[BrianTG]

So more typing to come when I'm at a computer. Gotta nurse it home.

 

[BrianTG]

So finally home. Looks like a Control Arm Mount?

Talk about timing. So the wife and I went out to Glenwood Springs for the weekend for our anniversary. We took the jeep, drove it back home over Independence Pass. And driving home from work i went into first, started letting the clutch out and pop it just gave. it happened at roughly 5 miles after returning from the trip. Jeesh.

So, Back to business, I have no idea how this is handled. Yeah, I don't even know what questions to ask.

All I know is I'm NOT driving it until it's fixed.

 

[BreckenridgeYJ]

So finally home. Looks like a Control Arm Mount?

Talk about timing. So the wife and I went out to Glenwood Springs for the weekend for our anniversary. We took the jeep, drove it back home over Independence Pass. And driving home from work i went into first, started letting the clutch out and pop it just gave. it happened at roughly 5 miles after returning from the trip. Jeesh.

So, Back to business, I have no idea how this is handled. Yeah, I don't even know what questions to ask.

All I know is I'm NOT driving it until it's fixed.

Correct.... You ripped the rear upper control arm off! They are pretty weak stock... Now is a killer time to decide if you want a rear four link if not, weld it back on.... Currie makes a pretty sweet (and cheap) brace for those as well due to them being a common failure point.... http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestore/product.aspx?id=1035

It should be a pretty quick weld job to burn that back on..... Granted I can't tell from the photos, did the mount itself crack in half? Or did the welds just come loose?

 

[BrianTG]

After a better look this morning it seems that it broke off the weld on the bottom part but about half of the mount is still on the frame. So it would seem it did both.

Guessing predator is the best bet to have this fixed?

As much as I would like to do the 4 link I simply can't afford it at the moment. The timing belt and chain are being replaced on my wifes Audi as we speak.

The only 4 link I saw that makes me think I could do that at the moment is RK 4 link conversion. TJ 4 Link Rear Conversion

 

[Justin04Lj]

Id try to get ahold of Dan / wanderlust. That guys a hell of a welder.

 

[BreckenridgeYJ]

There are a few 4 link options.... But that could work. What rear axle is in your tj? I'd reach out to Dan as well.... Where are you located again? I can ask around for who else could weld it up.

 

[BrianTG]

Well the main issue is money as it always is. The Audi died on Friday right before we left for glenwood. Found out its the timing belt/chain so that's a quick 3k+.

I'm trying to just talk the wife into changing the entire rear suspension. I've got a d35 and I simply don't have the money now to change that. So I'm just not sure if I should do something like just replace the mount or just swap it all out. The goal was an 8.8 in the rear. So not sure if I put in a new 4 link if that matters or not.

I'll try to get ahold of Dan. I've been watching his build of Jon's monster.

Lame part is I'm stuck at work till tomorrow afternoon. So I can't really research what I need to.

 

[BrianTG]

Oh and I'm in the springs.

 

[GoldenSahara00]

Can I ask what you are running for uppers? Doesn't look like a stock upper arm with the zerk fitting and that is isn't straight and all. Running triangulated/wishbone uppers?

Looks like a quick welding job to me.

 

[BrianTG]

Wishbone upper.

 

[GoldenSahara00]

Wishbone upper.

I thought so. I wonder if the wishbone setup had anything to do with damaging the mount as far as leverage from the setup. Anyways goodluck getting it fixed up :thumb:

 

[BreckenridgeYJ]

Call Jesse from rock ware (812-272-5317) tell him Andrew, Aaron's friend sent you.... He is a ridiculous fabricator and in the springs. He'll treat you right. Discuss options with him. With the 35 rear, I'd be hesitant to do the 4 link.... You're going to need to cut off the truss later to re use it for a future axle and most kits will have a different diameter axle tube. I'd just burn that bracket back on or replace it.., probably a super quick job.

 

[BrianTG]

Thanks Andrew. I'll keep these guys in mind.


I'm worried about the idea of just welding it back on. I tend to believe that things don't "just brake". There is a reason and that's what worries me. So I guess my goal now is to source an 8.8 (unless someone knows of a reason I shouldn't), and then decide on a 4 link.

 

[Justin04Lj]

If just the weld broke it should be fine to re weld. If the actual mount has a crack or break in it then you need a new mount. Not a reason to replace the whole axle imho

 

[GoldenSahara00]

The axle wasn't the problem, obviously it was the frame end. The frame mounts aren't known for being extra beefy and I'm sure if you wheel it just got beat up a little. Not a big deal, it happens. You could get someone to beef them up some more.

 

[BrianTG]

The mount is absolutely broken.

It just makes me a bit nervous is all. The axle is more of a bystander than anything. I had already started to plan a switch the rear setup because driving with the three link is pretty wild and she's not a big fan. Just frustrated with the timing of it all. We were planning on going to jeeptober but that's totally up in the air now.

 

[Justin04Lj]

If you're strapped for cash id just buy a pair of beefier mounts and replace both the upper ones.

 

[BrianTG]

Ok. Question time then. Are there different types of mounts?

 

[Justin04Lj]

Different as in strength and size. The upper control arms are smaller then the lowers so im sure they are different sizes.

 

[BreckenridgeYJ]

I know only the mount is the issue... however IF he 4 linked the truss would have to be cut back off for a future swap so it wouldn't make sense. Jesse would probably do it in his home garage as side work on the super cheap side of things while properly completing the task. I'd replace the mount itself, or just add the currie reinforcing braces since they are so cheap