Grizzley
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- North Central Mass.
Just a thought. I haven't been into modifying my XJ for long, but I've been using the search for new ideas and ways other XJer's have done things. I think I've seen about 10 different ways to modify the rear shock mounts for more clearance and the top mounts for more angle. I've also seen where the rear bump stops need to be added to when doing a lift to keep the tires from coming up through the wheel well. Why couldn't these two modifications be included as one? Instead of adding extensions to the stop, why not move it down on top of the springs instead of the spring plate and drill a hole front to back to pass a grade 8 bolt through for a lower shock mount? I was thinking a flat topped block welded to a plate of steel as big as the spring plate with the four holes for the u-bolts drilled through it, to take it's place. The block could be as high as the amount of lift added. Playing the "Devil's Advocate' I can see where there would be some side stress on the spring pack, but if the hole was kept as low as possible you'd take away the leverage it would have. For the top mount a frame stiffener running side to side up close to the body directly over the rear end would allow you to drill holes for adjustment/tuning. I was just trying to see if there was other possibilities for the shock mount that might be cheaper than paying someone to weld mounts onto the rear axle tube. It's just a thought remember. . .