Gorilla Mobile (3/4ton XJ)

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

First I'd like to thank my brothers in Christ!
Without you I would have never gone this deep in wheeling. Your motivation, knowledge, tools, garage, part scrounging, and friendships have created new chapters in my life...You ROCK!

OK the story begins:
The work has started on the XJ previously owned by Spencer. Pics were taken today Nov 31st and will be posted by shawn. The goal is to build up off of a SOA front & rear 3/4 ton full width XJ in a JeepSpeed type style mixed with rockcrwlr buggy. Jarrett (r1ng3l78) is reinforcing the already built cage work by tying it into the rear bumper and adding triangulation and gussets. More to come as the project develops.

Specs Before Build-up:
1991 Jeep Cherokee
interior Herculined
full roll cage with 2 storage shelves built in (no back seat)
rock sliders
custom built front bumper
custom rear bumper (almost completed for air tank)
on board air
brand new radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch
spare joints for both drive shafts
3/4 ton master cylinder
AXLES ? ton
HP D44 front 8 lug, Yukon 5.38 gears, locked, Milemarker hubs, spare driver side shaft - replacement inner and 4340 Yukon outer, every bearing and seal is new Timken, all new brakes calipers and
pads
D60 rear 8 lug, Yukon 4340 shafts, Yukon 5.38 gears, locked, all new bearings and seals Timken, all new brakes drum, shoes, and spring kit
SUSPENSION
fr - leaf sprung with BDS YJ 3.5" springs and Chevy shackles, Rusty's shocks, over the knuckle x-over steering, steel braided brake lines
rr ? leaf sprung with Rough Country 4.5" springs, RC 2" shackles, 2" blocks, RC shocks, steel braided brake line.
Before Pics:
bumper pictures by SpencerXJ - Photobucket
testing pictures by SpencerXJ - Photobucket

Changes made so far:

Added:
37"x14x15 IROCS on Rockstomper weld on beadlocks
7" wheel base stretch = 108"wb
7.5" spun skyjacker rear leafs
6" boomerang shackles front & rear
ubolt eliminators add 1.5"lift front & rear
Longer drive shaft Bowman's
In-cab 15gal fuel cell
custom bumper and tire mount
L.E.D tail lights flush mounted with back-up lights
Cut/lengthened rear qtr fenders & wheel wells
15" travel shocks front

In-the-works:
High Steer (flat top knuckes, Poison Spyder Hi-steer arms, 1"spacers, 3/4 Heims, 1.5" w/ .250 wall DOM tubing) Machined/set up by Ted's Offroad http://www.tedsoffroad.com

http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/Har002.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/normal_JanXJ_009.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/normal_Harlan_012007_31.jpg

[r1ng3l78]

Adding support, rear armor, & tire carrier to existing cage

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/r1ng3l78/my%20projects/dscn3165.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/r1ng3l78/my%20projects/dscn3167.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/r1ng3l78/my%20projects/DSCN3169.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/r1ng3l78/my%20projects/DSCN3171.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c19/r1ng3l78/my%20projects/dscn3172.jpg

[Bluegill]

Mega :smokin: man!

[Thumpszilla]

Awsome rig man keep it up!!

[Gordon]

Man, lookin' great. Can't wait to see it on the trail. :twisted:

[HotRodYJ]

Looking Good! What's the size and BS on those wheels? I like the extra width :smokin:

[TiredIronGRB]

Somebodys spending money 8)

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Looking Good! What's the size and BS on those wheels? I like the extra width :smokin:

The rear axle has a wheel spacer to match the front width. The wheel back spacing is 2.75, the same wheels that Spence had...I just added weld-on bead locks. Picked them up this morning, Tyler's Welding in Johnson City done them for me - the weld is baby butt smooth and looks like a perfect row of tiny coins.
ROCKSTOMPER BEADLOCKS http://www.rockstomper.com/catalog/wheels/beadlocks.htm

Here are picks of the inner ring welds.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/BDLOCS_003.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/BDLOCS_002.jpg

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Somebodys spending money 8)

The IROCs are bias NOT radials ....like some people have that I know :roll:

Its better to build this thing, than to keep up grading my 99XJ and crunching in the body and bustin my awesome stock D30 :headbang:

[BJack]

Tyler Rydell? I haven't seen him in years.
Ask him about going to Tellico with my and Jeff and Sam years ago.

