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View Full Version : Pics of Clayton's front high clearance axle bracket kit



shayzj
01-13-2005, 01:55 PM
Well I asked for his kit and got exactly what I asked for. No complaints. Just thought I would share what I am looking at and scratching my bald head over. Will I ever get all this mounted the right way on my waggy 44. I have no idea. All comments are appreciated.

Here is the bracket kit laid out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003066.jpg

and another

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003065.jpg

here is my only guideline for install

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003067.jpg

all of the above needs to go on this

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003069.jpg

Here is a pic of the cast that needs to be cut off so the mounts have room to be welded. I started but have not yet succeeded in this part.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003070.jpg

Then all these parts or new ones need to go back on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003072.jpg

And last but not least here are all the old diff parts along with all the new diff parts that have to be installed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003073.jpg

I think I have my work cut out for me what do you think?

Shay

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
01-13-2005, 02:18 PM
:shock:

good luck, you'll need it

MaineZJ
01-13-2005, 02:32 PM
think I've got a pic that "might" help... lemme search a bit for it.

OverkillZJ
01-13-2005, 02:37 PM
Shay,

I think I'll wait until you're done with yours so I can copy if I end up going that route!

I see why you're scratching your head.

MaineZJ
01-13-2005, 02:46 PM
http://cc.vtc.edu/~mgauley/44/

http://cc.vtc.edu/~mgauley/D44finished.JPG

shayzj
01-13-2005, 02:59 PM
Thanks alot MaineZJ every little bit helps 8)

Shay

Jeepin' Wolf
01-14-2005, 01:53 AM
Or you could get your fat ass up to CT. It'd probably cost less and that includes visits to local strip clubs :twisted:

OverkillZJ
01-14-2005, 09:41 AM
Or you could get your fat ass up to CT. It'd probably cost less and that includes visits to local strip clubs :twisted:

Nothing costs less when you've got a welder :lol:

shayzj
01-14-2005, 10:29 AM
Up yours Adam I wouldn't think you would need to go to strip clubs any more since the time I mooned you. Wasn't that enough for you to dream about forever? :shock:

By the way you are probably right but I would like to do this myself.

Shay

robselina
01-14-2005, 12:28 PM
wait a tick, what the hell are you doing to the cast pumpkin on the drivers side?! Someone chime in here but I would NOT be trying to cut that out like you are, I'd be grinding those new brackets to fit or you're going to have some SERIOUS structural issues. I don't have a long arm system, so someone chime in if I'm wrong but that seems really unsafe and backwards to me....

MaineZJ
01-14-2005, 01:26 PM
can't really tell from this either, but here it is
maybe at least call the shop on that one

http://cc.vtc.edu/~mgauley/44/DSCN0772-1_jpg.jpg

shayzj
01-14-2005, 03:33 PM
Just doing it the way Clayton does or so I hope. Here is a pic of the one he setup for TeamFX3's front 44.

http://forum.newjo.org/uploads/post-11-1082214301.jpg

Shay

MaineZJ
01-14-2005, 04:04 PM
How'd you find that? what thread was it in? I've been looking for that one

shayzj
01-15-2005, 01:50 AM
They are from a post I had on Nagca bithin about my D30. He posted these to tease me.

Here is the link:

http://www.nagca.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13860&start=0&postdays=0&postorder =asc&highlight=

Shay

AprilzWarrior
01-15-2005, 02:04 AM
Here is a 44 I built for someone...

It has REs brackets, and brand new Spicer ball joints...
http://fototime.com/659C3E32D1CA76B/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/F8DBCB643CEBA53/standard.jpg
http://fototime.com/AF97BABBB757891/standard.jpg


not sure if that helps it all ?


AW

Cue-Ball
01-15-2005, 02:08 AM
Which ball joints are better MOOG or Spicer?

AprilzWarrior
01-15-2005, 11:15 AM
Spicers are what come factory. And look how long they last. Spicer also has a very good reputation in the off road world. Ive also had good luck with MOOG stuff.



AW

Cue-Ball
01-15-2005, 03:00 PM
Thanks AW.

shayzj
01-17-2005, 11:37 PM
btt

Kraqa
01-18-2005, 12:21 AM
i'm runnign spicer BJ's. there awsome stuff. but i'v also have great luck with MOOG.

gearhead313
01-19-2005, 12:19 PM
the passenger upper control arm bracket is scary :?

shayzj
01-20-2005, 12:39 PM
Please elaborate on your opinion Gearhead.

Shay

chadjans
01-20-2005, 03:14 PM
The mount leg should be made from box tube not a 1/2 thinch piece of plate. But if gusseted correctly it shouldn't be a problem.

