**SNEAK PEEK** TJ Y-Link

[RockYacht]

Just a peek, got the TJ long arm concept rig out of the shop today. More work to come but it was nice enough I had to go for a ride. :evil:

Specs on the Jeep:
2004 (5300 miles :eek: )
4.0l 5spd 231 w/SYE D44R D30F 3.73 R&P (for now)
35 X 12.50/15 ProComp Muds on 15 X 10 Rockcrawlers
6" RE springs front and rear
Rancho RS99028 shocks all around
1" M.O.R.E AL body lift (to clear our SliderZ)
1" M.O.R.E engine lift

Y-Link, the original bent lower control arm...
http://www.tntcustoms.com/products/TJ Parts/DSC02378.jpg


Full lock steering...
http://www.tntcustoms.com/products/TJ Parts/DSC02405.jpg


Speaking of steering, over the knuckle beef...
http://www.tntcustoms.com/products/TJ Parts/DSC02385.jpg


Did someone say beef?
http://www.tntcustoms.com/products/TJ Parts/DSC02392.jpg


Flexomatic
http://www.tntcustoms.com/products/TJ Parts/DSC02410.jpg

http://www.tntcustoms.com/products/TJ Parts/DSC02411.jpg


Rear steer? Where?

http://www.tntcustoms.com/products/TJ Parts/DSC02409.jpg

http://www.tntcustoms.com/products/TJ Parts/DSC02417.jpg

http://www.tntcustoms.com/snitzforum/images/TNT_banner.gif

[Kebo]

How much?!

[RockYacht]

This is a concept only, the kit is not available as of yet. We begin full field testing this next week after we tie up a few loose ends then move into the prototype process to dial in our manufacturing processes. First production kits should roll out the door by Labor Day...

We will be competive in price to the market.

Bob

[Sean Dogg]

Wow..... REALLY dig the way the arms mount to the t-case. Is this the way the XJ kit works too? Couldn't really remember.

Now you've got to prototype the *other* coiled Jeep, and I offer mine up for guinea-pigging!

[Cliffy472]

What springs (lift height) and what size tires is that jeep running?

[RockYacht]

See top post I editted for specs this morning, kinda tired last night...


Bob

[Snotty]

Bob,

Is the rear a 4 link style setup? Looking at the pics, it looks like the rear LCA's point to the center of the skid (Picture 4) and end close to the stock mounting points on the axle. But in Pictures 5 and 7, it looks the rear UCA's center in on the Diff. is this how you addressed the rear steer issue?

Are you creating a bracket that bolts/welds on? Are you going to address aftermarket axles? What about the Unlimited?

Looks very nice, I would be very intersted to see how this kit performs on the trail. No rear steer is very cool...

[Scorpion]

Snotty,

The suspension is a true triangulated 4-link. The lowers start wide on the diff and come together in the middle on the skid and the uppers start just inside the frame rails and come together above the housing on the diff.

The rear steer is resolved by correct placement of the uppers and lowers in relationship to eachother. :P We can't go and tell you every little secret now can we?

This prototype doesn't have the rear differential bracket which will ship with the kit. The rear bracket is a weld-on truss that goes from spring bucket to spring bucket. Initially the rear truss will be available for stock applications with aftermarket variations soon to follow. The aftermarket order will likely be D60, D60hp, and then 9" but that could change depending on what the market demands.

I'll let Bob speak to the question about the unlimited. My guess is that the Unlimited will have to be addressed if/when we cross that bridge. The added wheelbase will likely change the geometry just enough to require some testing/thought.

Matt

[Cliffy472]

Bob, What about the Unlimited?

Looks very nice, I would be very intersted to see how this kit performs on the trail. No rear steer is very cool...

Yeah, what he said.

I'll be buying an unlimited; so I expect you guys to anti-up with this system for an unlimited!

[RockYacht]

Field testing is in the works, more reports as we get them.

Rear steer? Triangulated 4-link (uppers and lowers)... There is basically none as you can see in the above pictures.

Unlimited version? Yes in time.

[Snotty]

I think you guys need to move the 9" to the front of the pack. I happen to know a TJ with the RE 6" coils and a Currie HP 9 that would be a great Proto Rig. :D

Good looking work there Guys!

[Avenger]

Looks awesome. Nice work guys!

