Iron Man goodies

[Pink]

So I made a purchase a few days ago and I promised Andy that I'd do a writeup on the installation and pics of the use and abuse I will be putting them up to as well as my overall opinion of the products...
What I have put on order are these three items
Rear Adjustable shackles
http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Shackles/XJ_RLS.html

heavy duty track bar setup
http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Track_Bars/XJ_TRK_SYS.html

and his new design on Long arms with tcase skid replacement
http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ_Long_Arms/XJ_LAK.html

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr308/ibuildbigtoys/DCP_3729-1.jpg
This is the intro to the full install I should be getting these items on the weekend of the 12th or so ...
Once I get these items I will post pics ...
Warning Andy has told me these items will be in raw form and not poweder coated as they are prototypes and this will save $$$ for me.
either way paint is cheap and I know how to prep and paint!

[pingpong]

I like the looks of the x-member. I am asumming that his LOng arms are Radias arm style ones?

[Pink]

these specific ones are but he does have other style long arms But I have always liked the radius arm style

[GGXJ]

Doesn't seem like there will be much connecting your front suspension to the unibody? It seems like that would easily rip out of the unibody with the mounting surface being over such a small area, no? The piece itself looks pretty beefy, but I don't know.... I'm no fab man so maybe I'm wrong.

[Mudderoy]

Doesn't seem like there will be much connecting your front suspension to the unibody? It seems like that would easily rip out of the unibody with the mounting surface being over such a small area, no? The piece itself looks pretty beefy, but I don't know.... I'm no fab man so maybe I'm wrong.

It bolts and welds in. :patriot:

[pingpong]

I know most if not all setups like this just bolt in, but I ALWAYS weld my brackets to the frame. I dont sell my rigs after I mod them:D

[ironmanandy]

This cross member bolts with the 4 factory cross member holes, as well as 6 additional holes that get drilled through the pinch seam, as well as full welds to the perimeter of the outer mount. By doing so it is secured to all 4 pcs of the uni-body. for this to come apart would require the entire uni-body to come apart. Most cross member systems only utilize half of these.
Andy

[Pink]

As I sit anxiously awaiting the goodies I decided today to do some research and look into shocks... after much debate over cost and quality I decided to stick with pro comp ES9000 they have done pretty good aver the last three years on my jeep, after talking it over with the sales rep he informed me that rancho skyjacker and pro comp are all the same shock just a different sticker on em so I went that-a-way
total cost of shocks was 202.96cause I had to also get a stem eliminator kit cause the lift I was getting didnt give me the travel I was looking for.
I will post pics tomorrow I guess...
now the only thing I lack is 35's and an alignment

[Pink]

So I got to thinking today... there is NO way I can get by on 8 inches without an SYE right?!?!? that got me to thinking on a lift that high will the front DS from the front cherokee and the SYE still work or do I need a LONGER drive shaft than that?this is all adding up very fast I know that I really need to get 35's or even 36's which means stronger axles
which COULD mean different lug pattern which THEN means new wheels which will lead to brake system upgrades which means new.... Just Empty Every Pocket

[4.3LXJ]

Yeah, 5" is just about the limit without an SYE. You might end up needing a longer shaft with that height. However, consider that with 8" front and 6" rear, the Jeep will be level. This might be a little more doable for you.

[Pink]

well somebody MIGHT be able to educate me, What Im getting is the iron man adjustable shackles for the rear and I am going to use those with the dakota leaf pack that I currently have what I have up front is 4.5 RC tj coils and I plan on adding a 3 inch spacer to those, Somebody tell me what I SHOULD end up with... I COULD be sitting at 4 inches now but I think its closer to 5 inches

[4.3LXJ]

The front if my math is correct will be 5.5" Rear is debatable. I'm not sure how the Dadota pack comes out for lift.

