holycaveman

I am pretty **** about approach angles. Especially when I failed to clear a section a few weeks ago because of poor approach angles. You had to hit it Hard and when I would try my tow hooks on the frame would hit first stopping me. If I went slow they wouldn't hit but slow wasn't working.

So my plan is to remove the tow hooks and cut about 5 or 6 inches of frame off. As well as 3 inches of the entire front end.

Here is how it was. Tow hooks where bumper was



So first thing I had to do is strip the front end and see if I could move the steering box back.


I a lucked out and was able to move the steering box back 2 3/4" without even shortening the shaft.


Once I knew the steering box could be moved the game was on.

holycaveman

Now for the fender. I have never done anything like this before so it has been a learn as I go .

So i removed the fenders. Now the 36's with 2.5" of lift rub the heck out of the inner fender as you can see in this picture.


So not only will I be shortening the fender and fender well but I will be making more room for the 36's.

holycaveman

So i took some measurements and cut of the rad support\fender mount.


I then trimmed the cut off piece to fit the existing fender well 3" shorter. I hammered the underside of the fender well close to the frame the cut a notch out of the fender well where I would raise it.


I actually cut a little further than the picture shows.

Next I bent the piece up tacked it and cut it off flush.

holycaveman

Trimmed the cut piece some more and matched it up to the fender well then welded it in place. Three inches shorter than originally. Pictured with rad support in place.


Just misses the power steering pump by 3/4".



Difference between sides.



I measured it out and if I modify the air box I can re install the radiator under the support if I run duel electric fans behind the front grill. However I am most likely going to mount the radiator in the back of the jeep. We will see.

I have a build thread but since this is fabrication I figured I may as well put it up.

unidentifiedbomb

Nice, are you going to be cutting the front frame flush as well? That and maybe push the axle forward a little will make a huge difference.

xjmarc

I did it the easy way and just moved my axle forward 3.5"

holycaveman

Yes the frame will be cut flush for certain.

I fought a wile with whether to move the front axle forward or bringing the nose in. And decided to move the nose in. Now since the steering box is about 3" back I have no room to move the axle forward. (And still keep it a lcg rig)

But with 36's I really like the 101" wb. And I have no intention on larger tires, axles, or a longer wb. For where I wheel it's about perfect. And so far larger rigs have had no benefit. In fact often they have a rougher time getting around.

When the nose is finished I will basically have the approach angle of a xj with 42's without a bumper. And that will have to be good enough.

holycaveman

Yes that is one way of doing it. But i figure if I ever do decide to go with long arms it will be all tire! LOL

stang65

I did the same forward 4" and the wheel base of 75-104.5 with the bigger brakes it handles so much better also tows better. and with my bumer set up the way it is with 35s the tire is almost even with the front bumper.

nice work on the the front looking forward to seeing the finished product. you switching to pusher electric fans for cooling?

holycaveman

Thanks. And yes I will have to switch to pushers. I think I have decided I am going to put the rad up front instead of in the back. Don't really want to mess with the plumbing and have a noisy fan directly behind me.

stang65

how are you going to do the engine hood. are you going to a callinduction style?

holycaveman

I was going to try and make it look stock. But i am definitely open to suggestions.

DenimDean

Easiest way I can think of is using hood pins

holycaveman

Yea I think you are right. I wanted to do the whole factory latch and everything, but man that will be a lot of work to relocate everything!

holycaveman

More progress today. Started hacking up the passenger side.



pretty much copied the drivers side. Measured out perfectly each side with the radiator support in place.



Have to cut 4 inches off the frame yet and plate it on the front and for the steering box.

radiator fits and I have 4" between the radiator and the grill for pusher fans.