[RockYacht]

Got the TJ out of dry dock again yesterday after installing a new rear driveshaft from Northern Colorado Driveline in Greeley. Dan and Eric are great guys, we highly recommend them :thumbsup: On a side note I also installed an old school ubolt style pinion yoke on the rear D44, bolts right on. Good upgrade for the others out there with a Factory D44...

First on the testing agenda was acceleration tests as this was the first drive under real power. Prior to this run we were cruising around in front wheel drive, which by the way works well to if you needed it to get you home from somewhere... I was fairly aggressive right out of the shop, wind the motor up and side stepped the clutch. We have a gravel parking area at the shop. Tires blazzing gravel flying with no wheel hop at all. The rear squated ever so slightly (by design) planted and even with spinning tires accelerated straight ahead. Checked the plus column on the test sheet. Next up was some pavement testing, although the 4.0l runs well it isn't quite up to the task of doing a burnout with brand new 35's and 3.73 gears. haha It will put you back in the seat though as the rear hooks hard as the Jeep accelerates straight ahead. You can just barely notice the nose lifting as it accelerates, again we designed in a slight amount of squat for solid weight transfer to the rear. Another check in the plus column. Next up was about 50 miles of driving around town to include a 45MPH panic stop manuver with no hands on the wheel. It stopped (as best it could with stock breaks and 35's) in a straight line with no crazy body shift to the front. Another check in the plus column. We did varius manuvers you could encounter in city driving panic lanes changes to avoid the little old lady that is drifting lanes to the kid chasing his ball out into the street kind of things. All checks in the plus column. The last thing to check before moving out to the highway for speed testing was some cornering manuvers. Stopped at a red light, hammer it into a standing right turn kind of thing. No body roll, it just zips around the corner and accelerates away. Next up was the oh nuts that was the side street I needed manuver, hard brake and turn in to the side street and hammer the gas. Took it all in stride. All in all it passed the city driving tests with flying colors!

Next up was some highway/interstate driving. Another area it has to pass before moving forward. We know alot of folks out there use their Jeeps as daily drives as well as weekend warriors. I motored out the interstate and jump on the on ramp and started rowwing up through the gears (5spd), merged out into traffic and just rode for awhile once out of town where the traffic thinned out I made some lane changes easy at first then progressed to the "oh nuts that guys only going 40 MPH" panic lane change. You know you've all been there, look down to change the radio or pop in a cd and look back up and theres a car in front of you that you are about the hit so you dive into the hammer lane at the last minute to get around them. Took that in stride. 2 more checks in the plus column. Last up on the test sheet was topspeed testing, now mind you the Jeep in question is an '04 5spd with 3.73 R&P and 35's and we haven't recalibrated the speedo yet. I did manange to get it up to 75MPH on the speedo, which I am sure "Officer Friendly" would not approved of, once the correction was applied for 35's and 3.73. :eek: I wouldn't ever recommend driving a shorter wheelbase lift Jeep at that speed, while it rode and drove fine it is a little unnerving... ;)

SO that brings you all up to date. We're giving the Jeep back to the customer for the weekend as we will be out of town. Look for thier impressions next week when we get back. Next up on the to do list is finish up a bunch of loose ends and get all the body armor on it so we can go whell the snot out of it.

The only negative I have to say about the "kit" so far is the rear shocks. IMO Jeep definitely missed the mark with the mounts for the rear shocks. The upper mounts are in a bad place for working on them and the lowers are in the weeds. We reused both mounts as a temporary solution to get it running and into testing. Next up we will address both mounting points and offer a solution to relocate the shocks for better rock avoidance for the lowers, easier access to the uppers and just all around better performance of the shock in general.

Have a great weekend.


Bob

http://www.tntcustoms.com/snitzforum/images/TNT_banner.gif

[TJ_Shunk]

Well, I have driven this Jeep for about two weeks now and I can give a report on it for the DD side of the kit. I have put about 400 miles on it personally now and it is amazing. :eek: :bounce3: I Expected it to be a harsh ride and to feel like I was going to tip over. This kit drives like a dream. As Bob has already stated, it corners well on pavement and on dirt. It takes corners a little better on pavement then it did before and the steering is so responsive. The upgrade to the steering was perfect. I don't come close to my control arms or my coils at full turn!! My turning radius is still quick and small. We Think I even have more room in my steering for tighter turns now.

