Lower suspension arm

[AK]

I have a 91XJ with a 3 inch lift. My son hit a rock and bent the right lower suspenson arm bracket that is welded to the axle. this shifted the front axle 3 inches to the right. My question is can we have the bracket removed and rewelded or do we need a new axle... Thanks

[Mudderoy]

I have a 91XJ with a 3 inch lift. My son hit a rock and bent the right lower suspenson arm bracket that is welded to the axle. this shifted the front axle 3 inches to the right. My question is can we have the bracket removed and rewelded or do we need a new axle... Thanks

Yes, but I would check the track bar first. I think it is likely that in addition to the lower control arm bracket being bent the track bar is more likely the culprit to the axle not being centered under the body.

It may be cheaper and easier to replace the track bar with an adjustable one. This would allow you to re-center the axle.

It would be helpful if you could post some pictures of the damage.

[AK]

Thanks.. I'll get the pics sent later today

[Firemanray]

I agree with Tony, I don't think you could bend an axle end LCA bracket enough to move the axle 3" wihtout tearing it completly off of the axle. Check track bar and mounts.

X2 on picutres.

[AK]

I know there will be more things bent.. I was concerned with the bracket.

[Firemanray]

Just straighten the bracket as long as it's not cracked or ripped it will be fine.

[AK]

Can't figure out how to send pics.. No computer smarts

[AK]

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=342&pictureid=2761

[AK]

im learning

[Firemanray]

Follow this link:http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=174

[AK]

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=342&pictureid=2762

Bent bracket

[bluedragon436]

Yeah those are def. some messed up brackets right there.. I would recommend removing them and getting a set of aftermarket ones such as the ones from Rusty's (http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=rustys&Product_Code=RC-LCM1&Category_Code=BP-B_S) or IRO (http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-SLCAB&Category_Code=).. I would def. be checking some other items out too as far as being tweaked.. And I wouldn't make use of those stock brackets, one because you'll never get them straight again, and two because even if you do, they will bend way easier the next time, if not break off..

[4.3LXJ]

James is right, it would be tough to get those straight again, and the would be weak if you do. If you could get them straight, weld a plate across there to reinforce it.

[bigjim350]

I agree with getting a new bracket. I am also very impressed with your son to get that kind of rock damage in FL.

[Mudderoy]

http://www.xjtalk.com/picture.php?albumid=342&pictureid=2762

Bent bracket

:wow: I'm glad you posted that just because. I see your concern.

Yep good call on your part. He must have really hit it hard.

[AK]

His story was rock in a mud hole.. not sure if it was a rock, stump, or what ever. I'm just glad my little red neck was in the woods jackin around rather than on the street.
So... New bracket from rustys both left and right... check track bar... and look for other tweeked parts.. I'm justed pissed I wasn't invited..
Thanks. I'll let ya'll know once we get it on the lift...

[bluedragon436]

Can't blame you for being pissed for not being invited to the fun... I would recommend picking up a set of lower control arm skids a little bit later, that way even though these new mounts are thicker than the old (stock) ones... it'll still provide a bit more support than even those will give.. just in case, that bolder pops up again!!

[LizardRunner]

No worries about the double post, we all have done it at least once. Waiting to hear and see what the damages were.

[AK]

Is the traction bar the only thing that keeps the front axle ridged left and right?

[Mudderoy]

Is the traction bar the only thing that keeps the front axle ridged left and right?

Well I wouldn't say the only thing, but certainly that is it's primary job.

[AK]

here is what we found so far.. Heavy Duty Lower Axle Mounts
Code: RC-LCM1 Price: $59.00
Trac-Bar - Adjustable Front (TJ,XJ,ZJ)
Code: RC-TB122-UV Price: $129.00
We decided to go with the adjustable trac bar since it is lifted and MUDDEROY told us about it..
Thanks again..

[AK]

I forgot... Parts are from Rusty's Offroad

[Mudderoy]

here is what we found so far.. Heavy Duty Lower Axle Mounts
Code: RC-LCM1 Price: $59.00
Trac-Bar - Adjustable Front (TJ,XJ,ZJ)
Code: RC-TB122-UV Price: $129.00
We decided to go with the adjustable trac bar since it is lifted and MUDDEROY told us about it..
Thanks again..

lol Heavy duty... that's thinking ahead! :D

[AK]

If you have to replace... Do it right..
I'm sure there will be more upgrades before it done..

[AK]

I have another question. If you look back at the picture of the bracket you can see the trec bar. There is a hole next to it. Is that an adjustment hole? If so, can I use it to adjust the trac bar till the adjustable one comes in? Moving the trac bar in that direction will help.

[bluedragon436]

That hole actually looks like the original hole for the Trac Bar bolt. Some people/lifts use the stock trac bar, with a new hole drilled a bit further over.. That is what it looks like to me, but I may be wrong..

http://www.roughcountry.com/install/1623.pdf - See pg. 3 Picture 8 and read Step 14

[AK]

Never thought of that. I didn't install the lift, my son and friends did it, I'll have to find out.. Its going in the garage tomorrow morning.. Should know more then..
Again Thanks.. You guys know your XJ's