Overlanding suspension question:
I've got a 57 Wagon that I'm dropping onto a stretched 97 TJ frame. I'm keeping the TJ front axle, but swapping to an 8.8 rear with Artec truss and triangulated 4-link, 4-wheel power disk brakes. Gears are 3.73 at the moment, with air locker in the plans. My question is what to do up front, i.e. steering and suspension.
The intention for the Wagon is to do some overlanding with my family through Moab/Colorado/etc, but still be able to safely and reliably drive to/from Texas on the highways pulling an off-road camper. I've built up the 6.0 LQ4 ls engine with a 4l60e trans and Dana 20 t-case. The wagon is currently on 33s and I'd like to keep it that way and maintain as much of a stock height as possible. The reason for stock height is to maintain a stock appearance. I'm thinking Curry Enterprise steering (because a buddy has one to give me), chromoly axle shafts for the Dana 30, and I've been told to go ahead and 4-link the front. The frame and body are separated right now waiting on parts so this is the perfect opportunity to do it all and do it right.
This is not a rock crawler project. I just want it to have the ability to do as much a possible while looking stock. A sleeper, if you will. Every kit and post I've read talks about lift kits. I'm thinking on the terms of a TJ, Willys Wagon aside, since that's my platform.
Can I 4-link front and rear without lifting? What challenges will I face? Is it even worth 4-linking the front? What other options are out there?
I come from a hot-rodder background, but doing my research daily to understand 4x4 more each day. Your help is appreciated!
Sent from my VK815 using Tapatalk
Sent from my VK815 using Tapatalk
I've got a 57 Wagon that I'm dropping onto a stretched 97 TJ frame. I'm keeping the TJ front axle, but swapping to an 8.8 rear with Artec truss and triangulated 4-link, 4-wheel power disk brakes. Gears are 3.73 at the moment, with air locker in the plans. My question is what to do up front, i.e. steering and suspension.
The intention for the Wagon is to do some overlanding with my family through Moab/Colorado/etc, but still be able to safely and reliably drive to/from Texas on the highways pulling an off-road camper. I've built up the 6.0 LQ4 ls engine with a 4l60e trans and Dana 20 t-case. The wagon is currently on 33s and I'd like to keep it that way and maintain as much of a stock height as possible. The reason for stock height is to maintain a stock appearance. I'm thinking Curry Enterprise steering (because a buddy has one to give me), chromoly axle shafts for the Dana 30, and I've been told to go ahead and 4-link the front. The frame and body are separated right now waiting on parts so this is the perfect opportunity to do it all and do it right.
This is not a rock crawler project. I just want it to have the ability to do as much a possible while looking stock. A sleeper, if you will. Every kit and post I've read talks about lift kits. I'm thinking on the terms of a TJ, Willys Wagon aside, since that's my platform.
Can I 4-link front and rear without lifting? What challenges will I face? Is it even worth 4-linking the front? What other options are out there?
I come from a hot-rodder background, but doing my research daily to understand 4x4 more each day. Your help is appreciated!
Sent from my VK815 using Tapatalk
Sent from my VK815 using Tapatalk
