So...i finally got around to getting started on the leaf springs conversion for my cherokee, here are some progress pics. Ignore the rust (it rained) and the fact that some things are just tacked on. This is kinda a guessing game so im a little cautious when it comes to welding ---- on permanently.

the crossmember is made of 4x4 angle, the springs are 6 inch ones for a fullsize wagoneer



1/8 inch plate plug welded to give the crossmember a nice spot to be attatched to




here is the stock lower control arm mount all beefed up and re-welded to the "frame"


plans/specs:

97 two door cherokee, 5spd
front and rear dana 44s from a wagoneer (had a pic but for some reason it wouldnt upload)
overall the lift should come in around 12-14 inches in order to clear the 39.5's from my friends comanche

 

plus its cheaper *****...long arms aint cheap unless you build them yourself, and even then joints are $$$

These tires actually came off a comanche that was lifted with coils/spacers and cleared the tires pretty well. I know this much lift is nearly rediculous but this truck will be my toy/something to run ---- over with and take through the mud holes near me. I actually recently sold my other 2 door cherokee that was lifted 2 inches with 31s and i loved it at that height, it will be interesting to see how i like this monster when its done.

 

eh, in order to get the truck this big without custom coils, youd need to run a really really big spacer up front (the way my friend did it)...and thats kinda scary imho. This way, I get to play with my welder and hopefully ill end up with something that still rides kinda decent without breaking the bank.

 

this truck will get no trimming...i did that on my beater jeep but this body is too nice for me to take a saw to it. The 44s should be plenty for the type of wheeling this truck will see (mostly sand and mud, there arent any real rocks or anything to climb near here). I know the COG would suck for climbing/flexing, but for mud it doesnt matter, the height can only help. Basically i got the tires and rears for next to nothing and this was the cheapest/easiest way i could make them fit since the rears have no brackets or coil buckets on them. Also, a 60 would cost a fortune and basically require me to go full width front and rear (which i dont want).

 

***...

i guess i shouldve expected this kind of response, it seems few people love leaf sprung cherokees