mjeff87 Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 What did all you SOA guys do for axle shock mounts? I've seen the weld-on mounts (RE, JKS, et al) but I know the fab skills of the group and am looking for a homebrew version. I've also seen someone on here use the MJ plates flipped upside down and side to side to mount the shock aboved the axle. Does that work good? I tried to figure out the amount of body lift (which would raise the upper mount) compared to the higher position of the mount, and it seems to be about equal (??), so could you still use the stock length shocks if you did that? Last thing I need to figure out before I put the axle underneath...hopefully this weekend. Thanks, Jeff
rockhardzj Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 I'm going to cut off, and shorten and weld the XJ style ones back onto my axle, they are in great condition, but currently, they would limit my ground clearance... They currently droop down like 4" lower than the axle tubes...
87manche Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 2x2 box, cut, radiused to fit the tube, bolt welded through on the other side. that's my plan anyway.
JeepcoMJ Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 here's what I did on the dana 44. I also had one that was a flip-over style like you're talking about on the junk 86, and it's crappy. the shocks don't flex correctly. anyways, that worked out good...it allows me to retain stock rear shocks and works out very well. no high $$$ spent on new shocks
Rokhound Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 This is what I did. I used a set of trailer perches from Harbor Freight and welded a bolt to it and called it good. I think they were like $10 for the pair and the bolts was like a buck so for less then $15. Also if you do this you will need to figure out how to mount them to the upper part of the frame I used some 3" channel because it was lying around. I got this ideal from CW project (he used angle) if you look thru there you find the way he did his.
pingpong Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 We need to know if you want to keep the top in stock location. Rockhounds idea looks good, and can be easily adapted to fit the shocks you have. I just ran no shocks when Pong had a bed... yeah I know made for a real soft ride :D
mjeff87 Posted September 5, 2007 Author Posted September 5, 2007 Yeah, I'd like to if possible. I've got an extra set of MJ plates to modify if need be. Excellent ideas, guys......thanks a ton! Jeff
Rokhound Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 I just ran no shocks when Pong had a bed... yeah I know made for a real soft ride :D I tried that put it made me feel like I had hydraulics on the back hit a bump at 55 :eek: :eek:
JOMJ87 Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 i think pete done a good write up on it in another thread on this topic. I had mentioned in it using the stock plate and flipping it over and swapping sides with it. It worked good and i have 0 bind issues and i havent had them bottom or over extend at flex. I can take pics if you would like. Cole
Duner Posted September 5, 2007 Posted September 5, 2007 Yes flipping the plates over, notching and swapping sides allows you to run stock shocks ( nice and soft with good articulation) down side is the stamped steel jeep used to make the plates is not the best quality and if modified you will find the weakness quickly. I have now broken the left rear plat twice. We welded it back together and it broke about a 1/4" away from the welded part. My dad is fabricating a new design from 5/16" plate now to replace both. I will post the picks and details for eveyone as soon as we are done this method will require minimal welding and not break, plus this will make eagle feel better that we are not destroying all of those original parts. If it ain't broke, break it then fix it!
carnuck Posted September 6, 2007 Posted September 6, 2007 I put an XJ axle in mine and didn't cut off the extraneous brackets. I drilled a hole in the side of the one on the driver's side and stuck the bolt in there. Ran that way for quite awhile, then I got a weld on mount for the passenger's side. Still stock mounted on top. I have a pair of shock mounts (actually swaybar plates) that bolt between the axle and springs on the SOA that will allow stock shock mounting too. A smidge more lift as a bonus too!
johngus Posted September 7, 2007 Posted September 7, 2007 JOMJ87 if you have pics i would appreciate seeing them. i am swapping axles next weekend and was considering the flipping the plate. A visual would help confirm the picture I have mentally.
JOMJ87 Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 ill grab them and post in a few for you. Cole
JOMJ87 Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 From the back facing to the front. Hope that helps but if you have questions just ask. Cole
rockhardzj Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 From the back facing to the front. Hope that helps but if you have questions just ask. Cole Mine were that way as well from the original SOA. I most likely won't be using those brackets again though, and they are in pretty decent shape.
JOMJ87 Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 I forgot to mention that mine werent cut and don't need to be. I know someone mentioned they had to cut theres but i don't see why. They may have done it differently. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way if you have good shocks now. and like i said before I hit bump stops before they bottom out and i have 0 issues flexing with them. Cole
rockhardzj Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 I forgot to mention that mine werent cut and don't need to be. I know someone mentioned they had to cut theres but i don't see why. They may have done it differently. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way if you have good shocks now. and like i said before I hit bump stops before they bottom out and i have 0 issues flexing with them. Cole I wonder the same thing. Mine were also uncut, and I don't recall any cracks on them. Let me tell ya though, a sawzall made quick work of rusted ubolts... :D
mjeff87 Posted September 8, 2007 Author Posted September 8, 2007 Thanks Cole. I think I'[m gonna go that route initially, since I have the parts. If I have to change down the road, so be it. :cheers: Jeff
rockhardzj Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 Thanks Cole. I think I'[m gonna go that route initially, since I have the parts. If I have to change down the road, so be it. :cheers: Jeff I had the exact same setup, and it looked to be in place for the better part of 10+yrs. Being that nothing was broken/bent/tweaked, I'd say its safe to use this setup with little worries. Then again, my truck was a 2wd, and probably didn't see much offroad. Point being, I'm sure it's seen a few pretty nasty pot holes, so it should be a fairly rugged system.
JOMJ87 Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 Mine went threw ALOT of tellico and alot fo back woods trails. I have also flogged it thru mud and all over red clay hills. I have even ran it up a homemade RTI ramp and then used forklifts to lift 2 tires (LF-RR) and again no problems. I will safely say it will last and do well for a moderate wheeler. Good luck guys Cole
johngus Posted September 8, 2007 Posted September 8, 2007 Cole thanks for posting your pics. It does confirm what i thought it would look like. Did you reuse the center support that are in the shock plates?
JOMJ87 Posted September 9, 2007 Posted September 9, 2007 Yes that was one thing i woudlnt leave out. It helps strengthen the plate. Cole
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