[Pink]

when I first installed it it was about same height but with the addition of so many tools out back the rear sits a little lower than the front.... its kinda ugly like that

[4.3LXJ]

It's the prerunner look :D

[Pink]

no if it comes out that way i will drop it out of the front and make it equal... personally its ugly IMO

[XJ4IV]

so I talked with the wifey and I go the " go ahead" for these bad boys http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/krawler-t-a-kx.jpg
looking at 35/12.50's WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO my wife rocks

[ironmanandy]

Thats awesome! where you getting them? I was under the impression they were hard to come by

[4.3LXJ]

I like those too. I see a set in my future too.

[XJ4IV]

Thats awesome! where you getting them? I was under the impression they were hard to come by

theres a local guy here in HOU that will finance them 90 days same as cash deal
Lookin at about 325 per tire... DAMN thats high, oh well this might be the last set I buy for several years so might as well get the good ones huh

[alwaysxj]

i wish i could get those.... damn you.

[XJ4IV]

please don't damn me... i'm damn near shaking hands with the devil to make these things happen lol AND im scared as it is

[Mudderoy]

please don't damn me... i'm damn near shaking hands with the devil to make these things happen lol AND im scared as it is

Dude you need to be careful what you say. One post you talk about your wife giving you the "go ahead" and another post you talk about making deals with the devil. :smiley-laughing021:

[4.3LXJ]

Credit card smoking?

[96xj]

$325 a tire ? that must be a typo ?

[XJ4IV]

35'' krawlers run about that.... or more
http://www.4wheelparts.com/prodDetail.aspx?partno=BFG44690

[Mudderoy]

35'' krawlers run about that.... or more
http://www.4wheelparts.com/prodDetail.aspx?partno=BFG44690

Thanks for the link, but you are fricking insane! $325 a tire! Get some of those CTM u-joints while you are at it. And I thought $175 a tire was high. :rotfl2: :patriot:

[XJ4IV]

Credit card smoking?

What credit card? this is how I roll, I sell stuff to buy stuffand invest a little more hard earned cash to get more product, for instance I took some scrap aluminum to the scarp yard and got 117 bucks one week the next week I cleared another 50 bucks and tossed in about 25 from the bank and bought my shocks.
the goodies are from selling a handfull of items i no longer used for the jeep.
the tires... I justified that there is no carpayment therefore I can get these tires over a 4 month time frame and they will last me a few years...
the 231 conversion... Im still working on that issue

[XJ4IV]

Thanks for the link, but you are fricking insane! $325 a tire! Get some of those CTM u-joints while you are at it. And I thought $175 a tire was high. :rotfl2: :patriot:

yeah I think if I can swing that I might just get creepy crawlers instead and still save a few bucks... I didnt realize the HUGE difference between the km2' and the krawlers
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92612_0XX_PG.htm

[Mudderoy]

yeah I think if I can swing that I might just get creepy crawlers instead and still save a few bucks... I didnt realize the HUGE difference between the km2' and the krawlers
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92612_0XX_PG.htm

What about the beadlocks, are you doing to do those?

[TeXJ]

he doesnt need beadlocks

[Mudderoy]

he doesnt need beadlocks

:smiley-laughing021: define NEED :rotfl2:

[TeXJ]

:smiley-laughing021: define NEED :rotfl2:

:D we dont need a jeep :eek:

[4.3LXJ]

You have that wrong. I want a lot of things, but I need a Jeep. Bad weather and such demands a good vehicle. I always have at least one functional 4WD

[Mudderoy]

You have that wrong. I want a lot of things, but I need a Jeep. Bad weather and such demands a good vehicle. I always have at least one functional 4WD

Oh I agree the Jeep is needed, all the fancy stuff on it isn't. :pee:

[4.3LXJ]

Oh I agree the Jeep is needed, all the fancy stuff on it isn't. :pee:

Not true, I need it all. It is all functional and needed. Since I am getting to be an old fart, I don't hike as much any more. So I need to drive where I used to hike. You know, places like Fordyce. Yes I did hike it, got paid for it too.

[BlueXJ]

Sweet, how did you manage to get paid?

[XJ4IV]

thread thieves

[Mudderoy]

thread thieves

:sign0101: :modpower:

[4.3LXJ]

Sweet, how did you manage to get paid?

