15-MAY-2014
Looks like a motor again....
...just cleaner!
I had to find a slightly longer serpentine belt to fit over the new York compressor and the taller alternator. The modification of the valve cover to clear the alternator is seen from this side.
03-MAY-2014
Ugly ear spring hangers
These hangers were "beefed up" by the previous owner but it looks like his six year old kid may have done the welding!
Next on the list is to fix the rear suspension. I'm going to use some YJ rear 4" lift springs in place of the old wore out Commando springs. I am also going the move the rear axle back about 3" which will center the rear tire in the newly opened wheel well.
03-MAY-2014
More ugliness!
This was another attempt at trying to help the weak OEM spring hangers. I won't be keeping these for the new YJ springs, I will be building some new spring hangers for the YJ springs.
Did I mention that the YJ springs are about 10 inches shorter?
03-MAY-2014
Off with the axle
Dropping the axle for the spring replacement
03-MAY-2014
Axle out and ready to strip
The axle is actually in pretty good condition with just a little road grime. I am going to cut off the spring perches and inboard the rear springs slightly.
04-MAY-2014
New spring perches
I'm only going to inboard the springs slightly which should improve the rear spring movement while driving offroad plus I am changing the u-bolt setup to give me better clearance and will need the extra room to mount the rear shocks.
03-MAY-2014
Spring hangers cut off
I cut off all of the spring and shackle hangers and cleaned up the frame.
19-APR-2014
New spring hangers
I am using some 1/4" plate and some Barnes hangers for the front of the springs. I drilled the plate and plug welded the hangers to the plate for some added strength.
19-APR-2014
Plug welds complete
The plug welds are just a little extra strength for the hangers.
19-APR-2014
Ready for welding
With the plug welds complete I'm ready to weld the hangers solid.
19-APR-2014
Hangers all welded
All four of the spring and shackle hangers are welded.
The Barnes parts are top quality and inexpensive enough to not hassle making them yourself.
10-MAY-2014
Gussets cut for the hangers
I am using a mixture of gussets for the front and rear hangers. The rear shackle hangers measure out to land right on the curved section of the frame so the gussets will be the 1/4" triangles spread out over the span.