NWFJCC - Group OME Install

[Terahex]

Four members in the Greater Portland area (Terahex, Dbbd1, Bernd, and "Son of a Son") took part in the OME Group buy. Thanks to the forum and a number of NWFJCC runs, we have gotten know to each other. We decided to join forces to do the installation. We just couldn't bring ourselves to pay $100/hr for someone to install the lift. Together we could share resources; tools, knowledge, muscle, sweat, food and drink.

We started around 11:00. Kind of late in the day for so many rigs. Fortunately we had 6 people working on rigs. Brend brought his friend Shane who was a huge help. We also a guest appearance by Jelopy who share his experience with installing his lift. We initally were going to take the springs to a tire shop to get them compressed, but opted to try using a few spring compressor. With 4 compressors per spring we successfully saved ourselves from compression shop fees. I think Bernd finished up his lift in less than 3 hours. Then help SOAS and myself finish up our installation. Unfortunately we didn't have time to do Dbbd1 before he had to leave. So we will be joining forces again soon to fight then never ending of issues of clearance. I hope to use that time to produce a step by step photo installation post. So don't touch that forum dial.

Pictures here

[egecko]

They look NICE!!

[BDFJ]

Awesome!!!!

[Ripsnort]

Good job guys!

[Dragon]

Nice! Who was the guinea pig who went first?

[Son of a Son]

Turns out I went first but Bernd got finished first because Jelopy showed up the share his knowlege and we tried to follow some internet directions.

An alignment is seriously needed now my wheel is off to the left about 10* in order to go straight and the truck darts all over the road at the slightest bump or breeze.

Stop lights are easy to see now. My headlights illuminate them from about 100 feet away so I might need to adjust them a little.

Thanks to all for helping and bringing tools to share. Keep in touch if you find you are missing any. A special thanks to Dbbd1 who came to help selflessly and had to leave before his lift was installed. I wish you had told us what time you needed to go we would have started with yours. Just name a time and we will get out to your place and whip out the install. I think the spring compressors have one more in them. Hopefully. We thought that if you happened to leave the lift in the back and the keys in it we might steal it and return it later, a little taller than before.

Finally the FJ looks the way it should. I really didnt take any pics, sorry. The only injuries of the day were then Bernd decided to hammer his finger instead of the wrench and when the tree tried to kill Jelopy. Man the look on his face was priceless.

Thanks again to all.

[bernd]

I love the new stance of my FJ. Very happy with the way it drove home everything felt good. Didn't pull or track to any side. Thanks to all that helped. dbbd1 please pm me for your install. Should take about 2.5 hours to complete.
BEFORE
AFTER

[Beaterbop]

That looks like a good time.

I need to move down there so I can play too.

[5280FJ]

Son of a Son previously said:

I think the spring compressors have one more in them. Hopefully.

Thanks again to all.

What kind of spring compressors did you use? How many? The ARBusa rep told me to use 3 on each spring. I see you used an air wrench on them, would an electric impact work as well (I've seen warnings on some brands not to use impact drivers...).

Great to hear that everyone pitched in with help.

[bernd]

We used 4 on each spring and the air tools came in handy. I would try the electric.If we compresed by hand it would have taken all day. I bought the spring tools at Harbor Freight. 12.99 a set. Use 4 it works well.