Chad

MaineZJ
01-20-2005, 03:25 PM
seen this setup in action, I wouldn't worry about that support. sideload is handled by the trac bar, so there isn't much side load on that brace

Texas ZJ1
02-02-2005, 04:31 PM
Shay,

Jay called and he's pissed since you didn't take him to prom after you promised.

Hunter

shayzj
03-09-2005, 11:47 PM
:rolleyes: Well finally made some progress on the 44 today. It was a little intimidating at first but once I got started with some help from a friend it doesn't seem so bad.

I was also starting a workshop also at the same time and needed to acquire alot of tools. With a fulltime job this takes up alot of time. O.K. here are some pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003145.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003144.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003139.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003137.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003136.jpg

I know the welds are not professional but I think they will work. I got the top plate over the ca mounts on today and the TB mount so all is left are the spring perches, upper CA mounts and shock tabs. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Of course I still have the gearing and steering to figure out but hey. At least I got started. This is my first attempt at this kind of work and I had to build a whole workshop from scratch just to get started. Oh well it is only money!!!

Shay

OverkillZJ
03-10-2005, 12:02 AM
Lookin' good! :partyman: :weedman:

shayzj
03-10-2005, 12:05 AM
mmmmmmm :weedman:

Shay

Raacerx
03-10-2005, 03:37 AM
I agree, looking good Shay. Building a 44 is a PITA. I wish I had bought a bracket kit like Claytons instead of fabbing stuff. So much more unneccessary work (but good learning). The welds look fine to me. D44 walls are real thick and thats like 1/4" so long as there is good penetration Im sure your cherry.

Might I suggest you go the full crossover route instead of the Inverted T (depending on if thats possible). Now that I have done the Chevy, I would like to do the crossover but there are serious clearence issues running both up high (the bars hit on mine since the front axle is so far forward).

Also, are you doing any special shafts/joints?

shayzj
03-10-2005, 10:18 AM
I have not purchased any steering or flat top knuckles yet so I am open to all suggestions. Haven't went out and bought any warn shafts and ctm's yet either if that is what you are asking. I have spent a shitload of money already. Oh well what is a little more?

Shay

JeepinHank
03-10-2005, 10:44 AM
I feel ya' on building up a shop. Think about it this way though... You can use the tools later.

Oh yeah - Those welds look good. I'd run them.

TEAMFX3
04-01-2005, 12:04 AM
Lookin good big daddy!! I haven't been following the Grand scene much these days and I was surprised to see how much progress you've made. Good work.

And as far as the few of you guys questioning Claytons designs.... when the fawk are you gonna learn???

shayzj
04-01-2005, 01:52 AM
Hey Tracey I hear you have other newer jeeps to keep you occupied in more ways than one. Wanna tell us about it?

Shay

TEAMFX3
04-02-2005, 01:54 PM
:heart: My girl has a '04 Rubicon that we've been building a little bit. My junk is still kicking, but it had a little ooops a couple weeks ago. The inner lugs on my wheel adaptors loosened and the left rear wheel decided to shear the wheel studs and vacate the premises at 40mph. Solo 35" BFG + 40mph + oncoming ambulance = oh crap. Luckily my insurance covered the damage, but I'm just now getting everything back together and ready to roll again. GSE isn't looking likely this year, big daddy :smt009

MaineZJ
04-02-2005, 05:27 PM
whoa, didn't hear about that...

shayzj
04-03-2005, 01:47 AM
Thats cool in the girlfriend. Damn that sucks about your little mishap especially since I am getting ready to put some of those adaptors on myself. Guess what I will not be going to GSE either. My shit will not be ready and I am not rushing things so fuck it I just won't go. After 5 straight years though I will miss it.

Hey Tracey I would like to know exactly what you went with for steering if you have a chance. I have not bought any of that stuff yet and wonder what I will be needing.

Thanks Shay

TEAMFX3
04-03-2005, 11:29 AM
Big Daddy,

Currently I'm using the stock waggy steering linkage, but I had to use the V8 ZJ TRE on the pitman arm. My knuckles are all set up for highsteer but I've been too cheap/lazy to work it out. Sky Mfg. has decent arms for $75 each and there is a guy on Pirate selling DOM tubing in 4' and 5' lengths, so I may try to get busy getting that figured out. My current set up worked pretty good, but for some weird reason the angles were off just enough that I lost some turning radius, not a huge issue, but noticable on tight trails.

shayzj
04-06-2005, 10:14 AM
Oh well for what it is worth I finished welding up the axle yesterday and thought I would post some completed pics.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003159.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003160.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003161.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003164.jpg

Shay

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
04-06-2005, 11:42 AM
lookin good shay!

