Drop Bracket Install, Need Alignment Shoes

[sjroocos]

Been working the last couple days on lifting my '00 XJ.

Busting a lot of bolts and cutting the ones that won't break.

I broke both the alignment shoe bolts and was hoping someone in the Colorado Springs are has a set I could buy.

I'm trying to get this completed by Tuesday.

Please let me know if you have a set of these>

Thanks!

Steve in Colorado Springs.

 

[Frank Z]

Huh? No idea what you're looking for.

Pic's maybe?

 

[xj-grin]

I'm thinking the caster adjustment bolts on the LCA mounts?? I don't have any, just trying to help figure it out...

 

[Frank Z]

Cam bolts? Thats Cheerleader jeep (TJ) hardware, no gots 'em on XJ's.

 

[stroked88]

maybe hes talking the u shaped sheet metal piece that the 2 bolts on the lower ca mounts go into that hold the shims for adjusting caster? it has nuts welded on and i think he cut or broke them.
if this is not them then please post pics to make it easier

 

[osue077]

I'll bet thats right. I just grinded the welded heads off and put in some 1/4-20 grade 8's with mechanical locking nuts. Worked great for me.

 

[sjroocos]

maybe hes talking the u shaped sheet metal piece that the 2 bolts on the lower ca mounts go into that hold the shims for adjusting caster? it has nuts welded on and i think he cut or broke them.

That's exactly the piece.

I think I'll try the grinding idea.

Thanks!

 

[eflores]

i have some if you cant find any

 

[sjroocos]

Almost finished installing my lift. Thanks for the ideas and help with the alignment shoes. Ground off the old bolts and welded new in. Worked great.

One more problem I'm hoping someone can help with.

I've installed the drop brackets and got it all back together, but now there's some interference between the steering and the lower sway bar connection.

See the photos here.

What do I do now?

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1034903

Thanks again.

 

[Frank Z]

Looks like your springs are bowed forward indicating that your stock lowers are too short and pulling the axle toward the rear.

 

[sjroocos]

Yeah. I saw that too, but I don't think that has anything to do with the steering issue. In fact, if the LCA's are longer, I've probably got even more steering interference.

I'm really surprised by the problem. I had an '87 with about the same amount of lift, but never had these problems. Nothing I've read lead me to believe that the drop brackets would require removal of the sway bar mounts or any serious steering work.

Wondering if I did something wrong.

I'm beginning to think this isn't going to be a cheap problem to fix. Shouldn't have gone so high.

Thanks.

 

[Frank Z]

No, with the correct LCA's and UCA's the pinion angle can be held closer to the stock configuration, and the springs will no longer be bowed, therefore eliminating the contact between the spring and the axle side swaybar mount.

Common problem with non-adjustable CA's.

 

[sjroocos]

Thanks Frank, but it's actually it's the steering that's the problem, not the springs.

See where the sway bar connection and the steering joint? They hit when I turn the wheel. I can't even drive it like this.

Got 4.5" springs and drop brackets. This is a problem I didn't foresee.

 

[Frank Z]

Same principal applies. Get the axle properly positioned, including the pinion angle and there will be adequate clearance.

 

[fireLt.]

Same principal applies. Get the axle properly positioned, including the pinion angle and there will be adequate clearance.

This and/or a drop pitman arm.

If that front axle is rotated as much as it looks I bet you find it drives poorly due to the caster being so far out.

 

[time2getdirty]

I had that same issue but mine was caused by the sway bar mount being bent to hell. I put some large pliers on it and bent it back up out of the way and then welded a truss onto it to keep it from bending back down.

 

[sjroocos]

I adjusted the control arms out as far as they will go and I think it might work now.

I get about an eighth of an inch of clearance between the bottom of the sway bar connection to the end of the drag link. It doesn't appear that gap changes much as the suspension drops or moves up, so I think that might be enough clearance.

I get about 5 or 6 degrees using a protractor on top of the ball joint. Is that enough?

Thanks for all your advice on this.

Steve in Colorado Springs.

 

[Frank Z]

Yep, that'll do.

 

[sjroocos]

Got it put together and so far, so good. Got it up to 55mph and no vibrations or other issues. Centering the front axle with the track bar also helped provide a little more clearance for the steering.

Thanks for the help.

 

[JJacobs]

I bet your drag link is bent back a little. Any rock hits on it?