xaza's 94 XJ Build

[xaza]

The new blue torch wd 40 is way better than their old stuff. Watched it work it's way uphill on the threads of a rusty bolt. Have some PB blaster too and may need to try it. After soaking overnight still could not break loose with impact. Forgot today was christmas with my sister so not much done today. Got driver side leaf in but will have to drop it to put shims in when we know how much shim we need.

[xaza]

Wylie is still on vacation and got a little accomplished today and even took some pictures. He managed to get the bolt on passenger side free and leaf spring in. He got coils in also. About 2" total lift. We still have to adjust control arms and track bar on the front. In the back we are going to need some shims which we picked up tonight.

[xaza]

Have made some decisions on a few more things and have started the ball rolling. Wanting to have truck ready by summer to start cage. Decided to match the front bumper with the Smittybilt XRC rear bumper with tire carrier. It is a waiting game but have made deposit for when it is available.
http://www.quadratec.com/products/12...Fa9aMgod-CoAzQ

I also picked up the bull bar for front bumper which I have already installed. Put some new Dickies seat covers on while I was at it. Will buy me a little time to get proper seats.

Also picked up 2 sets of 2+ perch kits from RuffStuff to move the rear axle back 1-3 inches on both mine and Wylie's trucks. We will be doing a cut and fold on the rear fenders to make room for the tires on mine, like this.
http://www.ajsoffroadarmor.com/pages.php?pageid=12

Found some 400 amp circuit breakers to use for the winch and hope they will work good for it. Picked up 4 of them because they were cheap. If they work and get my thumbs up I will post up any extras I have.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/281239454037?lpid=82

[xaza]

While waiting for rear bumper decided to get next project in motion. Got the frame stiffener extensions and y-link from TnT customs. Should help me get a little more flex.

[xaza]

We managed to get a bit accomplished today. Got belly pan bolted up into place with t-case skid. Four of the bolt holes get re-used from cross member. The other 2 holes were drilled but not tapped. Unfortunately since mine had been reamed out we were not able to use hardware in kit for that. With taking t-case drop out that left my bolts too long so had to get some bolts.after setting belly pan into place and bolting 6 bolts in bottom had to place upper support brackets and t-case skid into place to make marks for holes. Belly pan has 2 bolts on each side that go through the frame with a crush sleeve and 2 more for t-case skid. Transferred marks from inside frame rail to outside and drilled the outside to 3/4" to accept sleeve. The outer support brackets were not needed since I have the 3/16" inch frame stiffeners but I used them anyway.

[xaza]

Managed to get a little more done. Have the control arms fitted in place and drivers side bracket has been removed. Lots of fun. Will have to do more work for frame stiffener extensions but have movement of control arm. Will likely need to trim more after flexing.

[Hypoid]

That looks like a pain in the arse! I guess I'm getting soft in my old age.

[Hypoid]

I just looked for pictures of your front axle. Based on what I see in those pictures, it would be a good idea to beef up the passenger side UCA mount. I welded a passenger side UCA mount back on a D-30 for a guy who was running the Y-link. After that repair, I heard of other people having the same problem.

One of the characteristics of radius arms, is that the axle wants to rotate as it cycles through its travel. The bracket for the factory four link, was never intended to bear that torsional load.

[Java]

Looks great!! those y-links are too cool.

[xaza]

Thanks Mike that helps a lot. Not sure if my mount is stronger than the D30 but wouldn't hurt to reinforce it now while welding in the frame stiffener extensions. Will be calling Jon (popsgarage) to set up a time for that. I did talk to him about a week ago and he is doing good. We are probably making it a lot harder on ourselves and making extra cuts trying to be careful and not cut frame. We are using a 3" cutting wheel, grinder and reciprocating saw depending on what will fit where. Should have the other mount off today and then can set the arms where we want them. Will try and get put back together and test drive today. 21 more minutes until the neighbors Jeep alarm clock goes off.

[Hypoid]

If the bracket is also welded on the inside, it is significantly stronger than stock. Boxing in the front would also help. I've seen pictures of the mount supported on the sides, like a mini truss. I'm not sure how far you need to go with your combo.

[ctracy5]

This looks great. Can't wait to see these trucks on the trails again.

[xaza]

Thanks Chris. Ironic I was watching our Metberry Run just last night and was thinking it's been a long time since we hit a trail together. Look forward to it. Got stuff set and just have to torque down all bolts and will be ready for test drive. Will finish up tomorrow when it is a bit warmer. Mount removal time was cut in half for passenger side. Looks like we will need to still do some trimming to get full flex. Need longer shocks or will have to mount limiter strap higher. On a side note learned how fast a grinder goes through a glove, oops. As for pictures, not really much. Brother being smart ass and saying "look he does work on his own truck". Daughter asking more questions and getting more involved.

[glacierpaul]

"Look He Does Work On His Own Truck".....
Turning Out Sweet Cliff, Can't Wait To Wheel With You Guys Again!

[Cr33p3r]

Looks like some nice upgrades Cliff.

[xaza]

Thanks Paul, look forward to gettin out with you again also. Got home at the same time as a delivery truck today, thanks Frank. Managed to get a little bit of wrenching and cussing in too. Had to remove the old bumper, hitch, gas tank skid and exhaust bracket. Installed the brackets and slid the bumper in place. The brackets were too long and had to be trimmed to allow the bumper to slide all the way in to align with holes. Still have to assemble tire carrier and mount it as well as put the gas tank skid back in, might get it done tomorrow if I am lucky. Sorry last pictures of bumper hung in place didn't turn out too good.

[Brucker]

Good looking pup!

I would compliment your handiwork as well, but as you said, the photos are tough to make out. Smittybilt Rear?

[xaza]

Thanks, yep the new Smittybilt.

[glacierpaul]

Sweet Cliff! How Is Chief?

[xaza]

He is doing great. Has been seizure free for over a year with one exception and that was because we missed a medicine time.