Fromme's Rubi

[Deleted]

I haven't really been keeping up on the build, I dunno, I guess it's slowed way down cause it's just the little stuff now. Actually, I'm hoping it's the little things that will help me out big time. Such as what I'm doing today:

Outboarding shocks. Well not exactly a whole outboard, more like a shock move. Found these nifty shock mounts from Clayton that you weld on the rear lower control arm bracket. I'm sick of having to restraighten my shock pistons after every Crozet outing (ya, that's right I just bend them back). Hopefully moving the lower shock mounts nearer the tires will help keep them out of the rocks a bit better. I just did the lower brackets because I don't feel like plasma cutting and hacking my frame right now. We'll see how these work.


First, cut the old mount off (the hardest part of the whole project). Then weld on the new mount:
Before and after shots.







Well, I'm off to finish the other side. I meant to take more progressive pics, but when I get going, I forget about the camera.

[greenbean]

Keith,
Nice man! I am going to move mine out as well when I get more time, it's just nice not having to hitch a ride to work anymore! ;D Hope I can get out on the trail with you all soon. I need to work this lift!

Will

[Chele]

Keith - your Jeep rocks. Hey - word is Chesapeake employees are getting a big raise next year, maybe I can budget some stuff for mine...lol. PS- I'll believe it when I see it

[greenbean]

Keith,
Saw something about you doing a Vanco front brake conversion? Do you have any pics or feedback on that thing? I am looking for better stopping power options mostly getting dual piston calipers. I know the Vanco comes with dual pistons, new knuckles, rotors...any issues with your steering setup? Later.

Will

[Deleted]

Hey Will, I missed this one while I was at the Wheel-In I guess. I put the Vanco kit on the night before I left for the wheeling trip, so I was kind of thrashing and praying everything went all right. Since time was a factor I took no pics of the install.

[Deleted]

Well, finally sold the U-turn and got around to putting the Currie steering on. And did the tie rod flip on the driver's side. Had to drill the knuckle out with a 3/4" bit, which was a little discerning, but oh well it's done now. Then tack the insert in. That was the easy part and all I thought that would be needed. But the tie rod will not clear the sway bar mount, even if the mount is extended higher. It also has to be pushed back, which isn't possible because the coil spring is there. So I welded a new sway bar mount on the inside of the coil spring perch and now it's done.
It isn't high steer, but it sure is higher than it was, and there wasn't a lot of money involved and only minor fab work and welding.

[stuck tj]

Nice work. Should do a lot better job .Can you tell any difference?

[Deleted]

May 5, 2008 15:57:13 GMT -5 stuck tj said:

Nice work. Should do a lot better job .Can you tell any difference?

Well, sort of. The handling isn't quite as good, but I don't exactly take exit ramps at 80 either. But what is much improved is I have my turning radius back and more clearance. That U-turn placed the tie rod lower than original, and the ackerman was so screwed up that when you turn to the right, the radius is seriously reduced.

[Deleted]

Haven't been to my thread in a while. I've been repairing and honing my welding skills of late. It seems my thirst for Crozet also requires lots of inspections, mostly to the brackets as I seem to tweak and break them alot. Wow, that Jeep was so nice and shiny when I first got it. Now I feel like I've ruined it or something. No turning back now. Haven't taken many photos of anything lately, but here's some of the fenders. And the Bantam trailer I somewhat restored too. For anyone wondering, those are JK turn signals. A 3" hole saw and some triming, viola.

[Deleted]

And somehow or another I blew out this Johnny Joint. That is a Clayton control arm on the frame side, the rear upper. I can't believe I actually broke a Johnny Joint, trying to figure out what went wrong. I went this route so I wouldn't have to deal with control arm bushings.

[greenbean]

Keith, your rig looks awesome man! All the stuff you have done looks good and besides that it is meant to be wheeled! Nice top too by the way! ;D

Will

[stuck tj]

Snap ring?

[Deleted]

Yes, the outer snap ring came off. But it looks to be in 1 piece still.

[stuck tj]

Ya had the same problem with clayton after the first use. They must not set them in good or there milling sucks. I never had that problem with Currie Johnny Joints after running 4 years?

[Deleted]

Sept 5, 2008 18:13:28 GMT -5 stuck tj said:

Ya had the same problem with clayton after the first use. They must not set them in good or there milling sucks. I never had that problem with Currie Johnny Joints after running 4 years?

I'm almost certain Clayton uses the Currie JJ parts and housings. I talked to Clayton today, they just assemble them. He claims that it is rare and asked me to put it back together, and if it happens again they'd send another. I did, and we will see.