The ride of this is wonderful. Have I said that yet?! :D My wife doesn't like to drive stick at all and she didn't like driving the TJ when it only had a 2" BB on it; well now she wants to drive it all the time and she thinks it drives better now then it did before. If any of you knew my wife, you would understand how big that comment really is. While doing a little "mallcrawling" at work I just hope over curbs and gravel areas like it was just a little bumb in the road. I don't get tossed about at all. We also finished the armor if you haven't seen it yet, here it is. I would suggest this kit to anybody and I would tell everybody to go to T&T Customs for what ever their Jeep/Wheelin needs may be. We are taking it to Holy cross this weekend so I will post on how it is off road after that trip with pictures.

-Matt

[thekiffer]

Does this keep the Wheel base the same length?

[RockYacht]

Yes WB remains the same; however, in with using our NXT joints at all the chassis ends of the control arms you can lengthen the wheelbase 2" front and rear.

We would be willing to work with a customer on an individual basis if more wheel base is desired, as long as the geometry remains within spec.


Bob

[Cliffy472]

Is that all T&T body armor too?

Also is the opening on the rear the "factory" dimension?

If not, how much bigger is it?

Also, do you have plans for bigger meats, looks like you could fit 37's easy, maybe even some 38's...

[TJ_Shunk]

It is all T&T Body armor. The rear fender opening is still the factory opening. The rear tire is a 35 and I was not planning to go to 37's. (yet) It will easily fit 37's that's for sure. The rear suspension flexs the rear tire in a strait up and down line. There is no axle walk at all front or rear. Because of this, there was no need to trim. If I did go to 37's though I would have to trim it a little on each side which is easy enough to do.

-Matt

[Cliffy472]

It is all T&T Body armor. The rear fender opening is still the factory opening.
-Matt

Cool, I didn't realize they had all that armor available.

In the pics it looks like the fender tube has a larger radius (by a couple inches) than the factory radius; which can still be seen in the profile picture.

It seems to me you would WANT to open up the original radius to match the body armor radius. Y/N ??

[TJ_Shunk]

I will leave this answer for Bob. He should chim in with something.

-Matt

[MMIXJ]

yo matt,

so how was the maiden voyage down at holy cross/wheeler?

terry
(the guy who helped you w/ the front end out in front of bob's shop)

[RockYacht]

http://www.tntcustoms.com/Products/TJ%20Parts/DSC02533a.JPG

http://www.tntcustoms.com/Products/TJ%20Parts/DSC02534a.JPG

'nuff said. ;)

[Phazertwo A.K.A Brenden]

sickness!

[TJ_Shunk]

Brenden, You know you want your jeep like this :)

[GrandWheeler]

TJ-Shunk
Now that you have a good lift on there, are you going to take off the Body Lift?

[TJ_Shunk]

Nope, The body lift is on there so that the T&T Customs SliderZ will fit. In order for thier sliderZ to gain the full coverage to the frame, it is needed. Also for all the drivetrain, motor, and all to maintain the stock relationship, it is needed. The motor is raised and inch as well as the Prototype belly pan raising the tranny an inch. If that makes any sense :D


If anybody wants to see it in action, it will be at Colorado Fest on the 13th of Aug running Chinaman's with Bob from T&T Customs leading the trail

-Matt

[formatt]

If anybody wants to see it in action, it will be at Colorado Fest on the 13th of Aug running Chinaman's with Bob from T&T Customs leading the trail

-Matt

Bob's not leading...

[TJ_Shunk]

Sorry. I thought he was. My bad Matt!

[Phazertwo A.K.A Brenden]

Brenden, You know you want your jeep like this :)


YEAH I DO!! Its just a bummer that mine has square head lights!!!

Tho I am very impresses with his XJ product line, and for the past month have been debating on weather or not to get rid of the YJ and get an XJ

PZ

EDIT: You need to change you avitar now!

[TJ_Shunk]

Yeah I do have to change the avitar. The wife has an XJ, and we have a bunch of his XJ stuff on it. I just need to convince her to go taller to make us of his Y-Link system :) That way I have both worlds. Square Headlights aren't bad.

[XJade94]

The wife has an XJ, and we have a bunch of his XJ stuff on it. I just need to convince her to go taller to make us of his Y-Link system :) That way I have both worlds.

NEVER!!!!!! I originally just wanted a 2" ish lift and 30's.... I ended up with a close to 4" and 31's!!!! Can't complain though... :D

[RockYacht]

TO clarify a few things, as Matt points out I'm not leading the OCG trail for NAXJA's COFEST, Fatwreck is. Just tagging along on that one...

