New project, same old Jeep

[ColoJeeper]

Well, my son was driving my YJ, and had an accident last week and punched the front of my YJ through the back door of a trailer being towed by a pickup. The body damage is very limited, due to the bumper that was built and installed by Pete Brody a couple years ago. Problem is that all that energy had to go somewhere, and since there was no give in the bumper, the front suspension ended up absorbing almost all of the impact. Resulting damage includes, completely tearing loose the front string hangers from the frame, and bending the BDS springs big time. Also looks as thought it may have punched the front driveshaft back into the transfer case, though I haven't removed the skid plate yet to examine the damage.

I had the YJ dropped in my driveway by the tow truck and plan to repair the damage and return the YJ to it's former glory, or at least to what it was before the accident.

Here is the start of my problems, i don't have a welder, and even if I did, don't have the skill level to weld suspension components on my jeep, so does anyone on here have a mobile welding setup and any interest in helping me to get the new spring hangers welded onto the frame of the jeep?

Here are a couple pics...

[jayson44]

seems like a perfect opportunity to go 3-link & coils!

J.

[Patrolman]

Yep, that is going to be some work. Good news is that if you want to do any upgrades, now is the time!

[Chris]

You're having a bad streak with accidents Don, sorry to see this one too.

[alexb]

Hope everyone was ok and walked away. Good luck with the repairs.

[ColoJeeper]

jayson44 previously posted:

[glacierpaul]

Hope your boy is ok Don! That is crazy, I imagine there is going to be damage in the driveline somewhere.....damnit! Thankfully you have a fleet too

[Java]

sorry to see that Don, hope he's OK! YJ front shackle hangers are notorious for ripping off, I tore mine off going over a curb. I used it as an opportunity to do a MORE shackle reversal which gives you about 2.5" more wheelbase and a lot more articulation, it's under $300 for the whole kit. Some of them are bolt on too, fwiw. Good luck!

[The StRanger]

Can I see a Dana 60 & 14 bolt in your future ????

[ColoJeeper]

The StRanger previously posted:

[Hypoid]

Have a 220 Volt outlet in the garage?

[ColoJeeper]

No, that is one of my future projects, but currently don't have it. Do have it in my basement, but would be quite a distance to try to run a cord, since the garage is a detached garage.

[Java]

I have the HF 90amp welder that works on 110, and I'm willing to offer that but not my limited skill set. I believe YJ and TJ frames are 3/16-ish which is within the ratings for the welder. I'm just a hobbyist, I'm not able to say if it is or is not a good choice for the job, but IMO it would be fine. If Mike or anyone else wants to do the work...