Recent content by CraftsmanCollaborative

I originally had a camper shell latch and gas struts planned, but now trying the linear actuator setup to give the option to recline the "headboard" side by switch. Need to add a lid prop on each side to keep it stable, or try running dual actuators (if I can getaway without having them synced...

Appreciate it! Shouldn't run into any rubbing issues, the shocks sit a good bit into the wheel well. At 3.75" backspacing it definitely has added clearance. The sleeping platform has been involved, but that's by my own design. Ended up running two pieces of c-channel aluminum supported by the...

Fixed: Incomplete Catalyst Monitor Smog was due in this last month, and of course the battery had been disconnected while welding up the bed cage / chassis mounts. Catalyst monitor wouldn't set over a few hundred miles of mixed street and freeway driving. Been fighting with it the last few...

Painted & Reinstalled the XJ Shock Hoops / “Bed Cage”. Got the reservoirs mounted temporarily until I decide where they’ll go and get proper hardware in place. Here’s a few more pictures after paint:

Tube connectors came in the mail. Cage tie-ins fitted and tacked. XJ shock hoops are just about done after this last adjustment.

King Air Bumpstops fitted and sleeved through the XJ rear unibody rails. The upper thread and schrader service valve stick just through the floorboards. This is a set of 2” x 2” king bumpstops. Similar to a typical Jeepspeed XJ configuration.

Test cycling the xj suspension to check everything clears. Have the travel running a full 10” - with a ~1” down travel cushion to account for limit strap stretch, and a 1” up travel cushion at full bump. Keep the shocks happy for years to come. Pictured above is fully stuffed - where things...

Bushings came in from Barnes today. Rubicon Express doesn’t offer a poly conversion kit for the XJ / Cherokee springs so on to improvising with a DIY. The smaller (shackle) side was easier to source with a common 1.5” OD poly bushing. The frame side was trickier, requiring a 2x3” outer...

More little details while waiting on parts. Started cleaning up the leaf springs. These were originally from a junkyard pull and never got the full service they should have. Rubicon Express 3.5” Superflex Full Leaf Packs (RE1463). Prepped, soon to be painted.

More pics of the XJ suspension fully tucked & drooped. This is with 12” king 2.5 bypass shocks. Bumpstops and limit straps to be figured next up.

Got the lower shock mounts cut and welded today. These will tie into the leaf spring U-bolt plates on the XJ. Few changes to how I want the shock hoops to fit in the rear of the Cherokee. Then will be ready to cycle the suspension and start working towards limit straps and bumpstops. The...

And we’re back - returning to some unfinished projects on the cherokee camper build. With a little Jeep Speed inspiration the rear finally got some full-size shocks. King 2.5” x 12” Travel. Remote reservoir w/ adjuster clickers. Since these needed to go through the floor to fit, it opened a...

Out on the trail in Central California. Might just be the perfect Jeep Camping Setup.

And... Part 2 The last installment of fiberglass moldmaking - and finally the end of the core DIY camper top build and fitment/install.

New content drop on DIY fiberglass moldmaking. The final and most involved steps of the homemade camper build.