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12-19-2009, 12:57 PM
When I first got this thing it had a 4.5" RE short arm kit front and rear with a 2" spacer up front.
Then the upper control arm mounts ripped off the frame. So we threw some flat stock on there and welded them in place(I know, ugly welds, I didn't do it though, I haven't welded enough to trust it on drivetrains)...
Then they ripped off again...
I weighed my options and what worked for me was to go to leafs. I did some research and found a whopping 3 other zj's on leafs. None of which had enough info to really figure anything out. I did find out that I could use the front lower CA mount. Then I got the idea that I can make a bracket on Receiver hitch as the rear shackle mount. Thanks to Abennet for spare parts to use on mockup, and some impressive fabwork i got it all done, up and going. He hooked me up with some bullet proof shackles and some old YJ springs. Huge thanks to Ed, one of the Damn locals for letting me take up a bay in his shop and helping with the welding and everything. Here is how it sits on stock YJ leafs.
The stock yj leafs are way too soft. So I did some digging and found a buddy with a set of RE 4" YJ extreme duty springs for $50. As of right now the rear is sitting 2" too low, in theory the new springs are supposed to raise it about 3.5", i expect it the back to sit about an inch and half high, not enough for me to care.
I was wayyyyy off.. Now introducing Tractor Jeep.
This is with the second shortest leaf removed...
Currently I'm pulling the third shortest leaf and shortening my shackles, with just the 3rd shortest pulled It dropped it about 2", so it's on it's way back down. Should have it straightened out before new years.
and here is with a tree on the bumper...
Last edited by The Luke; 12-19-2009 at 01:02 PM.
12-19-2009, 04:15 PM
Nice swap. Try to fab some new front mounts on the leafs and run Dodge Leaf Springs. Those work the best on my Leaf swap. They are longer, then you can center your wheel well.
Rick
12-19-2009, 04:19 PM
Welcome and eat shit!
12-19-2009, 04:54 PM
Ram, Which dodge leafs did you use?
Clay, Thanks and Kiss my ass!
12-19-2009, 05:03 PM
I used mj leafs nice and flexy fairly long and if you fab up some new mounts can center up your wheel in the well as said before.
12-19-2009, 05:14 PM
Yea I plan on fabbing some new mounts. It's mainly just a time and $ issue.. I am almost always working and am always broke. haha I'm not as worried about centering it up as I am the height. I read somewhere that stock front Grand Waggy leafs are the way to go? Those are kinda hard to come by tho.
Where were all you leaf sprung zj people a month or two ago?
12-19-2009, 05:31 PM
Here are pics as of 15 minutes ago. Passenger side is 2nd shortest leaf removed.
Drivers is with the shackle redrilled an 1.5" and third shortest leaf removed.
12-19-2009, 06:33 PM
I used a late Dodge 80's 1/2 ton rear leaf spring....for the fronnt mount I sleeved the frame rail 20" with some 3x6 box sliced down the middle so it forms around the "frame" rail.
the dodge leafs gave me around 7" lift with my own mounts and shackles.
Best pic i have right now, in the middle of a full width swap and 36's
Rick
12-19-2009, 07:11 PM
I did a little digging and found your build thread. Looks good. I really like that chop.
12-19-2009, 07:16 PM
Where did you get the front bumper?
12-20-2009, 11:37 PM
Alright, I think I've got it
Close enough for me not to care... They'll settle, I'll add more tools, good enough
Next step is moving the front end forward.. I'm also considering LA's up front. Considering making my own setup similar to claytons..
And here is a poser shot because I was bored.
12-21-2009, 12:55 AM
Looks much better!
Rick
12-21-2009, 01:39 AM
Thanks man. I'll recenter the axle whenever I get around to plating the "frame" and making that new mount. Knowing me, that'll happen whenever I break something.
12-21-2009, 10:23 AM
Looks real good, always nice to see something different.
12-21-2009, 12:08 PM
Thanks
Can someone point me in the direction of a thread about the pros and cons of a hard arm setup? I searched but couldn't find much other than product reviews..
12-22-2009, 10:14 AM
If you are going to build a kit Go full 3 link in the front not that hard and will flex like a mofo. I used 2x2x1/4 square tubing with polys on one end and ballistic flex joints on the other.
12-22-2009, 03:00 PM
i think it would look better without the back bumper i love the way mine looks with no rear bumper with the little sheetmetal bumper painted black.
12-22-2009, 03:31 PM
Originally Posted by it usually runs fine
I agree, I'm not a fan of the rear bumper either, but I'm going to leave it on until I get a chance to build a matching rear bumper/tire carrier.
12-22-2009, 07:56 PM
that is the way to go. I just bought a bumper with a tire carrier, and i can't wait to install it.
03-11-2010, 02:59 PM
little update, I finally messed with some different spring packs and apparently any 80's 4runner leafs are almost a direct bolt in. I'll post up pics soon..
But I'm thinking again, which can be dangerous. But I'm thinking tube doors all the way around and a tube hatch/ spare tire carrier that still flips up like stock.
Anybody know how heavy a stock hatch is? I figure a 35x12.50 spare, mounted with low air pressure is roughly 80 lbs, the hatch is probably about 125 lbs.. I know they make stronger struts.. I figure if I can keep it all under 225 lbs then I should be set.
03-11-2010, 03:23 PM
With these unibodies, you are going to need to have a cage before you remove all the doors and especially the rear hatch.
03-11-2010, 05:22 PM
with the design I'm thinking on this tube hatch it will be as if the stock hatch is in there. Hard to explain, I'll see if I can piece something together on google sketch. I'm horrible on there. But I think with all 4 tube doors, and a tube hatch it shouldn't be too bad.
I do agree I need a cage also. Just not sure if I want to go exo or interior.
11-28-2010, 08:41 PM
Update, I built a 231 w/ sye, fixed the a/c, replaced stick 4runner Leafs with old man emu 2.5" Leafs. Tom woods front and rear driveshafts.
I also just landed a rubicon express long arm kit for $50, needs ends rebuilt. Woot Woot!
Last edited by The Luke; 11-30-2010 at 06:48 PM.
See anything strange?
Ive never seen stock hydro assist..
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