[HotRodYJ]

Who has Irok Radials?

[BroncoMike]

Looking good, keep it up!!!

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Tyler Rydell? I haven't seen him in years.
Ask him about going to Tellico with my and Jeff and Sam years ago.

He asked if I knew Jeff Coleman and ranted about his Tellico trip eveytime I stop by there. His shop is on Indian Ridge Road just off of State of Franklin.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Who has Irok Radials?

on a white FJ?

[TiredIronGRB]

No radials for me, Bias all the way on the Iroks :wink:

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

No radials for me, Bias all the way on the Iroks :wink:

I'm wrong thought I had ya :lol:

[r1ng3l78]

don't think they make irok radials

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

don't think they make irok radials

Yep...do :!:
They are about 2.5 to 3 times the price of bias.

[Gubni]

I think you need to name is Magilla

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

weld on Beadlock pics are up above :roll:

[Rtaylor]

Is there is a spacer ring welded to the rim to keep the outer plate from bowing-in when the tire is sandwiched between the plates.Would it's absence cause any problems. It seems like I read somewhere that the spacer ring helped to clamp the tire in place by causing the force to be exerted against the tire instead of being used to bow the outer plate.

Another question that I have is "will water and gunk could get caught in the recess around the tire lip and unbalance the assembly?" It also seems like a good way to cause corrosion on both the clamping bolts and the rim....

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Is there is a spacer ring welded to the rim to keep the outer plate from bowing-in when the tire is sandwiched between the plates.Would it's absence cause any problems. It seems like I read somewhere that the spacer ring helped to clamp the tire in place by causing the force to be exerted against the tire instead of being used to bow the outer plate.

If what your refering to is coneing?... This brand has seen some outer coneing with certin brands/size of tires. But, because of the number of bolts used, and the relatively low load on each of the bolts individually, this has not been a structural problem--only of appearance. They recommend torquing bolts to 10 ft-lb only.



Another question that I have is "will water and gunk could get caught in the recess around the tire lip and unbalance the assembly?" It also seems like a good way to cause corrosion on both the clamping bolts and the rim....

Sure...don't know...probally. Just another crevis to wash :oops:
"Unbalance the assembly"...trail rig, crawler - not frieghtliner :grin: Not planning on a lot of street time. Do see where your coming from though.

[Jeep07]

Hey are you changing suspensions on the XJ or just going with diff leafs? (saw the forsale thread and assumed they are from this XJ)

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Hey are you changing suspensions on the XJ or just going with diff leafs? (saw the forsale thread and assumed they are from this XJ)

Keeping the F&R leaf set up....just going a little higher to clear the 37's. Plus I like the Skyjacker leafs that I got for my red XJ....7.5" and flex good...but are a litle stiffer than the rough country flat springs....so, I'm going to put a set onto this rig.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Stage 1 complete!

Baby's got her new shoes on...37" IROCs on Rockstomper beadlocks.

Jarret: finished up cage support, rear bumper, and spare mount.

Shawn, Pitch, and Marcus: Solved the LED mystery!

Shawn and me got the fuel pumping after a external pump failed to keep up with the awesome 4cyl redlined out? :lol:

Notice all the room with the stock fuel tank gone....aaaaah c-l-e-a-r-a-n-c-e.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/normal_sidemain.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/normal_tire01.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/normal_tire02.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/normal_tire-fuelcell.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/normal_taillightsLED.jpg

STAGE 2 coming soon :wink:

[Want2Wheel]

I really like it.

