PDA

View Full Version : sleeving frame rails... what to use?



matts96zj
07-15-2005, 12:52 AM
ok, so I'm sleeving the frame on the ZJ & going to build my own la's... I have 7 gauge (3/16") steel readily available & can get 1/4 w/a little more effort, is the 3/16" gonna be heavy enough or should I go to the trouble of getting the 1/4"? Next, I'm not sure what I wan't to use to construct the arms, is 2"sq. 1/4" wall completely overkill, can I get away w perhaps 1 1/2" 3/16 wall? or maybe 2" 3/16 wall? would really like to see some close-up pics of different designs/materials that you guys have used.

Kraqa
07-15-2005, 10:50 AM
i hate to say it but search!!! this topic has been covered a million times.


use 4x6x.250 HSS then cut it into two peices 4x3. with the 1/4" wall it will fit snugg on the frame rail.

matts96zj
07-15-2005, 11:31 PM
no problem, Ima jackass for not doing that. I'm not new to this, but have been w/out a comp. for a couple months.

ELLLLLIOTTTTT
07-17-2005, 12:20 AM
seems like 0.250 wall is a little overkill, even for a zedjay with 38's and full-widths. :finga:

i guess the added weight would keep the COG relatively low on the vehicle but why wouldn't the 3/16" work just as well?

Kraqa
07-18-2005, 10:54 AM
.188 does nto fit tight against the frame rail IIRC

nate
07-19-2005, 12:33 AM
I can't remember off hand what I used. It was part of the RC kit. I want to say it was 3/16"

JeepinHank
07-22-2005, 10:26 AM
People use the 1/4" more for convenience IMO.

The uni-frame rail is 3.5" wide, so 4" x 0.25" box (or 4x6x0.25 cut in half) fits really nicely. It fits good and snug , and will stay where you want it to when you're mocking everything up. I had to jack mine up onto the frame rail, and then beat it with a hammer to get everything flush.

If I were building the subframe from scratch and had access to a big, HD box brake, and plenty of 3/16" plate, I'd go with the 3/16". If nothing else, it would be (theoretically) easier to weld to the unibody. I don't think it will make much of a difference in terms of strength.

On the arms - At least for the lowers - stick with the 1/4" stuff. Overkill is better for those since they'll be constantly coming in contact with rocks, etc. On the uppers 1.5 x 3/16" would be more than enough. If you can get that readily, go with it. I used 10ga (1/8") for my upper arms, granted it hasn't seen pavement, but I'm pretty confident that it will be just fine.

HTH

matts96zj
07-25-2005, 11:42 AM
thx for the info, I appreciate it greatly