The Body lift is needed as Matt points out for our SliderZ and for our version of a belly up skid.

Bob

[RockYacht]

Got another trail under the Project. Worked great, even with open diffs Matt was able to take lines some locked rigs didn't.

http://www.tntcustoms.com/Products/TJ Parts/DSC02691a.JPG

http://www.tntcustoms.com/Products/TJ Parts/DSC02694a.JPG

http://www.tntcustoms.com/Products/TJ Parts/DSC02708a.JPG

[TJ_Shunk]

I tried some harder lines this time to see what the suspension was capable of this weekend. I was very impressed once again with what I could do. I also got to test out the durability of the T&T Customs Control Arms and Skid plate. I got myself high centered on the skid and I got my front Y-Link stuck in good crack between two rocks. They just got scratched a little and that was it. This stuff is stout!!! :eek: Bob never stops amazing me with the quality of his stuff.

[zachv]

Bob, thanks for the link to these pics. Of course, this is some saweet stuff and we are definitely interested. Have you guys ran the numbers for COG, RA, AS, etc.? I have people ready for this stuff so get it in gear. :D :bounce2:

[RockYacht]

Bob, thanks for the link to these pics. Of course, this is some saweet stuff and we are definitely interested. Have you guys ran the numbers for COG, RA, AS, etc.? I have people ready for this stuff so get it in gear. :D :bounce2:

Keep you posted. As for numbers, you mean like the kind that matter on Pirate? :flipoff2:

[zachv]

Keep you posted. As for numbers, you mean like the kind that matter on Pirate? :flipoff2:

Those would be the ones. I don't know if you guys took them into account or if there were plans to get some extra anti-squat compared to stock, or anything like that.
Thanks.

[RockYacht]

Of course we took them into account, we designed and set the suspension up to be neutral.

[casper]

A setup like this, with both the lower and upper bars tieing in together and then going to one mounting point, is going to cause exterme stress on the single mounting point, especially if it's a bolt in unit?
I think all the bars should be parallel. Similar to factory, sort a, usually longer, and in an ideal world meeting in the center of the vehicle with a mounting point for each.
Today at Indy with a setup very similar to what you're talking about we had to repair both front bars at the back, one was totally busted the other was split. Luckily there was a welder close by.
In my opinion one single mounting/pivoting piont can't handle the stress.

[RockYacht]

Was the suspension in question a DYI or a manufactured kit? Got any pictures? What vehicle was it on?

Our mounts for the Y-Link arm are extremely well built and supported internally and are an intregral part of the belly pan -- no bolt-on or weld-on LCA mounts here. Also the arms themselves are pure overkill.

Several huge problems with your design suggestions it's a Jeep, not a buggy. There's is minimal room under the front of the vehicle to do a triangulated 4 link. That big black thing that hangs down off the bottom of the engine, you know the oil pan, that really gets in the way... ;) Also there are issues with doing a simple 4 link with longer arms like you suggest, i.e driveshaft and exhaust.

Bob

[xr8d_xj]

OT... Sorta: Bob I got all my XJ stuff from ya last week (haven't put it on yet though). I was kinda pissed at the delivery guy 'cuz I walked up to my apartment and he totally disregarded my sign telling him to take it all to the front office. It wasn't until I tried to move the stuff inside that I realized WHY he didn't bother. The frame stiffeners, long arm kit, and rock rails are so incredibly stout and just plain freaking heavy only a very baddest of dudes would be running off with my stuff. Thanks for building bomb-proof kit for XJ's! I can't wait to put it all to the test.

[casper]

It was a manufactured kit. Very similar to a RE kit but I don't think it was theirs.
I don't have any pictures.
It was on a XJ. No problems with the factory brackets.
I can see where a triangulated system would cause problems with that "black thing that hangs down off the bottom of the engine". Still don't what it's there for, maybe I should just cut it off.
True, the long arm installation on my TJ caused problems with the exhaust but it made for a much better alignment, front and back.
This was meant to be a different point of view and not meant to criticize your design or workmanship.
Like your quick response to questions. But that keeps you out of the shop, or away from home. Oh Well ????

[Jefe]

So Bob, any idea on $$ or time frame for production for the TJ Y-link? This year?

[RockYacht]

It was a manufactured kit. Very similar to a RE kit but I don't think it was theirs. I don't have any pictures. It was on a XJ.

