My SOA project has started

**YJames90** · 06-29-2009, 07:18 PM

I knew this day would come. I have always wanted to go SOA and even more so that I am trail riding almost once every two week swith my club over some big stuff.
My first order was a set of RE spring perches

total price 87.97 from Quadratec

The second order was an SYE from Oconee Off-Road by Ruggid ridge
These guys are great and actually had some in stock
total price was $189.00 with free shipping

The next thing that I picked up today was a front drive shaft out of a 97 Cherokee
It was ugly when i got it but after a bit of work it looks brand new.
I still have to have it cut down
After it came home

Cleaned up a bit

Painted

I know i have to have it cut but have also heard that it has to be balanced.
There are already weights on the shaft

Price from the local yard .....$89.00 OUCH !!!
I am working on a antiwrap bar and am thinking of using this

The rear stock track bar. It long enoungh. I was thinking one end on the axle and the other end on the skid plate mounted to a shackle mount
Thats it for now as the parts are on order and Im not really in much of a rush. I have a trail ride in two weeks and dont want to be without the jeep then .
After that theres a four week period with no rides so hopefully i can do it then

VACJ5 · 06-29-2009, 08:10 PM

You still got the stock axles? Joe has made me believe in the strength of the D30. Also what's the plan for the steering? I'm looking forward to seeing your build!

**YJames90** · 06-29-2009, 08:26 PM

Yes , still have the 30/35. both locked. I wanted to do the tie rod flip but have heard here that it will hit the springs. I am going to try a drop pitman arm for now and if that dosent work maybe go to the JB conversions steering bracked.
My stock axles kicked *** this past weekend off roading

**YJames90** · 06-30-2009, 05:26 PM

Question about measuering the XJ shaft before it gets cut.
Since it has the slip yoke built in. Do I cut it so its at its shortest point? Compressed? Or half way out. Also, what happens if I slip the joint all the way out? are there pins in the shaft like a u joint on just splines

Goobersbro · 06-30-2009, 06:00 PM

Check out Tom Wood's site and click on the YJ link on the upper left side.

http://www.4xshaft.com/index.html

You'll see measuring info there.

**YJames90** · 06-30-2009, 06:56 PM

Also, Do I really need new ubolt plates that people are advertising?

Goobersbro · 06-30-2009, 07:16 PM

Wen I go SOA i plan on doing something similar to joe dillards set up with the u bolt plates. Look it up in his dana 30 sleeve thread. its really simple if you have any skills whatsoever. But if you dont want to do that I would suggest buying a u bolt flip kit once you go SOA the u bolts are pretty much the only thing left under the axle tube so doing a flip or cutting the current onese shorter helps that much more you know

**YJames90** · 06-30-2009, 07:19 PM

Havent seen the thread yet but in theory if i am just spinning the plate over the same plates should work

Goobersbro · 06-30-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesx2

Havent seen the thread yet but in theory if i am just spinning the plate over the same plates should work

yea I can't come up with anyreason why it wouldnt.... maybe im just tired...

but for like 30 bucks you could do what joe did and gain atleast an inch or more of clearance

CopperYJ89 · 07-02-2009, 11:55 AM

are you using your 2in lift springs? what size tires do you think your going to run once its all done?

**YJames90** · 07-02-2009, 12:35 PM

Yes . I am staying with the same springs. I am going to keep these tires until they loose the treads. After that 33s will be next and will probably look too small

CopperYJ89 · 07-02-2009, 12:56 PM

i was thinking about doing SOA. i would be keeping my 32s til my dad gets his swampers then i get his 33 ATs. i dont think 33s will look bad. Some of the smaller 33s might but if you stay with swampers i dont think they will. Did your XJ front shaft come with the CV looking piece on it?

**YJames90** · 07-02-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CopperYJ89

Did your XJ front shaft come with the CV looking piece on it?

It came just as shown in the above pictures. Its off a 97 and have to figure out exactly what U joint I will be needing. Anyone?

**JeeperDon** · 07-02-2009, 04:29 PM

The cleanest easiest steering fix is the JB4x4 D30 bracket. The tie rod is still low, but it works. I swapped it out for a home built one from 1.5" .250 wall tubing and threaded ends TIGed on.

**YJames90** · 07-02-2009, 05:04 PM

Still have the home built one?, oh, its on the Jeep now?