SOA Springs, Flat Top Knuckles, & more- New (old) member.

[DeSlug]

Hello All:

The intro: Once active member from the turn of the century left AZ, but now I am back.

The proof: http://www.u.arizona.edu/~mschwitz/pics/HVJC.JPG

The Jeep: http://www.u.arizona.edu/~mschwitz/pics/RAW1.JPG http://www.u.arizona.edu/~mschwitz/pics/TERM11.JPG

The bad news: My Jeep and I have not been fourwheeling in years, and both of us show it. :(

The good news: I'm back, and I have time to work on the Jeep

The current set up: D44s front and rear, SOA, Shackle Reversal, No trac-bar, 2.5 Rancho springs. 4.0, AX15, Atlas 3.88:1.

The problem: Springs spell, "WWWW".

The project: Number first project is replacing springs, fabricating a trac-bar, and getting the front swaybar hooked up (for the road).

The Questions (finally): What would be a good set of springs to install? I am looking for flex, but I also need a spring that won't wear out after one season. I know my rears were trashed by lack of a trac-bar, but even my fronts are wasted. Any suggestions?

I have a set of flat top knuckles I would like to install to get the steering above the springs. Could anyone suggest a machine shop (between Sierra Vista and Tucson) that is familiar with the work and can do the machine work for someone on a budget? Any suggestions regarding the rod ends, drag link, tie rod, and steering arms are MUCH appreciated.

I relocated the gas tank up into the body, and I hope to make a cover for it out of sheetmetal. I know how to work metal, but my home shop doesn't include a break. Does anyone have one I could use sometime? (I'll bring beer or sodas.:D )

I need new seats. Any catalog seats that members would like to reccomend me? Perhaps I should install harnesses while I'm at it.

The YJ isn't my only Jeep. I have a mostly stock Rubicon I can tool around with, with the wife and kid. I hope to join you guys on some kiddie rides with it before the YJ is done.

Regards,

MIKE

[UNSTUCK]

Check out Ballistic Fabrication in tucson. He has an ebay store. I belive he does his work out of his house, but he told me he could do the machine work on my knuckles, but I ended up going an other way. Im in Tempe. He did give me a great price on my tubing and TRE's to finish up my Hi Steer set up.

http://virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5994&stc=1&d=1149481018

http://virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5995&stc=1&d=1149394812

http://virtualjeepclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5996&stc=1&d=1149394812

It's been a great set up for me. Drives great down the road, better then I thought it would. Even with no stabilizer, although I know I should get one. The TRE's are all chevy one ton parts. Tubing is 1.5 x .250. Ballistic sold me the bungs to screw the TRE's into the tube. Let me know if you need the tapperd reamer to drill out the holes in your knuckles. I can sell you mine, cheap. I'm assuming your using TRE's and not rod ends. I was going to go rod ends, but am glad I did not.

[desertfabmotors]

I use RE 1.5 springs on the SOA I do. These springs are designed for a SOA. The have been working very well.

[UNSTUCK]

I use RE 1.5 springs on the SOA I do. These springs are designed for a SOA. The have been working very well.

I'm interested in new springs myself. I run 35's now, but plan on going to 36 or 37's soon. I imagine I'll have no problem clearing them up front, but the rear is tight right now with my stock cj springs SOA. Will the RE springs give me the clearence I need or would i have to go with more lift? What about a double millitary wrap? I think skyjacker advertises a good one with a soft ride, good flex and low axle wrap?

[Desertjeep]

The project: Number first project is replacing springs, fabricating a trac-bar, and getting the front swaybar hooked up (for the road).


You might consider an anti-wrap bar to lengthen the life of a new set of springs. This will also help trail performance.

[NVRSTUKXJ]

welcome back, Mike.....I remember you from the "old days"......