I believe I have read that it is indeed structural concerns with pipe.

If you are successful in making a long arm set, I'm sure there are some that may be interested in paying for you to make a set of their own. Could help recoup costs.

 

I've heard that too, but I've also heard it is acceptable for a roll cage, where square tubing is not. I've never actually read any articles supporting any of this though. I was just wondering...

 

Picked up 2"X2" .025 wall square tubing. Also, some 1/4" plate for brackets, and some 2"X4" 3/16 for crossmember. Now I need to do some research on heims. Any input is welcome...

 

While surfing CL this morning, I found a front and rear axle from a Bronco. OP says front D44, manual hubs, and rear 8.8. Geared in 3.55. Says the axles are in great shape. $200 for the both of them. I wasn't entertaining the idea of axles, but I think this is a good price. I see where some of you have done this swap. I like the idea of manual hubs and the added strength. Thinking hard about it. It shouldn't be much more work to install these axles on the XJ, but what other things will come up... like driveshafts? What do ya'll think? I should pick them up in the morning, unless ya'll scare me off of them.

 

Turns out the front D44 it s TTB(?) and not desirable. So not doing this swap. Back in the real world...

 

Whats the latest? Any progress?

 

Funny you should ask...

I spent a fair amount of time on the phone yesterday tracking down joints/bushings/brackets, etc. I think I have that all figured out. 94XJ suggested radius arms, and I'm pretty sure that's what I'll be doing. I'll be using the factory axle mounting points. I have the steel for the crossmember. I need more tubing for the radius arms.

Fallon and I just finished modding and reinstalling the TB. That worked out well. I will buy an adj. TB later, but for now this will get us around the yard, or down the dirt road for testing purposes. I wish I had the materials to build the arms on hand, but I have to wait a bit due to budget.

Here's some pics. The red XJ is the donor. Thanks for hanging Pitt...

 

Picked this up, damaged, from Tractor Supply. Regular price was $499.99, marked down for clearance to $249.99. Manager stated a customer had damaged it. I determined I could fix it! Offered $100, she said she needed $149.99 (her cost). I said "Okay"! Brought it home, fixed the drawer, installed the lock, pulled off the stickers! It is heavy, and it has ball-bearing sliders on the drawers. I have no idea about the brand, but I am happy with it.

 

Nice work and looking good! Sweet find on the box too. I see a bumper making opportunity in you and your sons future...

 

Thanks Bud. I like how it looks. Fal is excited about it too.

I'm pleased with the box as well. I just have to figure out what tools I'm going to put into it!

Making F/R bumpers has been our plan. But I was reading some of the builds last night, and apparently it's easy to get carried away and make it too heavy. Especially after a winch is installed. I was trying to find where Musclehead stated his front bumper MFG, but I must have overlooked it... I couldn't find it. Just depends... everything is so freakin expensive!

Where do ya'll like to buy joints and bushing, etc? I need to shop prices. Heims or JJ?

 

Heim joints, inserts, jam nuts, brackets, bushings... I'm already at $368.79. Add an adj TB and I'm pushing $600! It seems building your own stuff isn't so inexpensive! Ya'll said stay away from Rusty's, but he is the least expensive so far. Where should I be looking, or should I just buy a kit and be done with it?

 

I buy quality builder parts, stuff isn't cheap. Ruffstuff and Ballistic.

Get a TNT long arm kit

 

Thanks, 94. I'll check them out.

Started building the crossmember this afternoon. I copied somebody else's build from Offroad Fabrication Network. I am modifying it some for strength... should work good.

 

I can weld these to the tubes?? This is COOL!

http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/...nt_p_1722.html
This would be for the arm end of the radius arms

http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/...ng_p_1663.html
This would be for the axle end of the LAs.

Still checking stuff out. Thanks for the links 94!!

 

Wish I could be more help with the long arm and fab stuff you've been asking about. Unfortunately I don't haven't delved into that as of yet.

One thing you might try is starting threads in the modified or fab sections. Sometimes they get more attention and response than build threads. Then you can bring it back to the build.