Ah, XJ Stuff. We do that too. ;)

This was meant to be a different point of view and not meant to criticize your design or workmanship.

No worries, I am just curious. Always learning!


Like your quick response to questions. But that keeps you out of the shop, or away from home. Oh Well ????

Timing is everything, thankfully you're on my schedule. haha I get here as often as possible

[RockYacht]

So Bob, any idea on $$ or time frame for production for the TJ Y-link? This year?

Actually we are ramping up our production capability as we speak. Got some cool new machines coming.

So far we are just tickled with the performance of the prototype. It flat works! Tentatively we are looking to set up the beta test mode for Oct. More details to come on that subject soon.


Bob

[TJ_Shunk]

So far we are just tickled with the performance of the prototype. It flat works!
Bob

:hail: Yeah it works!!!! :hail: I am grinning everytime I take it out on the trail and get to go over things with open ends like it was nothing. I can't imagine what it'll be like when it gets locked. TJ guys and gals... Watch for this thing in production. It is amazing.

-Matt

[XJade94]

:hail: Yeah it works!!!! :hail: I am grinning everytime I take it out on the trail and get to go over things with open ends like it was nothing. I can't imagine what it'll be like when it gets locked. TJ guys and gals... Watch for this thing in production. It is amazing.

-Matt

It's an amazing rock crawler, and an equally awesome daily driver. Handles better than stock on the road.

[b2binbad]

Pics finally loaded, Looks great Matt!!

[TJ_Shunk]

Took it out again and really tried to get a wheel to come off the ground. Man I just couldn't do it. Once again I was super surprised how well this suspension flexed. I went up a few rocks I didn't think I was going to be able to get over with out a locker. Here are the Flex pictures.

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk10.JPG
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk13.JPG
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk15.JPG
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk16.JPG
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk18.JPG
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk20.JPG
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk7.JPG

[Butt Craic]

It's been a little while since there was any update on the Y-Link kit for TJ's . . . any chance of an update either from the vendor or test pilot???

[TJ_Shunk]

What would you like to know Butt Craic? I am the test pilot. Ask me any questions you want man.

[Butt Craic]

Just curious as to whether they are any closer to having a production version of the kit on your Jeep available. Other Q's for the vendor / yourself include:
* Will the kit be available with the shock relocators that you mention
* Will the kit only work with a 6" spring height or is there enough adjustability in the arms for anyone wanting to run a 4.5" spring
* How low beneath the frame rails the belly up skid sits
*Whether you've found it frustating having the CA mounts and the belly up skid all in one and whether they've thought about separating the 2 somehow
* What springs and shocks you are currently using
* Are you using rubber busings all the way around or are there Currie / RE / heims at the one end of the CA's
* Will the truss work with an ARB air line or do the line and breather need to be moved like with the Claytons truss.

Lots of Q's I know but I am half way around the world and your setup finally seems to take all the elements of other kits that I like best, I'm just trying to find out as much as possible because I think that TNT already have a distributor arrangement with someone in Australia.

[RockYacht]

Just curious as to whether they are any closer to having a production version of the kit on your Jeep available.

Our TJ/LJ Y-Link kit will go into full prototype and final design by the end of year, with limited production to comense in Jan/Feb.

Other Q's for the vendor / yourself include:
* Will the kit be available with the shock relocators that you mention
We are working with several vendors to supply the various parts we need to complete the kit. Those parts that cannot be sourced to our specification will be built inhouse.

* Will the kit only work with a 6" spring height or is there enough adjustability in the arms for anyone wanting to run a 4.5" spring
Initially the kit will be offerred only for 6" or more; however, we have been looking at the 4.5" lift as well; however, this will require some minor surgery to the exhaust between the exhaust manifold outlet and cat.

* How low beneath the frame rails the belly up skid sits
The initial kit (picturred above) sits approx 3.5" below the bottom of the frame at the lowest point. This dimension was/is driven from the suspension geometry. Yes there are some others out there that first design their belly pans to give maximum ground clearance and then put the suspension where ever it fit. We take the position that suspension geometry is far more important to safe and superior handling characteristics than gaining a 1/2" or so of ground clearance. Besides the original pan is made from 1/4" steel that is fully gussetted, ribbed and welded internally. If you should drag it, no worries. You won't hurt it!

