Old is New: Long Arm install

[cu4whln]

Hi guys -

Don't often post in the off road section - and see a lot of different folks here that are not in the section I normally post in.

Anyway, I adapted a modern long arm suspension onto a FSJ during my build. Thought some of you might find it interesting. The suspension install is buried in my build thread. So go to page 13 or so - that is where the heavy build begins for the suspension begins.

You'll have to skip over some of the other rebuild stuff, but the hows and whys of the suspension design are there if interested.

Build link is in my sig -

Enjoy !:)

Heres a few teaser pics . . .

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_2656.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_2652.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_2659.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_2660.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_2621.jpg

http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp234/cu4whln/IMG_2625.jpg

[jaber]

OOOHHHHHH, PPPUUUURRRRDDDDDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY:thumbsup:

[adamsclarke]

How are those rubi axles holding up with 35s?

[vintagetrks]

That is SERIOUSLY SWEEEEEEEEEETTTTTT! Wish I had the know how and $$$$$$$ to do those kind of mods to my rig. :D

[cu4whln]

How are those rubi axles holding up with 35s?

So far so good. Have used it off road on some tough trails - mostly in Moab.:) A lot of the driving has been on road too.

I suspect the Hemi engine could punish the axles if one were to drive stupid [ like we all do once in awhile ! ].

[AlsChopShop]

looks like the frame widths were pretty close?

i like your invisible springs. :thumbsup:

Al

[rockcandy]

I just want to know if the spring rates worked out pretty well for you? Do you know which springs you used...lift height, hd/standard rates etc...thanks

[cu4whln]

looks like the frame widths were pretty close?

i like your invisible springs. :thumbsup:

Al

Yes, the frame worked out very close.. a little wider on the FSJ, but the important mounting points fit just fine.. well, with a little "work"

Springs ?? What springs ??


As for spring rates - the JK springs work very well. Overall weights are very close for a FSJ and a JK

[Stuka]

A JK Rubicon Unlimited weighs in just over 4300 pounds wet (My 2dr is 3750ish). But there are HD springs (Like those made by OME) which are designed for a Jk with after market bumpers and such, which would be closer to the weight of an FSJ (My chero was just over 5000 with bumpers and such).

The Rubi axles seem to hold up with 35's ok for most JK'ers, with the exception of the front C bending easily. There are a few after market C-Gussets out there (Offroad Evolution Makes some great ones, along with axle tube sleeves). I would really look into getting some put on. The FSJ D44 does have much thicker tubes, larger inner shafts, and stronger C's. But the JK 44 has larger axle joints and outers, along with bigger brakes. So its kind of a toss up.

Its certainly a cool project. And you probably have one of the nicest riding/driving FSJ's in existence. As I know my JK rides nicely.

[cu4whln]

Weights -

True, in stock form the JK / SJ weights are somewhat different. I added a lot of frame reinforcing and brackets to the FSJ frame as this progressed. And then there's the sound deadener - evrywhere !

Ture, it does indeed drive very nicely - and wheels well too !

As for axle tube strength - the Mopar Rubi axles have thicker wall tubes thatn a stock JK. Hmm, wonder why ?? lol

[jeepdreamer]

Sigh!... Man, everytime I see this truck I just go into fantasizing mode. Winning lottery tickets falling from trees... Full size shops with lifts sprouting from the ground... A magical door that leads off the garage and opens into the fantastical realm of the OEM Jeep parts warehouse. You are a fortunate man, sir. I sit at your feet and learn. You have the undisputed nicest Cherokee around and have done a fine job of blending new and old. A true inspiration to us all. Now if only the corporate big-wigs would take notice...real, honest to goodness, Notice of how much attention this truck garners...Then maybe Jeep could show GM and Ford what "retro" could really mean! Realistic? Not really I suppose...but it never hurts to dream!
And since you are somewhat of a man "in the know"...what ever happened the the Liberty diesel crate motor idea? Now that would make for a good swap in the baby jeeps like my 67 commando...nudge-nudge. So if you ever get the urge to "pimp my ride" ( I think thats what the kids call it?) and are looking for a volunteer to provide a diesel based classic for your folks to massage like your Cherokee...I'm the kid in the front row waving his hand like a maniac screaming "Me ME! Teacher...ME ME!!!" Heehee.
Again, great job...and thank you for making us all smile!

[cu4whln]

. . . Now if only the corporate big-wigs would take notice...real, honest to goodness, Notice of how much attention this truck garners...Then maybe Jeep could show GM and Ford what "retro" could really mean! Realistic? Not really I suppose...but it never hurts to dream!

...what ever happened the the Liberty diesel crate motor idea? Now that would make for a good swap in the baby jeeps like my 67 commando...nudge-nudge.

Thanks for the compliments - I am just a Jeep puke like you. Just love working on them. OK, so I got very lucky getting a job that combined my hobby somewhat with work. I built Jeeps long before this job - and will long after I get another job. Way of life me thinks !:D

As for "noticing" ... well, look for something really, really cool this year. I bet you'll see some serious retro style in action - all I can say for now....:) Lets see who can get the first picture up here...;)

The Chero has been on tour most of the year - and it has indeed done it's job of showing off. It is a Jeep magnet at shows. Looking foward to it being home with me this summer. Then I can finish up some of those "details" - dam gas gauge !! lol

As for the diesel crate engine idea - mark another one off the list. Uncle Sam scared the engine mfr off - got the worried about emissions lawsuits they said "might" happen. The Feds are watching, big time.:rolleyes: