Front Suspension Jeep KJ

Jumbot

Member
It seems the simple job of fitting Mud flaps can lead to other things, this post is going to raise a few questions, if anyone has any input it would be well received,

On removing the front wheel it was noticed that even in the extended position the spring on the shock absorber strut or leg which ever you favour was extremely close, not a lot of distance between the coils, also noted when the Jeep was sat on all four wheels the drive shafts were at what I would of considered too much of an angle upwards from the Diff, if you like forming a V it had been noted at the MOT that the drive shafts were at a dubious angle, but as it was driving so well I ignored the remark, I was not very well at the time, really should not of been out.

Mud flaps fitted we went back to the shocks and a close look at the whole front end, we came to the conclusion that to get the drive shafts straight a spacer of 3inches would have to be fitted, now this thought did not go well, and with new springs I reckoned we were safer with a 2inch lift or spacer, the rear is about 3 inches higher than the front giving quite a nose down arse high look, onto Google, found kits were available from an OUCH £143 just for the front spacers to well over £400 for bump stops and rear spacers. Remembering my wifes instructions of 'spend any more on that thing and you will lose body parts' I wondered of I could form my own, to that extent and with help we have got this far.

2 New Shocks with top spring isolators and top bush mount.

2 Lower spring isolators, (top and bottom being the same)

2 New Springs

2 Lower shock to lower wishbone bushes

Question with a 2 inch lift will this effect the Camber to the point where it would need adjusting?

Would the tracking require attention? I will get it checked after but my thinking is the lower wishbone will sit lower causing the wheels to toe in slightly more? Or as the whole assembly moves in parallel will it be ok? This is as far as we have got, waiting for my Son to supply the tube and weld the units, The finished items are the front and rear units as for sale on the Net, were attempting to make the fronts, bought a hole cutter which we used, very impressed, used EP90 as a lubricant, I must like the smell!!!

I did find on an American Jeep site that someone mentioned some of the first Cherokee Jeep/Liberty KJ had this problem with the driveshafts and there was a recall, I can find no information on this at all, and am still awaiting a reply from the Site. BUT having done 168000 like this I don't see it as an actual problem just a cosmetic grimace when you look at the shafts.

As soon as were over this currant Virus problem we will continue, mentioning the Virus, please everyone stay safe!!
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Looks good, I'm impressed you managed to buy more parts before loosing body parts.

Kepp up the good work.
 
I have a months grace, till the bill comes in LOL
 
Well with this lock down, not that it effects me overly, progress has been made, My Nipper took all the bits away and welded them, he didn't like the way that the plates could flex, so he came and got the sheet metal I was using to make supports round the bolts, good idea but I would of liked more room to get a spanner in to tighten the nuts, we over come that with a little grinding off an old spanner. I dipped them into black paint as brush painting or even spraying would not of got every surface, I am now waiting for my Son to crawl under the rear to give me the sizes for the rear, hoping that they will be easier? Note the springs are handed, one measures 16.5mm the other 17.5mm with closer coils, this fits the N/S no explanation given, only thing I can see is there is a large battery on the N/S

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Great job done there, looks great.
 
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