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Well I Went & Did It.. Rocky Road Conversion On The Way.

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by zila, Sep 21, 2017.

  1. Oct 31, 2017
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    Do you have all the weight on that rear axle?............that shackle might like to have a little angle even in the break in period towards the rear to start.....

    Looks good........Keep up the good work!
     
  2. Oct 31, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Tires are on the ground. After I get the front done I'll take it out for an easy drive, then recheck and torque everything for a final time. Then guys at RR said the spring will flatten out to a place it likes after driving. Not to worry
     
    Last edited: Oct 31, 2017
    melvinm likes this.
  3. Nov 1, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Got the front stripped and ready. Measuring the old brackets they seem to be much closer to the width they need to be. Also the bushings in the old springs are in good shape and show no sign of wobbling out, unlike the driver rear. I also made sure to get the jack stands out of my way...

    So far today

     
  4. Nov 1, 2017
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
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    Dec 17, 2002
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    The shackle will extend out after the weight is put on the springs. It looked like this when I did my springs.
     
  5. Nov 2, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    No pix today but I did get started on the stationary hanger. Once again the exhaust pipe hoses me.. Gotta find an angle drill for the other side.. Gave up for the night. Broke my face shield. Word to the wise. Cover you ears while grinding. Or better yet use ear plugs!! Had a piece of something fly into my ear. PAIN!! Gonna grind a bit more and fit things up.. More to come..
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2017
  6. Nov 3, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Two steps forward one back. Still working on the driver side hanger.. The old bracket was messed up and when drilling the bolt holes one came out FUBAR. By the time I got it opened up to where it shoulda been I had the bottom of the bracket on the inside open at the bottom.. I went ahead and fitted the bracket to it's final location and placed a thick 1/2" washer on the inside of the bracket side. Then I tacked it with my MIG. Took the new bracket off and welded it up.. I also placed the front bracket in place as one of the new bolts just goes in the old hanger top shackle hole. I was also looking at the passenger side and , CRAP!! I find cracking. When I get over there I'll grind it out and weld it back up. May try to reinforce the inside of the frame as well.

    I have all the holes drilled on the driver rear hanger. I also clearenced two of the frame holes to 5/8" on the outside only to insert the sleeves. The provided sleeves are about less than an 1/8" too long. I ground em down to fit. I also plan on inserting the bolts from the inside. Got the forward bolt in but the rear is hung up by the exhaust pipe. I think I'll unbolt the pipe at the manifold to gain clearance.. If I could figure a way I'd weld the sleeves in place.. But that aint gonna happen. Pics below.

    Cracks


    sleeve in hole.

    sleeve after fitment.
     
    Last edited: Nov 5, 2017
  7. Nov 4, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Front stationary hanger bracket bolted in place for the final time. Moved to Driver front [shackle end]. Looked like it would easy.. NOT! First the steering box is in the way for the top rear bolt. Not even room to drill and tap. So after I get everything in place, and the spring mounted, the last thing I will do is weld it down the rear side.. Next the front of the old bracket needs clearanced so the bracket can sit up tight to the frame.. So before I noticed this I had drilled a hole in the old bracket.. If it is too far off I'll break out the Miller and fill it up. AND, the steering box is in the way of drilling the inside hole in the old bracket....

    Front bracket ground. Notice part of the OEM rivet too.

     
  8. Nov 9, 2017
    Stephen Gillett

    Stephen Gillett New Member

    Connecticut
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    Aug 31, 2017
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    30
    your last picture seems to show that your frame has been welded above/behind your shackle hanger. Is this causing any issues with the bracket sitting flush against the frame?

    upload_2017-11-9_11-14-9.png
     
  9. Nov 9, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Not a weld but will be. I ground the paint off for the future weld to the bracket.. The hole I welded up is in the top of the existing bracket.. To the left of the bracket is where I ground for the RR bracket to fit up properly. Just behind the frame where your arrow is where the steering box lives. The nut just to the right of the bracket in the bottom of the frame is one of the steering box mounts
     
  10. Nov 9, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Oct 6, 2003
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    Drivers front done. Spring hung. Someone please tell me how you lose a 12" crescent wrench? Looked high and low. That thing vaporized. Bought another one.. The bracket has one hole that will not be used. The steering box is too close. When I finsh and drive it for a bit I'll weld it up.. Moving to the passenger side. Should be easier as I do not have the exhaust and the steering box to contend with.

    Edit: Today I found that crescent wrench. I took the driver door off and went to store it. The wrench was in the large pocket inside the door. 8 months later

    Bracket

    The whole sheebang..

