BDS 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 3 Suspension Lift Kit Installation Guide
- September 6, 2024
- BDS
Table of Contents
2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 3 Suspension Lift Kit
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Specifications:
Part#: 014330
3 Suspension Lift Kit
Jeep Wrangler JL 4 Door 4WD | 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 2 Door
4WD | 2018-2024
491 W. Garfield Ave., Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: 517-279-2135
E-mail: tech-bds@ridefox.com
Rev. 060324
Product Usage Instructions:
Before Installation:
BDS Suspension Co. recommends professional installation by a
technician with knowledge of disassembly/reassembly procedures.
Fitment Guide:
– Sport, Sport S, Sahara Models: 35×12.50 on 17×9 with 4.5 max
backspacing for full bump tire clearance.
– Rubicon Models: 37×12.50 on 17×9 with 4.5 max backspacing for
full bump tire clearance.
Before Driving:
-
Check all fasteners for proper torque.
-
Ensure adequate clearance between all components.
-
Verify clearance between exhaust, brake lines, fuel lines,
etc. -
Inspect brake system and perform steering sweep.
-
Perform headlight check and adjustment.
-
Re-torque all fasteners after 500 miles.
FAQ:
Q: Do I need to perform any specific checks before driving with
the suspension lift kit installed?
A: Yes, it is recommended to check all fasteners for proper
torque, ensure clearances between components, inspect the brake
system, and perform a steering sweep to ensure safety.
Q: Can I install the suspension lift kit myself?
A: BDS Suspension Co. recommends professional installation by a
technician familiar with disassembly and reassembly procedures for
proper installation and safety.
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Part#: 014330
3″ Suspension Lift Kit
Jeep Wrangler JL 4 Door 4WD | 2018-2024 Jeep Wrangler JL 2 Door 4WD |
2018-2024
491 W. Garfield Ave., Coldwater, MI 49036 . Phone: 517-279-2135 Web: www.bds- suspension.com . E-mail: tech-bds@ridefox.com
Rev. 060324
Read And Understand All Instructions And Warnings Prior To Installation Of
System And Operation Of Vehicle.
Your jeep is about to be fitted with the best suspension system on the market
today. That means you will be driving the baddest looking truck in the
neighborhood, and you’ll have the warranty to ensure that it stays that way
for years to come.
Thank you for choosing BDS Suspension!
BEFORE YOU START
BDS Suspension Co. recommends this system be installed by a professional
technician. In addition to these instructions, professional knowledge of
disassembly/ reassembly procedures and post installation checks must be known.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
Certain BDS Suspension products are intended to improve off-road performance.
Modifying your vehicle for off-road use may result in the vehicle handling
differently than a factory equipped vehicle. Extreme care must be used to
prevent loss of control or vehicle rollover. Failure to drive your modified
vehicle safely may result in serious injury or death. BDS Suspension Co. does
not recommend the combined use of suspension lifts, body lifts, or other
lifting devices. You should never operate your modified vehicle under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. Always drive your modified vehicle at reduced
speeds to ensure your ability to control your vehicle under all driving
conditions. Always wear your seat belt.
BEFORE INSTALLATION
· Special literature required: OE Service Manual for model/year of vehicle.
Refer to manual for proper disassembly/reassembly procedures of OE and related
components.
· Adhere to recommendations when replacement fasteners, retainers and keepers
are called out in the OE manual.
· Larger rim and tire combinations may increase leverage on suspension,
steering, and related components. When selecting combinations larger than OE,
consider the additional stress you could be inducing on the OE and related
components.
· Post suspension system vehicles may experience drive line vibrations. Angles
may require tuning, slider on shaft may require replacement, shafts may need
to be lengthened or trued, and U-joints may need to be replaced.
· Secure and properly block vehicle prior to installation of BDS Suspension
components. Always wear safety glasses when using power tools.
· If installation is to be performed without a hoist, BDS Suspension Co.
recommends rear alterations first.
· Due to payload options and initial ride height variances, the amount of lift
is a base figure. Final ride height dimensions may vary in accordance to
original vehicle attitude. Always measure the attitude prior to beginning
installation.
2 | 014330
Visit 560plus.com for more information.
In an effort to reduce the risk of rollover crashes the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 126 requiring all new passenger vehicles under
10,000 lbs GVWR include an electronic stability control (ESC) system as
standard equipment. Effective August 2012 this law requires aftermarket
products to be compliant with these same standards.
