Ben and Kami’s TJ Overhaul
- Thread starter benjy
- Start date
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- Tags
- build thread
Bumper and raised frame looking a lot like this:http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=48627&d=1251596247
thats called good taste.
thats called good taste.
Thanks Shawn!
I had to draw inspiration from somewhere. I almost sent you a PM a few days ago to ask if I could come check out how it mounted to the frame, but I ended up calling Casey instead Dude, I understand the whole burned out stage, trust me,,, after months of building you ask yourself... wtf!!! Trust me... it's worth it. Just keep plugging a way.. it is worth it. I have wheeled with you.... you need this.. well, may be She needs this.
I need to start thinking about steering. The only part I'm really concerned about is the ram mounting location. I'm thinking I'll mount it similar to this, only with the tie rod mounted under the knuckle, and the ram above.
Will the stock ford knuckle be able to handle this?
Recent progress: The front axle is all setup, a friend came over last weekend and setup the 5.13s and the detroit, and I installed the Yukon 35 spline alloy shafts, "super" joints, and Yukon drive flanges... I've also made some good progress on the seat mounts. That's been a fun project considering I'm 6'1" and Kami is 5'3", and we'll be driving about 50/50. I'll be using PRP sliders.
No real picture worthy progress, but here ya go
So true
Will the stock ford knuckle be able to handle this?
Recent progress: The front axle is all setup, a friend came over last weekend and setup the 5.13s and the detroit, and I installed the Yukon 35 spline alloy shafts, "super" joints, and Yukon drive flanges... I've also made some good progress on the seat mounts. That's been a fun project considering I'm 6'1" and Kami is 5'3", and we'll be driving about 50/50. I'll be using PRP sliders.
No real picture worthy progress, but here ya go
She needs this.
So true
- Location
- Fruita, CO
I need to start thinking about steering. The only part I'm really concerned about is the ram mounting location. I'm thinking I'll mount it similar to this, only with the tie rod mounted under the knuckle, and the ram above.
Will the stock ford knuckle be able to handle this?
The weak link of the ford knuckle is the upper half(they are thin just below the kingpin area). Most failures caused by hydro are when the ram is mounted to hi-steer arms and all the force is applied to the top of the knuckle. Running the ram to the stock steering arm is the strongest way to do it. I ran my tie rod on my high steer arms and put my ram on the stock location on the knuckle..... and just built a bash guard for it. It lasted through 4 years of hard abuse. Heck, it outlasted the rest of the jeep.:greg:
Let me know if I can help you out with any hydro steering parts or any other questions.
I agree with Clemsonkrawler. I Lean has been educating me about stock ford knuckles a little bit and made a good point about the vast majority of failures or cracks were from high-steer arms. If you use the stock arm location and add some bracing or extra material, you should be set!
The only thing I would do different is make one of those tabs between the ram heim a little thicker and gusset it all the way back down the arm. Also - remember to throw knuckle into a bucket of sand after welding so it doesn't crack up at the welds when it cools.
The only thing I would do different is make one of those tabs between the ram heim a little thicker and gusset it all the way back down the arm. Also - remember to throw knuckle into a bucket of sand after welding so it doesn't crack up at the welds when it cools.
That was fast. Thanks for the tips.
On another note, I've tried to outline everything I have left to set some realistic goals, and it looks like I'll be able to get it out and tested by mid-late November :greg: Then I'll let all the little stuff drag out all winter
On another note, I've tried to outline everything I have left to set some realistic goals, and it looks like I'll be able to get it out and tested by mid-late November :greg: Then I'll let all the little stuff drag out all winter
waynehartwig
www.jeeperman.com
- Location
- Mead, WA
Also, don't forget to take out the steering stops on the knuckles - adjust the ram so it does lock to lock. Otherwise you could easily blow the knuckle off if it's on the stop and your still trying to turn.
big cherokee
a.r.c fabrication
- Location
- layton
looking good ben and kami,
let me know on the test run would love to get out and wheel some more this year.
let me know on the test run would love to get out and wheel some more this year.
turbohaulic
I don't know it just is!
- Location
- Hyde Park, UT
Wheeeew! Gotta love them tires
- Location
- The Land Northward (Bountiful), Utah
Yes and no. Yes limit the travel with the ram, but also with the steering stops front and back of the knuckle. Running into a rock at an angle will deflect the steering knuckle past where you set the ram limits.
(at least this is what bobby long recommends)
waynehartwig
www.jeeperman.com
- Location
- Mead, WA
Makes a lot of sense. But I don't think that would cause any carnage? It definately won't ruin the ram.
A lot of progress has been made since the last update. Driver's seat has been mounted, tranny mount is done (no belly pan yet), cage and suspension was all burned in, fuel cell was wired, plumbed and mounted, and we fired her up for the first time in a year and a half. We were worried about how she would run after removing all the emissions stuff, but she started right up and ran pretty well (at 12:30am with no exhaust... our neighbors love us)
The other major step was getting the coils in. It's hard to get an overall shot in the garage, but here she is:
It looks like a monster truck to me after sitting at full bump for the last few months. The front axle is on jackstands, so that also makes it look a little taller. I'm hoping it settles about 2", as the coils are adjusted all the way up. We're at 6'6" to the top of the cage, 22" belly height, and 5.5" of up travel.
Steering, stopping, and all the little stuff is all thats left.
The other major step was getting the coils in. It's hard to get an overall shot in the garage, but here she is:
It looks like a monster truck to me after sitting at full bump for the last few months. The front axle is on jackstands, so that also makes it look a little taller. I'm hoping it settles about 2", as the coils are adjusted all the way up. We're at 6'6" to the top of the cage, 22" belly height, and 5.5" of up travel.
Steering, stopping, and all the little stuff is all thats left.
chadschoon
Well-Known Member
- Location
- lehi
good job there cliff, she looks like a dream... the coils will sag a bit too so she will drop a bit. Did that fuel line work???
Sure did, I owe you!
So what did you end up doing about all those big gaps?
Filled 'em. It's not pretty, but they're not visible, and it should hold up.
- Location
- The Land Northward (Bountiful), Utah
pretty slick Ben.