ORFXJ

You're looking at the wrong lug patten bud...I dont recommend anything on ebay(they use cheap aluminum)...If you need wheel adapters, only use spidertrax, you wont regret it! You need to look at 5x4.5 to 5x5.0 (Not 5x5.5)

Great project! looks fun!

cdhebert

Yeah, what he said. JK wheels are 5 on 5" pattern.

Cherokee144

Thanks for mentioning that! I knew I was looking for 5x5, just didn't notice the .5 on the ebay listing. I did plan to call and confirm my application before ordering so, I probably would have been alright. I am concerned about quality now.
So the adapters on ebay say they are made with 6061 Billet Aluminum, Spidertrax are 6061 T6 Aluminum. Are there different grades of 6061? Is T6 the strongest? It would be nice to save $80 if there is no difference.

Cherokee144

Leaf Spring bolts suck my $%#@! Impact wouldn't do it, 15" breaker wouldn't either. Finally thought to use this skate board grinding rail on the end of the breaker. Spent probably 20 mins working it around slowly. Then, finally was able to use the ratchet for a bit before it stopped backing out, now it just spins. I'll have to figure that out tomorrow.

Decided to find new leaf spring bolts. Called the dealership, parts guys said they can get them in a day or two for $7 each. I'll get them ordered tomorrow but, won't have them till I get back from VA. Can't wait to get this finished!

Replacing the rear sway bar bushings, discovered the bracket that connects the bushing to the leaf spring is rusted and weak, around the bushing. Got it back together but, don't trust it. May use JB weld for now and seek out replacements. Will post pics of this tomorrow.

Cherokee144

What a bunch of junk!

Cherokee144

The rear sway bar links are rusted, should I remove the sway bar completely? How will that effect the handling?

We Have Magnets

Removing the rear sway bar will give you more flex. Unless you plan on doing alot of offroading, I'd leave it on. IMO.

Cherokee144

Well, not really looking for more flex yet. I won't be driving it everyday but, want it to handle well if I need to. So, I will be looking to replace them.

Anybody know of aftermarket replacements or, are there quick disconnects for the rear sway?

TheDale

Back when my old Jeep was still smallish. I took the rear sway bar off, and it seemed to handle better, I had new shocks on it and when hitting bumps or pulling out of driveways sideways, it would violently rock back. Took the rear sway bar off and everything calmed down and smoothed out.

Cherokee144

[QUOTE=TheDale;2150371]Back when my old Jeep was still smallish. I took the rear sway bar off, and it seemed to handle better, I had new shocks on it and when hitting bumps or pulling out of driveways sideways, it would violently rock back. Took the rear sway bar off and everything calmed down and smoothed out.[/QUOTE

I'll patch mine up and put it back together. If it does anything strange like that I'll will take it off and give that a try.
The 3" RC kit came with sway bar drop brackets for the front. Are extended rear links a good idea as well? Or is that only needed for 4.5" and higher lifts? I haven't yet found OEM replacement rear links. Only extended.

Cherokee144

Ordered 4 new leaf spring bolts and the Steelership. I guess $7.20 each isn't too bad. They will arrive tomorrow morning so, I won't be able to finish the rear until I return in 10 days. Booooo!

Cherokee144

New rear shocks are in, rear leaf springs are in there and waiting for bolts.

One shock bolt won't tighten, must have broken the mount. Any suggestions on what to do about this?

Cherokee144

Passenger Front shock, coil spring, and lower control arm.

sthon

Pull that rear sway bar off and throw it in the trash. Unless you plan on towing anything it's worthless.

Cherokee144

New Leaf Spring Bolts. Problem is the bolts and I are 1100 miles from the Cherokee. Damn