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Introduction + Dezert MJ Tuning Path Guidance.....


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So after lurking for a while, thought id formally introduce myself here.

I'm a regular over on naxja, and have 2 xjs, and a stock mj....

 

However the decisions here are for another project, a friends 92 mj.... currently 2wd, on re3.5 sf2 kit.... AAL... 31s.

Obviously 2wd + socal means it will be a desert rig,

We are on the final stages, about to install a soa d44(4.56 trussed, locked w/ aussie, crown vic discs, alloys).

to match the rear, we are thinking about adding a rock krawler front 3 link...

good shocks are getting installed as well.... 2.5+ is a probability....

 

opinions? is the rk 3 link tough enough for desert stuff? we cannot afford a claytons kit...

what do you soa d44 guys use shock length wise? (wed definately be down to install a modified top mount to fit longer travel shocks)

 

thanks for any guidance

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The RK 4 link will work great. The BDS 4-link is also a great choice.

 

Shocks are the most important thing. 12" to 14" travel 2.5" bypass shocks in the front and 14" travel 2.5" bypass shocks in the rear would be a sweet combo. Mount the rear shocks to the top of the axle and run them threw the bed floor to a custom shock hoop. Combine that with air bumpstops and limiting straps and you should be good to go.

 

Some desert rigs are running a Currie Anti-Rock swaybar in the front to balance out the rig at speed.

 

Then just beef up the axle, frame and cage it.

 

Here's a link to my collection of JeepSpeed pics.

 

 

Some teaser pics

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Hey TNT that is some REALLY nice work! Those motor mounts are TOP NOTCH! I want a set. jamminz.gif :cheers:

 

I haven't built mine yet. The engine mount bracket is built by M.O.R.E.

 

You can run longer shocks with your shock brackets lowered like these.

 

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Poly performance 3-link

 

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Stadium racer

 

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Nice upper shock mount.

 

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Nice cage

 

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Braced and plated frame.

 

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Frame side engine mount

 

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Rear spring plate

 

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thanks for all the desert pics.... i especially like the idea of raised shock mounts.... but as it currently is cageless... raising that front upper, and rear upper is really gonna be difficult.... especially to keep the bed for now.

but that front lower shock mount is looking very appealing.... think that combined with a stock upper is enough to clear 12"s up front?

can i squeeze in 12s in the rear without going thru the bed?

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also, does the typical 50-50 ratio of shock droop vs compression work for desert?

ie, if we have a 14" travel shock... extended length of 38.43", compressed 24.56"....

and we ran it 50-50.... we would need space for a 31.43" long shock, at ride height?

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don't really know what to expect on rear travel... ive been hearing differant things... but I'm not equiped with a cage and am therefore limited.... should i stick with 12s and fab mounts to fit those in the rear? my d44 is still without mounts... so one side is allready ready for making

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Since the shocks on the shortbeds mount behind the axle, I would build a strong mount that sits flush with the lower edge of the axle tube and then after I knew what the travel would be, get a shock that fits the bill.

 

I'm using the stock shocks and am short about 1 inch of uptravel and 1 inch of down so I'm guessing that with a bit more length afforded by a lower bottom mount and a better shock, you can get the full amount of travel. Can't say for sure though as I don't have a ton of experience with a shocks.

 

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Obviously 2wd + socal means it will be a desert rig,

We are on the final stages, about to install a soa d44(4.56 trussed, locked w/ aussie, crown vic discs, alloys).

Congrats on the build; I know it will be loads of fun and welding :cheers:

I'm curious to know why go with soa vs. sua config. for desert ?

 

( better to ask than to find out for myself) :D

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