SOA and handling diff side perch

[RodeoRob]

I've seen two approaches to this. #1: and probably the more popular, is to spend a lot of time grinding down the casting area of the old perch so that its round (for the ubolt) and then the other method, #2, i've seen is simply using two plates and conventional bolts, one plate on top of the leaf spring and the other resting underneath on the old spring perch. (this of course only works if you're retaining the stock perch angles, just on top of the axle).

If you're unsure of what i'm describing, you can see it here: http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Cliffs/8040/pictures/ken3.jpg

What i was wondering, is the second method generally accepted as an 'apprioprate' way to do an SOA? Are there any safety concerns? Is it better to spend the extra time and grind the housing round if you don't need to change the perch angles?

-Rob

[irbob]

Rodeo....hmmmmmmm...your pic link didn't work.

[BostonWagoneer]

The link worked for me.

It looks like there is still a spring perch on top of the axle in that pic. Is it just not welded on or am I seeing things?

I am concerned with this issue also for my 88 GW, but I haven't been very successful finding anything by searching old posts.

http://www.jeepjunkies.com/boston/misc/springondiff.jpg

[ April 01, 2002: Message edited by: BostonWrangler ]</p>

[Agent Orange]

The cast is relatively easy to grind down with an angle grinder. It was alot softer than I thought.

[Lugnut]

I got to looking at this a while back when I was considering an SOA on my pickup.
Although I didn't do the SOA, I did consider buying a couple of the appropriate size spring pads from JC Whitney, grind or torch one side to fit the diff case and cut one side off the second/extra spring pad and weld it to the opposite side of the pad you're using to give the pad the needed height on that side.
Like most, on my D44 case, the higher resting point is on the cast case and the other sits on the axle tube, but I guess it could be different on some other applications. I think that you could weld your new pad to the axle tube, and, with a decent fitting cut on the side resting on the diff. case no welding would be necessary there unless you're going to get into some "toughman challenge". This way, wouldn't need to modify your diff case at all.
Am I being realistic on this? If not, tell me, you guys, 'cause since I haven't actually done this, this is kinda "thinking out loud".

[BostonWagoneer]

I wouldnt trust an unwelded spring perch to stay put. Even the parallel metal bars (one under the stock perch and one over the newly SOA spring) isn't something I would trust.

[Panther]

Found this site browsing yesterday, has several pics of front SOA FSJs. Take a gander:
http://www.geocities.com/worm2881/index.html

[BostonWagoneer]

In those pics, it looks like the perches are welded to the tubes on both sides.

[RodeoRob]

Anybody have a pict they can show me of what the cast area looks like after you're done grinding?

-Rob

[RodeoRob]

btt

[WINGO]

I used the off-centered anti-wrap spring perches from Rubicon Express. These perches allow you position the perch mounts further away from the differential yet retain the correct perch position for the springs. I fit the perch to the differential vs. doing a lot of grinding on the casting. I did some grinding in order to get a symetrical shape.

If you use a pattern makers bar which looks like a 8" long and has wires that look like a comb will match the shape of the part you are pressing it against. Transfer this to your perch and cut or grind to fit. You can buy a homeowners grade for about $ 8.00 at Home Depot.

On the cast welding I used Nomacast (Forney) 1/8" X 14". This rod is used on non-machineable cast iron. The axle tube I used 6013.

[ April 04, 2002: Message edited by: WINGO ]</p>

[JeepFreak]

Are those perches listed on a website somewhere?

[BostonWagoneer]

The Rubicon Express website sucks. www.rubinconexpress.com (http://www.rubinconexpress.com)

I would be interested to see pics of their mounts!

I'll probably go with the Mopar Performance perches for 3" tubes. They are $12 from summit.