[Archie_G]

Just finished my SOA this last weekend and it turned out better than expected.

Before:

After:

Specs:
78 CJ5 (258/T18a/D20)
81 NT D30 front (3.73 gearing)
73 Scout D44 rear (welded)
Went from stock CJ springs SUA to stock springs SOA.
Same tires: 33x12.5x15 Swamper TSL's

Couple of comments:
1. 78 6 bolt hubs and brakes do not swap onto 81 NT 5 bolt hub front D30 axles.
2. My Tom Wood's shaft needed an piece ground so that one of the u-joints would seat properly (I didn't even bother telling Tom Wood's about the problem, I just fixed it and went on)
3. Did not need to change shock lenghts
4. The $60 traction bars appear to work great! (from 4wdh.com)
5. A 4" drop pitman arm solved steering issues, no high steer required.

Let me know what ya think.

[ 09-25-2001: Message edited by: Archie_G ]

 

[Charly]

hey..I recognize that spot in the second pic.

 

[Archie_G]

Here's a good picture of the Traction Bar set up that I found. Anyone use these instead of ladder bars?

Comments?

 

[kutyafal]

Originally posted by Archie_G:
<STRONG>Here's a good picture of the Traction Bar set up that I found. Anyone use these instead of ladder bars?

Comments?</STRONG>

Is that $60 each or for a pair? Do you have a picture of how it attaches up front? Any effect on articulation? What was needed to install the front hookup? I'm thinking of maybe making a similar design.

 

[BlueYJ]

I made some very similar to those. They both ended up breaking. I am SOA and have a I6, not alot of power tons of torque. I am make one now that is similiar to Sams. I dont think they can handle the twisting of the articulation and power. my .o2.

BlueYJ <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0">

 

[SJM]

Originally posted by Archie_G:
<STRONG>Here's a good picture of the Traction Bar set up that I found. Anyone use these instead of ladder bars?

Comments?</STRONG>

I tried that style of anti-wrap bar. It only made a nice pivot point for wrapping. I have since went to a bar that connects high and low on the axle tube.

--Steve

 

[Archie_G]

Originally posted by kutyafal:
<STRONG>Is that $60 each or for a pair? Do you have a picture of how it attaches up front? Any effect on articulation? What was needed to install the front hookup? I'm thinking of maybe making a similar design.</STRONG>

It is $60 a pair. The design is for SUA and will bolt on. I chose to weld the front mount to the spring hanger (the design has you bolt to the spring bolt). No effect on artulaction, it parallels the spring. I haven't wheeled it yet, so no comments on if they work for axle wrap, but it sure looks like it will. I was thinking of getting a set for the front, but they might effect the turning raduis unless you mount them on the inside of the frame.

Thanks for the comments, keep em comming.

 

[Bgcj5]

Cool looikng 5. Nice improvement. Now wheel it!!

 

[kutyafal]

Yea please, go out and break something! <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0"> I read the article on off-road.com that says that this design is not as effective in preventing axle wrap as the ladder bar design (ala. Sam's Offroad) because the axle can use the rear joint of the bar (that is flexible) as a pivot point to still rotate since the shackles at the rear will allow the spring to move forward as it wraps. So, go wheel it and let us know. Guinnea Pig. <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

 

[Archie_G]

Originally posted by Charly:
<STRONG>hey..I recognize that spot in the second pic.</STRONG>

Hehe, Scrammando's testing grounds!

So Charly, will I be able to put the suspension through its paces at EWMF II? <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
Can't wait!

 

[Blatant]

Don't know what the terrain is like in your area, but those bars look like they will break. Also, they seem to be mounted far enough away from the center (pumpkin) of the axle that they WILL limit your articulation. And it seems to me that by having only one pivot point on the axle it WILL allow the pinion to rotate up, thereby allowing the axle wrap you're trying to avoid.

Not to be too negative, congrats on the SOA; looks like you got much more flex. Interested to hear how the bars do in a real-world wheeling situation.
Dion

 

[Charly]

yep, you'll get to test out the SOA.

Scrammando has some pics of mine flexing there (dark out though). I'd really like to see those again (hint).

Charly

 

[Brad]

cool but those front fenders need some sawzalling <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0">

 

[Archie_G]

Sorry Charly, but Scrammando lost a bunch of photos when he switched to fototime.com. Check out the link to his site in my CJ-5 reader's ride forum on NEOW.

 

[kpj]

I recognize the place in the first pic, when did you go up there??? I was there back in June I believe.

I have to get my 5 going sometime in the near future, it has been parked for one reason or another for about 3 years, I am very disgusted with myself about that! <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

BTW, nice looking Jeep, maybe I will see you on the trails!

Ken

[ 09-26-2001: Message edited by: kpj ]

 

[Archie_G]

Originally posted by kpj:
<STRONG>I recognize the place in the first pic, when did you go up there??? I was there back in June I believe.</STRONG>

Wow, that picture was taken at the Pittston Mud Run this spring, I actually came in second place!

Were yuou there?

 

[kpj]

yeah, I was up there with my dad. Now that you mention the mud run, I recognize the Jeep. We had a good time! I might even have some pics of it, I will have to look.


Ken

 

[Archie_G]

Ken, check this out and see if it sparks any memory cells:

Pittston Mud Run

[ 09-26-2001: Message edited by: Archie_G ]

 

[massey2jeep]

Originally posted by Archie_G:
<STRONG>

Comments?</STRONG>

You're one SEXAH beyatch! LOL

The flex is lookin a wee bit better. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

 

[Boston Mangler]

Nice Job Arch

Impressive for someone without Needle Nose Vice Grips!!!

<IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">