Worked for the Forest Service. My job was to find the original section corners established in the 1880s. I have been a number of places no one has been since then. Found original campsites they used etc. Started my antique bottle collection at 18 years of age.

Leaped Fordyce Creek in a single bound too! Really.

[BlueXJ]

That would be a great job to have, I'm jealous!

[4.3LXJ]

It was great. I was very fortunate to have it. The Tahoe National forest is steeped in history, I stumbled across it almost every day at work. And since I worked for the Supervisors office, I made it over the whole forest.

[XJ4IV]

Guess What is IN MY HANDS so far...
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/IMG_5770.jpg
YAY im soooo excited... I gotta get started on the 231 SYE deal and see what I need to do about getting a longer driveshaft

[Mudderoy]

Guess What is IN MY HANDS so far...
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/IMG_5770.jpg
YAY im soooo excited... I gotta get started on the 231 SYE deal and see what I need to do about getting a longer driveshaft

Wait is this a trick question?

:smiley-taunt001: :rotfl2:

[XJ4IV]

you dork!!!

[msmoorenburg]

Guess What is IN MY HANDS so far...
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/IMG_5770.jpg
YAY im soooo excited... I gotta get started on the 231 SYE deal and see what I need to do about getting a longer driveshaft



All the fancy parts and no Jeep :smiley-scared002:

[XJ4IV]

All the fancy parts and no Jeep :smiley-scared002:

sounds like my first stereo system... I had the nice amps and two ten inch subs...sitting in my bedroom with no car to put em in...:(

[XJ4IV]

Sent to me today from Andy's phone... http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/0910101757a.jpg

[cantab27]

dang , me get-tin jealous, cant wait to see updates as it arrives

[TeXJ]

very nice, i like! /borat

[OrangeXJ]

Hurry up and get them on. I want to see if you can get over the log.

[XJ4IV]

Which one???? and we should honestly wait until I see about geting the new tires installed too... BUT with the height im hitting I should be able to cross most the waters out there and still keep my body of my jeep dry!!!

[OrangeXJ]

The log coming out of the creek. It's been kicking most every one's a$$ lately.

[XJ4IV]

ohhhhhh... I havent been out there since you last saw me....

[TeXJ]

ohhhhhh... I havent been out there since you last saw me....

me neither :sad0147:

[XJ4IV]

lol but youve been wheeling since.... its been a while since Ive been out!

[TeXJ]

lol but youve been wheeling since.... its been a while since Ive been out!

dont forget we went wheeling in the honda! :driving:

[XJ4IV]

now that was funny! I still havent posted that pic of the XJ we saw at the walmart... I gotta find it and make a thread

[TeXJ]

now that was funny! I still havent posted that pic of the XJ we saw at the walmart... I gotta find it and make a thread

sent ya another pic of it lol

[XJ4IV]

ITS ALL HERE!!!!!!!!!! Christmas came early in the XJ4IV household
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5854.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5855.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5856.jpg

So here is everything I got from Ironman...
the Adjustable rear Shackles
the heavy duty Trac bar setup with frame bracing
the heavy duty long arm kit
and the new 3 piece cross member for transfercase

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5857.jpg

LET THE FUN BEGIN!

[Mudderoy]

Congrats! Be sure and take lots of pictures.

[XJ4IV]

oh I will..... I gotta see about scheduling some wrench time next weekend at matts place!

[rugidone]

When your done looking at my parts, can I have them back?

[TeXJ]

When your done looking at my parts, can I have them back?

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

looks good mang!

now on to the pics of the install :D

[XJ4IV]

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

looks good mang!

now on to the pics of the install :D

Next weekend most likely

[TeXJ]

cool, oh bruce asked how you're doing and said hi.