FITMENT GUIDE
Sport, Sport S, Sahara Models 35×12.50 on 17×9 with 4.5″ max backspacing for
full bump tire clearance 37×12.50 on 17×9 with 4.5″ max backspacing Rubbing
can occur under full articulation Rubicon Models 37×12.50 on 17×9 with 4.5″
max backspacing for full bump tire clearance
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Check all fasteners for proper torque. Check to ensure for adequate clearance
between all rotating, mobile, fixed, and heated members. Verify clearance
between exhaust and brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tank, floor boards and
wiring harness. Check steering gear for clearance. Test and inspect brake
system.
Perform steering sweep to ensure front brake hoses have adequate slack and do
not contact any rotating, mobile or heated members. Inspect rear brake hoses
at full extension for adequate slack. Failure to perform hose check/
replacement may result in component failure. Longer replacement hoses, if
needed can be purchased from a local parts supplier.
Perform head light check and adjustment.
Re-torque all fasteners after 500 miles. Always inspect fasteners and
components during routine servicing.
034340 4-Door Box Kit Part # Qty Description 034340R 2 Front Coil Springs
034346 4-Door Box Kit Part # Qty Description 034346R 2 Rear Coil Springs
034240 2-Door Box Kit Part # Qty Description 034240 2 Front Coil Springs
034246 2-Door Box Kit Part # Qty Description 034246 2 Rear Coil Springs
014330 Box Kit
Part #
Qty
3396
2
03325
2
03579
1
03580
1
911111
2
SB58BK
4
62147
4
03315
1
03316
1
A1024
2
03005
2
M03212-BK-01 3
A1046
1
A1045
1
01499
1
162
1
65
3
163
1
03326
4
A356
1
Description Front bump Stop Extension Rear Bump Stop Extension Track Bar Bracket Track Bar Bracket Support Rear Sway Bar Link 5/8 ID Hourglass Bushing .625 x .075 x 1.375 Sleeve JL Disconnect Retention Brkt – Drv 2.5-6″ JL Disconnect Retention Brkt – Pass 2.5-6″ JKS Quicker Disconnect Quick Pin (2001CP) Offset Polyurethane Spacer 03013 Stud w/ nut 03017 Stud w/ nut 1/4in Spacer .750 x .134 x 1.255 DOM Sleeve .750 x .134 x 1.650 Rolled Sleeve .8125 x .120 x 1.620 DOM Sleeve – Tbar Brkt Alignment Cam Adjustable Front Track Bar
014330 Box Kit Bolt Packs
Part #
Qty Description
758
1 Bolt Pack – Rear Sway Bar Links
2 12mm-1.75 x 60mm bolt
2 12mm-1.75 prevailing torque nut
4 1/2″ SAE washer
843
1 Bolt Pack – Front Bump Stops
2 3/8″-16 x 3-3/4″ bolt
2 3/8″ SAE flat washer
2 3/8″-16 Serrated edge flanged nut
835
1 Bolt Pack – Track Bar Bracket/Rear
2 9/16″-12 x 3-1/4″ bolt
2 9/16″-12 prevailing torque nut
4 9/16″ SAE flat washer
2 7/16″-14 x 1-1/4″ hex bolt
2 7/16″ prevailing torque nut
4 7/16″ SAE flat washer
1 1/4″-20 x 3/4: hex bolt
1 1/4″-20 prevailing torque nut
2 1/4″ SAE flat washer
1 Cable clamp
839
1 Bolt Pack – Rear Bump Stops
4 5/16″-18 x 3/4″ grade 5 bolt
4 5/16″-18 prevailing torque nut
8 5/16″ SAE washer
J127
1 Bolt Pack – Front sway bar disconnects
2 12mm-1.75 x 75mm bolt grade 10.9 – clear zinc
2 12mm-1.75 x 75mm prevailing torque nut – clear zinc
4 12mm flat washer – clear zinc
2 5/16″-18 x 3/4″ bolt grade 5 – clear zinc
2 5/16″-18 prevailing torque nut – clear zinc
4 5/16″ SAE flat washer – clear zinc
J172
1 Bolt Pack – 2024 JL 14mm Sway Bar Link
2 14mm-2.00 x 80mm Bolt – Class 8.8
2 14mm-2.00 Prevailing Torque Nut
4 14mm Flat Washer – Clear Zinc
149
2 .750 x 0.095 x 1.680 DOM Sleeve
014330 | 3
pre installation
IMPORTANT
It is required that ride height measurements be taken before and after
installation. Measure from the WHEEL AXLE CENTER up to the FENDER LIP of the
wheel opening. Do this for all 4 wheels. Record measurements
below.
BEFORE Left Front__ Right Front__ Left Rear__ Right
Rear___
AFTER Left Front__ Right Front__ Left Rear__ Right
Rear__
FENDER LIP
WHEEL AXLE CENTER
These ride heights will be required if you have any ride height concerns
after installation. Please be prepared to provide these to Technical Support.
