What to do while front axle is out

[BALTANAKT]

Hey guys, I decided to pull my front axle to repaint it (doing a mild restoration) and change the seals.

My XJ has a 2" OME lift. I plan to stay at 2-3" max. I have WJ LCA's and new stock UCA's.
I plan to use this XJ for mild wheeling (6/10's) and camping - not going to be beating it up too hard but I do use it.

I was thinking about a couple things.

1. Should I do a mild truss up front? I've never bent an exle in 20 years so seems unnecessary. But was considering something like Ksuspension's mini truss.
2. Should I box in the upper control arms? They aren't the beafiest things so something else I've been pondering. I do like them beacause they keep the NVH down and I have them already.

Will also be doing the ZJ steering upgrade which seems like a no brainer.

 

[Anak]

I would do something to strengthen the passenger side sheet metal UCA mount.

At the very least there are simple pieces to weld in to fill in the open side. That will help resist twisting and breaking loose from the axle tube.

It would be good to also do something to add some beef for the bushing. I have seen several axles where the UCA bushing was just spinning freely in that sheet metal bracket. The sheet metal does not have the strength to keep the bushing secure over time. There are kits to add a block of metal into the sheet metal housing. That will keep the bushing in place and strengthen the bracket.

 

[maxbraketorque]

I would do something to strengthen the passenger side sheet metal UCA mount.

At the very least there are simple pieces to weld in to fill in the open side. That will help resist twisting and breaking loose from the axle tube.

It would be good to also do something to add some beef for the bushing. I have seen several axles where the UCA bushing was just spinning freely in that sheet metal bracket. The sheet metal does not have the strength to keep the bushing secure over time. There are kits to add a block of metal into the sheet metal housing. That will keep the bushing in place and strengthen the bracket.

+1 for this. I hacked off the sheet metal mount and had a solid machined mount installed. There are a few outfits selling these.

Install skids on the axle-side LCA mounts.

If you have welding skills, you could stiffen the long tube side of the axle by welding a half tube to the underside of the axle and then weld that to the diff housing.

Replace the ball joints.

Beef-up the axle-side track bar mount. Can add additional gussets and weld on a washer.

 

[Phil]

X2 100% on lower control arm mini-skids.

I have not done but have considered JK upper control arm bushings which were said to fit the same axle bracket but use a larger bolt (drill out the UCA holes).

 

[75SV1]

I did do the K-Suspension mini-truss. Also, their filler plate. I did Stinky Fab filler plates for the LCA bracket. I also did RE lower control arm bracket. They are 'adjustable' like a TJs. I had other ones, TNT, ARES or some other. Those will go on anther build. I went WJ BB and OTK trac bar. I have CORE control arms. Mines on a 2" lift.

 

[Jeepedo129]

Something else to consider,

If you have the front axle out, it’s a great time to do an Oil pan gasket and rear main seal if you need it. Lots of free space with the axle gone.

 

[BALTANAKT]

Something else to consider,

If you have the front axle out, it’s a great time to do an Oil pan gasket and rear main seal if you need it. Lots of free space with the axle gone.

Ha! That's how this all started. All I wanted to do was change my seals. Then, "whileyoureinthere-itus" took hold.

Thanks for the tips guys!

• Ordered the UCA mount filler plate.
• Considering whether to buy or make my own LCA skids... The WJ LCA's really stick out so afraid some of the skids I've seen may not fit!
• Going to beef up track bar mount
• Might get ksuspension minitruss... @75SV1 How did you like yours? Got any pics of it?

What do we think about boxing the UCAs? Nah?

 

[75SV1]

I don't post pictures online. If you PM me your phone number, I'll snap a picture. I think the mini truss is an OK solution for very light wheeling and on road XJ. I'd also look into a Track Bar brace and a steering box brace. Even a $90 steering box brace should be a help.
Edit: I also did the 'C' bracket stiffeners. I did the ones that go on the sides. There are others that brace from the rear. I think those are a bit better.

 

[Goose_XJ88]

Look at the barnes 4wd mini skids. They make a bit more room than others I've seen. No idea if they work with wj arms or not though.

 

[RickDT]

Ha! That's how this all started. All I wanted to do was change my seals. Then, "whileyoureinthere-itus" took hold.

Thanks for the tips guys!

• Ordered the UCA mount filler plate.
• Considering whether to buy or make my own LCA skids... The WJ LCA's really stick out so afraid some of the skids I've seen may not fit!
• Going to beef up track bar mount
• Might get ksuspension minitruss... @75SV1 How did you like yours? Got any pics of it?

What do we think about boxing the UCAs? Nah?

Good plans while you are in there!

 

[BALTANAKT]

Welded in skids and filler plate, and a washer to beef up track bar attachment. Now a new Q...

Considering trimming the shock mount so I have more droop.
Does anyone have any photos of how they trimmed theirs?

 

[CMNCHE]

I don't post pictures online. If you PM me your phone number, I'll snap a picture. I think the mini truss is an OK solution for very light wheeling and on road XJ. I'd also look into a Track Bar brace and a steering box brace. Even a $90 steering box brace should be a help.
Edit: I also did the 'C' bracket stiffeners. I did the ones that go on the sides. There are others that brace from the rear. I think those are a bit better.

Doesn't post pictures online, gives phone number to random strangers online.