[XJ4IV]

ok after MUCH long awaited anticipation I have started the build up of the ole XJ again with Andys fun parts... The other day I started applying my mixture of ATF and Acetone... it worked GREAT... after removing all but one shackle bolts I was QUITE impressed with the performance of the stuff... ANYhow back to the Ironman goodies...
I actually had to try and cut the bolt out for the last shackle bolt which I went through two sawzall blades and three batteries... I broke out the ole welder and burned that stupid factory welded nut back in place... Once removed I then started the UPgrade process... here are a few pics of the work performed today.
previous lift factory shackles
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5908.jpg
Working on passenger side first
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5905.jpg
There, got THAT side finished now
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5906.jpg
now the other side installed
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5910.jpg
Got me some new shocks... this time it looks as though 4Wheel parts got the right ones for my application
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5909.jpg
Now you can see the difference in ride height...
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5907.jpg
After takig a close look at thie pic... its clear I need to get wider axles
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5911.jpg
A couple of night shots...
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5912.jpg
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5913.jpg

I intend on finishing out the whole project tomorrow as I have finished all my Job related work for the week and now Im waiting on materials so I figured Id pat myself on the back with a nice full day dedicated to the XJ... Pray that all my OE bolts and nuts come loose without a hitch!
IF I finish this in a timely manner I will bring the jeep in for an alignment...
Remember I still have the Cross member to install, the Longarms, the front coil spacers, the front shocks, and the new track bar setup... I should be QUITE busy tomorrow.
Thanks for looking and again THANKS ANDY

[cantab27]

that's a cool looking set up , not seen anything like that down here .... watching with interest , cool looking jeep as it sits as well ....

[XJ4IV]

Thank you sir!... I bought this jeep second owner (first owner had it bouncing around in his family for a few years) but basically everything that ISNT factory I have done myself with the exception of the rear bumper I had a shop in north dallas build that little gem.
its getting ready to get a FULL makover including color and some interior mods as well...
I gotta figure something out for speakers overhead.

[cantab27]

i like what i am seeing scott ......

[cj4a nz]

love the build and doing most of it YOURSELF which I believe it is all about,
for you drive shaft,once you have finished your lift
cut the current one in half,slide piece of tubing (can buy special driveshaft tube) or heavy walled exhaust tube over the old one while still on xj then weld in place have seen it done that way before after it was twisted in half!!!! (hope that makes sense,does in my head)
tractor grip duals with big v8 and heavy boot in the mud look like fun for 3 seconds


now to make a set of shackles for cantab27 :cool: :smiley-laughing021:
oh re over head speaker there is and outfit in aussie that makes them not sure about for jeep's,will post link when I remember who they are

[XJ4IV]

... REALLY digging the idea for the driveshaft I really need a quick fix before I dump another ton of cash into a different T-case and SYE kit and new DS... so this bit of knowledge will most likely be put to use for a little while... I gotta measure the DS on my dodge durango as I think it is a hair longer and I could snag on from a JY pretty easily as well

[4.3LXJ]

Those shackles look interesting. Why didn't I think of that?

[Mudderoy]

i like what i am seeing scott ......

Remember this stuff is from the mind of IronmanAndy. To see all of his "public" thoughts check out his website http://ironman4x4fab.com (http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/XJ_Inventory.html)

[Mudderoy]

I almost missed the pictures. Silly software took me to the last page when I clicked the view last post.

This is great. I'm going to remind you of something that is probably already weighing heavily on your mind. SYE! You're going to get all this nice stuff on your Jeep, want to try it and and you're going to drop a drive shaft.

Update: Just read the SYE post. Sounds like you are on top of it. You're still going to have a steep angle problem on the u-joint though, right? So shims for the rear axle?

[msmoorenburg]

fyi you can get your driveshaft cut and rewelded for 100ish

[Mudderoy]

Hey lets see some close up pictures of the changes that have been made on the sliders and rear bumper. That looks pretty good, certainly better than before.

[XJ4IV]

I almost missed the pictures. Silly software took me to the last page when I clicked the view last post.

This is great. I'm going to remind you of something that is probably already weighing heavily on your mind. SYE! You're going to get all this nice stuff on your Jeep, want to try it and and you're going to drop a drive shaft.

Update: Just read the SYE post. Sounds like you are on top of it. You're still going to have a steep angle problem on the u-joint though, right? So shims for the rear axle?

