rear Diff relocation

[justinfonder]

alright, i'm planning to put waggy 44s under my 81 CJ5 . while doing so i'd like to cheat the rear diff back a few inches and still use yj springs. dont want to do the full stretch with xj springs and comp cut fenders. just looking to add a few inches while i'm already swapping axles. has anyone done this and what have they done?

i was thinking moving the shackle hangers as far back as possible and using a dog-legged shackle would probably give me 2-3 inches. and of course would have to relocate the other hanger the equal amount. would i have to move the lower shock mount or would that angle not be so important? i know i'll have to do some fender trimming but was planning on it anyhow. would this be worth the time/money? i'll be getting a new driveshaft regardless so i'm not factoring in that cost.

thanks guys

 

[Jimbos76cj]

Using YJ springs won't help with the stretch. You can try front wagoneer or j truck front springs. They are 3" longer and have an off set pin that will move the axle back 2"-2.5". So here's how it would work in my mind. Turn the spring hanger around and leave the spring mount in the stock place. Ideally turning it will move the shackle hanger back about 3" so that would even out the length of the spring. The shock mounts should be moved but if not they will need to be longer.

You can also pick up spring perches that will relocate the axle 1" back

Or you can keep the YJ springs, turn the shackle bangle around and move the spring mount the same distance forward.

That's the easy part.. The hard part is how you plan on dealing with the differential hitting the gas tank.

 

[justinfonder]

so using YJ springs i could essentially move the axle back 4"

1" gained by spring perches
3" gained by flipping the shackle hangers

I have to re-weld the spring perches anyhow and it would take 5 minutes to flip the hangers. Also, since i dont have shocks yet, buying longer ones would be easier than relocating mounts.

I'll deal with the fuel tank. Figure I can relocate an aftermarket fuel cell by raising it up under the rear seat to clear the Diff.

I'd just be happy with every extra inch i can squeeze out of this wheelbase.

 

[Incommando]

An RCI 2191 will fit behind the rear set of a CJ7 (not so sure about a 5) to clear out diff. Room. My 7 is sitting at 104"s

 

[Jimbos76cj]

I'm pretty sure turning the rear shackle hanger will give you about 2". I would look into after market spring hangers that have the bolt eye motivates the end and not in the middle.

63" Frenched Leaf Spring Hangers - RuffStuff Specialties

Or

Leaf Spring Hanger for 3.0" Inner Diameter - RuffStuff Specialties

That will let you move it back with out getting to far into the curve of the frame.