Hydro assist on 80 axle

[99ncxj]

Got a question about my 80 front axle and hydro assist.

My setup is: 91 model 80 front with the steering arms flipped with tie rod in front. (i did this because i'm running it under my jeep and my 3 link wouldn't work with the tie rod in the back)

My question is will the stock arms and studs (oriented as stated above) withstand the forces of a hydro assist setup? the high steer arms are stupid expensive and just isn't an option right now. I'm actually planning on milling out my own high arms sometime down the road though.

 

[99ncxj]

anyone?

 

[PKP80]

Got a question about my 80 front axle and hydro assist.

My setup is: 91 model 80 front with the steering arms flipped with tie rod in front. (i did this because i'm running it under my jeep and my 3 link wouldn't work with the tie rod in the back)

My question is will the stock arms and studs (oriented as stated above) withstand the forces of a hydro assist setup? the high steer arms are stupid expensive and just isn't an option right now. I'm actually planning on milling out my own high arms sometime down the road though.

I am running the "stupid expensive" high steering arms so I can't comment on your question exactly, but HA is one of the best upgrades I've made so far given that I'm running 40" tires. In your case, I would upgrade the steering arm bolts to APC grade and just see what happens. The Slee Hi-Steer arms seem to be holding up. If I was to have my say on them, there are a few clearance issues that I would address in customizing my own. I've included a few pics. Cheers and a pic would help to see exactly what your setup looks like. I don't have any pics handy with the ram attached but you get the idea. I used a clamp to attach to the drag link b/c of clearance issues and my steering links are 1.5" .25wall DOM.

 

[kidglove13]

PKP80,

What kind of set up are you running?
Sounds like it would be good for a three link in the front of and 80.

 

[PKP80]

PKP80,

What kind of set up are you running?
Sounds like it would be good for a three link in the front of and 80.

My setup is in a constant state of change, lol. 6" slee with 2" body lift for starters, but my rig is chopped at the rear, roof has been cut out, internal cage. 40" tires chromo axles, Slee HiSteer with hydro assist, and a bunch of other things.

3-link is on the to do list, but I am looking at a few other upgrades first since I still drive the truck on the road and the front end of an 80 tends to get sloppy with a 3-link.

 

[kidglove13]

I have seen pics of your rig and it is sick!
I would like to go three link but i am afraid of the sloppy handling that will come from the change.

 

[lt1fire]

I'm trying to picture what you did to your axles. Could you post up some pictures and maybe someone could help you out.

 

[99ncxj]

I'll snap some pics tonight of the axle in question. Basically, I took the steering arms off and put them on the opposite side (tie rod moved up front) then cut the double ended arm to clear the caliper on the drivers side. My tie rod is 1.5" OD, 3/8" wall and i have the same clamp that PKP80 shows in his pics. I'll be running a 2" cylinder with 7/8" rod, 8" stroke.

 

[treehugger]

2 in maybe to big it will be to slow on the road.

 

[Lka1988]

I'm surprised you're running a Toyota axle under an XJ (guessing based on your username)...

I'll admit I've never seen that done.

 

[lt1fire]

I'm surprised you're running a Toyota axle under an XJ (guessing based on your username)...

I'll admit I've never seen that done.

It happens all the time in Japan. Crawl did an article about it a few years ago. Since 80 series axles are plentiful in Japan like 1 tons are over here they get thrown under all kinds of rigs.


I'm intregued by this build as I possed the question as to what he has said he has done a year ago and was told it wasn't possible.

 

[99ncxj]

I'm not worried about being road worthy, My rig is a trailer queen/trail rig.

Yea, They are going under my XJ (Jeep Cherokee) The rear is already in and the front will be in once i get my johnny joints in. I didn't get any pics snapped last night but i will today. I spent an hour or so in the garage working on it early this morning. Working on finishing up my truss and suplimental diff cover for the front.

My build thread can be found here:
99NCXJ's Cherokee - 4x4Grace

 

[Lka1988]

I'm not worried about being road worthy, My rig is a trailer queen/trail rig.

Yea, They are going under my XJ (Jeep Cherokee) The rear is already in and the front will be in once i get my johnny joints in. I didn't get any pics snapped last night but i will today. I spent an hour or so in the garage working on it early this morning. Working on finishing up my truss and suplimental diff cover for the front.

My build thread can be found here:
99NCXJ's Cherokee - 4x4Grace

That's pretty slick. A couple buddies of mine are running the typical 9"/D44 under their XJs, but FJ80 axles, now that's cool.

 

[99ncxj]

That's pretty slick. A couple buddies of mine are running the typical 9"/D44 under their XJs, but FJ80 axles, now that's cool.

The D44 and 9" are good axles but I have too many teeth in my head, don't have a mullet, and my name isn't Bubba.

Sorry...It just seems like everyone and thier redneck brother has a 44/9"

Thought i'd try something different.

 

[Lka1988]

The D44 and 9" are good axles but I have too many teeth in my head, don't have a mullet, and my name isn't Bubba.

Sorry...It just seems like everyone and thier redneck brother has a 44/9"

Thought i'd try something different.

Seems like it. I like your idea better.

What xfer case are you using? Gonna be passenger-drop, obviously (the "correct" side, heh)

 

[99ncxj]

Transfercase is a D300 from a CJ7. My novak adapter/clocking ring should be here monday.

Here are some pics of the front 80 axle with the steering arms flipped around. The ram will probably mount on the drivers side of the axle and go to about where the clamp is sitting on the tie rod.

 

[Lka1988]

Nice! I dig...

 

[99ncxj]

Here is a really bad drawing of where I'm thinking of putting the ram.

 

[IBCRUSN]

Here is a really bad drawing of where I'm thinking of putting the ram.

Since you're still using the existing 80 series steering arms, what ram are you planning on using? IIRC the throw on the standard steering arms is ~10".

BTW, I like your use of 1 ton Chevy TR ends. If it wasn't for how the 80's panhard mounted I believe there would be many folks going that route.

 

[99ncxj]

I've measured the steering throw and its 8". My ram is a 2" cyl, 7/8" rod, 8" stroke from a hyster forklift.

Those TRE's are actually from the Rugged Ridge HD steering I had on the jeep before doing the axle swap. I cut the tie rod to length for these axles and sleeved it in 1.5" tube. I belive they are Chevy TRE's though for replacement parts.