I shimmed the rear axle a few weeks back at matts house with 4 degree shims so Im ok there and Im taking the advice from a new zealander and Im cutting the rear shaft in half and sleeving it for now but yes SYE is definitely in the works!

[XJ4IV]

Hey lets see some close up pictures of the changes that have been made on the sliders and rear bumper. That looks pretty good, certainly better than before.

ummm ok but those pics will come later tonight... Im about to hit the pavement... literally on my back and start removing all the front components but yes I will post pics of every corner of my XJ

[Mudderoy]

ummm ok but those pics will come later tonight... Im about to hit the pavement... literally on my back and start removing all the front components but yes I will post pics of every corner of my XJ

Oh sure, first things first. I was just letting you know what would be interesting to see.

[TeXJ]

WOW!! looking good man!

[XJ4IV]

okay sooooo I NOW know what a HARD DAYS WORK is all about... I can really tell my old age is catching up to me...
So without further adieu
I had to use my pipe bender to get the jack up high enough to push the tranny up a little bit

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5914.jpg

Here is the new cross member installed... I had to do a little modification here as the cross member holes that mount to the transmission with the 4 little studs were just a LITTLE off, I tried flipping the tranny bracket around and had a bigger gap so my solution was simple ... I hacked the 4 factory studs off and redrilled NEW holes into the factory bracket to later tap and bolt in.
As you can see here I didnt get all the way finished today... I spent a good 4 hours crawling around under the jeep on my back thank the lord is was not that hot today...
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5915.jpg

You can see with this picture how the three pieces bolt together to form a STRONG piece and a great little "tummy tuck" as this skid sits closer to the body by about 1.5 inches and you still maintain the factory location on the top side for the transmission... its also MUCH stronger than OE
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5917.jpg

for those of you wondering how strong the mounting is... well as you can see it utilizes the original skid plate bolts as well as an additional three bolts on each side which get drilled out of the pinch seam and then bolted together.
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5919.jpg

all bolted together
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5920.jpg

now on to the next item for installation, the Heavy Duty track bar system incorporating a frame support.

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5921.jpg

This item has several of you guys wondering how this "extra bar" mounts... I called andy a few days back to confirm how the install would take place and what it calls for is the upper bar or the frame support to be mounted on the passenger side by using the streering gear box location for our over seas friends...
A picture is worth a thousand words.
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5922.jpg

here she is all bolted together both top and bottom portions, I had a little alignment issues on the frame side so I had to make a few tweaks otherwise known as "manipulation"
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5924.jpg

All thats left is to install the control arms and the spring spacers then we are set and ready to break the weak points lol
I may finish this tomorrow but Im pretty worn out from today... its been a while since I crawled under the jeep for a few hours...
and just for tony I also had to throw this in there, a few weeks ago I got a hold of some 1" DOM and put it to good use. I was pretty tired of backing into things offroad and not having the main purpose of a BUMPER so I decided to install these... its more like a cushion than anything else... and for those of you wondering YES I did leave enough room to get the hitch pin in and out
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5929.jpg

Also had enough to add some sliders onto the rocker rails
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5930.jpg

and for those wondering I installed these with more room in the back so I could bring in my exo cage to this portion.
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5931.jpg
thats it for today sooo stay tuned for the rest of the upgrades!

[cantab27]

sweet scott ,,, cheers cant wait for pics when it hits the trails again ...nice work mate

[alwaysxj]

looks like you had a good day.... nice.

[XJ4IV]

sweet scott ,,, cheers cant wait for pics when it hits the trails again ...nice work mate
A MILD run to come this weekend!!! dont wanna break everything yet LOL

[Mudderoy]

I sure do like that cross member. What about a transfer case skid though?

