DII crossmember suggestions

[Bertha the Cruiser]

hey guys...

We just threw some OME HD's in the Tardis...

What is the most common practice as far as dealing with the front crossmember? The Driveshaft, when the front suspension is even moderately drooped, rests right on the crossmember.
http://www.authorizedvehicle4x4.com/GEOLIFT/SHAFTY.jpg
http://www.authorizedvehicle4x4.com/GEOLIFT/SHAFTX.jpg

Now at 2" of lift and 235/85's, it's not a huge deal, but disconnected the shaft will rub like crazy. I guess I can see leaving it like this for 2", but what do you guys fab for some of the bigger RTE setups? Maybe fab something up that sort of hoops up and run the shaft under?

Just thinking ahead of myself....


Thanks,
RJ

[Serious One]

Hate to say it, but may be D-web is a better source for answers about the DII.

Greg Davis is the only PBB member I know of with a DII...so if he doesn't pipe up, maybe take it over there.

Sorry? :confused:

[Dave_Lucas]

When I had my DII with 3" rovertym springs, Ranchos and sway bars disconnected I made a 1" spacer that went between the crossmember and the frame, it was just enough to not rub.

I just made one for a guy here in Colorado, if you want one I have some extra material in the shop.

Depending on how long your shocks are you may also need longer brake lines and ABS extensions, I know mine were almost tight sitting on flat ground after my lift.

I would post some pics of the ABS extension and the crossmember spacers, but I do not have a star :emb:

[JSBriggs]

Originally posted by Serious One
Hate to say it, but may be D-web is a better source for answers about the DII.

Greg Davis is the only PBB member I know of with a DII...so if he doesn't pipe up, maybe take it over there.

Sorry? :confused:

What???? D-web???

That is blasphemous,

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=1245280

-Jeff

[WBDISCO]

ARB actually made a spacer kit to go with the OME kit for DIIs. Last week I called them and asked if it was necessary to put this kit on, and they said that they don't make it anymore. Apparently you don't need the spacer kit if the shocks were made after January '01, and according to ARB, there aren't supposed to be any of the pre Jan '01 shocks around anymore. Basically the kit included a spacer plate and a few washers and nuts and bolts. I guess you could just use a few washers and it will move the crossmember out of the way.

Brad

[Bertha the Cruiser]

Originally posted by WBDISCO
ARB actually made a spacer kit to go with the OME kit for DIIs. Last week I called them and asked if it was necessary to put this kit on, and they said that they don't make it anymore. Apparently you don't need the spacer kit if the shocks were made after January '01, and according to ARB, there aren't supposed to be any of the pre Jan '01 shocks around anymore. Basically the kit included a spacer plate and a few washers and nuts and bolts. I guess you could just use a few washers and it will move the crossmember out of the way.

Brad

Thanks crew.

I'm not really worried at this height as it is barely an issue and this truck won't see lots of abuse, but I was more concerened about what happens as you take the rig past 5" or so.

[Greg Davis]

RJ, in good ole PBB fashion, I just removed the crossmember. Never have gotten around to modifying it.:)

Seriously though, I've had no problems and it's been off for almost two years now. RoverTym makes a corrected crossmember. Basically, he moves it back about 4", but it has plate mounts that attach in the factory location.

[Bertha the Cruiser]

Greg, That makes sense!

I was un der there poking around and see no huge need for it especially when an aftermarket front bumper will stiffen things up as well.

Thanks!

RJ

[ISUZUROVER]

Why not do what Land Rover did to all the military and one-ton series LR's which had a 1.5" spring lift and had the same crossmember problem. They "scalloped" or "dished" the crossmember where the propshaft runs. Basically they cut a section of the crossmember out and welded in part of a piece of tube.

[Bertha the Cruiser]

Originally posted by ISUZUROVER
Why not do what Land Rover did to all the military and one-ton series LR's which had a 1.5" spring lift and had the same crossmember problem. They "scalloped" or "dished" the crossmember where the propshaft runs. Basically they cut a section of the crossmember out and welded in part of a piece of tube.

That's certainly an option, but those MoD rigs never disconnected (were they actually running swaybars?) or ran high articulation setups...by dishing it, you'd gain just a bit of clearance...with even 2" of lift and a connected swaybar we were hittng it. I'd rather modify/remove it so it's not the limiting factor in droop.
Know what I mean?