Rear Coil Spring Swap

[zhanx]

Ok i got turn on to this by a friend after bending a shackle hanger.

Swap leaf for coils.

by getting parts from here www.ruffstuffspecialties.com actual pages

Coil spring mount for axle here

Coil top mount plates here

Coil spring lower retainer here

and axle truss

this could be an easy thing to do

i was thinking cherokee rear lift springs the weight should be about the same.

Center wishbone on the axle spreading out upward to the frame like so.. excuse the crude drawing

someone good a photoshop should help me.

with a trac bar from the passenger side to the drivers side. in the last few hours (6) i have done a ton of research
thoughts opinions.. etc.

 

[FROADER]

I'll post these in here too for reference

 

[IZwack]

How much are the rear springs going to cost you? Cauz you can probably just go to a local junk yard, find a pickup or SUV with rear coil springs and go with those. I know for sure Amigo and Rodeos used rear coils. Also, I think Passports used them. The height doesnt really matter since you're probably going to allow them to disconnect on the top side

 

[zhanx]

iZwack rear coil springs = free right now .. hopefully they work out to be the right height. shocks the one i have are too long now so hopefully will work out fine. if not the.. oh well

looks like for 750 -800 it can be done and that is using evo joints in this

 

[IZwack]

iZwack rear coil springs = free right now .. hopefully they work out to be the right height

Oh thats even better! You can always cut them down if they are too long but the spring rate increases when you cut them down (they become stiffer).

 

[zhanx]

edit

 

[james t]

Keep in mind you are going to have to do something with the gas tank. In other words, you arent going to be able to keep the one you got.

 

[r37ribution]

subscribe

 

[Jefe]

Center wishbone on the axle spreading out upward to the frame like so.. excuse the crude drawing

with a trac bar from the passenger side to the drivers side.

You do either a wishbone upper link OR a track bar. And like mentioned, with almost any type of link suspension to run the coils you will have to move the gas tank.

 

[Trckmagik]

Thanks Froader.

My gas tank was not going to work anywhere under the explorer.
I went with 3" lift coils from a Wrangler on mine. I am running a 3 link wishbone setup.

 

[zhanx]

trckmagik got any side shots? Look like i will have t swap to a BII tank then.


edit just got back from picking up coils for testing

 

[zhanx]

Coil Test

ok test fit of the coils
first the passenger side

next the drivers side

and lastly both

yes i know crappy pics. and got to love the coil-over leaf spring setup i have

gives me this rake on the truck.

 

[sn0border88]

you do know cherokee's (xj's) have leaf spring rears? I think you mean a grand cherokee (zj)

 

[Mud Bug 94]

how long are the links gunna be?

 

[zhanx]

you do know cherokee's (xj's) have leaf spring rears? I think you mean a grand cherokee (zj)

you know i didn't know there was a difference but thanks. my buddy just said i got some stock cherokee springs you can use to mock up everything with if you them so i took them.


As for the link lengths, I am thinking i dont want to relocate my gas tank.. So after i finish my design. I know for sure..


O O
| O |
| | |
| | |
| / \ |
| / \ |
|________||_________|

Crude yes

 

[redranger4.0]

there is a way that you can keep your gas tank and still go with a wishbone upper. Let me see if I can find a picture if not ill draw something up in paint.

 

[redranger4.0]

explorers have saddle tanks right?

 

[zhanx]

my idea to keep the gas tank

here is the idea i am toying with

tell me what you think. i know the side links will be real real tight if they do work.

 

[zhanx]

oh yea explorers have saddle tanks also like you pictured

 

[kert0307]

here is the idea i am toying with

tell me what you think. i know the side links will be real real tight if they do work.

thats not gunna work, It'll bend right away right where the two pieces come together. I think redranger's setup should work well though. might want to add another brace between them though.