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So, looks wise this thing looks fantastic...Usable? Not really. The seat ended up sitting too high. Failure is just an opportunity for betterment. The fold flat function works, the seat sits well, but your head hits the roof...:/ Back to square one. I think I'll removed the shims on the outer mounting points, and cut down the center bracket and hopefully that will make it sit a little lower.
Upper bolts mounting plates for the rear JKU bench
I ended up deciding the bench was up too high. Will need to make modifications to lower it a couple of inches.
JKU seats retrofit update: It has become apparent that in order to get the seat level you must cut the floor and build a lowering bracket/plate. However I was able to drop the seat down enough for a 6'4" guy to comfortably sit in the rear of the vehicle (tested with helpful neighbor). The mock up is 90% complete in the rear with the exception of the floor cutting. The picture with the ratchet straps holding up the bottom seat reveals the issue. The XJ has a 90 degree shelf in the middle, keeping the center bracket from sitting flush, thus posting up an inch higher causing a gap at the split bench, and a higher sitting position in that area. The first front seat has been mocked up, also tilted, but I expected this since the tranny tunnel on the passenger side sticks out further. I'll massage the unibody a bit, and remove the insulation under the carpet, which should give me proper clearance.
Side note. IF you have a 96 and new Jeep and purchase the rear JKU bench with seat belts in tact you are good to go. However if you have a 94 and lower like mine the seat belts will need replaced with the newer style to match across the rear bench. Luckily I have a 96 parts jeep I will be pulling the seat belts from so I can reuse the seat belt female ends that came the the rear bench.
So Wednesday I got a little help hauling the seats in and out a bit, and was able to finish the notch and weld the bracket needed for the seat to sit level. It's not perfect, but it's so close only I can tell really. I treated the couple of rust spots and will finish painting the floor for protection. After the painting is done I can move to the front seats. Both fronts seat brackets are cut, I had to modify the driver side seat a bit, and am still in the process of fitting them in just right.
With Mike's help I was able to get the rear bench installed permanently. I fixed some rust holes and bedlined the rear cargo area prior to the install. The front seats are fully mocked up and waiting a touch of weld and some paint and the project will be complete.
Back to the grind this Wednesday. I got the tuck and fold 90% complete minus the hole sealing. I dumped some under coat in the holes and waiting now, for it to harden up to start the seam sealing. Man do I hate that dent. It's nasty and on my list since I bought it...
All done with the SRB manufacture and the unirail tie in brackets. I think after I paint the driver side I'm going to take a break for a while on the build. I need a break. I feel like all I do is work on this thing. I've got a few maintenance repairs that need addressed anyway. After the break, I think I'll start on the stiffeners and slider tie ins.
All the holes drilled, brackets trimmed, and the unibody rail brackets fabricated.
Test fit. Much better....
Yielded about 3/4" of lift in the middle hole.
Primer
Final coat of paint. I couldn't find any black, and still had two cans of the gun metal I used on the wheels over 2 years ago.
I had family obligations to attend to Saturday, so Sunday I decided I had had enough of staring at this Jeep in the garage. I started to work installing the freshly painted shackle relocation brackets and unibody tie-ins. I got her all bolted up, and for some reason one of the tie-ins didn't quite line up. Some quick work with a dremel and all bolted up. I ran her out for a hair cut and a got the family loaded up for a birthday party. She drove great. The seats ride well, and so does the rear suspension now. I loaded my standard gear in the back to level her out, but she has about a 1" rake to the rear as you can see in the pics. I have some seals that need replaced and a steering box in the next couple of weeks. I'll be taking a break through the holidays, and start on my tire carrier bumper after the new year I figure.
fantastic! I'm only running 31s, but they should work well to 32" tires. I'm getting about 20 mpg, with lots of take off power. It was well worth the effort.
10-27-2016, 09:25 AM
