Open Discussion - Front solid axle conversion

[p@55w0rd]

OK this is some time out for me but I would like to start planning and maybe along the way someone else may do it and share the pain. I know they offer kits for the Kj (Liberty) so there must be some resources out there. What would be needed? What type of setup would be best (4 link?) What would be the best donor axle? What about brakes? What about swapping the rear also to get a matched pair? Custom drive shafts? custom computer programming? I know Tymac (who no longer owns an XK) was seriously considering this. Any input, thoughts, or laughter?

[christiang26]

With the qt2 is possible, here in venezuela a guy used a wj dana 30 driveshaft but he didnt explained to much about the mod and how it was made but he said that the only issue with the computer was the abs light glowing in the dash but he solved it using wj abs sensors in the front.

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[p@55w0rd]

Thanks for the input! A WJ axle (D30) can handle up to 33" with some minor mods. I suppose you could upgrade to a "super" 30 but maybe a D44 would be a better starting point?

[07JeepXK]

I would go with a JK Dana 44 if your going to invest the money into a solid axle. That way you can still keep the 5 on 5 bolt pattern, you can run 35's or larger without an issue and most likely not have an issue with the abs wheel speed sensors

[criket]

^ he is right on the JK 44. If you build a JK 44 right, it can be stronger than a standard Dana 60 and not really costs much more. Go look at some of the mud trucks. Some of those guys use a built Dana 44 instead of goign 60's or Rockwells. They seem to do fine but it all comes down to how you wheel, not what you wheel.

If I ever do an SAS, I'd like to get the aftermarket JK 44 (I think from Currie or Dynatrac, I can't remember)

[JustinS]

Here are a couple of KJ SFA swaps:

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB...p?f=73&t=64692

This one will be insane once done: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB...p?f=73&t=74050

And here is a listing of all SFA Liberty builds: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB...p?f=73&t=39256

[06JeepXKHEMI]

As I said a bunch of times before if I struck millions I'd do this but you look at trialbyfire and other heavily modded XKs and there really isn't much they Can't do.. I know people mention wheeling with the luxury of our rigs with the capabilities of SFA but to be honest I'd rather get another trail rig if at all to have fun with, you start swapping drivetrains and the luxuries of our XKs are almost gone minus the interior's.. I hope someone does it cause it'd sure be cool just not realistic for me right now.. Plus I love seeing look on people's faces when my IFS Jeep does what it does with minor upgrades, that to me is what makes wheeling an XK fun..

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[lekmedm]

It actually expects to see different wheel speeds. It's why the EGR is needed with the SL (the knuckles change the steering angle) and why putting a WK rack in an XK causes the ESP to activate when turning.

If the tie rod end is moved up 4 inches on the SL knuckles in relation to the wheel hub, why would the steering angle be changed? Is the steering rack relocated, too?


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[Matt]

If the tie rod end is moved up 4 inches on the SL knuckles in relation to the wheel hub, why would the steering angle be changed? Is the steering rack relocated, too?

I'll be able to figure it out better when I have the knuckle in front of me. I expect that the length of the arm on the knuckle changes a bit... maybe the superlift knuckle has a 1/4" shorter tie rod arm to help clear wheels, which then increases how much the tires turn for a given wheel angle.

[07JeepXK]

If the tie rod end is moved up 4 inches on the SL knuckles in relation to the wheel hub, why would the steering angle be changed? Is the steering rack relocated, too?


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The steering rack stays in the stock location. The tie rod end moves up with the new steering knuckle like you mentioned.