So I’m sure there’s a thread or 2 on here about this but I just have a few questions that I can’t seem to find answers for. So I’m pretty dedicated to swapping in a D60 and sterling 10.5 into the heep and I was wondering mainly about suspension. I plan on running 40’s maybe slightly smaller but in that ball park on a 6.5” 3 link with a coil conversion. Now I’m assuming that I can’t just put the Clayton kit on becuase I’m assuming that it’s meant for a stock axle setup but I could be wrong idk. Any pointers on suspension? I can fabricate to an extent but would much rather buy a kit and weld it in. Thanks!

 

when you're going tons, it really doesn't matter what lift you get it for, they only spec them out for the model, so a cherokee would be set up with control arm mounts in the stock location, as for the rear, you are gonna have to weld new ones on the axle, so just space them out to xj width.

you will need to replace your parking brake cables to match your disc, if you're going that way.

 

Artec makes a truss for the front that you weld on to the axle. It gives you the control arm mounts and spring buckets. Though therr are a few things about the arms and trac bar that will require customization.

You'll want to go with a long arm kit. Stinkyfab racing makes great frame side brackets that work with frame stiffeners.

 

okay that’s what I figured but wasn’t too sure, so basically any kit should be able to on to the axles as long as I weld in the brackets for the arms in correctly?

 

Ive heard of stinky fab, are they worth the buy?

 

They have a good reputation. I have their brackets but haven't installed them yet. They are seriously beefy.

 

I was looking at their sight today and I believe I found what you’re talking about. Do you by chance have a link? Also steering wise do you think I am able to throw in like a cavfab setup or what do you think?

 

correct. the arms need to be in line with the jeeps frame, then to the axle. so to prevent bind, you need to weld the axle mounts the same distance apart as if it was using a stock jeep axle.

but going from leafs to links, you should purchase a conversion kit for a jeep cherokee, this way you get proper angles for anti squat and all other factors involved, so you don't get bind up. you can ask eric for measurements. i left his name info below.
setting up the rears is pretty difficult, since you're going with a 4 bar triangulated link setup so the axle stays center and don't need a track bar. so keep that in mind, and ask the fabricator questions.

a good guy to talk to is eric from staangs fab. he's in canada, but has built many kits exactly what you're looking for. he builds them and sells them. many of them. feel free to email or phone him.
there's also TMR Customs. they will help you out too. again, just call or email. they make a lot of hard parts. you may of heard of them from king of the hammers, or on extreme 4x4 on tv. tell him i sent ya, same with eric. i know them both.

https://www.staangsfab.com/contact-us/ ask for Eric
https://ca.tmrcustoms.com/ talk to either Tim or Mike

 

Awesome man thank you! I’ll definitely be in touch with them!

 

They don't need to, and if doing a custom setup, shouldn't.

Getting as much triangulation as possible, while not required on a 3-link with panhard, is advisable.

Honestly, if you want to do a 1-ton swap properly...the only thing left that you'll use is the uniframe (with beefing).

There are trusses, mounts, etc. you can buy to make it quicker...but in the end it will still be a massive amount of work.

Of those of us who have, I'd say maybe 20% would do again with an XJ platform. I sure as hell wouldn't.

 

A 1-ton axle will be entirely too wide to toss on a bolt on kit made for a stock axle. You'll need to make your own steering links. Are you knowledgeable on how to fabricate and do this job?

 

This^.

And, if you plan on doing much but street driving...you'll want hydro assist at a minimum.

 

there are so many companies that make bolt on/weld on trusses for 1 tons to mate with jeep fitment. yes, you will need to purchase or fabricate your own steering links as well as track bar. but like i said, many companies make these already. just gotta call and discuss with them so they know what you're working with.

TMR makes everything we're talking about here, and then some. best company out there, hands down for this type of stuff. call and talk to them. they are very friendly and you will talk to either Tim or Mike personally.

 

I’m not scared of the work that needs to be put in, I’m just looking to be a lil more than different to every other cherokee in my area and I’d like to be as “beefed up” as possible. Like I said earlier i can fabricate just needed some more info haha.

 

That’s what I figured. Now when you say links are you referring to links as in the control arms or like drag/tie rod links?