[XJ4IV]

didnt get one... Ill most likely build one myself something easy to remove... but probably not until I swap to a 231 case

[OrangeXJ]

A MILD run to come this weekend!!! dont wanna break everything yet LOL

Where you going?:driving:

[cj4a nz]

looking good meant to say last nite do you have a double cardan joint in you drive shaft or are the angles at the uj's ok ?
as for the speakers have a look at www.consoles.com.au and www.4wdinteriors.com.au not sure if this is what you were looking at but there's my 5 cents worth
Warren

[XJ4IV]

Where you going?:driving:

creekside are you coming??? I meant to do a thread but I been pretty busy... see who else can come

[XJ4IV]

looking good meant to say last nite do you have a double cardan joint in you drive shaft or are the angles at the uj's ok ?
as for the speakers have a look at www.consoles.com.au and www.4wdinteriors.com.au not sure if this is what you were looking at but there's my 5 cents worth
Warren

man I really gotta rethink what I put in my tool box for my jeep
ALL I have is tools perhaps I should put one of these in there
http://www.consoles.com.au/Images/Main%20Index%20Page%20Images/Rear_Storage_Drawers_Large.jpg

[TeXJ]

Can't wait to see some flex shots! Hey fart knocker answer your txt :D

[XJ4IV]

lol no sir no arms installed today... Im beat plus I got work at 2:00

[OrangeXJ]

creekside are you coming??? I meant to do a thread but I been pretty busy... see who else can come

I'll go need to test the new transfer case chain. I'll post it up.

[OrangeXJ]

lol no sir no arms installed today... Im beat plus I got work at 2:00

I did not see this are you going to be ready to go?

[ironmanandy]

Hey man, It looks great! I am really stoked to see that everything is on your jeep except the long arms. I will steal some of these pics for my site LOL. PLease make sure you weld that cross member to the frame on the outside edges. Puleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeze weld it!!!! It grabs every part of the uni body frame when you do so.
Everything looks killer.
Andy

[ironmanandy]

Here is my super technical. Highly advanced and ever hourly slaved over image of where you really should weld your brackets on:

http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr308/ibuildbigtoys/scottscrossmember.jpg

Thanks
A

[Pink]

ok LOL im trying to sell off old parts so I can go buy a lincoln welder... father in law works for lowes... we get good deals!!! hey I had to drive the jeep today to work and I noticed only ONE issue... the bacl of the passenger side crossmember touches the exhaust pipe... not sure if mine is tweaked or what but I think I might need to grind about 1/4 inch away on the corner of it...
Right here you can see its EVER soooo close, when the engine idles and on startup it viberates onto the exhaust pipe
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5917.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Instead of grinding that nice finish, why not use a few washers to lift the tranny tcase and associated exhaust bracket 1/4"?

[Pink]

cause Im dumb and didnt think of that

[Pink]

ok So I got the Lower arms in today and I went to get my cutoff wheel and..... WHERE THE HELL IS IT????? I ransacked the house and CANNOT find the thing, In order to really go over 3 mph I need to remove the upper frame mounts and... I cant, my sawall blades are shot so I gotta wait until tomorrow to hit up the old lowes store and replace my grinder/ cutoff wheel
WORD TO THE WISE: IFFFFFFFF you can afford to have somebody do this for you, i HIGHLY suggest you do so unless you have access to a lift, I made the mistake of removing BOTH factory lowers only to have the whole axle roll backwards which TOTALLY defeated the concept of what I was doing.
NEXT problem I ran into I had to trim some of the lower shock mount off to make clearance for the arms as well.
NEXT problem I ran into was it got dark too soon so I had to call it a day.
Pros:
I got the arms extended out long enough to where I dont have to re-adjust them once I put my spacers in
I made the needed cuts on the lower shock mounts to make for long travel lengths
All I have left to do is toss in spacers uppers and shocks...
THANK GOD!!!

[Pink]

other PROS:
I got my trackbar sold for 130 dollars
I got a guy coming tomorrow to take the previous lower arms! and I scrapped some material last week to land another 100 bucks
anybody know the quality of this welder?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_256722-1703-K2480-1_0__?productId=1072945&Ntt=lincoln+welder&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dlincoln%2Bwelder

[alwaysxj]

i use that same welder i have used it for a couple of years now. i did build my long arms with it. the trick is to turn the heat up and go slow. i got a dang good deal on mine.... one grinder and discs and welder and wire $300 priceless.... some one bought it to weld something and then returned it nothing wrong with it.

