Got bored, linked an XJ :)

[alosix]

http://picasaweb.google.com/jpower2/XJPics#

This is an older project (from back in MD) but I just finally stumbled across the pictures.

I really like playing with AiRock and doing things a little different, so we figured we'd link my buddy's XJ and put 6" Firestone airbags on it.

So we started with this little XJ (freshly back from a run @ Iron Range offroad park in MN (2 days out, 2 days of wheelin , 2 days back )...

We started out with a BUNCH of parts

Added some TNT chassis stiffnerz

Before putting them in place we welded up the RockKrawler LA front mounts and a set of Poly Performance link mounts for the back. Welding those 'in position' is sooo much easier. Installing the stiffnerz on an old XJ covered in tranny fluid is another bit of fun.

We also decided it needed a TJ like belly pan. So 1/4" of steel plate was bent and welded into place, on the back you can also see the Nth Stinger mount..

Next up, crappy cell phone pic of the front air backs and RK front 3 link setup in place

After that. We took a Ford 8.8. Threw on a slightly modified Ruff Stuff Specialties Truss, some RE spring mount pads (since they work with the air bags) Some poly performance lower link mounts, and one of the Ruff Stuff track bar mounts

Then its time to figure out how we are going to attach the air springs and track bar

These are located by the bump stop mount holds and sandwich the unirail there with another piece of 3/8" plate on the other side.

Then the mostly finished product:

The owner is in the process of finishing up a few touches.. I think just the rear DS is left to do.

Still haven't seen it wheel yet though..

 

[nbleak21]

that is a pretty impressive little setup... and I'm sure quite a change from wheeling w/ passenger tires on steelies!

 

[Black Dog]

That is a very cool transformation. I like the TJ fender flares too.

 

[JakeMate]

Nice!

 

[comrad_zeelaagee]

**************' dude!

 

[Hill Bill E.]

So we started with this little XJ (freshly back from a run @ Iron Range offroad park in MN (2 days out, 2 days of wheelin , 2 days back )...

..

Hmmmm.....must have washed it really well, I don't see any "Iron Range Red" on it!:coffeedrink:

Looks good!

 

[alosix]

Hmmmm.....must have washed it really well, I don't see any "Iron Range Red" on it!:coffeedrink:

Looks good!

Ha, I've still got shirts stained from that place..

There's a little still under that XJ, you can't see most of it due to a few leaky seals on that XJ causing a nice oil bath underneath.

My TJ still has a good bit of that red stuff on there.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Ha, I've still got shirts stained from that place..

There's a little still under that XJ, you can't see most of it due to a few leaky seals on that XJ causing a nice oil bath underneath.

My TJ still has a good bit of that red stuff on there.

Yeah, I quit bothering to try and get it all off! I just use a rattle can of black paint on the underside now:wings:

The iron ore red stains everything! But it's a lot of fun to play on the rocks!

 

[alosix]

Yeah, I quit bothering to try and get it all off! I just use a rattle can of black paint on the underside now:wings:

The iron ore red stains everything! But it's a lot of fun to play on the rocks!

Those rocks are some of the sharpest I've ever played with. I think one of the liberties that were running with this XJ lost 3 tires over the 2 days we were there.

I lost a large chunk of MT/R sidewall (tire still held air though).

 

[Jim K in PA]

Very cool. Can you give us some more specs on the bags? Part #? What pressures is he running in them (F&R)? I want to bag my LJ.

 

[alosix]

Very cool. Can you give us some more specs on the bags? Part #? What pressures is he running in them (F&R)? I want to bag my LJ.

The bags are from a 6" TJ ORO AiRock setup. I'd need to get someone to look under it to find the part numbers though.

Pressures @ ride height for those range between 30-50psi depending on the ride height and the weight of the vehicle.

Having had a few iterations of bags on my TJ (well the same bags, but different controller setups) The hands down easiest way to bag a TJ is to call Steve @ ORO and order a kit.

http://www.offroadonly.com/products/suspension/airock/

 

[Jim K in PA]

Thanks, but the ORO kit is not right for me for a number of reasons:

1 - too tall (I am only looking for 2-3" max lift on my short arm LJ Rubi)
2 - too complex (I have NO desire for a computer interface)
3 - too expensive

I need a system to handle the additional load that an expo trip will add to the rig, which is ~700-800# virtually all of which is over the rear axle. At the moment, a pair of rear bags combined with a pair of front OME coils and Billie 5150 shocks all around is what I am thinking will do the trick.

Putting air-lift bags inside coil springs is too ghetto for me, and in my experience results in way too high a spring rate.