: My suspension plans... need input


TJP
02-23-2002, 03:43 PM
Well I will be swapping a 62" wms 14 bolt and a front D44 into my XJ soon.
The problem with the 14 bolt is with the disc conversion the calipers will interfere with the rear leaf springs. So my choices are to move the rear springs inboard or do a 3-link or triangulated 4 link with either coils of 1/4 eliptic set-up.

After a bunch of thought on this I think a 1/4 eliptic 3-link is the way I will go. Has any one seen a set-up like this on a XJ? If so post some pics or info about it please. My plan is to add a subframe under the stock frame than extends from the rear spring mounts to the front LCA mounts. I can use this to mount a flat belly pan skid plate and front 4-link set-up with slightly lowered mounts and longer CA's or a longarm set-up. I will mount the rear springs in approximately the stock location in modified mounts. The rear shocks will be relocated though the floor and I will raise the gas tank through the floor also. I plan to use a swaybar in the rear for street use. I still need to work out the link lengths and mounting locations. I plan on building my own CA's with johnny joints at the axle ends and poly bushings at the frame end. To mount the 1/4 eliptic springs to the axle I'm thinking about welding johnny joints to the top of the axle tube and connecting them to the springs with short shsckles. My lift goal is about 8" and to use 37"x13" Boggers or so.

Any input would be great.

PIG
02-23-2002, 03:54 PM
Sounds good except for the part about using JJ as shackle mounts. I thought about doing the same think with RE joints but decided on rodends. Also, are you gonna set it up so that the links will be adjustable?

TJP
02-23-2002, 05:21 PM
Yes I plan on making the arms adjustable. What size heim should I run for the shackles 1 1/4"? I might use rubber mounts for the frame end instead of poly, I'm not sure yet.

Thanks

PIG
02-23-2002, 05:25 PM
Originally posted by TNT's ROCKTOY
Yes I plan on making the arms adjustable. What size heim should I run for the shackles 1 1/4"? I might use rubber mounts for the frame end instead of poly, I'm not sure yet.

Thanks

No way man. 1 1/4" is not neccessary for that part. 3/4" would be fine, I think. Its the unsprung weight that is dramatically increasing.

Moab Austin
02-23-2002, 10:13 PM
The way you are planning this is good IMO ... with hte fuul skid/brace thing...

But also IMO I think leafs will be able to yeild plenty of wheel travel..

it seems like alot of work for disk breaks...

why not relocate the calipers?, can't you put them in a different location?

or run a different rear - with lighter smaller disks..
I guess it depends how extreme your gonna build it anyway.

take pics if you do it - particullarly of the full skid thingy

OH also I did see a rear coil kit for a xy once (I think it was a secret warn proto..) what they did was channel the unirail on the bottom
then sandwhicked the unibody between upper and lower plates
the uppers were around the fenderwheel and under the rear seat in the floor

then ran bolts into lower brace..the dude said it acctually stioffend up the unibody alot . he no longer noticed gaps in hte doors/rear deck lid when flexing severe

good luck