[redwings5]

thats awesome. :shock:

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Jarrett (r1ng3l78) is really into fab'n stuff up. He really enjoys what he does and takes pride in it as well. I can't thank him enough :wink:

[Jeep07]

Nice.

What kind of fuel cell is that and where'd you get it?

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Nice.

What kind of fuel cell is that and where'd you get it?

Summit 15gal:
foam, sending unit, 2" sump, and tip over valve.
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=SUM%2D291215%2DS&N=700+0&autoview=sku

[duke_lover_13]

Man, that thing is a beast!! I definitely wanna see it in action sometime!! :grin:

[TiredIronGRB]

Sweet, I love the LEDs ;-)

[Gordon]

Lookin' great, Chris. :smokin:

[BillM]

I wanna say that all the guys that have worked on this have done a great job. Chris you have something to be proud of...Great Friends! Props to every one of you.

[Gubni]

We need to find something to use as a rubber bushing to mount the tank. It need to be fairly soft and flexible. Any ideals?

[BillM]

Are you talking so that it will absorb the vibrations?

[Gubni]

Are you talking so that it will absorb the vibrations?

He's worried about body flex and vibration. If there is any flex in the body then it would break a weld on the tank if it was firmly mounted.

[BillM]

Makes sense. I will try and find something.

[SamuraiGuyTN]

You could always use one of your old tires. It would be durable. And if it cought on fire then every one would know where he was. :lol: But I think it would work. Just cut into sections. Or make a frame and use bushings.

[BroncoMike]

That's one killer rig you got there man!!

Nice work everyone!!

[Gubni]

You could always use one of your old tires. It would be durable. And if it cought on fire then every one would know where he was. :lol: But I think it would work. Just cut into sections. Or make a frame and use bushings.

I thought about that, but tire rubber is much too hard.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

We need to find something to use as a rubber bushing to mount the tank. It need to be fairly soft and flexible. Any ideals?

I've already taken care of it...I used some rubber hose. As it is compressed it bulged out, not as hard as a tire compound and not too soft.


My suspension set stuff from TNTCustoms http://www.tntcustoms.com wil be here by the end of the week STAY TUNED!

[BillM]

Good deal Chris.

[Bluegill]

Are you talking so that it will absorb the vibrations?

He's worried about body flex and vibration. If there is any flex in the body then it would break a weld on the tank if it was firmly mounted.

What Sam chose to use as the tranny mount dampner on his J-10 was definitely unique, and it worked great - we cut pieces of a tractor/trailer mud flap (1/4" thick heavy duty rubber) and stacked 2 pieces together.

[Hokie_YJ]

Man that thing is sweet! :shock: Nice job.

What fuel pump did you use that wouldn't keep up? Just curious so I'll no not to use that one when I go to a fuel cell/external pump.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Man that thing is sweet! :shock: Nice job.

What fuel pump did you use that wouldn't keep up? Just curious so I'll no not to use that one when I go to a fuel cell/external pump.

Not been ignoring your question....the pump is over Shawn's. It was a cheapie from autozone, may have been low pressure type.

We took the internal pump and made it into an external thanks to some hose clamps and custom mount. Tucked it high & tight under the body.

We took it out on the road, it rides great & quiet! I still need to get the exahust worked out ....but it rides smooth.

The slave cylinder :blackeye: was leaking pretty heavy, but....Thanks to Shawn's dad I've got a bling bling internal slave cylinder....Aluminum \:D/

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

PHASE II
Wheel base stretch from mild to wild!
U-Bolt Eliminators install http://www.tntcustoms.com/webv5/ubolteliminators.asp
Lengthening the drive shaft


