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Gold Hills Posse 4×4 Club · Folsom, CA

XJ: Moving rear leaf axle fore or aft.

  1. Tom Subscriber
    #124 Apr 2012, 7:19 AM

    So, I'm finishing up the install of the new track bar, UCAs, spacers, adjustments, shackles, etc.



    After much web research, I extended the front axle an additional 1" using the upper and lower control arms. Put the front wheel more centered in the wheel well without taxing other components ... track bar still rotates and coil spring is closer to vertical. My question is the rear leaf suspension.



    Many times I've seen spring perches and bolt plates that will accommodate moving the axle 1" forward or 1" back from the standard location. One can assume this can be down without doing any taxing of the rear components as well.



    Not one to assume too much where safety and mechanical reliability are a must, is that a valid thought? Just because I've seen the parts does NOT mean it is a good idea, that much I have learned.



    Thanks for the input!

    =====

    If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading -- Lao Tzu
  2. JohnDF Member Joined: July 2003
    #224 Apr 2012, 8:00 AM

    I don't see much reason to move your rear axle/springs. Most move their fronts out to compensate for the increased lift and the fact that it shortens your wheelbase and moves your axle back. I don't see the same issue with leaf springs, your rear axle should still be centered.

    I used to wheel a lot. . .
  3. Tom started this Subscriber
    #324 Apr 2012, 8:25 AM
    "JohnDF" wrote: I don't see much reason to move your rear axle/springs. Most move their fronts out to compensate for the increased lift and the fact that it shortens your wheelbase and moves your axle back. I don't see the same issue with leaf springs, your rear axle should still be centered.

    Actually John, it did move the rear axle forward with the frontmost edge of the rear tire now under the rocker panel. Granted, as the suspension compresses it will move back as it rotates upward.



    Just like the front CAs, the distance of the axle pin to front spring mount is about 23" ... so where the front axle moves rearward with the lift, the rear axle moves forward almost the same amount. I'll see if I can post a pic a bit later as I'm in a meeting and should be listening.

    =====

    If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading -- Lao Tzu
  4. JohnDF Member Joined: July 2003
    #424 Apr 2012, 10:40 AM

    Oh, I forgot to take into account the longer shackles 😳

    Not too good with prehistoric technology 😁

    I used to wheel a lot. . .
  5. Tom started this Subscriber
    #524 Apr 2012, 5:44 PM

    HEY!! I resemble that. Any way, what about relocating the axle 1" to the rear.

    =====

    If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading -- Lao Tzu
  6. Gregulator Member Joined: February 2012
    #624 Apr 2012, 6:02 PM

    I say go for it. I can't really see any issues with using that kind of spring bad.

    Um...what?

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