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Author Topic: TJ 2003 Front Axle - Suspension Broken  (Read 2059 times)

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Offline WhipperBilly

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TJ 2003 Front Axle - Suspension Broken
« on: June 13, 2016, 02:21:57 AM »
The front lower suspension arm on the driver's side has become separated from the axle tube. The welded mount has been torn off the axle tube with part left on the axle tube and part attached to the lower suspension. The axle tube itself looks ok. The bracket with the bolt is still attached to the lower suspension.

Can it be safely re-welded back on? (I'm not a welder)

Can the axle tube on the right hand side be replaced easily?

Does the whole axle have to be replaced?

Would there be an issue with the cam adjuster?

Would there be a problem getting parts?

I have a picture. Just need to figure out how to attach it.

http://s53.photobucket.com/user/WhipperBilly/media/TJ%202003%20Front%20Axle%20Tube%20Lower%20Suspension_zpss6w8xcfr.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0
« Last Edit: June 13, 2016, 10:31:36 AM by WhipperBilly »

Offline dubbleJs

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Re:
« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2016, 09:40:52 AM »
Host your photo on photobucket and link it to here with the IMG tags. Yes it can be welded back onto the tube if its not too mangled, if not a new lca bracket may be needed
'91 XJ - 3" procrap - cutout for 33" MT's  - More and more dents every run...Sold.
'98 XJ - Lifted, locked and lovin' it

Offline Dingleberry

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Re: TJ 2003 Front Axle - Suspension Broken
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2016, 10:25:21 AM »
Sounds like lower control arm bracket, indeed the factory ones are prone to bending/cracking. Personally I have seen it happen a few times.

Yes it can be safely re-welded (You're best bet is to replace with better brackets though).

No need to replace the axle tube.

On my XJ's Dana30, I went with a new pair of brackets from Iron Rock Off Road, but can't for the life of me find a link to them. They're made of much thicker metal than the stock brackets are.
A quick google search and I found these, which look even better, as they also have a built-in skid plate on the bottom for extra protection:
http://www.artecindustries.com/TJ-3044-HD-Lower-Control-Arm-Brackets-pair_p_372.html
And yes they ship to Canada!

Offline WhipperBilly

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Re: TJ 2003 Front Axle - Suspension Broken
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2016, 10:40:31 AM »
Picture link posted

dubbleJs and Dingleberry - thanks for your help

Looks like I need new brackets and then I'll try to find someone to mount/weld them

Offline morerpmfred

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Re: TJ 2003 Front Axle - Suspension Broken
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2016, 10:58:42 AM »
E mortal has brackets in stock.

Offline EEP

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  • Posts: 328
Re: TJ 2003 Front Axle - Suspension Broken
« Reply #5 on: June 14, 2016, 11:22:56 PM »
Or get Raf to make you a set lol.
01 XJ, RE 3.5" lift, Smittybilt XRC front & rear bumper, X2O 8,000 lb winch, 33" MT/R's
, ARB snorkel, lockers and a bunch of other stuff
06 TJ, 2" lift, 31" Goodyear Territory's.
14 JKU, wife's urban 4X4.