check out http://www.tntcustoms.com for some solid ideas/parts. The customer service was great and very informative.
Ted from http://www.tedsoffroad.com/ is doing the install and we are midway thru...
Ted has the eliminators welded onto the front & rear axles. The front took some work since it is over the cast part of the pumpkin. With the recomendations of TNTCUSTOMS, Ted trimmed down the two of the three sections that get welded to the axle to fit over the cast. Then added a single U-bolt to the cast area.
The Eliminator's added 1.5" of lift and provided a massive perch for the springs. The top plate has an area to add bumpstops to customize the axle travel. The kit came with some great hardware! Boomerang shackles were installed on the front leafs adding another 1.5" of lift. The same spec shackles will be used to balance out the rear and will be in this week!
The eliminators come with an option to move the axle forward or backward 1 to 1.5 inches. When I moved the rear axle back 1.5" to give the 37" IROC some space in the wheel well, the drive shaft has about .5" left inside the transfer case. So, since I have to get the drive shaft lengthened anyway....we decided to go big, flipping the XJ rear leafs. This moves the axle back another 5+ inches gaining a longer wheel base. This may require doing a traction bar if the springs start to wrap...crossing that bridge when we get there.

Actual numbers will be posted when we GETTER DONE.
:headbang:
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/XJ01.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/grind.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/el001.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/el002.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/el003.jpg

[Gordon]

YEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAA! Can't wait to see how it's turning out and to see it on the trail. Sounds fantastic.

[Hokie_YJ]

If I were you I'd go ahead and put a SYE on the TC if it doesn't already have one. You can get one from DC4WD for about $250 or so.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

The earlier TC's in 91 are a little stronger with more support than the newer TCs in that area...I'm going to stay with the slip yoke since Spencer (former owner) has had it in every imaginable abusive situation without breaking (NOT sayng its not going to break). I don't have the $250 for a new one.....

But, :-k I do have a SYE in the TC of my red XJ.........nope going to leave it !

[HotRodYJ]

Biggest drawback to the slip yoke is if for some reason you bend or break and have to remove the rear d-shaft you will not be able to drive it in front wheel drive because of the huge leak out the back of the t-case. You'll be dead in the water and have to be towed back out.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

That is something I'd like to do....but the build fund at this point is really just my redirected lunch money. :wink:

Donations accepted :!:

[HotRodYJ]

You must spend alot on lunch's :lol: . Build sounds good and looks really good from the pictures you've shown so far. Can't wait to see the latest pic's 8)

So how much weight have you lost from skipping all those lunch's? :wink:

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

You must spend alot on lunch's :lol: . Build sounds good and looks really good from the pictures you've shown so far. Can't wait to see the latest pic's 8)

So how much weight have you lost? :wink:

If I lose too much I'll have to change my Avatar....

latest pics are posted now mid-way up :hello2:

[Jeep07]

Looking good. Interesting replacement of U bolts. Can't wait to see it done. I'm gonna have to get a lunch budget like you ;).

[Thumpszilla]

Looking good. Interesting replacement of U bolts. Can't wait to see it done. I'm gonna have to get a lunch budget like you ;).

Me Too!!

[Dino1967]

nice

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Got alot done last night:

*Moved axle back around 7 inches to a wheelbase just shy of 108" (stock wheelbase is like 101")
...could move the front up another 1.5", but waiting to see how it will affect my high steer...more to come on that.
*Cut out fenders
*finished UBolt eliminators
*Installed 15" travel shocks up front with 6to7" uptravel and 9to8" down Thanks Thumpzilla for the link on the shocks!

Pick up today:
All new drive shaft w/new yokes (41.5") 3" dia .95 wall from Bowman's Drive Shaft.

Shes sitting a little lower in the rear...I have longer shackles on the way this week.

testing it on Sat :smokin:
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/passide01.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/obleq01.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/lowOBLEQ01.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/front01.jpg
Here is the tire clearance before moving the axle & fender chop
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/comboBefAfter.jpg
The axles too short now :-k ...Bowman's Drive shaft is hooking me up.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/dvshaft.jpg
Here is the method of securing the weld on Eliminators to the cast pumpkin...TNT Customs recomended using a ubolt over the cast since welding the cast isn't great.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/pumpkinFront01.jpg
From the back...tucked up snuggly :wink:
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/pumpkinrear01.jpg

[Thumpszilla]

Looks great man!! I really curious how the ubolt eliminators are gonna hold up.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Me to...
A pro welder from Superior metal checked them out and mentioned that they are not going anywhere...
I don't know much about material tolorences and welds...he does.