4 | 014330
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Park the vehicle on a clean, flat surface and block the rear wheels for
safety.
2. Measure and record ride heights as described on page 4.
3. Disconnect the front track bar from the axle. Retain mounting bolt. (Fig
Rotary grinder or carbide burr for cam slot removal
FIGURE 1
4. Disconnect front track bar from frame and remove from vehicle. Retain
mounting bolt. 5. Raise the front of the vehicle and support the frame with
jack stands behind the front lower control arm pockets. 6. Remove the wheels.
7. Disconnect the central axle disconnect (CAD) from the front axle as well as
the two clip holding it to the axle. Rubicon models, disconnect
the locker wire harness from the axle (Fig 2)
FIGURE 2
8. Disconnect the OE front sway bar links from the sway bar and the axle (Fig 3). Save lower hardware.
014330 | 5
FIGURE 3
9. Disconnect the brake lines from the control arms to allow enough slack for
coil removal (Fig 4). Support the front axle with a hydraulic jack. Remove the
front shocks from the vehicle. Retain upper and lower mounting hardware.
FIGURE 4
10. Disconnect the front driveshaft at the axle flange by removing the 4
bolts. 11. Lower the front axle and remove the coil springs from the vehicle.
Use care not to over extend the brake lines, or driveshaft. 12. Place a
provided bump stop extension inside one of the new front coil springs and
install the spring in the vehicle. Rotate the spring until it
is seated properly in the axle mount. 13. Attach the bump stop extension to
the axle through the hole using a 3/8″ x 3-3/4″ bolt, nut, and 3/8″ USS
washers (BP 843). Torque bolt to
29 ft-lbs. Repeat the spring/bump stop installation of the other side of the
vehicle.
On the passenger side it may be easiest to remove the brake line bracket from
behind the coil mount to gain better access to get the nut started on the bolt
for the bump stop. 14. Install the hourglass bushings in the shocks. Shorter
ones for the front with the shorter sleeve on the lower mount and the longer
sleeve and nylon spacers on each side of the upper mount. Fox shocks install
with the body up, NX² shocks install with the body down. Using the factory
hardware, torque the upper bolt to 81 ft-lbs and the lower bolt to 74 ft-lbs.
15. Adjust both quicker disconnects to approximately 9″ (measured eye to eye)
and tighten the jam nuts. Insert the longer sleeves into the upper bushing
(male end) and slide the polyurethane spacer onto the upper sleeve so it will
mount towards the swaybar. The links will be installed with the grease
fittings forward. (BP J127) IMPORTANT: Bushing cradles at both ends of quicker
disconnect must remain parallel with each other when Jam Nut is tightened. 16.
2024 Models: Use the larger ID sleeves that will accommodate 14mm hardware 17.
Using the provided 12mm x 75mm bolts, washers, and nuts loosely fasten the
sway bar links to the sway bar with the bolts going from the 6 | 014330
outside towards the frame (Fig 5). 18. 2024 Models: Use the larger 14mm
hardware found in bolt pack J172
FIGURE 5
Rubicon models have a factory electronic disconnect system. Follow these steps
16-21 to solid mount your sway bar links. 19. Set the sway bar into disconnect
mode for ease of installation of the links to the axle. 20. Locate the 1-1/4″
sleeve and insert it into the passenger side disconnect bushing. 21. Insert
the 1/4″ thick spacer and disconnect into the original sway bar link location.
It may be necessary to slightly open up the link opening
for ease of assembly. 22. Fasten the link to the axle with the original
hardware. Adjust the length as necessary to ensure the links do not bind at
full droop, depend-
ing on the shocks being installed. (Fig 6)
FIGURE 6
23. Install the remaining longer sleeve on the driver side and slide the
polyurethane spacer onto the sleeve so it will mount towards the axle mount
tab. Install the quicker disconnect to the inboard side of the axle tab with
the original sway bar link hardware.
Note: If the link length was adjusted for the passenger side, match the length
on the driver side link. 24. Torque the upper and lower hardware to 65 ft-lbs
014330 | 7
Non-Rubicon models follow steps 22-26 25. Non-Rubicon Models Only: Measure
back 1-1/4″ from the center of the sway bar link hole or just past the weld at
the axle and make a verti-
cal cut line. Cut off the tab at the mark and paint exposed metal. (Fig 7)
FIGURE 7
26. Attach the short mounting post into the original sway bar link mount hole
on the track bar bracket. Tighten the post ensuring the click pin hole is
horizontal or parallel with the ground. Tighten to 65 ft-lbs. (Fig 8) Note:
Apply a drop or spray of lubricant before threading on the nut. (Anti-seize,
Oil, or Graphite all work) Note: A small screwdriver or punch inserted into
the pin hole will keep the post from turning as you tighten it.
