One of the best parts of a new Jeep lift kit is that you are ready for off-road adventures. One of the worst parts is that driving over trail obstacles can be tough on the undercarriage. Learning how to maintain your vehicle will help you to keep it running for years to come. The following tips are essential for owning a lift kit.
Clean It Up
Before you start doing anything more serious, clean the undercarriage. You will have a hard time spotting any damage if there are dust, dirt and mud everywhere. Typically, you can simply hose it down while doing a complete clean of the vehicle exterior. Jeeps are designed for easy cleaning. So, this should be a relatively easy step.
Check the Brakes and Suspension
Next, take a look at the brakes and suspension. You may need to get your Jeep on some jack stands or a lift for this. Remember, never put any body parts underneath a vehicle that is on a moving jack (scissor or hydraulic).
Take a look for any visual signs of damage. Common signs include general scratching, damaged bolts or nuts, broken springs and bent parts. Also, look for any leaking oil on the shock dampers.
For the brakes, make sure to check all the connections. It is a good idea to check on your brake pad and rotor condition at this point. These wear down with use. However, if you have been going through them quickly ever since installing that Rough Country lift, it may be a sign of further brake damage.
Inspect the Undercarriage
Take a look along the entirety of the undercarriage. Ideally, you should look with a flashlight while you have your Jeep off the ground.
Check for general signs of damage. Scratches are not going to be uncommon but look for any bad ones or particularly scratche- up areas. Additionally, look for any dents or breaks.
Pay special attention to the engine oil pan, transfer case, differentials and driveshaft. Leaks in these areas need to be addressed promptly.
It is also a good idea to look at the catalytic converter, exhaust pipes, EVAP canister and other exhaust components. In general, if you notice anything that just doesn’t look right, it is a good idea to get it fixed.
Address Problems Quickly
A dent in your oil pan may not seem like a big deal. However, if that dent becomes a weak spot that eventually leaks, you will be unhappy getting stuck on the trail. It is better to address problems quickly. It may be a good idea to install some undercarriage protection after you are done putting in your Rough Country 4 inch lift kit.
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Riding on the trails with a lifted Jeep is a lot of fun. It is well worth the effort and expense. However, it is important to remember to always check on your undercarriage. A little preventative maintenance early on will help you to avoid getting stranded when you are out in the wilderness. Plus, most problems are much easier to fix if you do so promptly.