The Silver Fox LJ Build

[JMT]

So you can just cut off the sticky-outy part of the old swar bar bracket instead of getting it off the axle tube that looks way easier than what I was thinking

Yeah. Easiest part of the whole job! Cut off flush and remove whatever else is there that’s not structural. I wanted to cut more but needed to wrap up for the day! After setting the raised sway bar bracket on top of the stock one for position and you get it welded on proper you can just death wheel to your hearts content. I’m very happy with it.

 

[JMT]

Got to work on the 17" BBK. Came with a nice folder with instructions. Tore it down, removed the old ball joints. I replaced with Ball Joint Deletes. I purchased some new dust covers. The new rotors are giant compared to stock. Bench bled the new master cylinder.

 

[JMT]

Then I started cycling the front axle to dial everything in. I had hoped to get the bed the brake pads in and three days later I was still cycling when I coudl get time to go out to the garage. All that cycling is no joke. Everything has to be right. Axle has to be centered and square to the frame. I had to extend the arms quite a bit so the 37's wouldn't rub the back of the fender. That starts to cause the TB to interfere with the ARB bulk head and midarm truss. Ended up trimming the gusset on the TB near the frame side housing. It is very close. I can get a sheet of paper or two in between the TB housing and the truss. Tire still touches the fender but its extremely slight. I'm very happy how it ended up. I didn't know it at the time, but I damaged the ARB line at the bulkhead during cycling. Finally I coudl take it out to bed in the brake pads. Followed Blaine's procedure till I was getting hot fade, then drove around and let them cool down. Had to go home for something. Went out later and did the process again. Now they are locking up 37's. It's pretty insane. If you need Blaine's pads or a BBK and you're hesitating for some reason, don't! https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ His recovery gear isn't that bad either. LOL

 

[JMT]

I went straight to the OHV near my house to see how everything played together IRL. That's when I discovered the front locker ARB air line had been compromised at the bulk head. I also discovered that the fan was hitting the shroud when the passenger side tire is fully stuffed. The shroud is not centered on the fan. Easy enough to fix. Other than that, everything is working together and very pleased.

I have plenty of caster and no driveshaft binding at full droop. It seems to drive the same with the ball joint deletes, but the additional caster was a good improvement over the prior setup.

 

[lBasket]

I went straight to the OHV near my house to see how everything played together IRL. That's when I discovered the front locker ARB air line had been compromised at the bulk head. I also discovered that the fan was hitting the shroud at full left side flex. The shroud is not centered on the fan. Easy enough to fix. Other than that, everything is working together and very pleased.

I have plenty of caster and no binding at full droop. It seems to drive the same with the ball joint deletes, but the additional caster was a good improvement over the prior setup.

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Holy moly that's cool

 

[Wildman]

Can't wait to see it out on the trail. And it'll be interesting to see how the BJD's hold up to the larger tires & if you have issues with the "C" stretching out too...

Been a long haul for you too...

 

[JMT]

Can't wait to see it out on the trail. And it'll be interesting to see how the BJD's hold up to the larger tires & if you have issues with the "C" stretching out too...

Been a long haul for you too...

Nothing like your haul! Started in June last year and planned everything out so when I went into an area I didn't have to go back. I was successful many times but sometimes missed that mark and had to go back in for something else. You know, it's a lot of stuff.

I'm excited to get it out on a trail. I'm heading out with my son either Saturday or Sunday for a few hours to run it through its paces.

Going out now to install the new compression ferrule for the ARB line.

We'll see on the BJD's. It's not a DD, so it won't see a lot of road. Will trailer it most places.

 

[JMT]

I didn't finish my raised body mounts, but I can do that when I have an off weekend. I plan to finish them in the next month or so. Adding a transmission cooler too. Last time I took it to Moses Lake dunes my temps shot up to 250F.

 

[jjvw]

Do the ball joint deletes address the accelerated stretching of the yokes seen on factory axles running 37s?

 

[rasband]

Those new brakes are huge - that'll be a really nice upgrade.

 

[Wildman]

Do the ball joint deletes address the accelerated stretching of the yokes seen on factory axles running 37s?

Is the stretching caused by the size of the tires or from pushing ball joints out say yearly? I think I've asked this before but never got a clear answer...

Nothing like your haul! Started in June last year and planned everything out so when I went into an area I didn't have to go back. I was successful many times but sometimes missed that mark and had to go back in for something else. You know, it's a lot of stuff.

I'm excited to get it out on a trail. I'm heading out with my son either Saturday or Sunday for a few hours to run it through its paces.

Going out now to install the new compression ferrule for the ARB line.

We'll see on the BJD's. It's not a DD, so it won't see a lot of road. Will trailer it most places.

Every time I thought I was done in one area and moved to the next I'd find some thing I'd forgot or I'd find something I needed to change because of something I'd done elsewhere.... Pluss I was a little scattered at times too... Don't know what to blame it all on....

Enjoy it and look forward to wheeling with you this summer... You'll be trailer shopping soon....

 

[jjvw]

Is the stretching caused by the size of the tires or from pushing ball joints out say yearly? I think I've asked this before but never got a clear answer...

....

Every time the answer is from the increased leverage from the tire. The stretching noticably accelerates with 37s. Especially in areas where 37s are beneficial for the trails. This is an axle problem that is not solved with balljoints or deletes. And it is one of several reasons why factory axles are best limited to 35s.

 

[Wildman]

Every time the answer is from the increased leverage from the tire. The stretching noticably accelerates with 37s. Especially in areas where 37s are beneficial for the trails. This is an axle problem that is not solved with balljoints or deletes. And it is one of several reasons why factory axles are best limited to 35s.

Well I guess time will tell... No arguing but there are a few members running 37's & BJD's that I remember who haven't had issues yet and it's been a few years.

 

[jjvw]

Well I guess time will tell... No arguing but there are a few members running 37's & BJD's that I remember who haven't had issues yet and it's been a few years.

The qualifiers are relevant.

 

[gasiorv]

Qualifiers are out there having fun and not worried about being relevant.

 

[JMT]

Cut 1" off the ARB air line and set the new compression ferrule. Air leak solved. Time to go play...today!

 

[jjvw]

Qualifiers are out there having fun and not worried about being relevant.

Everyone must find a balance between fun and risk. Being aware of and understanding the risks and how to mitigate them allows for more fun.

 

[gasiorv]

Everyone must find a balance between fun and risk. Being aware of and understanding the risks and how to mitigate them allows for more fun.

Response definitely qualifies as trying to be relevant. Now try to focus on the fun.

 

[gasiorv]

Cut 1" off the ARB air line and set the new compression ferrule. Air leak solved. Time to go play...today!

Have fun! Jeep looks great, can't wait to see it in person.

 

[jjvw]

Response definitely qualifies as trying to be relevant. Now try to focus on the fun.

ok.