[Timo_90xj]

14b and it's parts are actually fairly cheap, but fitting under the XJ is another thing - and that's even more so with HP D60 fronts

 

[ibjeepin95]

14b and it's parts are actually fairly cheap, but fitting under the XJ is another thing - and that's even more so with HP D60 fronts

The thing is, I have no desire to run over 37's/38's.

 

[Timo_90xj]

Yeap.. for those a D44 + D60 or a D60 + 14b combo would be perfect, depending on available power under the hood and/ or driving style.

Until that, keep the 30 and run 35s with not-so-heavy-pedal I had 35s on my XJ with 4.88s, stock shafts (large u-joints) for a couple years and I wasn't too easy on it - yet I never managed to break even a u-joint. My ARB and R&P took a dump on me, but that was because of a casting failure on the ARB and was covered by warranty. D30 actually holds up suprisingly well under an XJ even with 35s as long as you don't do anything overly stupid, like heavy landings at full throttle after launching over a rock ledge Then again, I've broken three shafts on my ZJ niner, I guess the V8 power is a bit too much for the poor turdy.. they were CVs though, let's see how well AlloyUSA cromo- shafts can take the grunt. I'm seeing tooth-fairy paying a visit at the R&P in the future :laugh:

edit: But enough of the BS about this stuff, let's get back to your original subject of the thread, flat belly on the XJ

 

[1990JEEPXJ]

I will be watching this thread closely. Better not let me down

 

[ibjeepin95]

I will be watching this thread closely. Better not let me down

I won't dude! Hopefully I'll get a little work done between classes tomorrow.

 

[ibjeepin95]

Started back to school today but between classes I got some work done on the cross member. First off, it fits and all the bolt holes line up....

Then I cut some access slots to the trans mount bolts. No, they aren't perfectly square, but it's going to get thrashed on so who cares? I took one of the pieces of metal I cut out and welded it across the slots on the inside for a little added strength...

Here is a pic of the whole cross member...

So I slapped another stock cross member (not bent up one) on so I could get it out of the garage. Tightening up the bolts, one of the bolts just spins in the frame. Did I break a nutsert? What do I do with that?

 

[BriansCJ]

Started back to school today but between classes I got some work done on the cross member. First off, it fits and all the bolt holes line up....

Then I cut some access slots to the trans mount bolts. No, they aren't perfectly square, but it's going to get thrashed on so who cares? I took one of the pieces of metal I cut out and welded it across the slots on the inside for a little added strength...

Here is a pic of the whole cross member...

So I slapped another stock cross member (not bent up one) on so I could get it out of the garage. Tightening up the bolts, one of the bolts just spins in the frame. Did I break a nutsert? What do I do with that?

2 options IMO
1. Cut a hole in the side of the frame for new bolts. Not the best idea. It was done on my previous XJ.

2. Cut out both bolts(stud and nut), weld 2 nuts to a piece of 1/8 and weld in place of the old ones.

 

[ibjeepin95]

2 options IMO
1. Cut a hole in the side of the frame for new bolts. Not the best idea. It was done on my previous XJ.

2. Cut out both bolts(stud and nut), weld 2 nuts to a piece of 1/8 and weld in place of the old ones.

Thanks. I was hoping it would be something besides a pain in the d!ck. Sounds like fun

 

[aircruiser]

Pain in the dick indeed, welds broke, you know how it goes

 

[CTeunuch]

I've thrown this idea around a good bit. I just can't justify putting that much work into a Dana 30!

Sack up and build a 44. Then wish you built a 60. Wanna buy a built 44?

Thanks. I was hoping it would be something besides a pain in the d!ck. Sounds like fun

I vote weld some 1/2x13 nuts to a piece of plate, and add a few more while you're add it. I'd say 3 or 4 per side, overkill is always better.

 

[BriansCJ]

Thanks. I was hoping it would be something besides a pain in the d!ck. Sounds like fun

Whats really a pain is when they break and your leaf spring nuts snap off in the same day.

Hopefully I'll be doing something similar soon.

 

[DoctorTim]

did you already drill out the holes on the trans? i wanna see how this is done. might do it myself but without the jig.

 

[ibjeepin95]

did you already drill out the holes on the trans? i wanna see how this is done. might do it myself but without the jig.

Not yet. I'll be doing this last.

 

[jeepnatv4life]

did u use any wd-40 or pb or anti seize on the bolt? hand tools arent gonna be able to pull the bolt back out a quick zip with an impact may save u from a loose nutsert and a bolt stuck in it. Here at the shop with some fasteners u can get away with putting bolts with nuts in a bind and a quick hit with an impact will loosen it.

I your nutsert is shot which is very likely you dont have much options besides opening up the inside of ur frame to get a wrench on it or cutting it out from the bottom......

 

[ibjeepin95]

did u use any wd-40 or pb or anti seize on the bolt? hand tools arent gonna be able to pull the bolt back out a quick zip with an impact may save u from a loose nutsert and a bolt stuck in it. Here at the shop with some fasteners u can get away with putting bolts with nuts in a bind and a quick hit with an impact will loosen it.

I your nutsert is shot which is very likely you dont have much options besides opening up the inside of ur frame to get a wrench on it or cutting it out from the bottom......

Like I said, this sounds fun. I'm pulling the stock cross member back off tomorrow to finish up the new one. I'll see what's up with it then....

 

[SaxManClay]

Subscribed. This actually looks like a viable solution to not buying one. :thumbsup:

 

[ibjeepin95]

Subscribed. This actually looks like a viable solution to not buying one. :thumbsup:

Yup, and you won't get a flat belly anyway else.

 

[aircruiser]

Unless you do 40 sit-ups a day on a strict diet

 

[haloperformance]

This looks great. I was looking at the beefed up stock replacement, but this looks Like a good alternative

 

[ibjeepin95]

No pics, but I took Alex's advice, welded the nuts to the studs, and twisted them out. Also, I enlarged the slots to fit the bolts better. Hopefully, I finish this heavy bastard up this weekend....