Yet another Cherokee build

[csuengr]

I considered a radius arm, but I don't like the binding or the caster change. I am waiting to drop the engine back in to check for clearances for the trac bar.

[Eugene 1]

I like it, this going to be a great build! I especially like what is being done to the frame!

[AlsChopShop]

I considered a radius arm, but I don't like the binding or the caster change. I am waiting to drop the engine back in to check for clearances for the trac bar.

here is a link to a build that the guy used modern jeep long arm suspension. it might give you some ideas.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=89280

Al

[csuengr]

Nice build. He has way more money than I do. Besides, he used Rubicon axles that were already set up for a long arm system. I am using what I got. I like using imagination and skill more than my wallet.

[shakari]

Wow, what a cool project!

[RamJetFSJ]

I was thinking of doing the same with a premade Truss with XJ suspension points (made to put a waggy 44 in a XJ). And then some custom long arm XJ arms from Rustys. I dont trust my welding/fab skills enough to do my own suspension mounts/links, but this looked easy enough to tack into place and take down to a shop to have welded. Its made for a NT Wag 44, but Im sure you could make it work.

http://www.tntcustoms.com/fronttruss-wagoneerd4480.aspx

Only concern I had was Truss to engine clearance at full bump.

[csuengr]

Okay, gratuitous engine pics. The upper intake is off, in case anybody is wondering.




This is how I modified the v-belt York pulley to work with a serpentine belt.

[81cherokee laredo]

Great Build so far. Is the York going to be running OBA?

[csuengr]

Yeah, I will have OBA. Looking at it now. I think I will replace the Ford compressor with another York. That way I won't have to adapt my existing AC lines to the Ford compressor.

[csuengr]

So, now that I have the week off, it's back to work. doing the front suspension this week. I had to get the frame back off the ground and level, so I gave it legs.


Right side

Left side


Flexing, no trac bar yet. I have to put the engine in first for clearance issues.




Coil buckets tacked on.


Everything is just tacked in place for now. I have to make some small braces on the frame mounts for the lower arms.

I'm using four inch Early Bronco springs from Deaver since I couldn't find any Jeep springs with the right spring rate. Plus I already had the lower spring retainers.

[Wagn Man]

Subscribed, excellant work thus far.

[csuengr]

Got the engine and tranny set into check clearances, again. Hopefully this is the next to last time I get to set the drive train in. I had to modify the transmission cross member to get the driveshaft to clear.


I will have to do something about the sway bar. I will probably move it an inch forward.


This thingy is another Exploder goody. Oil to water oil cooler.




Modified cross member

[bigblock91]

that's a dam nice build you have started... what years do the explores have the oil to water cooler? wounder it that would fit on my BB ford.. thanks for the build.. makes me want to get my act together with my build! looking forward to more.....

subscribed

[jtr]

Can you explain the motor mounts --- frame side? Modified Jeep/Ford hybrid?

[csuengr]

The oil cooler is off a 5.0L Explorer. Some have them, some didn't as there are two oil filters listed for an 5.0 Explorer. The old tall one with English threads, and a short one with metric threads, the later being used with the oil cooler.

The engine mounts (on frame) are modified FSJ 6cyl pieces. I had to increase the angle to fit the Ford stuff. The Ford rubber mounts use a single bolt like the AMC 6cyls used. The mounts are in their original location on the frame as well. I did have to move the engine an inch to the passenger side to make clearance for the transfer case. That BW 1356 is huge.