Rebuilding my Adjust a Struts

[Homeward_Bound]

Going to add a parts list as I go along and place it at the top here.

If you have the "Total Control Knobs", the closest fit product as per QA1 are:

https://qa1.net/products/proma-star-coilover-shock-double-adjustable-11-5-8in-to-16-7-8in

As I get more confirmed parts, will be added here.

Original post:

To start, I originally posted in the KJ side when it should have been here.

Big shout out to LFHoward for their previous post Rebuilding Adjust-a-Strut Part Numbers https://www.jeepkj.com/threads/rebuilding-jba-adjust-a-struts-part-numbers.79086. Gave me the info I needed to really get my repair off the ground. The only pieces I am going to be reusing are the clevis and top plate. Not going to try and rebuild these.

Bottom of the coilover snapped in the JBA clevis and finally got around to getting it out to fully inspect it. Found out that it was threaded in. Finally some good news. Digging through here and the archives of Lostjeeps.com, found more good information. So now pretty confident in my next steps.

First is to drill out the broken piece and separate the top plate from the coilover. They have been soaking in PB Blaster.

Next is selecting the replacement. Going between the different suppliers and a ton of websites, only a FOX rep gave me a definitive answer. And that they can remove the lower eyelets.

This is what I have selected.

Fox 2.0 Coilover, 5/8″ Shaft, Emulsion, 5″ Travel – AccuTune Off-Road
accutuneoffroad.com accutuneoffroad.com

One thing I am still a bit lost on is the spring rate. I am getting results of anywhere from 300#-600#. My gut is telling me to go with a 450# rate to achieve the lift I am looking for with the accessories that I have.

After that, need to do the rears. Which will be its own adventure.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

If you see anyone online saying that you can break red locktite with solvents, they are a liar. Soaked this part in PB Blaster, Brake Cleaner, and the what locktite recommended. Doesn't work, you need heat.

But now that it is out, going to check the threads and make sure it will be compatible with the Fox coilovers I am looking at. Still debating on the spring rate, but my gut is saying 450lb rate on an 12 inch spring.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

So this has been fun.

The JBA branded shocks were rebranded Bilstiens right? Google has not been helpful in determining if Bilstiens and Fox use the same threads.

MY kit was rebranded QA1 shocks. Closest fit is

https://qa1.net/products/proma-star-coilover-shock-double-adjustable-11-5-8in-to-16-7-8in

Thread checker at my local hardware store not big enough for the lower coilover threads. It is a fine pitch and could not find a nut to check it with.

According to QA1, their thread is 9/16-18. Fox is 5/8-18.

And also for finding the right shoulder bolt for the clevis. I think it is a 16mm shoulder, 100mm length with a m12x1.75 thread. Had a thread checker for that, but guess my threads were too damaged to fit in any of the m12's.

Edit: I have been finding more info, usually happens after I do a search and ask.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Was able to find more info today. Aside from having to drill and tap the clevis mounting holes to 5/8-18, the pair of Fox coilovers with springs are cheaper than the QA1's with springs. What is throwing me off of QA1 is that their coilovers are meant for street and racing.

QA1 - 326.95 x 2

https://qa1.net/products/proma-star-coilover-shock-double-adjustable-11-5-8in-to-16-7-8in/

Fox - 299.95 x 2 plus free spring swap

Fox 2.0 x 5" Coilover, Emul - PreTuned | AccuTune Off-Road

Fox 2.0 Coilover, 5/8" Shaft, Emulsion, 5" Travel. WE WILL PRE-TUNE THE 2.0 FOX COILOVER SHOCKS FOR YOUR VEHICLE.

accutuneoffroad.com

Eibach 2.5″ ID Springs - 85.00 x 2 (450lb single rate)

Eibach 2.5" ID Springs - AccuTune Off-Road

Premium Eibach Springs meet AccuTune premium service. We will help select the correct springs for your ride and we offer spring swapping so you only have to buy once. 2.5" ID Springs for 2.0 Shocks. *Sold Individually.

accutuneoffroad.com

 

[Homeward_Bound]

As the part gathering continues when I can, McMaster Carr having an app is great. I'm able to get everything at once, after triple checking all the pieces I have now. Already made an impulse purchase mistake, but it was less than $5. More annoyed if anything.

Springs only have about 55k on them. Online consensus has been they should be good for another 40k.

New coilovers from QA1 should be here soon so hopefully by labor day I can get the Jeep turned around to do the passenger side before Halloween.

 

[lfhoward]

Making progress! It is interesting to hear how things evolved with JBA’s lifts over the years. Mine were most definitely Bilsteins but from 2010/11. Way to not give up on this complicated project!

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Got thrown for a loop. The clevis shoulder bolt that I pulled out was turned down from 5/8 to 14mm. This only makes sense because the threaded end is 1/2x13. A 9/16 shoulder would work, but is as rare as the 14mm shoulder bolt.

If I had a lathe I could get this done in an hour, but not going to drop 1k on a lathe for just this project. Currently looking for shops that would take a small project like this, even if I have to mail it out.

 

[KJowner]

Don't look on it as a small job, look at it as a perfect excuse to buy a lathe....

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Almost there. Got it assembled for fitment before, coincidentally, lubing the threads with orange thread locker.

Annoying that paint shops wouldn't take small jobs so had to rattle can it.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Anyone got torque specs for the upper mount? The only I know of is in Scar0's write up and that's locked behind a Google drive request. Not sure if him or Digger are still active.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Sorta cheated. Did not want to take apart the whole knuckle assembly so took it apart again before the thread locker set.

 

[lfhoward]

Anyone got torque specs for the upper mount? The only I know of is in Scar0's write up and that's locked behind a Google drive request. Not sure if him or Digger are still active.

I found 80 foot pounds for that in the KK Mopar repair manual. I just recently redid my front lift so had the list of torque specs right on my phone.

It would be cool is Digger and Scar0 were still on, but I haven’t seen them in quite a while.

 

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Back on 4 wheels! Now to charge the battery and spin around for the other side.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Parasitic draw zeroed the battery. Would not even trickle charge so had to get a new one... but Oddball fired right up with no hesitation! Made some funny movements but I'm chalking that up to flat spots on the tires.

All turned around now and going in for the passenger. Easier but more annoying since this one isn't snapped. I'm going to have to take out the upper A-Arm. So much room for activities in the engine bay compared to the drivers side.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Just a little cheating, but now it is out and ready for cleaning and painting.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Passenger side spring and perches painted, just need to get it in there. Hopefully before the end of the weekend.

 

[Homeward_Bound]

Back together and on the road! Now I have a mystery oil leak dripping onto the exhaust... Feeling I am falling into the sunk cost fallacy.