Gettin rid of the leaf tower....

Okay, I can't claim credit for the idea (well partial credit) but on the last SCCX run we were kicking around an idea on how to get rid of the leaf tower........and it may not be too difficult.

!. Perform a spring over (relocate the leaf mounts on the axle....ie, weld)
This mod would add some height to the Xterra.
2. Torch off the leaf hanger and (no details for this part really) channel the old leaf hanger and push it flush against the frame (this mod would reinforce the frame and give a spring mount spot). With this modification, you would loose height with the Xterra.

Overall, you should be close to stock Xterra height and NO LEAF HANGER (damn, I hate that thing!

Just tossin out the idea........

:frog:

Go look at a Frontier setup, should give you some ideas...

Brent

just an FYI: The spring hanger is there to protect the gas tank from side impacts...in fact that's the reason the passenger side one is a little bigger.

Originally posted by ned946
Overall, you should be close to stock Xterra height and NO LEAF HANGER (damn, I hate that thing!


Where are you driving Ned ?

I've yet to put a ding in my spring mounts, and they're even an inch lower than stock :D

I've got some nice battle scars on those things. I'd like to make it up "Skid Plate Rock" in Correl Canyon San Diego. I never noticed the gas tank though and to me it looks like FSR is right, next I'd just smack the gas tank if the hangers were gone.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1611231&a=13016551&p=54381298&Sequence=0

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1611231&a=13016551&p=54259260&Sequence=0

Originally posted by xoc

they're even an inch lower than stock :D

Please explain!???

Originally posted by ned946
Please explain!???

Duh, sorry. I thought you meant the mount under the leaf pack, not the front hanger.:rolleyes:

The best solution for the front hangers is to weld a plate about 3 feet long from the hanger forward, making for a smooth surface.

I think that spring pack is about an inch thicker than the OEM pack and since the X is spring under...
The thickness of the pack results in less clearance

Originally posted by xoc
The best solution for the front hangers is to weld a plate about 3 feet long from the hanger forward, making for a smooth surface.

I was actually thinking about that, maybe not 3ft, how about 3 inches :D .

I'd be a cheap thing to do if you have access to a welder.

Originally posted by Kerensky97
I was actually thinking about that, maybe not 3ft, how about 3 inches

I was thinking of how ever long it takes to make a flat surface parallel to the hump. It will be different on both sides, but it would get rid of the transition.

I understand what Ian is saying! Build a triangular shaped box up to the spring perch/hanger. Weld it in with a cover for the beat up section so the X will transition over it without getting hung up on it!

I am in the market for a mig welder.....hmmm sounds like a first project to me!!!!

There is actually a hole in the frame right in front of that spot. I was thinking a bolt-on mod might be in order.

Originally posted by Schludwiller
There is actually a hole in the frame right in front of that spot. I was thinking a bolt-on mod might be in order.

You might end up with the problem of a bolt head to get hung up on.
Then again, if it's bolt on, make it out of a replacable block of delrin, or UHMV, so it slides over anything.

What do you think the cost of delrin would be as opposed to one manufactured from steel?

I can get my hands on Delrin here at work or at Boeing surplus! I got ChuckH a nice chunk for his KissMyAss/Hedberg bumper. It's a bitch to work with, but very durable material. I don't know how well it would abrade with rock though:confused: