Has anyone tried this method of mounting a long upper to a TJ (or whatever) frame?

I considered running just a bolt through the frame, but don't exactly like the moments applied to it, as well as the ability to sleeve isn't as easy.

These is a general idea, there isn't much accuracy as far as dimensions (especially the brackets), mounting locations and angles are concerned; I just want to get some opinions as some of you have done custom uppers. The idea is to using a bushing on the axle end, heim on frame end. Considering a 3/4" heim, would that be big enough for just the upper? I'm thinking around 28-30" center to center for the arm.

Triangulating isn't an option, as I don't want to alter the mounts of my D35, since a new axle will be going in a few months anyways.

I've also got the exhaust issue taken care of as well.

Comments/opinions, etc? I'd like to see the problems before hand.

Thanks.

http://imagep.webphotos.iwon.com//1000010491/1000010491_29200214906AM3.436786E-02.jpg


Top View:
http://imagep.webphotos.iwon.com//1000010491/1000010491_29200214906AM0.4377819.jpg


Side view:
http://imagep.webphotos.iwon.com//1000010491/1000010491_29200214905AM0.5751154.jpg

I had custom uppers made for the REAR of my Tj too.

Mine have a Heim on the axle end and bushing on the frame part.

They work fine. I think after a year now, One of the heims is wearing out. It clicks.

Mine are only one inch stainless steel rods with one end threaded. The same as used in custom cars. In fact,
Outlaw performance made them for me. I just told them how long and 100 bucks later they were done.

I reused the stock mounts and just made homemade spacers to take up the extra room. ... Might not be the right way, But it works fine for me.

If you look close in this pic you can see the uppers. check my jeep page on my homepage. Then click reverse rotation dana 44 rearend. to see the pic if the link dont work .

http://www.angelfire.com/pa4/pghrocksurfer/images/1997tjrevrotdana44.jpg

I'm no engineer, but if I were to do that- I'd think about putting a plate between the frame and the u-channel "box" for the heim, double the length of the box with all the extra going forward. Then a sturdy gusset from that plate across the back of the heim mount box. Probably overkill, but then you'd have some more strength- and you wouldn't be just welding the gusset directly to the frame.

Your drawing is what Kodak has recently built for his front longarm frame mounts, except he rotated the bracket to provide for better range of motion on the frame joint.

The rear upper arms will be 30-34" long and the lower is 34-36"

The frame tapers just in front of the rear mounting. I made a rotated lower mount and the upper will be the same.

This is the front
http://home.off-road.com/~dkf/combat-eng/frontbkt.JPG

what did you do for the exhaust issue. Cherry bomb , glasspack?

Glasspack and custom bend for my cat back.. sounds neat too!