New use for old parts

[ren]

I finally got around to dealing with the front shocks on my MJ that are stock length, but the MJ is lifted about 3". The shocks were too short to let the axle flex ( no surprise), so after getting beat to death long enough, it was time to do something. I ended up using the brackets off of an XJ rear sway bar that mount on the axle, 2 pieces of 2x2 box tubing about 1" long and some flat 1/4" strap. I welded the brackets onto the box tubing so that the shock "eye" would be postioned like it was originally from the factory, but the flat strap could pass through and be bolted down with the old bar-pin retaining bolts. The strap needed to have 2 holes drilled in each piece 2-3/8" apart, then cut to length. Eventually, I will be putting the correct length shocks on, but until I get the chance, the new mounts are working just fine. I figure for an easy and simple mod, this is not bad. It took about 45 minutes to cut everything, weld up the mounts, and then get them installed. The rear mounts for the shocks, however, are going to be welded to the axle housing itself- I have not figured out how to make "bolt on" mounts for the rear yet, so it is time to fire the welder back up. Ren

 

[muduck18]

pictures are worth a thousand words... i want to see some pictures...

 

[ren]

Sorry, dude, I did not get a dig-camera for my b-day last week, like I wanted, instead I got a new Lincoln MIG welder. I guess that I may have to go buy my self a camera. If you go and look at the way the front shock mounts and think about how I made my new mounts, it should be fairly easy to imagine.

 

[muduck18]

the welder is worth it. The camera can wait he he he now i know why you are welding everything...

 

[ren]

For my next trick- (drum roll) A new front bumper with winch mount, tow hooks, and a deer guard. Don't need a brush guard around here, you need a flippin' DEER guard.