FNG Introduction and qusetions.

[tardyboy]

Hi. Names Mark, I've been lurking for a few months trying to educate myself on an 01 XJ I picked up in march. You guys seem like a tight group and fun to be around. I'm looking forward to meeting some of you and running some trails together.:cheers:

After fixing most of what seems like nearly everything that can be wrong with one of these beasties I put a Zone 3inch lift with an aal and some 31 10.50 Firestone mt. My plan was to replace the old leafs next year with new ones and a shackle relocation kit along with a whole list of other mods. Well one of the leafs broke a couple of days ago on the top leaf causing a change of schedule.

Here's my ideas on my rear XJ suspension. I like the height it sits now. I don't have drivetrain vibes although an sye is in the plans. I'd like to stay about where I am now. I think what I want is a combo of the OME med duty Dakkar leafs which I believe net about 2.5 inches then a shackle relocation and probably better shackles to net me enough to be about level with the front.

So here is the questions. Is this the smart plan? Has anyone done similar? HD off road offers 2 styles of shackle boxes. Which would work best for my situation? Are these the leafs I want or is there something more appropriate? It looks like Group buy has dried up on these leafs where is a good place to get them. Here's the biggie. Think there is anyway I can do this under about 400.00? I'm not stuck on this plan. I really planned on refining the suspension mods over the next year as I learned more.

I use this as a mild DD meaning not that much. It's transport for hunting, camping, fishing, and trails. I don't plan to beat it too hard but use it often. Any help or advice is appreciated and welcomed

 

[87manche]

brian makes two shackle boxes. One nets no lift, the other nets about an inch/inch and a half.

I think your plan is sound. if you end up a little off in your height you can also use an extra rubber isolator or combo of isolator/spacer to level it out.

 

[tardyboy]

Thanks for the reply, it's good to know I'm on the right track. So it would be the zero lift shackle boxes and size it for the right length shackle after I assemble it? Truth is I'd rather be ass low than stink bug high.

 

[BRIANHO13]

The no lifts are a little more difficult to install, I would go with bolt ons, a longer shackle, and a bastard pack = awesome flex for about 3" of lift.

 

[tardyboy]

That was my other idea. I need a top leaf to replace the broken one. I won't rehash how many different ways to combine leafs to achieve a lift but since I need to find a good top leaf. Anyone have some used xj leafs they would part with for a nominal fee? Definitely a cheaper way to go if I can find springs.

 

[Fore Wheeler]

Hi neighbor, I'm from Midland. :wave:


This is what I was thinking before Brian posted. I have his bolt on brackets, they're super solid and a breeze to install.

The no lifts are a little more difficult to install, I would go with bolt ons, a longer shackle, and a bastard pack = awesome flex for about 3" of lift.

 

[tardyboy]

Hi neighbor, I'm from Midland. :wave:


This is what I was thinking before Brian posted. I have his bolt on brackets, they're super solid and a breeze to install.

Hey neighbor.:wave1: I devoured your build thread and if I can get my jeep half as clean as yours I will consider myself a success.

I picked up a set of well used XJ springs from a JY today and will be ordering Brians brackets today.

I just started a search for building bastard packs to achieve a couple of inches altitude. If anyone has advice or links I would love you forever and buy you a beer if your local.

 

[Fore Wheeler]

We have jeep night for a small local club Wednesday night's at Big D's. I won't be there tonight tho. I'm drinking/wrenching most weekends. (mostly in that order), you're welcome to stop over.

 

[tardyboy]

Let me get my heep fixed and I will defiantly take you up on that:cheers:. Right now my axle sits about an inch cocked and the broken leaf smacks the front mount on big bumps. Probably not too safe.:scared:
Parts ordered now.

 

[tardyboy]

Thought I would update you guys on this part of my build. Brians shackle relocation boxes are dead simple and built strong. Pulling my old springs was exactly why I opted for an aal in the first place. At least I was able to get 1 bolt out whole so I could match it up with the new ones. I got them at my local ACE hardware BTW. After realizing how the shackle boxes mounted I ordered nut strips from JCR Offroad. My shackles were toast so I went through Ironman off road in Saginaw and ordered RE 1 1/2in lift shackles. After seeing how stretched my brake line was stretched I got a longer one and of course the second I touched it the hard line began leaking. I replaced from the proportioning valve to the rear soft line. All in all it was a bit spendy with all the might as wells but I think worth it in the end. The ride is amazing and just twisting the axles on the jack I can tell my next purchase will be bumpstops. I'd like to thank you all for the advice and great products.

 

[Fore Wheeler]

How long was that rear hard line? I need to replace it on my dd jeep.

 

[tardyboy]

I bought a roll of 25 foot 3/16 line from Orielys and rented a double flaring tool and made my own. If I had to guess its about 7' but I don't think you can get anything longer than 70 inches made up.

 

[BRIANHO13]

That hd offroad guy ships fast too

 

[Fore Wheeler]

Thanks

 

[tardyboy]

That hd offroad guy ships fast too

Really fast. I ordered them Thursday and got them Saturday. I have to say you get your moneys worth out of those poor little USPS boxes. Great service Great product. Frame stiffeners are next as soon as I can find someone to weld them in.

 

[Fore Wheeler]

Re: Re: FNG Introduction and qusetions.

Really fast. I ordered them Thursday and got them Saturday. I have to say you get your moneys worth out of those poor little USPS boxes. Great service Great product. Frame stiffeners are next as soon as I can find someone to weld them in.

To be honest, the stiffies aren't the easiest or quickest mod you will do, but it's by far one of the best things you can (and should) do. I have HDOR stiffies and was extremely happy with the fit, and cost.

I like Brian's meat in my mouth too. You'll have to attend winterfest to have his meat in your mouth.

 

[tardyboy]

To be honest, the stiffies aren't the easiest or quickest mod you will do, but it's by far one of the best things you can (and should) do. I have HDOR stiffies and was extremely happy with the fit, and cost.

I like Brian's meat in my mouth too. You'll have to attend winterfest to have his meat in your mouth.

That is wrong in so many ways. I'm in :cheers: I hope we are talking bacon though.

Stiffies, as you call them are the foundation of my plans. Everything else pretty much will go over them. LA, skids, bumpers, rock rails... they all involve the frame somehow.

jeep porn

 

[1989TwoDoor]

Shinny.

 

[87manche]

Shinny.

can I wheel it?

I take excellent care of sheetmetal.

 

[tardyboy]

A jeep is like a woman. I don't share my ride.