Author Topic: low COG XJ setup  (Read 1754 times)

Offline BlacXJeep

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low COG XJ setup
« on: November 12, 2009, 11:50:27 PM »
Found this thread on SIS. It shows the benefits of having a smaller lift. He uses long arm components, and bumpstops with a small lift ( 3'') and 36'' IROKS, and claims it is beneficial. I guess a lot of the guys in their club are running only 3 inch lifts. What do you guys think?
http://sisoffroad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5718
Andy Doucette - A.K.A.(Douce)
W.O.J.

Offline HOT-ROD

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #1 on: November 13, 2009, 12:08:57 AM »
makes a lot of sence. i would do it. lots of trimming in the future and his tires are sticking out a bit. def something i would consider to get 36" on my truck with out having to SAS. but eventually, i would SAS. i can fit 35's now but. but my steering radus would suffer.

Offline BlacXJeep

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #2 on: November 13, 2009, 12:15:49 AM »
my fenders are already trimmed higher than his, in the front at least. So with some used long arm components and bumpstops etc.. I could run 35s very easily in the future, and still maintain a lot of stability, while gaining a flatter control arm angle and better droop. lock my axles, slap on a winch and I think my rig would do pretty well.
Andy Doucette - A.K.A.(Douce)
W.O.J.

Offline HOT-ROD

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2009, 12:17:57 AM »
how thick are your belly skids?

and hows your diff armor.

Offline kirksjeep

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2009, 01:13:36 AM »
I like low COG set ups, but as with anything there are compromises.  If you look at the average set up in New England, everyone seems to run 33-35" tires and everyone runs the same general trails, so I would guess a similar set up will work for you too.  I would put the limit of tire size at 35's and the limiting factor being the D30.  From everything I have read a D30 with stock 760 U-joint size shafts can handle 35's w/o a locker and if you upgrade to alloy shafts you can support running a front locker.  There is a big trend for running low COG rigs, just look at the supper 40 rig that Jeep built and the YJ on 40's in JP mag.  Just realize the limits of your other parts before planning on putting the big tires on.  You are on the right track by researching before buying, I have been working on my YJ for almost 10 years and I am always learning something new.
1992 YJ Sahara, 4.5 Rubicon Express ED Lift, 35" BFG MT, Custom Bumpers, SYE/CV Drive Shaft, OBA, Ford 8.8 rear, 4.10 gears, tie rod flip, 1"MML/BL
2002 KJ Liberty, 2" Lift, 31" tires/DD
2002 F-150 Harley Davidson 5.4L SC
2013 Explorer Sport
2006 Harley Road King Classic
1988 Honda Hawk GT

Offline HOT-ROD

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #5 on: November 13, 2009, 01:36:53 AM »
well put Kirk.

Offline BlacXJeep

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #6 on: November 13, 2009, 02:01:49 AM »
Eventually want dana 44 front and rear, likely out of a waggy. I can't run a locker up front unless I go with something selectable ($$$) because of the Selec-trac 242. Unless I want to give up the full-time 4x4, in wich case I would swap in a 231 anyways. The 29 spline 8.25 was just a temporary/cost effective solution for running my 33s. This way It will be less likely to break an axle shaft on the trail. Still looking to find some spares anyhow, but running a stock dana 35 made me nervous. I may also throw an Aussie in the 8.25 in the near future. Eventually plan on having something else as a DD. Want to make Betty a dedicated trail rig. I would consider my jeep to be almost at what I call my stage 2, maybe with the locker in the rear.

Stage 3 would ideally be Dana 44 front and rear, at least 35s, longarm components (upper and lower control arms and new Crossmember), lockers front and rear, winch, OBA, roll cage etc...

I have really learned a lot since joining this club, and owning my jeep. Some of the things I don't fully understand are suspension geometry, travel, bumpstopping etc... This particular article had really caught my attention. Now obviously with the low COG I am going to have lower departure/approach/breakover angles, but fully skidded, with lockers I think it would be very capable. A long way away from doing any of this, pretty happy as I sit right now, but as we all know its a disease...

Jon- my rear diff cover has 1/4 inch steel plate for the cover and has 3/8 inch steel ring for the base. ¼” ribbed solid diff cover up front. My TC skid is 3/16" and my engine skid is 1/8" steel with 5/8" solid round rod supports on the bottom, plus my rocker skids are 1/8" wall tubing.
Andy Doucette - A.K.A.(Douce)
W.O.J.

Offline HOT-ROD

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #7 on: November 13, 2009, 02:10:32 AM »
cool, just thinking fwd, if you go with that the cog to check/ think about anything that could be gusseted/ reinforced.

Offline BlacXJeep

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #8 on: November 13, 2009, 02:37:14 AM »
well..... yeah like lower control arm skids? I would be doing SYE and getting rid of the 1'' TC drop. but heres a veiw of my belly as of right now. I'll be sure to get ahold of you when that time comes. Actually I have an exhaust hanger that needs to be welded back together if you want to give a hand soon. It'as bouncing off my crossmember like crazy. BTW how is your hand? is it back from the dead?



« Last Edit: November 13, 2009, 02:39:21 AM by BlacXJeep »
Andy Doucette - A.K.A.(Douce)
W.O.J.

Offline HOT-ROD

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Re: low COG XJ setup
« Reply #9 on: November 13, 2009, 02:42:12 AM »
my hand is cool. thumb is getting better.

i will def help when yo uneed it.