Suspension suggestions

[Junkpile]

RE: Chat Room Active (if only by one)

I'm trying to make some decisions on this XJ that I just got. I think for an engine, I'm going with an AMC 304. I have an extra one sitting around and it would be neat to have a V8 in an XJ anyway. I'm kind of confused on what to do about the suspension. I really don't know very much about these things......

Got any suggestions for fitting either 36x12.5 or 38x12.5 Swamper TSLs under them? How about a pic or two? I'd really like to see some homemade suspension setups. I can make junk, and I don't want to spend alot of money on this turd.

How much actual lift would I need for the 36s if I used some cutout fender flares?

 

[TwistedCU]

RE: Progress, almost done....

To clear those tires (6-8" lift and cutting sheetmetal)) you really should either go long arm. You can make them if you don't want to buy a kit. Lots of pics on NAXJA:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=43180

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Longarm is the best choice for the front, cut up the fenders and who needs flares? I'd go with the most cutting and minimal amount of lift, like 8" to clear those tires.

You using full-width axles?

 

[Junkpile]

I'm thinking about just leaving the D30 right where it is. I was thinking about an 8.8" Ford in the rear. It's a gamble though with the extra weight and wheelbase to keep the D30. I'm not really sure.....I was gonna try and run it as long as I could. It will probably stand up to the 36s, with what I'm going to be doing with it, with just some later big joint shafts.

I may even go for lifting it enough to squeeze 33s under it and making it into a driver to replace the TJ.

 

[TwistedCU]

Transmission shutter when the AC is on

I'd at least upgrade the axle shafts on the D30 if you do go with 36" tires, it may surprise you and hold up. Yours should be a high pinion D30 FWIW.

If you need flares (to be legal) you could slap some TJ flares on it. If you can find 4 rear flares they look better. Front TJ flares have the opening for a marker light/turn signal and they look out of place.

If you are now thinking 33's, you can easily fit them with a 4.5" lift so long as you're still planning on cutting the fenders. 4.5" is the most you'll want to go with short control arms. There are 6" short arm kits out there but they will ride rough... real rough. I have the components in my basement to go to 6" but I'm going to use the RE drop brackets and braces (also in basement). That lowers the frame end of the arms so they have stock-like geometry and ride.

at 4.5" you may not need to do a SYE if you use a 3" rear spring and a 1.5" shackle and a TC drop. Full 4.5" packs and shims it's a crapshoot but you'll likely need to do it.

Lots of options out there, looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

 

[Junkpile]

RE: Chat Room Active (if only by one)

looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

Me too :?

I moved the 304 to the shop today so I can strip it down and get it ready for the rebuild.

Can I use 6" coils with some longer lower arms and the drop brackets?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Yes, you can use 6" springs with the drop brackets on the control arm mounts. Here's a great chart on recommended arm length for a given spring height, with and without using drop brackets: www.yuccaman.com/jeep/re_db.html#arms

 

[Junkpile]

Thank you for the link Bounty. That answers another of my questions.

TC, after you install those drop brackets, I need you to take a couple of measurements for me if you don't mind.

 

[TwistedCU]

Thank you for the link Bounty. That answers another of my questions.

TC, after you install those drop brackets, I need you to take a couple of measurements for me if you don't mind.

I'm looking at getting it done this Fall, but I'll be glad to. I'm still spending every spare moment in Pennsylvania rehabbing the house we're moving to. Hopefully we get moved in within a few weeks, then we have a baby due Sept 3rd. I haven't been on a trail since this past spring but the house is lookin' sweeeet

I'm planning pretty much exactly what you mentioned. I'll be close to 6" (4.5" springs and 1.25" spacers) in the front with stock upper arms, adjustable lower arms and the brackets so I should be able to give you some feedback on how it rides/flexes.

Yuccaman has some good info on his site. At 4.5" the drop brackets will allow stock arms to sit at near stock geometry so I'm thinking at 6" it should ride pretty good.