*Whether you've found it frustating having the CA mounts and the belly up skid all in one and whether they've thought about separating the 2 somehow
I'll let Matt answer the first part of this question. From our perspective though, we get asked this alot. We are looking into the possibility of making a removeable portion of the Belly Pan. We have not decided on this approach though, only persuing the possibility. From our perspective a multi piece Belly Pan has to have the structural integrity of a one piece ribbed and gussetted design. With our high clearance mounts this is a tall order to fill...

Pros and Cons of a multy piece Belly Pan, IMO.

Pros:
* You can tell your buddies that the center section drops out for that remote possibility you want to pull your transmission out just to say you pulled your tranny this weekend. If I may, how many times have you (anyone), since you have owned your Jeep, pulled the transmission out for any reason? How often? once a year, once every other year, once in five years?
*You can tell your buddies that you have more fasteners than an aircraft carrier holding your multi piece belly pan together
*Percieved easy access (to what?) and maintenance


Cons:
*Complicated install, expensive if you're not a DYI person
*Sacrificed strength, not that I'm saying a multi piece unit cannot be strong. I am saying that a one piece fully gussetted, ribbed and welded piece is "bullet proof"
*Much higher cost of design, prototype and manufacture - you the consumer ultimately pay for it

* What springs and shocks you are currently using
Rubicon Express RE1352 5.5" front and RE1353 5.5" rear.
Rancho RS 9000's all around

* Are you using rubber busings all the way around or are there Currie / RE / heims at the one end of the CA's
We use the Large RE Super Flex joints at the chassis end and RE Super Ride assemblies at the axle end

* Will the truss work with an ARB air line or do the line and breather need to be moved like with the Claytons truss.
Our truss(es) will work with an installed ARB line. Of course we cannot guarentee every possibility but as long as the air line isn't in some unreasonable place there won't be any issue.

Lots of Q's I know but I am half way around the world and your setup finally seems to take all the elements of other kits that I like best, I'm just trying to find out as much as possible because I think that TNT already have a distributor arrangement with someone in Australia.
Try David Woodley at http://www.wooders.com.au/ We just sent him a couple XJ Y-Link kits

Bob

[Butt Craic]

Your detailed response is much appreciated. It was in fact David Woodley who was impressed enough with your XJ kits that he referred me to you guys with the knowledge that you were working on an equally kick-ass kit for us TJ guys.

Nathan.

[TJ_Shunk]

These are a little older (3 weeks or so) but I thought I'd put them up.

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf.jpg

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf1.jpg

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf2.jpg

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf3.jpg

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf4.jpg

This is flexed out at max (bump stops hitting)
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf5.JPG

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf6.JPG

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf7.JPG




Butt Craic: As for your question about the full Skid and the CA mounting to it... I have no problems with this setup my self. It isn't that hard to unbolt the CA and then unbolt the skid and drop it all. The key is to not tighten the CA when putting it back on until they are all started. The skid is heavy given what it is made of, but can be done by one guy. Having a buddy there to help does make it easier though. I personally don't have any experience with the 3-part kits that say RE is putting out, but I do have experience with putting this skid right one rocks and over them, and I am glad that I have such a stout skid. Get it and you woun't be disapointed.

[nblehm]

when (or if) are you guys gonna start selling that steering set up?


edit* just from lookin at the pics, the rear is doing all the work, the front doesnt seem to be doing much

[RockYacht]

when (or if) are you guys gonna start selling that steering set up?

Steering on Matt's is custom. One off parts we built for him. We could supply a similar setup built to the customers specs if needed.


edit* just from lookin at the pics, the rear is doing all the work, the front doesnt seem to be doing much
Huh? :)
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf1.jpg
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf4.jpg

[Jeffro600]

edit* just from lookin at the pics, the rear is doing all the work, the front doesnt seem to be doing much

Ive seen Matts TJ flex first hand....its damn impressive to say the least and i can assure you, the front does PLENTY!!

[nblehm]

Steering on Matt's is custom. One off parts we built for him. We could supply a similar setup built to the customers specs if needed.

huh?

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf2.jpg

must just be the bumpstops then...just glanced at the pics before.


How much would a steering set up like that cost. Getting tired of replaceing tj drag links and tie rods

[RockYacht]

Shoot us an email and we can discuss it. Matt's TJ has 1 ton TRE's throughout and .250" wall tubing with inserts. The tie rod has been flipped to over the knuckle.

