My new XJ

[Team Willys]

Actually, they aren't much bigger in physical size... and in factory form, not really any stronger either (than a Dana 20 anyway). The big difference is that the Dana 300 is the Chevrolet of t-cases. Every real company makes some type of upgrade part for them. Heck, I even heard that Walmart was gonna start selling the SS 32 spline upgrade kit next month!

 

[JeepAddict85]

Nice! Gah... you wouldn't believe how closely that thing resembles a Dana 18/20 haha.

thanks. yea, while researching them i found they were very similar to the dana 20.

 

[JeepAddict85]

made some progress...front axle is pretty much under the jeep now, control arms are installed, also just about done with axle side track bar mount.

TrailRateThis gave me a spacer that will work perfectly for my klune as well, so ill be installing that and the dana 300 tomorrow if i can find some studs for it. plan for the weekend is to get it on all fours, get a track bar and 2 driveshafts built for it with some help from rredalty. the end is in sight!

 

[JeepAddict85]

installed the klune/300...110+lbs of fun

clocked it up as high as i could...some of the floor had to go

hope i never have to take it out again ha

 

[JeepAddict85]

bling bling...new hubs/rotors/wheel studs...and got the solid drive flanges installed:

wait for it....



wait for it...



RIDE HEIGHT!!! FINALLY NO MORE JACKSTANDS!

This weekend ill be building my track bar, installing shocks, installing rear driveshaft, installing twin stick on the dana 300, and a few other things. my steering components come in next week. Getting close!

 

[PacificEd]

Greg, you ride is looking great with some nice parts. It will be cool to see how it does on the trail.

 

[JeepAddict85]

thanks ed...im trying. its a lot more work than i thought ha. i cant wait to take it out and beat on it!

 

[JeepAddict85]

track bar is pretty much done. 1.5 1/4 wall dom tubing, heim joints at either end. both mounts are made from 1/4" as well. axle side mount may need to be changed a bit, as i dont have my steering in so i had to kinda guess at the angle (thats why i made it pretty tall, it can be cut down later once i match the trackbars angle to the draglink)

 

[Team Willys]

You should really consider moving that mount to the tube... for several reasons. First of all, there is a ton of force on that mount, more than you can imagine. I wouldnt trust it being welded to the cast, as there is a very good chance it will fail. Also, its not going to be long enough with the mount there. Ideally, you want the track bar to be the same length as the drag link, and the same angle. And where you have it, it's gonna be about 7" too short, which means the axle is going to shift side to side A LOT during any up/down movement, and it will have horrible bump steer. People forget this all of the time... they need to be the same angle AND the same length.

I took some pictures of Tim's setup so I will post them up so you can get some ideas. You REALLY need to rethink your design.

 

[Team Willys]

Well, I don't have any good close up pictures of his front suspension so I will try to get him to post some up.

 

[JeepAddict85]

i welded it to the cast w/ pre and post heat, and wrapped it afterwords. didnt see any of the welds crack. im not changing it now, too many other things to finish before my trip. if i dont like how it handles, i can change it later.

 

[kastein]

Sounds like an excuse to do full hydro steer to me.

 

[JeepAddict85]

steering is pretty much done, got it all tightened up and aligned as well. just need to get the hydro assist on and finish bleeding the air out. angles came out pretty good for just eyeballin it.

 

[Stukboy]

I like it.
Mine is almost the same.
Why did you opt to put the tierod under the knuckles?
I went on top and like the extra 2".
I'm interested to see where you mount the ram.
I don't want to weld it to the cast or mount it on the diff cover so
my options are limited.
Stukboy

 

[JeepAddict85]

I like it.
Mine is almost the same.
Why did you opt to put the tierod under the knuckles?
I went on top and like the extra 2".
I'm interested to see where you mount the ram.
I don't want to weld it to the cast or mount it on the diff cover so
my options are limited.
Stukboy

gonna get the ram set up this weekend. i am fine with the tierod under the knuckle, ive never hit it, stock, on 31's, and on 33's. just not a real issue for my style of wheeling. who knows, i may change it later, but it'll work for now

 

[Stukboy]

Cool!

I need a good spot for the ram so hurry up and post a pic!! hehe

I'm just capping the ends for now so I can go on vacation which started at 5:30pm today.

Stukboy

 

[JeepAddict85]

7 long months of frustration, fighting with every single part i put on....FINALLY, she moves under her own power!!!

here's how i did the shifters on the 300...used some advanced adapters parts, with a few modifications since i didnt swap out the shift rails

rear shocks mounted, new cover, just need to tidy up the brake lines,

whats left:
exhaust
install hydro assist
order 1 new front caliper/install front brakes
front driveshaft
cover plate for transfer cases
install mini spool for rear, and weld front
clean up brake lines
some things im forgetting

 

[Stukboy]

WOW, looks great!!
I just drove mine for the first time today as well.
Its test was driving out of the garage, around the block and up on the trailer.
I hope I don't have anymore issues when we are at Rock Run this week!!!
I still want to see your hydro assist.
Stukboy

 

[Mr.Shrek]

What no flex shots at the school?

 

[Ghost]

What did you change to get the H1 rims on the rear? Nice build. Be intresting to see how the D44 does with the klune and the d300.