Cherokee leaves in the rear?

[derf]

I'm considering using the Blue Torch Fab kit that adds a brace in the back that extends the shackle mounts back enough to fit the springs. I'm already planning the comp-cut of the rear fenders to make room for the relocated axle.

Has anyone here done this swap? How well does it work? What kind of issues did you run into when you did it?

 

[Old Dog]

The only problem I know of is the pumpkin hits the gas tank sometimes on compression. Seems like some people have trouble some don't.

 

[derf]

The only problem I know of is the pumpkin hits the gas tank sometimes on compression. Seems like some people have trouble some don't.

I forgot to add, the stock gas tank is long gone along with the rear bench seat. I'm putting a fuel cell, 5 gallon air tank and tool/parts storage in the back, along with some kind of mount for a spare.

There isn't going to be anything underneath behind the rear axle except maybe a muffler or two, depending on how I route the exhaust.

 

[derf]

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the parts. They're shipping via ground so it'll take a while for them to get here. I also found some used XJ springs that are being shipped.

It's still pretty hot here so I probably won't get to it until September when I can stand to be out in the garage welding.

I guess I'll be the one to do the write up.

 

[derf]

The parts...

 

[CJKrawler]

That looks like it will put the rear shackles on the outside of the back bumper. Let us know how the install goes and how it works.

 

[derf]

That looks like it will put the rear shackles on the outside of the back bumper. Let us know how the install goes and how it works.

That's the point. XJ springs are longer than CJ springs by several inches. The bracket puts the shackle mount back behind the rear cross member. Also, since the XJ springs have a pin off center, this moves the axle back even more. I have the two springs in opposite directions in that picture to show how much the pin is offset from center.

This kit should give me 6-8" of additional wheelbase.

With a spring over and 37-38" tires, it should be about perfect for the kind of moderate to heavy rock crawling I'm going to do.

 

[Old Dog]

Look'n forward to see how your project turns out.

 

[derf]

It's a beautiful weekend for working on the Jeep. But I don't have enough parts to get started. Probably next weekend.

For comparison, I set the XJ springs next to the front CJ springs. I don't have my original rear springs so I can't compare the rear leaves to the XJ springs. I seem to remember the front were pretty close in length to the rear. You can see how much longer the XJ springs are and how far back the pin is when you orient them this way. The pin is just short of 7 inches back.

 

[derf]

The nice thing about having the midnight shift at work this week is that I can get work done during the day.

I'm keeping a build page going as I get a chance to work on things.

My 1984 CJ7 Rear Suspension Build

Step one. Get a crossmember in place that the Blue Torch Fab bracket can attach to.

 

[Old Dog]

Looks good, and HD. :lpopcorn:

 

[jamie]

does this kit work for the CJ5 as well?

 

[derf]

does this kit work for the CJ5 as well?

It just says "CJ" in the description.

Link to the kit - Blue Torch FabWorks, Inc.

The only warning is this:

***This kit it for the late model CJ's with the dogleg frame. Your frame must measure 38" wide in the rear for this kit to work with your vehicle.***

 

[derf]

So now that the rear axle is in place, I decided to measure. I'm right about at a 101 inch wheelbase. That's roughly 7-8" longer than factory.

 

[Ledhead104]

Nice Looking build, i am working on something similar with Cherokee Leaf's in the year.

Would you mind taking a measurement for me? I just want to confirm my dimensions. I need center of the main eye hanger to the shackle hanger on the back of the frame.

 

[derf]

Not a problem.

It measures just a hair under 50".