Looks like a good start! Moving the axle forward is a good thing, the steering may have to be moved, though. I don't know a lot about leaf springs, but those look a little thick/stiff, might need to remove a couple leaves, no big deal.

here's the steel I would add to this pic.


<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, buddy. Yes i plan to add a steel square there for strength and a few triangular gussets on different parts of the crossmember, i was juste xited to test fit it and take pictures. The front crossmember has to be bombproof, i know.

And i dont think my stock steering box will work either, i will probably find one that mounts inside of the frame. Maybe from an astro van? Im exited to work on the steering but thats still pretty far from where i am.

I liked those leafs because i thought exactly that, they are strong enough.... If overkill, just remove a leaf or two <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

How's your turning radius going to work with that outboard spring setup? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

The spring perches will be 1 inch further out on each side than yours <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" />

Aluminum wheel spacers will take care of it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Wheel spacers are not going to help you.(MUCH)

I'm afraid you have made a mistake. I would be doing some math to figure out for sure.

All of this for SOA that is unnecessary anyway... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

The taller you go, the bigger tires you are going to need. The bigger tires you have the less turning radius you will have due to your tires hitting the springs. It's kind of a catch 22. I think you may need to get a full width axle for what you are doing. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Not that direction I would have gone, but I hope it works out for you.

Thanks for the input and encouragement. I know what im trying to do seems hard to do or even impossible for others. I have never been lured in a certain direction by ease of things. I have 33 inch tires now which i believe i will be able to keep since i can stay pretty low by doing the outboarded leafs. I still have a loooong way to go and a lot of trial and error to face but hopefully it will turn out well in the end.

To be honest i dont plan on hardcore rock crawl on this thing every weekend. Heck, i barely have free time! I take this as more of a challenge to myself. The idea of building something on my own feels great. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Also, what is SOA unnecessary for?

For the amount of lift you are looking at running 33s or even 35's SOA is completely unnecessary. It's just not needed at all. You can build as much or as little lift into the spring perches on the frame. with a goal of 33's or 35's SOA is ultra mega way way overkill.

You mean SOA wasnt necessary for YOUR needs and desires.

SOA has other purposes besides height ya know.....

I want to not have stuff hanging low under the axle. And i ant my steering high up to not hit rocks all the time as well as having BETTER steering geometry.

Oh! And i dont want my shackles to almost hit the ground like some ive seen.....

A i crazy here?

I want the below set up. Spring ove axle, crossover and high steering. Except im doing a shackle reversal. Since im outboarding the springs i can stay low enough to keep a low center of gravity and my shackles wont be low hitting rocks.

I dont see whats not to like or seems impossible about this set up. Am i missing something? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />