/8″ wrench will be needed to do this.
88. Because of the lift, your steering wheel will be off center a bit. To re-center your steering wheel, use a 15mm wrench to loosen the 2 nuts on the turnbuckle as shown in the pic to the left. Then, rotate the turnbuckle clockwise or counter clockwise as needed while a friend watches the steering wheel (or you periodically check on it yourself) go back to center. Once re-centered, secure the nuts and take it for a drive to check your steering wheel. This may take a few tries to get it on 100% but that’s all there is to it.
89. Place an angle finder on the flat base of your front axle as shown in this pic and determine what your caster angle is. From the factory, your caster angle is a +4.2°. For 3″ of lift and 35″-37″ tires, I would recommend that you set your caster angle at about +7°-8°. And, if you set your front upper and lower control arms to the specs I have provided, your caster angle should be about there now.

And that should be it! You’re Jeep JK Wrangler is now sitting on top of a Full Traction 3″ Ultimate Lift. Double check to make sure you have tightened every bolt to torque specs and then take your Jeep out for a test drive. With the exception of re-centering your steering wheel and setting your caster angle, no further alignment adjustments should be needed as the only thing left would be your toe-in adjustment and this will not have changed due to the new steering design of the JK.
If everything checks out, take your rig out and get it dirty! And, if more adjustments are needed, click on the link below for information on how to do basic front end alignment:Basic do it Yourself Front End Alignment

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a holler.

Additional Photos


Before
After – On the Trails
To see more photos of the Project-JK Jeep with the Full Traction Suspension 3″ Ultimate Lift installed, click on the links below:

 

 

10 Comments

  1. Hey, I was wondering if you had any squeaking issues coming from the 3″ full-traction ultimate lift kit? Ive read about other people having those issues with theirs. I have a 2010 Unlimited Rubicon and wanted to do the 4″ ultimate but was having second thought due to those reviews. Help Please!

  2. Ok, I just read another post a couple up from mine. What kind of bushings would make the squeaking noise? With the rubber bushings, would those wear out quick? How come the factory bushings don’t squeak?

  3. the squeaking comes from the polyurethane bushings going dry. keep them greased and they shouldn’t squeak. unfortunately, you do have to do this often but, they do offer a substantial amount of bind free flex. the factory bushing are bonded rubber and twist as opposed to rotating. this is why they do not need maintenance and do not squeak. they last a long time too but, bind up when flexing. having said that, you can still get a lot of flex out of them and full traction is now offering them in place of the poly bushings. if squeaking and maintenance is an issue for you, ask for them instead.

  4. Thanks for the quick and informative reply! Being in the military takes a lot of my time so I think the bonded rubber bushings might be my happy medium. As soon as I get home from this deployment in Afghanistan I can start on the project. One more thing, it will be a daily driver so what shocks would you recommend to keep the ride nice?

  5. Ok awsome! One more thing, would the 4″ ultimate lift kit with the rubber bushings have more articulation and flex than the factory Rubicon suspension?

  6. I understand that stock driveshafts will work up to a 3″ lift with the stock control arms, but does that apply to a 2.5″ or 3″ kit like this that replaces all 8 control arms?

    Thanks, and hello from Canada!

  7. The control arms have nothing to do with what will work. The length of your shocks do. Anything longer than a stock shock with an extension will be too long and you front drive shaft will come into contact with an automatic transmission sump pan.

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