Have FAITH [-o< ...But carry some chain!

[TiredIronGRB]

They ain't going anywhere...and they look to cover more spring surface which is good.

[88yotapickup]

how did the testing go today

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

:smokin:
Taking pics tommorrow...too much excitment did'nt take pics!

Come down to Clarks Creek tommorrow evening and check out the jeeps...everyone wants to see the yota up close too. It will probally be sometime around 3ish since Ted and a bunch are hitting Bumpas early and going to work on my XJ after getting back in the afternoon. He is the first house on the right after turning into Clarks Creek...look for a TJ on 42"IROCS infront of a grey garage.

[88yotapickup]

nice im just waitin to do my striaght axel then ill actually have some flex i have everything just cant get started yet
and ill try to make it tomorrow can you pm me with your cell number or someones so i can call to let you know if i cant make it

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

The front has sooo much more travel now :shock: and I still have more front drive shaft left after adding the additional lift. The wheels tuck up in high with clearance...would clear 38's...maybe 39.5's.

The rear needs longer shackles to let the springs flatten, the temporary shackles are hitting on the rear body, I will post up picks of the boomerange shackles that should be in today. This will let that spring really flatten out, if not go on a slight negative arch. Plenty of fender room to tuck the 37's into. Hopefully the longer shackles will allow a little more droop in the springs.

Drive line is good and axle wrap isn't an issue at all (even w/o the shocks off)...infact it was straight as an arrow under load, hard off the clutch, on steep banks, and in the rocks! The huge perch area that those Ubolt Eliminator's provide are helping stop the wrap. We had it flexed full spectrum all around on our RTI ditch - I love it when a plan comes together.

We're taking the rusty's shocks that came off the front (shocks for 8-10" of lift) and mounting them in the rear - gaining at least 4 more inches of shock travel compared to whats on there now. Ted is relocating the tabs on the axle and fabbing up a custom mount to the under-body .

Here are a few pics of the front flex......I'll post the rear flex when the new shackles & shock mounts are done.

Not extended fully...still has a few more inches left.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/travel001.jpg

Still have a little bit more uptravel here and clearance galore 8)
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/travel002.jpg

[Thumpszilla]

nice pics man!

[TiredIronGRB]

I knew those new perches would cut down on the wrap...who says leafs won't flex :shock:

[r1ng3l78]

are the perches not lettin the rear drop? i noticed that the rears not doin much (rear drivers looks like it's in the air) :P

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

are the perches not lettin the rear drop? i noticed that the rears not doin much (rear drivers looks like it's in the air) :P

Wow...Jarret finally came out to play, glad your here!

Like I said up top...The rear isn't done. Replacing the short shackles that bind and then taking another look at it. The same perches are on the front...and its flexed. May be a combo of the spun offset spring and wide perch...will see after the swap.
But here are some detailed picks and theories:

Compressed side:
The rear shackles are binding, hitting the under-body...not letting the spring flatten out all the way on the compressed side. the boomerang shackles are way longer and will let that spring flatten instead of binding. I'll post some detailed pics when I swap them out.
Here :
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/rear01.jpg
Extended side:
shackles are short and the leafs are spun with the offset (short side is now shackle side & and long side is near body mount). I think the longer boomerang shackle will help and will look at this when they are here.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/rear02.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/rear03.jpg

[r1ng3l78]

are you running shims in the back? if so, are the washers on the bolts shimmed too? if not your putting all the stress on one side of the nut, i'd keep an eye on that. why didn't you just have the pinion angle corrected before welding the perches on? and you need to do something about the muffler dangling under it, bailling wire at least. sorry, not trying to harrass, just observing.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Opinons are welcome!

I like my muffler :thumbright: - it'll be redone and pipe ran high & tight... :lol: baby steps, just one at a time...

