Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: Impact on May 19, 2010, 08:24:57 AM

Title: Tummy Tuck
Post by: Impact on May 19, 2010, 08:24:57 AM
Hey Guys,

I am starting to collect parts for my up coming axle swap this winter on my 05 TJ using a 78 Ford D60 and 14bolt with approx 4" spring front and stock springs rear stretching the front approx 2" and the rear 5". I currently have a RK skid plate from their long arm kit which claims to give you 1" of clearance over stock.
I have been looking at going with a tummy tuck skid, preferably a AEV setup. Is it worth getting rid of the RK skid to gain possibly the extra 1.75"?

https://secure.aev-conversions.com/s...ode=NTH14021AA

What I'm wondering is will the TT cause me any clearance issues with my future swap ie front DS clearances and etc.

Thanks for any tips or advice!
Title: Re: Tummy Tuck
Post by: Bnine on May 19, 2010, 09:49:32 AM
If you have the ability to swap and stretch 1 tons, you should be able to fab up a belly skid.

Do some research on pirate to get some ideas. Fab a crossmember, then bolt a peice of plate to it.

I would recommend avoiding the use of different springs. Short stock springs will severly limit your travel, and lifted springs in teh front versus none lifted in the rear will potentially make for screwy spring rates, resulting in a really crappy ride.

Look at FOA for coil overs on a budget. Currie for shock towers, and you can use them front and rear.
Title: Re: Tummy Tuck
Post by: cLAY on May 19, 2010, 02:35:54 PM
The 14bolt is a bit of a boat anchor and hangs down a fair bit. I'd be more worried about dragging that than I would your belly skid....
Title: Re: Tummy Tuck
Post by: Bnine on May 19, 2010, 03:02:47 PM
The 14bolt is a bit of a boat anchor and hangs down a fair bit. I'd be more worried about dragging that than I would your belly skid....

lol
Title: Re: Tummy Tuck
Post by: muffintop on May 19, 2010, 07:16:12 PM
The 14bolt is a bit of a boat anchor and hangs down a fair bit. I'd be more worried about dragging that than I would your belly skid....

Not if your tires are big enough  ;)
Title: Re: Tummy Tuck
Post by: Impact on May 19, 2010, 08:37:11 PM
The boat anchor is another problem... LOL

I never thought of going with coilovers... thought they would be too expensive!
Now I'm going to have to read up on coilovers, spring rates, sizing, diameter, mounting and whatever else I need. Didn't think at running different coils for my swap would cause such a problem....
Any Canadian FOA dealers?
Any suggestions what to use ?
Title: Re: Tummy Tuck
Post by: Bnine on May 20, 2010, 09:52:41 AM
No more then 14 inches of travel.

Talk to Brink, he deals FOA and can get you a good deal. You'll be into a complete coil over set up with springs for under 2k. When you consider that takes care of your shocks, your springs, and comes with infinate adjustability it really is a good way to go.

Like I said, just use currie towers for mounting. Just dont forget to brace them. You can find them here.

http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/Product569.aspx?id=2606

Stan from northridge does great deals on currie stuff. Give him a call.

For mounting bracketry look at ballistic, spydertrax, ruff stuff, poly performance, and blue torch.

If you are really serious about doing this build, you might want to bring a pad, paper, and a large tim hortons coffee by my garage and get some advice before you take the big steps.

hth