OverkillZJ
04-06-2005, 11:56 AM
That is just totally sweet!

Troy
04-06-2005, 05:03 PM
Shay, that work bench is completely too clean!

shayzj
04-06-2005, 05:46 PM
:partyman: Yea that is my brand new welding table I just built last week. Not a very thick top but 4' by 3' with a full square tubed frame underneath. It sits 40" high with castor wheels all the way around. I am getting into this shit.

Shay

shayzj
05-18-2005, 02:08 PM
Well after weeks of waiting on my friend to help with the gear install and not getting anywhere I decided to jump on it myself. Here are my latest patterns. I think I am going to run it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003325.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003326.jpg


Here is my thread from Pirate.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=356204

Thanks Matt

What do you guys think?

Shay

OverkillZJ
05-18-2005, 02:10 PM
You missed the pirate link :)

Funny, DMG and I finally finished my gears last night. We had way too much preload, but now it's perfecto.

TEAMFX3
05-18-2005, 05:12 PM
Looks good Shay!

OverkillZJ
05-18-2005, 05:41 PM
I'd run it, but I've only been involved in 3 gearsets in my rig, and I blew one of them up pretty good! :finga:

shayzj
06-21-2005, 08:26 PM
Well I finally got the axle completed and installed a couple of weeks ago and have driven it a few times. Wanted to post some pics and get some opinions on alignment. It drives well but is darty on the highway. I figured the caster is too low so I took it in to be checked. Here is the printout.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/scan.jpg

I can lower the pinion a little and get it to 6 degrees if you think that will help the drivability.

Here are some installed pic with the stock waggy steering that I plan on staying with.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003353.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003351.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003350.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003359.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v157/shayzj/IM003357.jpg



Tell me what you think I completed it all by myself and am pretty happy so far.

TEAMFX3
06-21-2005, 09:09 PM
It all looks very good my friend! And oddly very familiar....now where have I seen something like that...?? :smt003

Bummer I didn't get to see you guys this year :( Sounds like GSE was a total flop.

shayzj
06-21-2005, 09:41 PM
Tracey I did not go either.

Shay

OverkillZJ
06-21-2005, 10:34 PM
Wow, those brackets are mega nice. Must do....

Don't know about the numbers on the alignment, I just screw with my caster until it drives how I want it to :weedman:

As far as GSE goes, I'll be there next year if it's the weekend before GSW, or a few after, otherwise GSW it is again :partyman:

Jeepin' Wolf
06-22-2005, 11:08 PM
Nice work there big boy :supz: I'd say your caster is within reason, mine's ~3.7-4.0* can't say that I notice much darting, hell it takes 2 weeks to change a lane. Play with toe in/out a bit, it may help a little or just enough.

:drinkers:

shayzj
06-23-2005, 01:50 AM
Yea I am not sure what exactly the problem is I just know I was not fighting the wheel nearly as much before so something is bound to be out of wack. Oh well I will figure it out after our cruise we will be on till the 4th!

Shay

MaineZJ
06-24-2005, 08:00 PM
It all looks very good my friend! And oddly very familiar....now where have I seen something like that...?? :smt003 .

Yeah, buy Shay's steering linkages are straight.

cashflowdub
06-27-2007, 06:33 PM
i know what the kit does it give you more clearance does it serve anymore purposes?

AgitatedPancake
06-27-2007, 10:52 PM
yeah stronger than stock. All of your posts are so vague...lol.

northgazj
06-27-2007, 11:15 PM
yeah stronger than stock. All of your posts are so vague...lol.

That and this thread is only 2 years old.

zj95
12-01-2008, 08:08 PM
reviveing old post again.

ok about to swap in a fullwidth d44 and need to chop some of the housing off like this.. anyone else have experience?

Clayton told me (if i heard correctly) that there needs to be atleast 6" of housing left from the edge of where you cut to the support bearing.

What do you guys think? Ill be welding the tubes ofcourse and only need to take off 2" for the brackets to fit correctly. If I need to Ill kick out the lowers farther to the outside but I would rather not.

Im goin to pop the cover tomarrow and see how far the tube goes into the housing to get an idea.

AgitatedPancake
12-01-2008, 09:32 PM
I kicked my lowers out on my waggy 44 so I didn't have to cut the perch at all, the main downside I have discovered is the UCA mounts on the lower arms are now right below the frame. They can hit the frame if the whole front end moves up to far, but I'm still in the clear articulating.

zj95
12-01-2008, 10:21 PM
Now if i kick the lowers out i would need kick the uppers out the same amount so the radius arms line up correctly right?