Are the nuts shimmed on your u-bolts?...same concept.

[r1ng3l78]

Are the nuts shimmed on your u-bolts?...same concept.

not the same concept as i'm not running shims. and with a ubolt, the bolt rotates to be perpendicular to the plate. nuts are made to engage evenly around the bolt. that setup instead of trying to stretch or shear, is first trying to bend and while it'll probably work, it greatly reduced the load that bolt could take if properly installed.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Are the nuts shimmed on your u-bolts?...same concept.

not the same concept as i'm not running shims. and with a ubolt, the bolt rotates to be perpendicular to the plate. nuts are made to engage evenly around the bolt. that setup instead of trying to stretch or shear, is first trying to bend and while it'll probably work, it greatly reduced the load that bolt could take if properly installed.

Right...same concept if "someone" using shims and u-bolts. My red XJ has a small perch on the axle and I'm running the exact same springs with shim/u-bolts. Why did'nt you mention something when we installed those leafs then?

I agree that if the shims were gone it would be less stress on the bolts...but no more on it now than other rigs with shims/ubolts.

Thanks, I never really looked that close...I know your busy, but come down and get some eyes on it. If my shackles are here today, I'll call you and we'll go look at it.

[r1ng3l78]

no,no,no. if you shim with a ubolt, the rotates with the shim on the axletube. they're not at all the same other than they both have nuts and threads. when you come by the shop i'll show you.

[HotRodYJ]

Jarrett has a valid point. See in the crude diagram below the head and/or nut of the bolted perch must bend to conform where the U-bolut will self adjust since it only has one flat surface to align to.

http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10013/normal_shims%7E0.jpg

[Thumpszilla]

Brian you have to much free time.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Ideally the eliminators were reset on the axle for the best pinion angle and shims are not used. Ted had mentioned something about the losing droop with the wide area of the perch - that may be a reason that the shims are still on the leafs not sure right now. I'll get with him on that since we're still messing with the rear and will post up shortly.

...I spoke with TNT Customs and he said that the hardware that came with the eliminators would have no problem if someone used the shims and caused the off-set.

[Dino1967]

cool flex :smokin:
nice job :wink:
stopped and looked at it today great job
ted is a great guy

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Jan 13th: Rear Shackles

Installed these Boomerange Shackles from TNT Customs http://www.tntcustoms.com . They're about 6" eye to eye and add 1.5" of lift. The Xj is now at a perfect balance in ride height front & rear. They helped with gaining more rear spring up travel, since the short shackles hit onto the body and would bind. The down travel inproved a little and allowed to spring to fan on the drooped side. I'm going to keep this set up and see where its at after the springs break in. End result it is a stable rig, but may move the rear shackle mount forward a few inches to give the shackle some back angle when sitting level. That will come when we box in the uni-body "frame".
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/BoomShackles.jpg
rear up travel is now a few more inches into the wheel well.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/NewFlex.jpg
Ted made a mounting bracket for the rear shocks since the axle had been moved back 7".
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/shockSetUp.jpg
These shackles allow about 5 more inches of droop than the previous images posted. The springs fan now unlike before.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/springflex01.jpg
End result; a stable rig with decent flex...time to break it in \:D/
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/rock01.jpg


Coming next few weeks: HIGH-STEER
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/HiSteer.jpg

[HotRodYJ]

Looks really good :smokin:

[r1ng3l78]

HEY the back tires on the ground, much better.

[TiredIronGRB]

Nice :grin:

[DJRobB]

Awesome !

[Gordon]

Lookin' great, Chris. I gotta start catching up. :grin:

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Got the wheel wells filled in and the rear bumper tube back on.
roughed in driver side
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/dvroughout.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/dvroughoutEX.jpg
done except for adding some Herculiner to the new area
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/dvFIXoutEX.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/drvrback01.jpg
Driverside inside
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/dvroughIN.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/JanXJ_012.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/dvrinside01.jpg
Passanger side
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/passroughIN.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/pasgback01.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/passoutside01.jpg
Tested out everything in the garden Sat...held together and the rear wheelwells were roomy enough.
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Harlan_012007_00.JPG

[Dino1967]

kool :!:

[Gordon]

Man, lookin' good. Sure has come a long way. Great job.

