Just to follow up, I pulled the front end today, cut off the old LCA brackets and welded on the new Artec's. Everything went back together with no problems, sway bar bushing and links are back to where they're supposed to be but I did notice that my drag link is slightly coming in contact with the lower track bar bolt head. I'm assuming this is a result of the accident. So I'm off to get a new one and see if that takes care of it before I take her to a "different" alignment shop.

out with the old...




and in with the new.

 

Nice! Glad to see it fixed!

 

Just WHAT is that white wire dangling under the front end in the first set of photos? Kinda mystified as to it's purpose?

In my neighborhood there are nothing but Jeeps in driveways up and down the street LOL!!! My one neighbor has a really heavy duty crash bar thing on the front of his Jeep which protects headlights, etc. Maybe you should look into getting one of those installed!!!!

 

Slight problem...
XJ LCA mounts are perpendicular to the axle tube.

Looks like you installed a TJ LCA bracket. Your LCA bushings aren't going to last as long.

 

You missed some fillet welds on there as well btw.

 

According to Artec they are correct: http://www.artecindustries.com/Dana-...air_p_372.html

 

The wire was for the factory fog lamps, I installed the bumper for now:

 

Ummmm....they are wrong, or perhaps there's something you missed in the instructions.
I've been at this for quite a while and this ain't my first rodeo.

TJ/LJ brackets are different than XJ brackets.
Take a very close look at the brackets in the link you posted. Notice the tab at the axle mount (curved area) are on opposite sides.

Yes you can use them, IF you grind out one side so the bracket is perpendicular to the axle tube.

Drivers Side (TJ)
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...rs-Side-RE9993

Pass. Side (TJ)
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...er-Side-RE9991

 

I see your point and in no way am I doubting/questioning your expertise. Unfortunately they didn't come with instructions but the LCA's slid right in and
the angle appeared correct. Looking at the picture below there appears to be an angle on the stock ones. Numerous measurements were taken and re-taken during and after installation and will be taken again after some miles are put on them. I will also keep an eye on the LCA bushings and report back. EDIT: I just contacted Artec and am waiting for a response.

 

Could you please give an update? I am looking to buy the Artec mounts as well and this discussion gives me pause now.

What did Artec tell you?

...

 

here is the response I received from Artec:

Subject: Item Id: TJ3012

Paul,

You should not have any issues. The only thing you would possibly find is the angle is slightly different from the factory mounts, but it is not enough to cause any damage and your bushings/joints should be okay to absorb the difference.

Thank you.
Artec Staff

It has been a couple of weeks since the install and I've had no problems, noise or steering pull/vibrations. I re-confirmed the measurements and they're still solid.

 

Thanks for the update man

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