I will be swapping a 14 bolt into the rear of my XJ and need to move the springs inboard to clear the calipers. I have a pretty good idea of how I want to do it but would like your input and any pics if you have done this.

Thanks

if you're going through the trouble of inboarding the springs why not go for a custom rear coil setup, get a better ride on road and off, more flex, and the ability to position your axle for more wheelbase (which you're gonna need with the length of that pinnon/housing for a good driveline angle)

this can be easily done and done right using the factory spring hangers to hold your control arms and make a few more mounts on the rear crossmemebr for either a triangulated 3 link (ideal) or possibly a 4 link.

if you don't think that teh factory rear crossmember will hold up you can fab one easily.

One of the main reasons I want to stay with leaf springs is $. I have the steel needed so all it will cost is my time. I also haul a good amount of weight sometimes which leafs should do better than coils. Besides I think the KISS principle makes sense.

As for the 14 bolt pinnion it's not much longer(might be the same length as my 8.25) than a D44 pinion. I will be relocating the axle 1" rearward with the leaf springs already. As for the pinion height it's about the same as my 8.25 also.

I also figure the spings will be close to flat. That combined with moving the springs inboard should help flex when compared to a higher arched leaf spring in the stock location.

Thanks for your input.

you would think the 14 bolt has a long pinion, but I swapped one in the suburban to replace the 10 bolt, and all I had to do to the driveline was get a conversion joint to fit the 14 bolt yoke.

Anyone got any more thoughts on this?

i hope you got some 36+ to keep the Ditch Witch off the ground.

Originally posted by whatdaphuk
i hope you got some 36+ to keep the Ditch Witch off the ground.

No shit, I want to get the axles in, cut the fenders more and then see what will fit. The plan is 37x13 Boggers or 38x12.5 SX's at least.

:flipoff2:

Anyone got any input about moving the springs?