Coil Conversion

S

Speed_racer

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Ft Myers, Florida
I just scored an 88 ford tempo w/33k original miles on it for $600, my 2 roommates and I all pitched in so we'd each have a beater in case the vehicles we drive are down. A week before that, I got my first bike, a GSX-R 750

SO now the quest to lift the XJ and make it my DD ends. So I'm looking to go pretty extreme.

I already have Rustys long arms, and 10" coils, and an extended driveshaft for the front.

But I'm HIGHLY considering doing a Coilover conversion in the rear...

YES! I used the search function!

But i figure you guys could use this thread to post links to the kits you know about, and then the people with experience with the kits can give their side of the story.

You guys can save the bullsh1t flaming for the den... id actually like to get help on this one... tia - Sp33d
 
I wouldn't use the term coil conversion for this. You are most likely talking triangulated four-link, which of course will use coil springs.

From my research, the bulk of the four-link owners here built their own, using Excel-CAD (or other tool) to address instant center, anti-squat, roll axis, and all those fun things. This may not be an "out of the box" solution if you really want to perfect it. I have the Excel spreadsheet that came off of PBB that lets you enter your basic figures for the links and spits out a diagram showing IC/AS/RA, etc. Very useful. Hit me with an email address privately and I'll send it to you.

Having said that, I've seen D&C's four-link on the trail engineered for about an 8-9" lift. It climbs like crazy, and I'd say that D&C got the basics done right for you (IC & AS), although I'd add a center limiting strap personally. I think Clayton is coming out with a kit also, but D&C's probably has more miles under it (if Clayton's has any at all yet). Plus Damian is a good guy and deserves your hard earned cash.

Ask if anybody has solved the roll axis issue for a pure "under the frame" four-link setup. I did, and the only real response I received was "leaf springs". If you deal with a lot of off camber ledge stuff like Moab having a tippy setup may be undesirable and may change your definition of why your suspension is "extreme" :D.

Can't comment on Rock Krawler's 4-link, but it seems like people either love 'em or hate 'em.

In any case, these things are expensive as kits, but the parts for brackets and links aren't all that bad if you can do it yourself. If I were doing this I'd go with D&C...but then they are only about 5 miles from my house and there is nothing more valuable than a local fab shop when you need to tweak your junk and don't have the time or skills to do it yourself.

Nay
 
I don't know of any currently available "kits" and if you really are looking to go extreme, I don't think any "kit" would be right for you.

Your "kit" should consist of a good MIG, a sawzall, a bunch of thick DOM, and the most important part: hours and hours and then more hours of research.

start here:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168577
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204893
http://www.xjdb.com/modules.php?op=...=index&include=search.php&searchstring=4+link
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122231
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117199
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147226
 
BrettM said:
I think the question also needs to be asked: What are the shortcomings of leafs that you have encountered?
Click to expand...


Well, thru much research I've never found a leaf pack that sits 8" or higher that can actually flex worth a damn.

Bigoffroad makes quality stuff, but when I saw them in action, they didn't flex well at all.

My XJ used to have RE 3.5" Superflex leaf springs, and those things amazed me at how well they performed.

My goal is to go to around 10" but still be able to, comparatively, have the "same" amount of flex as before.

Whats the D&C website?
 
I would recommend custom leafs (Alcan, Deaver, etc) and/or possibly moving the spring hangars down a few inches so you can have a flatter spring with a big lift. A 4 link is a major task, and an expensive one especially with coilovers.

for instance, 63" Chevy springs under the "frame" rails (MJ springs would work great too):

xj0679.jpg

xj0444.jpg
 
Wow, I definitely like that idea.. a flatter spring = more flex and better ride...

Cant say that Ive seen too many people running their shackles like that, but I defnitely like it.

So about what price am I looking at to get a good 10" lift that will actually flex? Meaning.. ALcan springs, or the like.

And who do you recommend I contact? Websites?
 
I'm cheap, so I would get something with a fairly long leaf (57" MJ, 63" Chevy, 56" Chevy, etc) from a Junkyard and mix and match leafs to come up with a pack I like. I personally would inboard the leaves, you lose some stablility, but gain some flex. Or you could box the hangars and build new hangars coming down from those kinda like CRASH's:
DCP00903.jpg


I have an MJ, and with the stock packs SOA with an extra leaf or two and no overload, it flexes GREAT at 7-8" of lift. Pick some springs that are nice and long, use lot's of thin leafs, then make your mounting points to fit the springs. MUCH less work than a 4-link, and almost as effective
 
Alright man, I really appreciate you actually helping and not flaming like the jackass who gave me a "jackass" reputation point b/c of this thread.

YOu know, you can only research so much w/out retention, and sometimes it really helps to bounce ideas back n forth.

All I know is,w/e I do.. I'd like to do it relatively soon,so thx again man!!
 
Speed_racer said:
Alright man, I really appreciate you actually helping and not flaming like the jackass who gave me a "jackass" reputation point b/c of this thread.

YOu know, you can only research so much w/out retention, and sometimes it really helps to bounce ideas back n forth.

All I know is,w/e I do.. I'd like to do it relatively soon,so thx again man!!
Click to expand...
a 4 link is nothing to rush, especially if you've never done any link suspension building or research. leafs are simple, cheap, easy, quick, etc... so much so that I put them up front and it works just dandy
P1010044.jpg
 
You know, guys are running some pretty extreme stuff with the BIGOffroad leafs....but the idea of running flatter leafs is relatively simple and obviously effective if you need to balance out a long travel suspension. One thing missing from this discussion is the use of a moderate sized block to flatten the leafs even more, along with a traction bar.

Lots of options before diving into a four-link, although only the four-link has the bling-bling factor these days :D.

Nay
 
Why do you need 10" of lift? What size tires are you running?
 
BrettM said:
aha! the truth comes out ;) what axles you runnin?
Click to expand...


8.8 ( i know i know..but couldnt beat the deal) and will have the 44 bolted up soon for the front.

Front stronger than the rear, you say? hehe

Luckily my buddy is pulling the 9" axle out of the rear of his XJ soon, with 4.88's already and a detroit.. sill be set soon!!
 
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