[Pink]

wish I could find that deal LOL perhaps I should BUY it then return it... THEN buy it back cheaper.... so does it weld like REALLY strong welds? like I used a Hobart handler 140 to make my front bumper and I used it to lift my whole front end off the ground... I was pretty happy with the results and I want something comparable and since dad works for lowes I figure I cant go wrong with a 10% discount...

[ironmanandy]

let me see some pics of where it hits the shock mounts
Thanks
A

[alwaysxj]

wish I could find that deal LOL perhaps I should BUY it then return it... THEN buy it back cheaper.... so does it weld like REALLY strong welds? like I used a Hobart handler 140 to make my front bumper and I used it to lift my whole front end off the ground... I was pretty happy with the results and I want something comparable and since dad works for lowes I figure I cant go wrong with a 10% discount...

if you take your time and know how to weld with flux core then you will be fine.
when i first got it, i could not weld anything to save my life with it.... And i know how to weld i worked as a welder. i had just never used flux core.
But now that i have welded with it for a couple of years it is not bad.

[XJ4IV]

ok SORRY for no pic updates but today AFTER work I was able to hack off the factory lower control arm mounts.... I went and bought a new ryobi grinder for 30 bucks and HD
funny thing is... I ended up using my sawzall WORD TO THE WISE : DOOOO NOT BUY "DIABLO" brand reciprocating saw blades, they totally SUCK... I used three to cut a bolt the other day and today I bought some rigid brand ones and I cut both lower arm mounts off with one blade.
ANYHOW soooo all thats left tomorrow is I gotta grind off one bolt from the factory upper control arm on passenger side ( already did driver side) then pull out the arm ... I already installed the upper arm to the lower arm I just gotta get the factory one out of the way then I just toss in the spacers...
Shocks are in up front. I had to stop working as it was after 10 and basically I couldnt go any further without using the grinder so I called it a night... PICS TOMORROW

[cantab27]

sounds like a good day mate ,,, will be waiting for pics

[alwaysxj]

x2 on the pics.....:popcorn::camera::camera:

[TeXJ]

X3 on the pics :D

[XJ4IV]

taking a little longer than anticipated.... I had the apartment manager come out the last two days to tell me that I MIGHT be getting a leasing violation cause Im not allowed to work on my vehicles... at any rate today is sunday and they close at 5 so guess what I will be doing at 5:15... to those of us who have earlier model XJ's I HATE TORX HEAD SCREWS... whose freaking idea was that at jeep/chrysler? and not only do they SUCK but WHO is the jackhole who decided to torque them so tight you HAVE to grind em off...UGH
anyhow I have one more upper to install then to FLEX her out and get the spacers installed hope I can get all this crap done today, it ruined my weekend plans... well so did WORK lol
LOOK FOR PICS TONIGHT about 10 central time... thats 8 for pacific time folks.

[Mudderoy]

taking a little longer than anticipated.... I had the apartment manager come out the last two days to tell me that I MIGHT be getting a leasing violation cause Im not allowed to work on my vehicles... at any rate today is sunday and they close at 5 so guess what I will be doing at 5:15... to those of us who have earlier model XJ's I HATE TORX HEAD SCREWS... whose freaking idea was that at jeep/chrysler? and not only do they SUCK but WHO is the jackhole who decided to torque them so tight you HAVE to grind em off...UGH
anyhow I have one more upper to install then to FLEX her out and get the spacers installed hope I can get all this crap done today, it ruined my weekend plans... well so did WORK lol
LOOK FOR PICS TONIGHT about 10 central time... thats 8 for pacific time folks.

I was wondering about that when I heard you were working on it at the apartment. Especially with that cuttoff wheel.

