Here is the completed rear...
Here is the completed rear suspension with the rear springs and shocks installed. Both use the factory mounts. It is highly recommended that limiting straps be used on the rear end so the suspension doesn't overextend.
Up front, a pair of cradles...
Up front, a pair of cradles are welded in place. They are made from 0.25-inch laser-cut steel. Before these can be installed, the rear crossmember is cut, per the instructions.
A number of components are...
A number of components are installed or modified in the front end. Up top you can see the new upper coilover mount. The kit also includes a new rear differential mount that bolts to the front side of the rear cradle. The bracket is slotted so that the pinion angle can be adjusted. Here you can also see the passenger-side steering end link. Both steering end links have to be shortened by 3.75 inches. Not shown are the subframe support bars and the front skidplate-both of which are an integral part of the rigidity of the new front suspension.
Here you can see the passenger-side...
Here you can see the passenger-side suspension with the new upper A-arms installed. The kit reuses the lower A-arms. The new A-arms are 38 percent longer than the factory A-arms and they're designed to minimize stress on the front CV shafts. They have rebuildable joints at all three pivot points. You may have to grind off the flash line on the knuckles to create clearance for the new ball-joint assemblies on the new upper A-arms.
The new coilover shocks have...
The new coilover shocks have an adjustable dampening rate so you can choose your ride quality. You'll also use them to dial out body roll since the OEM antiroll bar is removed.
Here's the completed front...
Here's the completed front end. Rock Krawler says that this gives you an IFS that functions as well as its competitor's TJ front end.
The owner of this Liberty travels extensively for Sirius satellite radio, and after many miles he reports that he is very pleased with the kit. On-road, he says that the ride is improved over stock and handling is exceptional. We had a chance to watch the rig work off-highway, and we were impressed at the wicked amount of suspension travel it exhibited. No weird handling characteristics emanated from the rig either as we bounced over the Minnesota terrain. Suffice to say, the Liberty's off-highway capabilities were markedly improved.
An example of how markedly improved can be found in the RTI numbers. We ramped a stock '05 Liberty on a 23-degree ramp and climbed 49 inches, giving a score of 470 points. Our Rock Krawler-equipped Liberty annihilated that figure with a 77.5-inch climb, posting an RTI of 743 points.
Before
After
From meek to freak. Park Jeep Chrysler in Burnsville, Minnesota, loaned us a new bone-stock Liberty so we could grab this side-by-side shot to illustrate the radical difference the Rock Krawler Suspension 7 Up kit makes in the Liberty's look. It 'wheels pretty good, too.