FIGURE 8
27. Attach the long mounting post with polyurethane spacer into the factory
sway bar link mount. The stud should point towards the center of the vehicle.
Tighten the post ensuring the click pin hole is horizontal or parallel with
the ground. Tighten to 65 ft-lbs. (Fig 9)
FIGURE 9
8 | 014330
28. Torque the quicker disconnect to sway bar mounting bolts to 65 ft-lbs.
29. Insert click pins as illustrated to secure.
When properly installed, the ring on the Click Pin will “snap” against the
shaft of pin. When installed backwards, the ring does not fit snugly against
shaft. All Models 30. Install the retention brackets using the provided 5/16″
bolts (BP J127) into the factory hole in the front of the coil bucket as
shown. These
are designed to slightly form to the edge of the coil bucket to hold them in
place. (Fig 10)
FIGURE 10
31. With the front axle still support with a jack, remove the driver’s side
lower control arm bolt at the axle. The OE lower control arm mounts designed
for alignment cams. The section behind the bolt must be removed to use the cam
washers supplied in this kit. Special tools are made to perform this operation
but are not necessary. The perforated sections can be removed most easily with
a carbide burr or rotary grinding tool. Only the rear portion of the cam slot
must be removed (Fig 11).
FIGURE 11
014330 | 9
32. When the perforated sections are removed from the lower control arm
mount, reinstall the control arm to the axle with cams on factory bolt. Rotate
the cams so that the bolt is as far towards the `rear’ of the slot as
possible. Just snug the cam hardware so that the cam washers are retained
within the stops. Final cam bolt torque will be completed with the weight of
the vehicle on the suspension. (Fig 12)
FIGURE 12
33. Repeat cam washer installation on the passenger side. 34. Reattach the
brake lines to the control arms, and any axle wire harness disconnected during
the install. 35. Re-install front driveshaft with the 4 OE bolts and
threadlocker. Torque to 89 ft-lbs. 36. Install the wheels and torque lug nuts
to 130 ft-lbs. 37. Lower the vehicle to the ground and bounce the front to
settle the suspension. Torque the front control arm bolts to 103 ft-lbs plus
145
degrees. 38. Front track bar installation: Thread the hex adjustment collar
all the way in, then thread out the axle end one turn. Adjust the eye to eye
length of the track bar to 34″ using the adjustment collar. Ensure the
bushings are not spinning. 39. Install the new track bar on the vehicle,
installing frame side first. Ensure the gusset plate on the axle side is on
top.
The preferred method to aligning the axle side bolt is to have an assistant
turn the steering wheel in small increments to shift the chassis. If working
by yourself, a ratchet strap can be used. 40. The length of the track bar can
be adjusted while installed by turning the hex adjustment collar. If
necessary, a 1-1/2″ wrench or accessory BDS129601 can be used. Make
adjustments as necessary to center the axle from side to side. In order to
ensure proper thread engagement, do not extend the axle side bushing past 6″,
and do not extend the hex adjustment collar past 1-7/8″. Reference figure 13
below.
FIGURE 13
10 | 014330
41. Ensure that the clamp is located 1/2″ from the end of the tube, facing
up. This is to avoid contact with other suspension/ steering components. Also
ensure that the clamp is centered upon the slit on the end of the tube. Both
the slit on the tube and the slit on the hex adjustment collar must be
perfectly aligned in order to ensure adequate clamping force. This is
illustrated in figure 14 below.
FIGURE 14
42. Using a 5/8″ socket and 11/16″ wrench, tighten the pinch bolt to 40 ft-
lbs. 43. Tighten trackbar mounting hardware to the proper torque
specifications, 52 ft-lbs plus 115 degrees on the frame end and 52 ft-lbs plus
155
degrees on the axle end. 44. Recheck all hardware, check again at regular
maintenance intervals.
