My 3 link one ton XJ build on the cheap

Then I decided 36" bias Iroks sounded like a good idea



I put in WJ knuckles and brakes and built x-over steering and wheeled it some more





until this happened

I had been going back and forth for a while on axles. I already had a 10.25, and a KP 60. I ended up selling the 60 here undecided on what to do.
So when the pinion broke it was time. I found a BJ 60 on craigslist for 300$ so I went and snagged it.

I pulled it apart and got to work





Then I got an e-mail update from the NE for sale thread here. "TheFreek" had posted a dana 70 for sale, already geared and locked with discs. Just what I needed to save some time and money. So I sold the 10.25, and my 8.25 and made my way to PA to get it.





I picked up another set of iroks for a 17" rim for 200$



I started to get the brackets for the front mocked up



Then I got a nice order of parts from ruffstuff

I started to get it all mocked up



Made some mid arms out of 2" OD 1/4" wall DOM



Then I tried to figure out what to do witht he uppers. With some guidance from the members here I decided to incorporate the track bar bracket and upper link mount into one






In the meantime I got the rear underneath and perches welded on

Then I got the track bar mocked up. My goal was to keep all of the links straight. So I moved the frame mount as far forward as I could without hitting the draglink or pitman arm



Threw some 5150's in the rear



and bought one of my favorite tools ever. Yukon bearing puller.



So the front axle came back out to get final welded and geared.

Then it went back in for the last time.



got new brakes



and new wheels



I shortened a front shaft, and used an old tom woods slip I had laying around



and started to mock up the drag link and steering







and got it back down on its own weight

This past Sunday I got to take it out on its maiden voyage.









I have a few things left to do. Most importantly is hydro assist.
I will be using a surplus center 8" 1.5" bore 1" shaft cylinder. and 3/8" hoses.
From what I read in the assist thread its the most common. I was going to run the 3/4" shaft, but they dont make it with the swivel eye and its what I prefer to run, so thats why im thinking the 1" shaft.

Also on my list but not in the immediate future is a good set of radial tires. IF I buy new it will be mtr's because Im a goodyear dealer, but Ill look around for a good deal on a used set.

Some of the other specs;
95 f350 D60 front. Dual piston calipers. 5.13's welded
late 70's D70 rear. Detroit 5.13's, ruffstuff disc brackets, gm calipers etc.
Im currently using the stock 2000 MC and it works pretty well. Prop valve is gutted.
Lower links are 2" 1/4" wall
Upper is 1.750" 1/4" wall.
All ends are ruffstuff heims.

Next things on my list other than that are;
box rockers, which will also serve as a tie in to a hybrid cage.
Ill update as I go. I know you guys like to see a good start to a build thread though, I hope I did ok. If not




















:flipoff2:

frankensteinxj said:

Ive your other thread in here. Looks like it came out really nice.

Make sure you add some support to the bottom of the frame where the panhard mount is welded on to get more weld area and box the rufftuff mount in.
I had mine just welded to the bottom the way it came and it ripped my frame beacause there wasnt enough contact area to weld to.

And the dodge 2500 mc upgrade is WELL worth it. You wont believe how good your brakes can work.

Got any pics of the upper control arm mount frame side?

Click to expand...

The whole inside is welded to the frame. and there is another plate that is the height of the bracket, that is also welded to the inside of the frame. I didnt want to take any chance there. The plate thats welded to the frame is 3/16", welded full perimiter and has 4 5/8" rosettes. Im pretty confident in it, but you never know.
The upper link is actually on the x-member and uses the original lower mount from my radius arms. It is not perminent. But worked out with my time and budget concerns for now.
A new x mamber will come with the doubler or atlas, to be decided later.
you can kind of see it here


ah, here it is. This is with the old lower links hanging. But its where the upper is mounted now. Its only about 3" of frame side seporation. But its light years better than the radius arm setup was. When it gets a new x-mamber it will be up another few inches. It will be flat bellied then too.





and thanks. Im really happy with it so far. Only one wheeling trip in though

Heres a few more pics of the inside of my track bar. And the beginning of my upper shock mounts

Got to wheel a bit today. Did some awesome lines. Waiting on a few pics still but heres what I got off of my camera.

couple more to do this spot more justice. Even this doesnt do it. The rocks were all covered in moss. Once the back tires hit the rock the back end slid over and almost smashed out the window, dented right behind it, put a good one in the hatch too.