We now have the means to direct thread .250" wall tubing to eliminate the tubing inserts and the weld to hold them to the tubing making ours stronger and less expensive. Plus we have over 3" of thread in our system vs. the ~1.5" of thread in an insert.

Bob

[Wooders]

Hey Bob,
Great to see some pics of the TJ setup!!
We're looking forward to the XJ kits arriving (somewhere in the middle of the pacific right now) Trust me the first thing that will happen is they'll get lined up against some RELA bits we have laying about ;)

Nathan,
BTW if you are interested we have a RHD steering kit VERY similar to the TnT - Using 80Series cruiser ends for cheapness and strength ;)
Currently running it on two rigs and the XJ which is destined for the Y-Link will be a third to run this steering....

[Butt Craic]

I had the chance to have a quick look at the XJ that Wooders is referring to in the post above on the weekend (very nice!) which reminded me to sneak back here to see if there was any more news on the release or further prototyping of your Y-Link TJ system.

[TJ_Shunk]

I'll let either Bob or Matt chime in, but it is looking like the TJ kit will be in production form by early fall. :evil:

[RockYacht]

Early Fall? :eek: I guess it would be fall over on your side of the globe, spring here. ;)

We're working out the final details now.

Bob

[Butt Craic]

Great news. I look forward to seeing and hearing what the production version entails!

[OlBlueCJ7]

edit* just from lookin at the pics, the rear is doing all the work, the front doesnt seem to be doing much

That's what I'm seeing too - maybe it's just the pictures. There seems to be good droop at the front, but when it comes to compression, it appears as though the front suspension doesn't compress well, and forces some of the articulation to the rear axle.

The pictures that I'm referring to are these two:

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf7.JPG

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/kf3.jpg

It would appear as though the axis of the axle tube isn't much different than the body plane.

[GPP33]

These two show quite a bit up front...

http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk10.JPG
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk7.JPG

But these ones don't...
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk16.JPG
http://www.colorado4x4.org/gallery/files/4/7/8/6/TJ_Shunk18.JPG


Probably just has to do with weight transfer from the front being up in the air.

[Butt Craic]

I think that running a rear sway bar would probably even up some of the flex too.

[Eric]

Probably just has to do with weight transfer from the front being up in the air.

It's weight transfer, but not fore-aft. In the pictures where the front isn't compressing as much the Jeep is leaning significantly away from the compressed side. In the pics which show good compression the Jeep is either sitting (near) level or leaning towards the compressed side. I think you'll always be challenged to get full compression on the uphill side no matter what suspension setup you use (links, leafs, etc.) because the cg offset is biasing the downhill side.

[TJ_Shunk]

Just a news update...

The TJ is in this months (Aug 06) JP Magazine as the featured rig. Just another great oppertunity for T&T Customs to get the recognition they deserve. This suspension Rocks!!!

After a year and a half of running this suspension, the only thing I would do different is use RE 4.5" coils or run a 37" tire. Do not get it twisted though, the rig is still super stable with the 5.5" coils I have, but since 37" aren't in the near future of the tire size, and Low to the ground is better, I'm going to stick with the 35" and drop her down a little.

[Big Country]

Congrats to Matt, Bob and crew at T&T Customs. Bob your work is exceptional an kudo's for getting a feature in JP. I love what you did for mine.

[05Willys]

I was excited to hear that the TJ should come out as a finished model soon, but i had two questions about the design (note: i do not design suspensions). Can the belly pan be made to have a high clearance center, i saw the comment pertaining to the suspension driving the pan design, but the center should still be up for grabs. Hope i explained my idea well enough.
Second Q: can the lower arm mounts on the axle be moved upward so as to not be such a low hanging point, or move outward an additional inch? Would it help to move the shock location outward and upward as well?

[Butt Craic]

Early Fall? :eek: I guess it would be fall over on your side of the globe, spring here. ;)

We're working out the final details now.

Bob

With today marking the official start of Spring here in Australia I think that I'm going to start asking Matt for tips in the horse races . . . . .

[TJ_Shunk]

Did you get the kit ordered Butt Craic?

[Butt Craic]

Not yet . . . but I've been hold off to hear and see more when it comes to the production version.

TNT already has a distributor out here in Australia so that definitely makes things a lot easier to head down that route. I work year round at a ski resort so have to wait until our summer until I get time off to install the thing anyway . . . and with the way we've been tortured with the weather this year, the end of the ski season won't be too far off for us now!