Been considering moving my rear shocks where they mount to the body. We all know dealing with the stock location sucks. So with using the rear sway bar mounts and welding them on further inward that will allow me to easily access the shocks. Anybody see any downsides to having the upper mount further inboard?

 

If the mounts are more inboard. The shock with have less dampening effect. But on the bright side. It will not use as much shock travel to articulate. So you could raise the axle mounts up. I did the same thing but I used the JKS rear shock relocation bracket thing. And I raised my axle mounts.

 

Here is the bracket and my axle mounts.
http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jks-rea...Fc9AMgodphgAkA

 

Have you noticed any adverse effects besides less dampening of moving them further inward? I'm not looking to triangulate, just to get a little extra out of my shocks.

 

And I've already raised my axle mounts up same as yours. My problem is I don't have enough up travel and I figured I'd get a little extra out of it by doing this. Plus dealing with the stock mounting location just plain sucks haha.

 

One thing that comes to mind is how it effects body roll. I know that is mostly controlled by the springs, but I don't want my XJ flopping back and forth because the shocks are able to do their job as well.

 

As long as you don't inboard them too muc, it's shouldn't make much of a difference.

 

No, basically enough to get them just to the inside of where they are now.

 

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...rokee-XJ-84-01

 

I seriously thought about doing the inboard shock relocation using the serious product but then decided to do something a little different. The bottom of the shock is mounted to the top of the leaf spring plate. The shocks are straight up and down.

 

Definitely the best way to get full dampening, but I can't have the shocks coming up through. I have too much gear to fit in the back when I go on trips.

 

i would take function over gear just narrow down to bare essentials

 

Since there is no back seat anymore, the shock hoops attach where the back seat use to be attached, there is plenty of storage behind the front seats. I carry tools needed to do anything to the Cherokee, complete front axle shafts, other smaller spare parts bag, and a recovery gear bag all stored in that area. I'm guessing you need the back seat, it's just added weight.

The stock mounting points for your rear shocks can be made easier to work with by removing the tack welded nuts. They are easy to remove, use a punch and hammer. Just a couple of solid hits usually breaks them free. Replace with corrosion resistant bolts.

 

Or something like this https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f10/re...kit-xj-182028/

 

About the gear, I frequently go on multi day trips where camping gear, food, and other things are needed. Next year I'm gearing up to go on a 3 week trip through Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. I'll need as much space as I can get. I also cannot remove the rear seat as I plan on having this vehicle after I have children in the next couple years. I know that's being optimistic, but a guy can dream right?