8:04 pm
January 27, 2011
Offline
With all the suspension modifications that have taken place up to this point, there are a few things I'd like to do to "clean 'er up". They may or may not be happening right away and there are a couple more modifications I'm contemplating at the same time.
With the current 5" lift, soon to be 6", there are some pretty significant angles on the differentials. I hate degree shims with a passion and these (6* in the rear) are really not making me happy. Here's what'll be happening over the next 3-4 weeks.
1 - Installing a 1-1/2" lift rear shackle. The XJ is notorious for a short OEM shackle and word has it this is the lift to get.
2 - Install a shackle re-locator. It also has a measured lift of 1" or so. After installation, the net lift will be determined and the front coils will get a spacer to equalize lift front and rear. I'm told not to expect more than 1" even thought the numbers might indicate otherwise with the proper operating angle and the shackle allowing more flex.
So, the operating angles of the differentials will be even more extreme. Typically, the spring perches are cut off front and rear, the pinion angles adjusted and perches welded back on ... no more shims. Now for the additional work under sonsideration.
What about stretching the wheelbase? The XJ is 104" in stock trim and with lift something less. The JK is 95ish" and the JKU about 116" which puts it right in the middle. As it stands currently, my clearance to the unibody frame (my lowest point) is about 22". I'd be looking to improve the attack and departure angles. Should I pursue or let it wait?
Thanks!
=====
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading -- Lao Tzu
9:37 pm
What about stretching the wheelbase? The XJ is 104" in stock trim and with lift something less. The JK is 95ish" and the JKU about 116" which puts it right in the middle. As it stands currently, my clearance to the unibody frame (my lowest point) is about 22". I'd be looking to improve the attack and departure angles. Should I pursue or let it wait?
I'm at 103" wheel base and with 10 psi in the tires my belly pan is 16 3/4" from the ground. I also have a rear over hang with a shallow departure angle. The old MTRs 35's measure 33.5". With my control arms I hang pretty low. My Jeep has little difficulty on the majority of the trails. There are exceptions, the little sluice, for example. The reason I am telling you this is to give you some reference. I'm not familiar with XJs, but stretching the rear could be difficult; Moving leaf spring mounts, new springs, body trimming, shock mounting, gas tank clearance etc. The front can also be another can of worms. With the current clearance you have I would run it and see if you have problems. I would also make sure everything is skid plated. Just my 1.5 cents
10:08 pm
Club President
April 2, 2003
Offline I'm not sure I'd mess with the wheelbase on a unibody vehicle. Plus, your length seems like the best compromise between a JKU and a TJ.
I'd spend the money on a good quality long arm front end and lift springs in back for the tire size you want. Then, I'd spend money on underbody protection and unibody rigidity improvement.
6:49 pm
January 27, 2011
Offline "lj4x4" wrote: What about stretching the wheelbase? The XJ is 104" in stock trim and with lift something less. The JK is 95ish" and the JKU about 116" which puts it right in the middle. As it stands currently, my clearance to the unibody frame (my lowest point) is about 22". I'd be looking to improve the attack and departure angles. Should I pursue or let it wait?
I'm at 103" wheel base and with 10 psi in the tires my belly pan is 16 3/4" from the ground. I also have a rear over hang with a shallow departure angle. The old MTRs 35's measure 33.5". With my control arms I hang pretty low. My Jeep has little difficulty on the majority of the trails. There are exceptions, the little sluice, for example. The reason I am telling you this is to give you some reference. I'm not familiar with XJs, but stretching the rear could be difficult; Moving leaf spring mounts, new springs, body trimming, shock mounting, gas tank clearance etc. The front can also be another can of worms. With the current clearance you have I would run it and see if you have problems. I would also make sure everything is skid plated. Just my 1.5 cents
That's the kind of info I need, thanks! 
I'm actually just over 101" (my typo). I'll crawl under and get an actual belly pan measurement to compare. The tires I'm running are TOYO MTs (33x13.5-15) which are 32.9" or such. REAL close to what is advertised. After all is said and done, and before starting anything new, I'll get a sheet of plywood and measure my current attack and departure angles to compare further.
Skid plates are on the radar, for sure, as are rocker guards.
=====
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading -- Lao Tzu
7:02 pm
January 27, 2011
Offline "BKGM Jeepers" wrote: I'm not sure I'd mess with the wheelbase on a unibody vehicle. Plus, your length seems like the best compromise between a JKU and a TJ.
I'd spend the money on a good quality long arm front end and lift springs in back for the tire size you want. Then, I'd spend money on underbody protection and unibody rigidity improvement.
Man, I am sooooo looking at a long arm front end. 
I was pricing out a transmission crossmember/Xfer case skid and adjustable UCA to match my LCA. For another $160 I can score the Rough Country LA upgrade that comes with the skids and adjustable UCAs. I could then sell my current RC LCAs and drop brackets to make that difference of $160 even smaller. Need to talk to my CFO on that one. :girly:
As far as lift goes, with what I have currently have it's probably good for quite a while, which includes going up to 35" tires someday, with little to no additional cutting than what is already planned.
➡ Underbody protection and reinforcement are definitely on the radar.
=====
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading -- Lao Tzu
2:15 pm
January 27, 2011
Offline "TomD" wrote: [quote="BKGM Jeepers"]I'm not sure I'd mess with the wheelbase on a unibody vehicle. Plus, your length seems like the best compromise between a JKU and a TJ.
I'd spend the money on a good quality long arm front end and lift springs in back for the tire size you want. Then, I'd spend money on underbody protection and unibody rigidity improvement.
I was pricing out a transmission crossmember/Xfer case skid and adjustable UCA to match my LCA. For another $160 I can score the Rough Country LA upgrade that comes with the skids and adjustable UCAs. I could then sell my current RC LCAs and drop brackets to make that difference of $160 even smaller. Need to talk to my CFO on that one. :girly:
➡ Underbody protection and reinforcement are definitely on the radar.
=====
Ran the numbers again. There was some additional work (welding/support bracketry) to be done to complete the CADB. Conservatively, the difference now is only $75 before selling the adjustable LCA and CADB.
With the snow season coming up, I'll probably hold off on the LA upgrade until spring. Get a couple of bills paid off and money saved after Christmas.
=====
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading -- Lao Tzu
1 Guest(s)
