TRAILREADYXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Raleigh NC
I have this posted in my build thread (see sig), but figured I'd bring them over here as well...
Questions, comments, flamage?TRAILREADYXJ said:I haven't updated this in a while, so here it goes.
I'm still waiting on stuff to finish my friends XJ, so in my spare time I decided to work on a little project....
What do you do when you don't have the extra cash to get or make some longarms, but are lifted 6", and you NEED to do something with your control arms???
Well, you could go out and buy some of those drop brackets, many have good luck with.
But what if you have the steel, tools, and like to fab stuff?
You make them!
I started by making a visit to xjtrailrider's house (thanks again Jon!). He had a set of RE brackets he hadn't installed yet. I took some measurements, traced the brackets, and talked Jeeps for a while.
Then I worked up a design using material I already had lying around.
Needless to say by the pics below, I changed the original design a good bit!
I made these a one piece design, although there will still be a strap going to the stock UCA mount, probably welded to the bracket. I will eventually be building some braces to tie it into the frame and crossmember, mainly to use as sliders so I'm less likely to get hung up on the brackets. Many folks run these on MJs without the frame braces, so I am going to install them as is for now.
I also added a couple places for self tapping bolts to run up through the stock LCA pocket, and into the frame for added support. There are also a few UCA mounting choices. I will be running stock UCAs for now, so this gives me a few options, including a 1" stretch . I have adjustable lowers, so I'm not worried about any adjustment there.
Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics, my camera is acting up. I only took a couple shots while the paint was drying, but will get more, as well as install pics once I have a chance to put them on.
I only have about $10 (welding supplies) and roughly 12 hours into these so far (not including design time)
Got them installed. Everything went smooth, except I need to move my swaybar mount higher. The steering hits the endlink if I turn right due to the extended wheelbase, but I saw that one coming.
I did take a little drive without the swaybar, and the ride is much better!
Before:
After:
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I got the UCA straps installed, and made an extra mount to take full advantage of the stock LCA brace. Yes, I have a bit of an oil leak!