HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD!

Subject: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Thu Nov 08, 2007 11:40 pm

Ok so I am in need of some help here. I am new to the Baltimore area (Edgewood) and I don't know any other off-road enthusiasts and have JUST submitted my application to join the "Rock Raiders". I am attempting to do a SOA but am wary of what my happen with this being my first attempt.

I am looking for ANYONE who may want to undertake this with me as a project.

I have a 85 CJ7 with a 4" pro comp lift, 2" shackels, 3" body lift and running 33x12.50 Baja Claws. What all do I need to do to make a SOA work and are there any good websites for people that HAVE done it.

In addition does anyone know where to get an "eye to eye" convertor for shocks (i.e. Rancho RS9000XL).

And LASTLY does anyone know a round about figure of cost or basic component list or if I were to take it to a shop to have this done. One place told me an ABSURD $4,000!!!

Thanks,

Matt McCloy
US ARMY

Subject: This is the CJ7 Thu Nov 08, 2007 11:46 pm

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Thu Nov 08, 2007 11:50 pm

Matt, couple thoughts. If you have 4" springs, 2" shackles and 3" bl, you're already at 9" of lift if you kept the thing sua. Going SOA is going to put you up another 4-5" (roughly). If you're planning on sticking with 33's for a while, might want to stay sua for now...that's MORE than enough lift without going SOA. (a good bit too much imho)

I did a SOA on my YJ with 1.5" springs, no body lift, and maybe 3/8" lift on the shackles I used and I have MORE than enough room for 36" tires...

Bad pics, but you can see the clearance...

Are you planning for different axles, tires etc...little more detail will help others advise ya

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 12:05 am

Thanks, nice jeep.

Yeah I have D44 front and rear with a 283 small block. I want to get rid of the body in doing the soa. I am looking into getting some 38 boggers/baja claws.

With all that said I think really all I have to do is get a traction link bar and some new perches and flip the springs. My only real concern (I think, better yet hope) is the rear pinion angle and dropping the transfer case.

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 12:13 am

Agreed on pinion angle, but also consider steering angles, and DS angles...I assume you have a SYE or will be doing one for the rear?

Subject: SOA Fri Nov 09, 2007 12:26 am

Yes I have a SYE already but I am planning on only using traction bar and a larger perch to prevent leaf wrap. You know of any shops around here that aren't outrageous?? I could do it at the MWR (on post at APG) but that place doesn't offer half the stuff needed.

So is this a pretty good club for around here? I am from Ga and all we did growing up was trail rides, crawling, and mudding.

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 12:28 am

And for steering I am guessing your talking about the driveshaft linkage (??). Which I will have to extend and I am not sure if I should fabricate it or buy a whole new CV.

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:01 am

look up jeep forum.com
i know under the yj section there is a thread dedicated to soa
while its not for a cj it may tell you what you are getting into

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:30 am

I'm in BelAir and could help. Never done one but I can turn a wrench.

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 10:10 am

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 10:41 am

You are definitely going to have to consider the height you will have once the SOA is in place with your current set up. Off camber situations and hill climbs will be quite hairy. Take a look on Pirate4x4.com and spend some time searching around.

I am in Joppatowne within a few miles from you and can always help in what ever direction you decide to go.

As far as shops there is The Custom Shop in Aberdeen but I dont know their labor rate. You also have Appalachian Offroad that is in Westminister which is about 45 minutes and I have heard good things about their service. There are a few others but most guys on here do their own work or work together.

I am sure if you decide to tackle it we can get a work party going..

Matt
_________________
Best Quote "BACK UP, TAKE THE SKIRT OFF AND DRIVE" ---taken from KGB/CREEPER member.

1999 Cherokee Classic 4.0, 44 front 8.8 rear all trussed sleeved and welded. 5.13's, arb,Moser/Warn/Dutchman, 3 link front 4 link rear,Custom Anti Rock system, 35 Creepy's, Trail ready beadlocks, FULL internal cage, lots more and Tons of body scars..

2008 Duramax Crew

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 10:44 am

I would ditch the 3" BL and go with a daystar 1" BL stick with the SUA and run 36" tires. the SOA can open another set other problems. and your dana 44 will break with 38" tire and your 283. this is just my opiion and I have problems keeping my jeep running right. other than that Nice CJ glad to have another CJ on the board. check out this site http://jeepsunlimited.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=36
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81 cj7 258 HEI, MC2100,Clifford header,4WDH 4" lift, 33" tires, T-177, D300, 4:10 gears, aussie locker front and back, Toyota axles, Longfield 30 spline chromoly superaxles, BigDaddy rockers,Mastercraft seats, Full cage

2006 LJ all stock 3:73 gear LS dana 44 rear 4.0 L 6speed trans,Volant CAI, Magnaflow cat back

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 1:19 pm

what type of wheeling do you do. If I were doing 38's I would streatch it. Matt mentioned about steering because with a soa you will have a problem with the drag link getting into the springs. most people fix this problem by mounting the drag link on top of the knuckle. For this you would need flat to knucles. By doing this it will also help out your bump steer and you can mount your tierod there too to keep it out of the rocks

Subject: Wheelin Fri Nov 09, 2007 1:51 pm

The CJ I mostly use just for mudding, light trail rides, and a daily driver. I live 2 minutes outside the back gate of APG so comfort on the road isnt important. For the trail I have an old XJ on 34x10.5.

Thanks all for your imput and help.

Subject: Re: HELP! SOA on CJ7 in EDGEWOOD! Fri Nov 09, 2007 5:14 pm

as for shops, you can also try Adams Jeep in aberdeen... don and the crew can hook ya up.
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Dan K.

81 cj7 ground up driveway rebuild. rusty's off road 4 inch spring under with 1 inch shackles, and 35's. homemade flat fenders.

00 ram 2500 4x4, stock