Heres what I did today...

[dukie564]

Finshed drilling out the center pin holes and couldn't resist a mock up

 

[MoparManiac]

Can't tell what kind of bolt that is but I'd get socket cap screws instead. Head size is 21/32 and stronger than grade 8. I run them in my MJ.

 

[dukie564]

I tried. Lowes doesn't carry 7/16" cap screws evidently...don't really feel like ordering any. I'm just gonna grind the head once it's tightened.

 

[Andy in Pa.]

What are those leaves out of? You may want to consider putting at least one more leaf in there just to add a bit more wrap resistance. This is why most aftermarket leaf spring packs have at least 5-9 leaves depending on thickness of the leaves. The difference in ride stiffness will not be noticeable, unless you throw a leaf in there from a full size truck.

Also, check Ace Hardware for the 7/16's socket head bolts. The one near me had them. Also, remember that you'll need to drill out the mount on the axle too to clear the 7/16's head. I am thinking I had to drill it out to 5/8's to clear the head, but measure and make sure.

 

[dukie564]

Thanks for the tip on Ace hardware. There's one on my way home from work so I'll stop tomorrow to check it out. Already thought about the bigger hole for the head. 13/16" if I don't grind any off the head

As for the leafs I'm not worried. They're Durango leafs so the two I added are quite a bit thicker than the stock cherokee leafs. I'm gonna see how the pack performs before changing it. If I need to I have plenty of leaves to swap in

 

[Hammered]

Any machine shop can get you the cap screws, shouldnt cost much. And X2 on what Andy said. Hell even some after market leaf packs have some limitations. dont ever throw out a stock leaf pack. you can shuffle in one of them just to stiffen things up if need be.

 

[cnjcherokee]

Looks like a few people took advantage of the extra hour, I slept.

 

[js_customs]

put a new timing belt/new idlers/new water pump on the subaru. Fun stuff...not. Also put a new thermostat in the heep and put new headlights in.

 

[Egodfrey]

still at military training in cali, then home for two weeks then back to more training, but next time i leave my jeep gets dropped at an offroad shop to have 4:56 gears et in the hp30 and 44...

Gunna be going 4:56 gears
the front already has an aussie and chromos
and today i found a carrier for the rear d44 gears, just so happens i found a detroit...SCORE!!!

 

[deucestudios]

Those are exactly like the leaf clamps I made, and mine sucked.
Too tight, they bound up the pack.
I would suggest welding that to the bottom leaf, and leaving the bolt somewhat loose.

On topic:
Today I uh... posted pictures of my dad's 99 limited, cause I changed his U joints yesterday.

 

[Begster]

Those are exactly like the leaf clamps I made, and mine sucked.
Too tight, they bound up the pack.
I would suggest welding that to the bottom leaf, and leaving the bolt somewhat loose.

NO! Do NOT weld to the leaf pack. It will become brittle and most likely break around the weld. Spring steel does not take to well to welding.

 

[deucestudios]

NO! Do NOT weld to the leaf pack. It will become brittle and most likely break around the weld. Spring steel does not take to well to welding.

Good to know.
All I'm sayin is that's how I made my clamps, and they didn't work good.
Lookin at his again, they might be riveted, so this is all for nothing anyway.

 

[MoparManiac]

That's because you're supposed to put a sleeve where the bolt goes through so it doesn't crush the springs.

 

[deucestudios]

Thanks guys. Maybe version 2 won't suck...

 

[dukie564]

yea mine have a decent gap on each side of the pack, and won't be tightened down. And yes those are 3/16" rivets

 

[MoparManiac]

Just get some pipe from home depot or something and make some sleeves.

Cheap and easy.

 

[bandit455]

That's because you're supposed to put a sleeve where the bolt goes through so it doesn't crush the springs.

hes got a nut on each side of the clamp, so he can adjust the tension of the clamp using the two nuts.

 

[MoparManiac]

Ah I overlooked that. That works too.

 

[BillDunn83]

i installed oem fog lights on my Dmax..... and the other night I found out it needs injectors. no worries though I expected it.

 

[kastein]

Just get some pipe from home depot or something and make some sleeves.

Cheap and easy.

Dude wtf?

PIPE IS FOR POOP NOT JEEPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!