     
    Last edited: Aug 7, 2018
  11. Nov 9, 2017
    Stephen Gillett

    Stephen Gillett New Member

    Connecticut
    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2017
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    30
    Hey Zila,

    I'm working on this swap as well, question about the front shackle hanger. Did you have any issues with the frame cross member when you were drilling for the top two holes. I measured and everything looks like it will work, but it's really close. I'm worried I won't be able to get a nut behind the frame member. Curious what your experience was.
    upload_2017-11-9_22-14-47.png
    upload_2017-11-9_22-15-3.png
    upload_2017-11-9_22-15-8.png
     
  12. Nov 9, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    I got the left one [forward] in, but the right one was inaccessable due to the steering box. There is a hole in the frame right there that I stuck my finger in. Seemed to me like there wasn't enough room for a nut. Besides I woulda had to remove the steering box. Thus I an gonna weld it a bit when I am satisfied that I do not have to take that bracket back off. Mine also has a plate on top. And a winch.. I suppose I coulda tore it all apart but as I said it seems that there is just not room.

    Yours looks like there might be room.. My steering box is in the frame and has at least two bolts through the frame holding it on. If you look at the pic you edited with the arrow you can see the bolt and on the rear of my steering box. Another is in the old bracket. Try sticking your fingers in the bottom and see if you can get in there.
     
    Last edited: Nov 9, 2017
  13. Nov 10, 2017
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    Zila, can you post a couple more close ups of that left front bracket? I'm very interested in this setup but I'm concerned about how it'll fit with the Saginaw steering gear swap on my '70.
     
  14. Nov 10, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Yeah in a bit. I suppose if I took the steering box off I could put the bolt in from the inside. May try unbolting the box and see if it will move out of the way enough to get a bolt in there from the inside and put the nut and washer on the outside.
     
  15. Nov 10, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Here's the pix. After doing some research I now see that there is a steering box bracket in there. Mine is cast. Looks like I can remove two bolts and swing it out of the way. Might try that later today. Stephan Gillet yours looks to be the same setup






    These two bolts are what I am thinking of removing and then prying the box and bracket out enough to get a bolt on there.. Where your red arrow points is on the opposite side of the cross member the bolt hole came through. There was room to get the washer and nylock nut on it is on the other side.

    Edit. Tried to pull the steering box outa the way, BUT, on my heap I have a plate over the cross member. It is stopping me from removing two bolts that go through the cross member into the steering box. I would have to remove the winch and that is just too much trouble. Back to plan "A" I'll weld it later..

    On Stephan Gillet's it would be easy.


    Bolt peeking out. click to see

     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2017
  16. Nov 10, 2017
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    The cast steering bracket was used on the '72-75 models. Power steering got the 4-bolt bracket, and manual steering has 3 bolts. That's the difference you see.
     
  17. Nov 10, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    Thanks Tim.. I have PS, but screwed myself on this project by using a plate over the cross member to support the winch. I cut access holes but didn't make em large enough. And one is under the front of the radiator housing.This conversion isn't real easy.
     
  18. Nov 13, 2017
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

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    Thanks for posting those.
     
  19. Nov 13, 2017
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
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    On the last corner today, pass side front. Started with the stationary hangar. It seems most of my problems are because of the inconsistency of Jeep parts or QC. Every OEM bracket has been different. Every one. The pass stationary on the front stuck out too much on the front. I had to cut a 1/4" off to get the holes to align. I even measured the center to center on the driver side and checked the pass side. Also I am going to have to do my washer trick on the inside hole.. And once again I cannot get a drill on the inside. Oil pan is interfering this time. So if you are reading this and looking to install this kit beg borrow or steal an angle drill.. Time for lunch. pic below


    cut bracket.
     
  20. Nov 13, 2017
    NCRenII

    NCRenII yellow fever

    Far Nor Cal
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    Sep 22, 2017
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    431
    I feel your pain! Way back with Glen still wet behind his ears on RRO I ordered rock sliders for our new '99 xj. I believe the phone was answered by his wife and the order placed and card charged with no problem. After a agreed upon wait (rails had to be made) they showed up and I began assembly. I thought wth, these are not the same length. I called talked with Glen and he said he wondered where the "other" short slider went he special made for someone with giant tires. Our xj still has un-equal length sliders.
    Love his product though! The ome kit I subsequently ordered went in without a hitch, once I locally ordered spring bushings. The IPF headlights lights still burn bright and my wife keeps asking me to get some of the Jeep headlights installed on our Dodge 2500. She thinks I'm putting her off on the request.
     
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