[NC_James]

Man I love this jeep.

[KY_Yota]

Mind me asking what springs you are using front and rear?

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Mind me asking what springs you are using front and rear?

Front:
BDS 3.5" YJ leafs
6" boomerang shackle

Rear:
Skyjacker 7.5" XJ leafs
6" boomerang shackle


It is perfectly level, the offset in spring size is from the front being higher/forward of the stock control arm mount.

[KY_Yota]

Thanks!

[Lawn Cher']

Where'd you get those LED tail lights? Is it sold as a kit or did you have to buy the parts and fab the boxes yourself?

:D

[Gubni]

Where'd you get those LED tail lights? Is it sold as a kit or did you have to buy the parts and fab the boxes yourself?

:D

Those is custom made. :alien: Easy job though.

[BrandonFranklin]

also if im not mistaken they sell a kit also that come with the tailight cover bar thingys. rustys offroad has them i think.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Where'd you get those LED tail lights? Is it sold as a kit or did you have to buy the parts and fab the boxes yourself?

:D

I got the red oval S,T,T lights and 2.5" whiteLEDs from www.Vehiclelight.com .
The 2" round yellow LED is from Northern Tool.

The lights were mounted to a piece of aluminum flush into the body (since I removed the rear hatch). If I kept the hatch, then I would have needed boxes to mount the lights in...
Rustysoffroad.com has the boxes & lights
Northern Tool has the LED lights and metal boxes(for trailer lights). The trailer light boxes may work or some heavy duty ones could be made.

Gub_Ni & Pitch worked the wiring out...

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Ahhh...HI-STEER is on!
Nothing but axle :shock: ...I feel NAKED!

Ted Henley machined the knuckles and drilled/tapped the passenger side knuckle to 37/64" and tap with a 5/8" x 18 tap. Used 5/8 inch studs over OEM 9/16 studs. Used 1" spacer under the arms to provide clearance over the leaf springs. Tube inserts were added to the 1.5" .250 wall DOM tube to thread in the 5/8" 3/4-16 Heim Joints.

Parts: https://www.spydercustoms.com/index2.php
Poison Spyder Hi-Steer arms
1" arm spacer & hardware kit
5/8" 3/4-16 Heim Joints


1.5" .250 wall DOM tube

Thanks to www.Tedsoffroad.com :thumbleft:
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/20.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/21.jpg
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/22.jpg


Old set up below
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10027/front01%7E0.jpg

[88yotapickup]

very nice!

[pplblazerdude]

How much it cost you to get the arm machined. I may be doing this mod soon and need to get some prices.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

How much it cost you to get the arm machined. I may be doing this mod soon and need to get some prices.

I got the knuckles cleaned up, painted, machined, drilled, & tapped back in November and don't have an exact recollection :-k what I paid him...

Contact Ted and ask him:
teddymh@aol.com

[Bluegill]

Sweet Chris! :smokin: Now you need some armor for the diff :twisted:

[SamuraiGuyTN]

It does look naked. almost unnatural. :lol: Looks really good. \:D/

[Thumpszilla]

Yeah it needs a fig leaf. Get some armor on that diff.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Sweet Chris! :smokin: Now you need some armor for the diff :twisted:

Workin on it... :shock:
Change one thing on your ride and it sets off an endless chain of mods!

[HotRodYJ]

They are never quit done.

[Hilla-GO-Rilla]

Just added in march/april:

Optima Yellow Top
Viking Synthetic winchline
Warn Premium Hubs
Hella lights

I finally have my build exactly where I want it and ready for the summer, but God, wife, and children come first. It's not my time but I will be back with something just as rad...( :grin: I said rad) dude.

Bringing it to the top...FOR SALE