removing/cutting off drop brackets

denverd1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Dallas, TX

• Jan 26, 2021

• #1

my '98 came with drop brackets and a short arm lift. I'm looking at long arms and know I will have to cut off or remove the DBs.

Since I didn't put them on kinda curious whats behind there. will I have to plate an area? got the steel and the welder and enough bead laying skill to do the job. My stiffeners will go on next as I prep for crossmember/long arms/axle stretch etc.

Should probably just grab a grinder w cut off and start peeling it back, just curious what I might run into.

 

Ivan

I Jeep, therefore, I am..

Location

Greensboro, Ga

• Jan 26, 2021

• #2

Drop brackets are pretty much bolt on, unless the previous owner tack welded to the frame somewhere. Unlikely, but if so, just grind off the welds.

I do remember that you do have to drill out the upper(?) stock threaded mount point, to install larger DB bolts. There are frame spacers too, to keep from crushing the frame rail.

This is best I can recall when I installed my DB's about 12 years ago. Search a Youtube video to see the DB installation process, and remove in reverse.

 

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offroadman83

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Edinburg Texas

• Jan 27, 2021

• #3

Its all bolt on...just installed some.

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denverd1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Dallas, TX

• Jan 27, 2021

• #4

Cool

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denverd1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Dallas, TX

• Jan 27, 2021

• #5

Shouldn't I cut off the lower link mounts and smooth out the frame rail? Adding stiffeners but don't want lose strength

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IslanderOffRoad

NAXJA Forum User

NAXJA Member

Location

Houston, Tx

• Jan 27, 2021

• #6

denverd1 said:

Shouldn't I cut off the lower link mounts and smooth out the frame rail? Adding stiffeners but don't want lose strength

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Click to expand...

Yes, you'll need to get them out of the way. StinkyFab did a great video on installing their longarms on youtube, shows cutting off the stock mounts.

 

denverd1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Dallas, TX

• Jan 28, 2021

• #7

IslanderOffRoad said:

Yes, you'll need to get them out of the way. StinkyFab did a great video on installing their longarms on youtube, shows cutting off the stock mounts.

Click to expand...

Cool I'll look for it

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Evan03

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Idaho

• Jan 29, 2021

• #8

Thers like 4 layers of twisted sheet metal to make up the lower control arm brackets.

I used sawzall, suicide wheel and flap disc. Mine are almost off but need some more smoothing.

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denverd1

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Dallas, TX

• Jan 30, 2021

• #9

https://youtu.be/7rhzLAaAR8E
Here is the video. Minute 11 or so is where he cuts them off. Looks pretty easy

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Evan03

NAXJA Forum User

Location

Idaho

• Jan 30, 2021

• #10

I've got that much still to remove

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