Project Whitey

[bigred2004]

I have my 1984 Grand Wagoneer that I wanted to experiment with.... I check out everybodys version of a shackle flip on the rear and decided to design my own.... its nothing pretty but atleast it works! I need to do some more cutting on the brackets to make it look better. I build a crossmember for the front axle and reversed the shackles w/ a SOA. All of this happened while a pair of chevy axles went under the jeep. I found a killer deal on a matching D44 front and 12 bolt (POSI:D ) rear. Total with the shackle flip, spring over, and shackle reversal I gained 10 inches over stock. I was measuring fender height. What I love is the fact that im running factory springs with 10" of lift so its going to ride amazing. I also added a 3" body lift on top of that. The jeep has alot of body rot but its in the process of getting cut out and replaced. It has a worn out 360 w/a TF727 and I have a dana 300 to put behind that. This week ill be putting the D300 in it and measuring for driveshafts and I still have to order brake lines and steering arms. The only issue with my rear shackle flip is that it moved my axle about 2 inches back and I have to trim my fender.... oh well I guess that means I have to put bigger tires under it.:) I have a few pictures, just let me know how ugly you think it is.....

Before....
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0299.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0298.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0297.jpg


After....
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0363-1.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0362.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0361.jpg

w/3" blocks and a 12 bolt :) ....
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0359.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0360.jpg

Front SOA w/shackle reversal....
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0356.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0353.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0351.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0350.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e141/scootnmatt/DSCF0344.jpg

[bigred2004]

There is plenty of work to still be done before its finished but im going to try and kill/cut out most of the rust and try to repaint this beast. I have a pair of chevy 4" front springs to put under it still that will level it out with the rear w/the 3" blocks. I know im gonna get burned on having those aluminum blocks under the rear.... they are temporary. This is just my little project I picked up runnin and driving for $500. I couldnt pass it up with a clear title, working AC, and power EVERYTHING. Even front seats :) I gutted all the carpet and headliner since Im not a big fan of the 1984 shag haha but hopefully this thing will be coming along nicely. I need to find me some 38-40" tires because I have a set of 15x12 weld wheels I picked up for $150. Does anybody know FOR SURE that a dana 300 will bolt directly to a TF727?? Mine came with the NP229 so I know it has the same pattern and 23 splines, but Im not sure about clocking....

[Stuka]

Get rid of those rear blocks. Axle wrap will be bad enough with the shackle flip, it will be crazy with the blocks.

Why did you go with the shackle reversal up front?

[Stuka]

Oh, and with the lift you have, D300 should not be an issue. The TF727 pan can be in the way without lift.

[bigred2004]

I was thinking about ditching the blocks anyways..... if I need to go bigger ill just get springs. But I wanted a shackle flip because I used to have a 1993 wrangler and I was amazed at how it rode after we did a shackle flip on it. Plus, I still never liked the fact that if I was to ever get in a tight spot and hit the front shackle on anything, I didnt wanna bend a spring. Id rather just nail it with that crossmember and not hurt a thing.

[Stuka]

Yeah that is one advantage, but it also means you will need a drive shaft with more operating range, since the pinion will point down when it droops, instead of up like it would with a front mounted shackle.

[bigred2004]

true.... and then again, if things get crazy I was thinking about running a divorced case to make my angles no so bad. Thats the only down side about running chevy axles is no HP..... It will do what I need it to do which is play in the mud. Im not trying to build some kind of crawler, I just wanted to experiment with something and make it big to play in the mud with.

[Dmntxn77]

WOW... You dont plan on loading any kids up in that thing do you?


BTW... Texas where??

[bigred2004]

No way, only me and my buddies. I live in conroe texas

[Dmntxn77]

No way, only me and my buddies. I live in conroe texas

Cool..

AND, thats Texas for you... Ya cant assume that just because we are in the same state that we are close.. Conroe is probably 10 hours away from me.. :cool:

[trailsforus]

No way, only me and my buddies. I live in conroe texas

haha good ole Conroe...:fsj::thumbsup:



-Dillon

[bigred2004]

Well I have alot of bracing and trimming to do on it but its not going to be an insane wheeler. The only thing thats going to be tough is a front driveshaft...... because im running a D300 which is shorter :( and that means ALOT of pinion angle. any ideas?

[Slick Willie]

Clock the D300 down and make square tubing driveshafts. If you're not going to wheel it insanely, you probably won't hit the downward pointing tcase on rocks. If you think you will, build a basket to protect it. The square tubing dshaft would be cheaper than a custom long slipping shaft. Your rear shaft will need to be strong also, not just the front. The rear gets most the abuse. When you take the blocks out of the rear, you should reweld the rear spring perches after you angle the rear axle toward the tcase. That'll help with one of your rear angles. Other than that, the front looks like it'll get hung on things pretty easy. Get large tires. :thumbsup:

[bigred2004]

I know the front hangs down insanely low.... but Im going to build a bumper for it also. The front hanger still has to be braced MAJORLY and then slap some paint on it to keep it from rusting and falling off. I plan on running between 38-42s I was thinking about clocking the D300 down but im not sure how its going to work out yet, ill find out this week when I stick it in the jeep. The rear driveshaft is going to be new with a longer slip and the front I was definately thinking about making a square one. Does anybody have a build up for a square driveshaft? I have the correct tubing for it but im not sure what to use inside for like shims..... Im kindof at a stand still right now waiting for steering parts to arrive and I just got a new timing cover since mine was rotted and literally blew a hole in it. by the end of the month I should have it up, steering, and drivable.