[XJ4IV]

OK OK OK here is the final product...
This was yesterday cuttin off the lower mounts and the arsenal I had available
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5936.jpg

Gone!!!
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5937.jpg

Pretty Flexy if you ask me
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5938.jpg

even with the spacers in I can FULLY unload the coils... awesome
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5939.jpg

heres another shot underneath
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5940.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5941.jpg

heres a pretty cool under shot
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5944.jpg

drivers side pretty stuff
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5945.jpg

Passenger side pretty stuff new shocks coil spacers long arms and ... uhhh bolts
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5946.jpg

another shot from underneath
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5947.jpg

I dont have much real wheelin at my local area so I took the opportunity at a nearby field and took some flex shots....
Pretty impressive for a dirt mound
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5950.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5951.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5952.jpg

remember I installed these last week?!?!? they help out too
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5953.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5954.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5955.jpg

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5956.jpg

thats it for a WHILE... except for some paint and DEFINITELY a good interior cleaning
here she is all lifted up and looking beefy
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5957.jpg

I wanted to also ask:
Andy look here on the crossmember side where the lower mounts, there is a lot of play in the side to side which make for some serious rattles,
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5940.jpg

is it possible to put washers on each side of the joint to make it stay centered? and not slide side to side, I will use smaller washers to not interfere with the joint movement but basically drivability of it is great other than the rattles... no death wobble alignment is pretty much RIGHT on I might need a basic alignment but as far as castor Im good all adjustments are equal side to side.
I took her up to about 60 and no vibes related to alignment and oddly enough the rear DS there is NO WOBBLE of the ujoint... guess Im ok with no SYE right away.
Anybody thats wanting to ask questions PLEASE do so I have driven it pretty good today and I feel this is road worthy but please let me know any questions you have and I will put it to the test!
and again THANKS A MILLION ANDY!!!
IRONMAN ROCKS!

[Mudderoy]

Is the front drive shaft really shifted that far to the driver's side?

[XJ4IV]

ummmmmm its in the same location as before any upgrades... just a little more angled cause of the lift

THOUGH I just remembered... I didnt adjust the trackbar for the slight lift... those spacers really only gave me like 1.5 inches not the three as I wanted but its whatever!

[TeXJ]

Looks good man!

[oderdene]

wooow, yeah ironman rocks and you tooo. Thanks for photos.

[ironmanandy]

I need to know the gap of the spacing for the joints I completely forgot about that. those are a shorter center ball setup that with the use of spacers allows for side to side adjustment.

give me a call tomorrow and let me know the width of the gap.
Andy

[XJ4IV]

its about a 1/4 inch but Ill put a tape on it tomorrow

[cantab27]

i want ....thats all i have to say ............ cool work scott

[Mudderoy]

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5940.jpg

Well it may be what you are sitting on (non level ground) or an optical illusion but I see a problem here.

Your axle looks shifted because of the angle on the pinion and the leaning of the spring.

[XJ4IV]

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5940.jpg

Well it may be what you are sitting on (non level ground) or an optical illusion but I see a problem here.

Your axle looks shifted because of the angle on the pinion and the leaning of the spring.

OHHHHHH ok I follow ya, the reason the DS looks off is how Im sitting and the reason the COIL looks tilted.... is cause it IS this pic is with the coil fully unloaded therefor its just leaning on the bump stop shaft not pushing up on the coil pad like normal.... here is a pic
this is of the passenger side but the driver side is same thing
tilted

http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5938.jpg

[XJ4IV]

see here... everything is lined back up the way it should be
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo167/seivey/Ironman%204X4%20Fab%20equipment/IMG_5951.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Ok cool. I mean it's only important how you think it is, but I was just concerened enough to point out something that you may not have noticed. :patriot:

[cantab27]

paint it red ,,, everyone happy ...lol.....sorry

[XJ4IV]

no sir Im goin desert sand for color and leaving bumpers and hood vents and sliders black
It will look like this color
http://www.ericsxj.com/paint/5158.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Anyone for camo?

[cantab27]

good choice i reckon mate

[Mudderoy]

This would be bad a$$ scott...

http://newsblaze.com/pix/2008/0330/pix/M1114-humvee.jpg

[XJ4IV]

no camp for this soldier lol