Front shock mounting hole in fender

[RVXJ]

Does anyone know what the hole in the front fender where the shock stem goes through should measure? When I was at the Jeep Jambo in Ark. last month I noticed my front end had a knock in it. Upon returning home the rubbers were squished out and the shocks were loose enough to move by hand. They were only 3 months old. I replaced them with some I found around the shop but then they were soon squeezing through the hole. I took everything off and measured the holes. They measure approx. .900". I thought that maybe they were wallowed out but both hole are the same size. Something seems wrong to me, like something is missing. Any help out there?

[cantab27]

can ya post a pic mate

[4x4Dalton]

Yeah a pic please. Only other thing I was thinkin was have you been wheelin on rocks alot? The constant flexin over the rocks somehow could have been moving front end back and forth to the point that it wallored the holes


Sent from my bulletproof iPhone using the Flapmyjaws app :)

[4.3LXJ]

They are supposed to be 5/8"

[XJ Wheeler]

Here's a pic of mine if it helps, best one i have of that area anyways.

884

[oderdene]

Seems bit bigger than 7/8". Guessing based on spec of shock mount converter:

http://tal4x4.com/jks-suspension-shock-mount-conversion-jeep-cherokee-comanche-wrangler/9601

[oderdene]

found a spec of bushing for XJ front upper:

1/2" thick, 1-3/8 OD, 3/8 ID for the stud, the raised area (fits into the hole in the body) is 3/32 tall, and has a diameter of 27/32".

So the hole diameter is 27/32"

[RVXJ]

Thanks for the replies. Did I mention, this is a 97 model if it makes any difference. As for the wallowed out theory, I thought so too until I measured both sides with a set of dial calipers. A nice round hole with the same measurements does not look like wallowing to me. The size is .025" over 7/8" which gives precidence to Oderdene's reply.
As for 4.3XJ's 5/8" answer, the rubber bushing (or what's left of it) that came with the shocks (from Rocky Road) that supposed to fit in between the fender well measures in @ 5/8" by tape measure.
So it seems that there is supposed to be a bushing that fits in the .900" hole that bushes it down to around 5/8". My question then becomes, is it supposed to be tacked on with a welder or is it just loose and comes out when the shock is removed? If this is the case, I can probably build some bushings and tack them in. And, where do I get new shock rubbers?

[RVXJ]

found a spec of bushing for XJ front upper:

1/2" thick, 1-3/8 OD, 3/8 ID for the stud, the raised area (fits into the hole in the body) is 3/32 tall, and has a diameter of 27/32".

So the hole diameter is 27/32"


Fits into the hole in the body .... from the top or bottom, tacked or loose?

[oderdene]

is it?

http://www.andysautosport.com/images/whiteline/w31408.jpg

http://www.andysautosport.com/jeep/1987_1996_cherokee/suspension/bushings/shock_bushings/whiteline/wtln00001075.html

[RVXJ]

is it?

http://www.andysautosport.com/images/whiteline/w31408.jpg

http://www.andysautosport.com/jeep/1987_1996_cherokee/suspension/bushings/shock_bushings/whiteline/wtln00001075.html

Perhaps, but I noticed they are for XJ's up to 96. I wonder why? What would be the difference? So many questions!

[4.3LXJ]

On second thought, that is 7/8". Brain fart. The bushings are supposed to be like Od shows above. They have a raised portion to fit the hole and not allow the shock shaft to touch metal. You may just not have the right bushings for your shocks.

[RVXJ]

On second thought, that is 7/8". Brain fart. The bushings are supposed to be like Od shows above. They have a raised portion to fit the hole and not allow the shock shaft to touch metal. You may just not have the right bushings for your shocks.

OK, so here is another question, If I go with the polyurethane bushings, Do I use them on top and retain the lower rubbers or go top and bottom? It looks as though with the shoulder (or raised portion) that fits in the fender to keep it centered I would only need to use them on the top. I'm not familiar with the polyurethane, I'm thinking they are harder than the rubber bushing. Will they squeeze down when tightening the nut & washer?

[4.3LXJ]

I am not sure I understand your question, but you sandwich the fender well between the two bushings. This insulates the shock from the body and the lower mount does the same for the axle.

[RVXJ]

I am not sure I understand your question, but you sandwich the fender well between the two bushings. This insulates the shock from the body and the lower mount does the same for the axle.

So I would need a set of 4. One under the fender and one on top on each shock? Does the poly compress much when tightening?

[RVXJ]

found a spec of bushing for XJ front upper:

1/2" thick, 1-3/8 OD, 3/8 ID for the stud, the raised area (fits into the hole in the body) is 3/32 tall, and has a diameter of 27/32".

So the hole diameter is 27/32"


Od,
Are these dimensions for the ones you are showing me from Andys auto sports?

[4.3LXJ]

So I would need a set of 4. One under the fender and one on top on each shock? Does the poly compress much when tightening?

They will compress. You want just a slight bulge in the sides.

[oderdene]

Od,
Are these dimensions for the ones you are showing me from Andys auto sports?

no, they found from google, but seems very close to andy's. Here is original manufacturer spec:

OD: 29.4 mm
ID: 10 mm
Length: 15 mm

http://www.whiteline.com.au/product_detail4.php?part_number=W21172&sans_vehicle=1

I guess both shoulder side of bushings will face to fender metal side, I mean shoulder of lower one faces up and upper one face down. They compress well on tightening. Please don't forget to insert washers on very top and bottom.

........... ______....._______ washer
..............[..................]
..............[................. ] upper bushing
--------------[.......]-----------
-------------- ........----------- fender sheet metal
--------------[.......]-----------
..............[..................]
..............[................. ] lower bushing
.......... _______....______ washer

[4.3LXJ]

Thanks Od

[RVXJ]

Thanks to everyone for their input. I have ordered a set from Rukse. I could not find a bushing on Whiteline's chart that showed a boss on the bushings for the XJ.
Ronaldo