REAR INSTALLATION
1. Block the front wheels for safety. 2. Disconnect the rear track bar from
the axle. Retain hardware. 3. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support the
frame with jack stands in front of the lower control arm mounts. Remove the
tires. 4. Rubicon models, disconnect the locker wire harness from the
differential. 5. Disconnect the brake line brackets from the axle, save
hardware. (Fig 1)
FIGURE 1
014330 | 11
6. Remove the two bolts holding the TPMS ECU to the rear crossmember. Relocate the sensor to the passenger side upper coil mount using the provided 1/4″ hardware. (BP 835) (Fig 2,3)
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
7. Remove the rear fender covers to gain access to the rear upper shock
mounts by removing the 3 mounting screws. (Fig 4)
FIGURE 4
8. Support the axle with a hydraulic jack and remove the shocks. Retain the
upper and lower mounting hardware. 9. Disconnect the rear sway bar links from
the frame and axle. Retain hardware. (Fig 5)
FIGURE 5
12 | 014330
10. Lower the axle and remove the rear springs, take note of the upper spring
mount orientation. There is a nipple on the coil isolator that lines up with a
hole in the frame. Do not overextend the brakelines or ABS wires. It may be
necessary to remove these from their retaining clips temporarily.
11. Install the new rear springs in the vehicle, making sure the OE upper
rubber isolator is in place. Raise the axle to slightly compress the spring.
12. Install the hourglass bushings and sleeves into the provided rear sway
bar links. Install the sway bar links using the factory axle hardware and
provided 12mm hardware at the sway bar (BP 758). The links should be installed
so the links offset in towards the axle from the sway bar. Torque hardware to
40 ft-lbs. (Fig 6)
FIGURE 6
13. Raise the axle with a jack enough to install the new shocks with the
factory hardware. The Nitro shocks will be installed body down, Fox shocks
install with the body up. Use the supplied longer sleeve nylon spacers on each
side of the bushing on the upper mount and the shorter sleeve at the axle.
Torque the upper bolt to 81 ft-lbs and the lower bolt to 74 ft-lbs.
14. Install the cable clamp around the passenger side parking brake cable and
fasten to the stud that used to hold the TPMS ECU using the factory nut. (BP
839) (Fig 7)
FIGURE 7
014330 | 13
15. Install the provided bump stop spacers on the axle using the existing
holes in the axle bump stop pad. Fasten the bump stop spacer to the axle with
5/16″ bolts, nuts, and washers (BP 839). Torque bolts to 20 ft-lbs. (Fig 8)
FIGURE 8
16. Locate the rear track bar bracket and temporarily install it into the OE
axle bracket with the new provided 9/16″ hardware. (BP839) The bracket mounts
to the back and outside faces of the OE mount (Fig 9).
17. Using the bracket as a template, mark the outside holes to be drilled.
Remove the bracket and drill 1/2″ holes at the mark.
FIGURE 9
18. Reinstall the track bar bracket with the 9/16″ hardware (BP 839)along
with the provided crush sleeve (163) inside the factory mount and the
Supporting bracket (03580) on the frontside of the OE mount. Run the bolt
through the new bracket, OE mount, sleeve, and supporting bracket (Fig 10).
Leave hardware loose.
FIGURE 10
14 | 014330
19. Fasten the new brackets to the frame through the outer holes using the
provided 7/16″ hardware. Torque the 7/16″ hardware to 59 ft-lbs. Torque the
9/16″ bolt in the OE location to 130 ft-lbs. (Fig 11)
FIGURE 11
20. Reinstall the rearmost fender liner. 21. Reinstall wheels and torque to
factory specifications. Lower vehicle to ground. 22. Install the rear track
bar into the new relocation bracket with the new 9/16″ track bar hardware. An
assistant may be needed to push on
the body of the vehicle to help align the track bar in the bracket. 23. With
the track bar installed, torque the 9/16″ bolt to 130 ft-lbs. 24. Double check
all hardware for proper torque. 25. Lubricate all grease zerk fittings on the
Quicker Disconnects using common wheel bearing grease or equivalent. 26. Check
all fasteners after 500 miles and at regularly scheduled maintenance
intervals.
Thank you for choosing BDS Suspension.
For questions, technical support and warranty issues relating to this BDS
Suspension product, please contact your distributor/installer before
contacting BDS Suspension directly. 014330 | 15
Component
Front Bump Stop Upper Shock Hardware Lower Shock Hardware Front Sway Bar Link
Bolts Front Quick disconnect Post Front Driveshaft Flange Lug Nuts Front Lower
Control Arm Front Track Bar Pinch Bolt Front Track Bar at Frame Front Track
Bar at Axle Rear Sway Bar Links Rear Upper Shock Hardware Rear Lower Shock
Hardware Rear Track Bar Bracket- 7/16″ Rear Track Bar Bracket- 9/16″
Torque (FT-LBS)
29 81 74 65 65 89 130 103 plus 145 degrees 40 52 plus 115 degrees 52 plus 155
degrees 60 81 74 59 130
16 | 014330
References
- 5/60 Factory Protection Plus - 5/60 Factory Protection Plus
- Lift Kits and Components for Truck & Jeep | BDS Suspension
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