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Technical Forum The main forum for jeep related discussions. Mechanically Inept... |
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#1
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Welding the RE LA kit's frame bushings into the frame... how important?
I've pretty well decided to just go ahead and install the new RE LA kit myself (and it is shipping today! ). My question is pretty simple, is it worth getting someone over to the house to weld those bushings into the frame? RE says they don't have to be but... I have access to a welder but the welder's owner can no longer weld it for me due to an offroad accident he had that has nearly blinded him. Is it worth it to try and get someone else over to weld them or not?
One more thing... RE is also shipping me rear shock relocation brackets. How important is it that I use them? Thanks! |
#2
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I'd weld them, Jerry. I know RE says it's an unnecessary step, but I was much more confortable welding them in place. It's pretty simple really as only the outside of the frame gets the 1" hole, hence only that side can be welded. So, if you can do it, I would.
I used the shock brackets RE sent, but made that decision after cycling the rear axle and determining the shocks wouldn't work in the stock brackets. BTW, getting the shock brackets off was tougher than removing the control arm brackets from the frame...mostly due to access issues. That's were I used my Plasma. Side note, depending on how things line-up with your rear shocks, and where the new brackets have to be placed on the rear axle, you may run into clearance issues with the can of the shock rubbing on the spring pad on the axle. I "clearanced" the pad slightly by using a 3 lb hand sledge to "flatten" the back edge of spring pad. A couple whacks was all it took.
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pooring money down the Jeep hole... |
#3
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Jerry,
My spacers are not welded to the frame on my Full Traction lift. It doesn't appear that they could fall in anyways. With the removable center section, how often do you think you'll remove the side brackets, if ever? If you do have access to the welder, you could always tack them into place and then grind them smooth. Even a hack welder like me could do it.
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Jeff |
#4
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Re: Welding the RE LA kit's frame bushings into the frame... how important?
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2007 Mini Van powered 4 door, Locked and riding on 35's. |
#5
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I cut my lower shock brackets off with Blaines' plasma and frankly, I was worried the entire time that I was going to blow a hole through into my axle tube. I was never so happy to put a tool down |
#6
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Thanks guys, now you have me thinking about having it done by my shop guy again.
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#7
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pooring money down the Jeep hole... |
#8
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Remember, I'm the guy who catches himself on fire at least once a year grinding on something.
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pooring money down the Jeep hole... |
#9
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Go on Jerry it's not that hard - I actually enjoyed it.
As for welding - I'd suggest you do what I did...... ie my welds could be mistaken for bird-poop - but that didn't stop me basically welding the spacers in place...... My thoughts are the welding is listed as optional, even if only a % of my weld is properly penitrating I'll still be ahead so what to loose? Besides there's some primival attraction to cutting stuff off & welding other stuff onto your junk - I loved it.....now looking for more cutting/welding projects |
#10
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#11
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I am Savvy. |
#12
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Jerry,
If you are concerned about the shock relocator brackets, get the shock relocators from Teraflex. No welding required, they are bolt on. Frank
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2004 TJ, 4L, 5Spd, Big Daddy Rocker Guards, Teraflex long arm with 5" springs, 35" MTR's, 4.56 gears, Detroits f & r, SYE/CV drive shaft, Warn XD9000i, Durango 4x4 front bumper. |
#13
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I've got a set of those tera bolt-on shock mounts in the garage somewhere that you can have. I realized after getting fully bitten by the Jeep bug that I had to learn to weld. I highly reccomend it!!
I dont know if this would work, but your welcome to drive it over to my shop in Esco for a few quick welds. Whatever you do... Dont let someone else install your lift!! I know you have some good guys over at 4WP, but you will be kickin yourself if something fails on the trail. Just Do It!! Matt
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The trouble with common sense is it is no longer common |
#14
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I am Savvy. |
#15
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Jerry |
#16
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2004 TJ, 4L, 5Spd, Big Daddy Rocker Guards, Teraflex long arm with 5" springs, 35" MTR's, 4.56 gears, Detroits f & r, SYE/CV drive shaft, Warn XD9000i, Durango 4x4 front bumper. |
#17
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Jerry, My shop is on Barham near Mission. I'm usually in the garage on saturdays messing with the Jeep. Feel free to come on by!
Warning though... I am no fab masta!! I have welded all of my own spring perches, shock mounts etc. But, if I want something to look real purty (and is life critical) I take it to a profesional! Matt
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The trouble with common sense is it is no longer common |
#18
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Heh, your welding skills sound just fine for what my Jeep needs. Thank you Matt, I appreciate your offer very much!
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#19
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You would be better off with this Nth Degree shock relocation kit or this: |
#20
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Anybody else seen the new F-150 commercials touting the benefits of the outboard shocks? It sure works nice on the TJ.
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Jeff |
#21
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I am Savvy. |
#22
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pooring money down the Jeep hole... |
#23
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Robert J. Yates
[B]They hang down even lower which causes the rocks to bite them - hard. Also, due to the manner in which they are attached to the stock mount, they become a lever. I guess what I am trying to say is that you will quickly bend them up and destroy your stock mounts in the process. You would be better off with this Nth Degree shock relocation kit Exacly why I suggested this to Jerry. Quote:
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2007 Mini Van powered 4 door, Locked and riding on 35's. |
#24
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What's the benefit to moving the lower shock mounts further outboard and what's a good surce for the nth degree shock relocators?
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#25
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2007 Mini Van powered 4 door, Locked and riding on 35's. |
#26
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Sounds good to me, this is the time to do them for sure. Thanks Al.
Jerry |
#27
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I used the MORE lower shock mounts:
I wound up cutting them up a fair amount to get them where I wanted them, but am pleased with the end result: HTH MP
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The trouble with common sense is it is no longer common |
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