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Yj stretch with xj springs parts list

26K views 32 replies 10 participants last post by  youngjeepr 
#1 ·
This thread is a GUIDE, not directions, for me and anyone else that would like to do this mod.

This is a pretty loose list of what youll need assuming you already have extended brake lines, sye and a way to relocate shocks.

The knuckles listed will work if your running a wagoneer dana44 with 6 lugs.

The xj are 55in eye to eye with an offset centerpin that will give you approx. 6in of stretch in front and back, totalling ~12in if you use the stock leaf mounts on the frame

1. Astro van steering box
2. Astro pitman
3. 73-76 dana 44 chevy knuckles
a. Machined, drilled and tapped
4. High steer arms
5. 8 xj rear leaf packs
a. 8 spring clamps
6. Fuel cell
7. Way back shackle hangers
8. Front shackle reversal mounts (if you choose to do a shackle reversal at this point)
9. Driveshaft length mods
10. 4 spring perches
11. 4 shackles
12. 2x4 1/4in wall steel for front crossmember
13. Assorted steel for reinforcement of rear crossmember and front frame extension
14. Antiwrap bar (already made just need to lengthen.

The reason for the 8 leaf packs is that xj leaves are very soft so youll have to mix them together to find what works best for you. Ive read that in the rear adding an extra main leaf and in the front an extra main and second leaf seems to work well

Please let me know if there is anything I need to add
 
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#2 ·
#3 ·
are all 73-76 chevy dana 44 knuckles flat tops? im no junkyard expert but i dont think so.

edit: a quick review of mr. ns page seems to suggest that all chevy 44 knuckles from the posted years would be flat tops.
 
#4 ·
fratis said:
are all 73-76 chevy dana 44 knuckles flat tops? im no junkyard expert but i dont think so.

edit: a quick review of mr. ns page seems to suggest that all chevy 44 knuckles from the posted years would be flat tops.
Yea according to his page all of them would be
 
#6 ·
yea, with this setup since i plan to beat it pretty regularly i dont want to be bending springs, not necessary just something im planning on
 
#8 ·
I used...
Ford shock towers to outboard my rears.
C Channel to replace my rear cross member
Stock gas tank where rear seat was

a side note. I got over 12 inches of stretch, many others have reported the same.
thanks ill look into those, by any chance did you measure to see approx how much lift was gained from using the xj springs SOA? i know the yj stock springs will give ~5.5in
 
#10 ·
wow your low, i believe im just above 80 and im SUA with a 4 in lift and 37s
 
#12 ·
Thats a good thing to aim for, id like to be about my current when im done, are your springs in negative arch on flat ground?
 
#14 ·
just read through your thread again, i think the only difference i would make to my rig is to mount the hangers a bit higher up on the front and rear crossmembers to drop me down a bit more. during droop does your pinion start to point down due to the non centered pin on the xj springs?
 
#16 ·
#17 ·
that is my list of to be ordered
 
#20 ·
im getting new perches because im going from sua to soa
 
#21 ·
im keeping my Dana44 from a waggy for now unless a deal comes up on a 78,79 F250 dana60 before i get all the parts together
 
#23 ·
Hey,

Great threads! Have gone threw almost everyone I can find. Anyways I am doing the same stretch on my YJ. Just about to the point of driveshafts. Anyone have found junk yard specials that work or just going with a custom one? Budget ya know.

Thanks
i had to put this project on hold due to some recent complications... but i have gotten my hands on a few sets of xj leaves which were too rusted to use. im looking at using a set of alcan leaves im thinking
 
#24 ·
stretch

Thats unfortunate the project got put on hold. I actually used RE 3.5" springs in SUA set up. Might have to pull a leaf out to soften it up. Was just curious what people that did the stretch did for rear driveshaft..Heard of people using front cherokee in the rear, but figured someone might have discovered a junk yard rear driveshaft that works.

thanks
 
#27 ·
Thats unfortunate the project got put on hold. I actually used RE 3.5" springs in SUA set up. Might have to pull a leaf out to soften it up. Was just curious what people that did the stretch did for rear driveshaft..Heard of people using front cherokee in the rear, but figured someone might have discovered a junk yard rear driveshaft that works.

thanks
i get my shafts built at a local shop, i have too many issues with breaking them if they're not just right lol
 
#26 ·
simplicity mostly, i dont really want to link my jeep till i know exactly what im doing, thats not something i wanna do twice, this way ill get my wheel base to where i want it then after that point i can start gathering information and parts to 4 link it
 
#30 ·
StreetbikeDepot said:
This is what your shackle hangers should look like for an XJ spring stretch on a YJ, front and rear. If you use the ruff stuff perches you will have problems with the shackle hitting the frame at full droop.
I was worried about the ruff stuff hangers causing the shackles to hit, they just don't look like they belong on the back of the frame but underneath instead. Thanks for making that set for me! I can't wait to get them welded on and get the new springs under her.
 
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