Anyone Lengthen Stock LCA's???

[eric91xj]

could save myself some money as i'm broke by maybe cutting my stock LCA's in half and welding a length of tubing or bar steel inside to make them longer then put them back on? I don't see why this could'nt be done, just looking for some info and feedback on this.

Thanx

Eric

 

[asatxj]

It seems possible, you'd have to be really careful with the welding etc. I have a spare set if you need some. I'd use some square stock instead of pipe, so you have more surface to weld to. perhaps some 1/2" square tubing? Downside is if it breaks you may have some big troubles which will cost you more than some new ones!! my .02

 

[woody]

I don't think that is such a great idea...

It could be done, but those stock arms are pretty sketchy to begin with. Welding would likely make them unsafe for anything beyond a 'get-homer' trail-fix.

I have a set of Rough Country LCA that just came off my XJ. They could use bushings and the (straight tube) design is less than ideal, but I'd let them go CHEAP (maybe $25 + shipping) OR if you join ...they are yours for the asking.

PM me if you are interested.

 

[asatxj]

Well said Woody! Not the safest and thus my cautions in the post! also it would require some real precision work since they have to be the same length!!

 

[Matt]

could save myself some money as i'm broke by maybe cutting my stock LCA's in half and welding a length of tubing or bar steel inside to make them longer then put them back on? I don't see why this could'nt be done, just looking for some info and feedback on this.

Thanx

Eric

If you have the skill and tools to do this save up a few bucks and get some tube and set of 4 bushing assembies - from MORE you could get 4 - 2" bushing assemblies for ~50$ - weld'em up with some stout pipe or hitch tube and you now have some nice custom LCA's

If you were bent on using OEM's I would get an extra pair and cut them off center - splice the two long ends together and then plate the bottom with flat bar (1/4" plate) - using that method you could cobble something together with the left over short ends to make some trail spares (some hitch tube in the middle and more 1/4" on the bottom)

Matt

 

[Matt]

Well said Woody! Not the safest and thus my cautions in the post! also it would require some real precision work since they have to be the same length!!

It's not like were building a rocket here You could also easily make up for any minor changes with the shim packs behing the LCA mount sleeve...

Uppers are a different story (I would - and have previously - build some adjustable uppers to match your lengthened lowers...

Matt

 

[Tom R.]

XJEEPER welded up an extended set of stock LCAs for me awhile back and I had zero problems with them. After several years and a new owner, they are still holding strong and show no evidence of material compromise.

Tom