tire close to rear upper spring mount

[phreaq]

I put a set of 32X11.50R15 on a set of 15X7 stock stealies.

But when I went to mount them to the TJ, the left rear tire was pushed up against the upper spring mount. As for the right rear, there was about 1-2" between the tire and spring mount. I lowered the rack slowly to make sure I didn't rip my new tire apart, and when it sat back down there is clearance. However there is still a noticeable difference in clearance, from tire to spring mount, between the left and right sides.

Is something bent??
I'm not sure why this is, has anyone seen this before?

__________________________
2000 TJ 2.5
2" coil spacers w/shocks + 2" body lift

[phreaq]

this is the left side

[phreaq]

this is the right side

[Ray H]

I'd say the problem is that your spacer lift didnt come with a rear trackbar relocation bracket.The trackbar runs from the frame on the passenger side to the axle on the drivers side. When you put a lift on, it increases the trackbar angle which moves the axle slightly to the passenger side.
You need to either trim the edge of the spring mount, install a relocation bracket or an adjustable rear trackbar.
You will also notice the the front axle is slightly offset to the drivers side as well. Not as big of a problem at 2" of lift, as the rear is though.

[phreaq]

Thanks again

Just looking at the rear suspension today, everything pointed to the rear track bar.
Look up rear suspension online and found 2 things:

• The rear track bar lower mount has been known to crack - haven't checked yet, but less likely
• A long arm kit I saw came with a rear track bar lower mount extension - I wasn't sure if 2" was enough to need that, and was going to look it all over again tomorrow.

Then I looked here

Thanks again!
Hopefully nothing else was left out of this lift. What else should be installed with shocks, the coil spacers, and the relocation brackets/adjustable track bars?

[Ray H]

Most spacer lifts only come with the spacers and shocks (maybe bumpstops). thats all thats generally needed, but, you are running 11.5" wide tires on stock wheels so thats why you will have to address the trackbar. The rear trackbar bracket usually isnt included on kits less than 3". The cheapest thing you can do is grind the outside of the spring mount down just enough to clear the tire. The next cheapest thing is to buy a relocation bracket (cost around $50-$70)
You dont need a long arm kit with just 2" of lift, actually most long arm kits wont even work with just 2 inches.
I havent heard of the trackbar mount cracking problem.

[phreaq]

Well, I was going to ride it out until I could buy an adjustable track bar. But I've been checking the rear tire everywhere I go, and it has rubbed some.
So I'll just have to put the 30X9.50's back on until I straighten out the lift.

[jds1vette]

Those steel wheels are your problem. If you want to keep them you should get some 1.25" spacers.

[phreaq]

Thanks for the input
The fact still remains that the track bar has not been addressed with the lift that was put on. And I'd like the axle to be lined up. It bugs me knowing that it's off center like it is.
However spacers would be a cheap way to fix the rub issue, but I've heard bad things about them. I'll deal with my stock tires until I can get a adjustable track bar. And I will need backspaced rims in the future I'm sure.

[Ray H]

Originally Posted by phreaq

Thanks for the input
The fact still remains that the track bar has not been addressed with the lift that was put on. And I'd like the axle to be lined up. It bugs me knowing that it's off center like it is.
However spacers would be a cheap way to fix the rub issue, but I've heard bad things about them. I'll deal with my stock tires until I can get a adjustable track bar. And I will need backspaced rims in the future I'm sure.

Go ahead and get the trackbar bracket (also called a panhard bar). OME sells a decent one for about $22. Search for a good dealer and you can probably beat that.
http://www.offroadtuff.com/omejeep.htm

[phreaq]

Well It looks like I have to buy the bracket, can't afford a track bar and radiator ! LOL

Thanks for the link to the cheep bracket
Found a cheep radiator http://www.radiatorbarn.com/s7.asp?a...L+ENGINE+SIZES

[Ray H]

I dont know whats going on with your radiator but if its the common problem of it leaking around the top seem between the core and the plastic top and you dont have the $$$$ to spend on a new one, you can try pinching the little clips that hold the top tight. Just take a pair of vice grips and pinch those clips just a little. That'll get you awhile longer on the stock radiator.

[phreaq]

Thats for the tip. Got the radiator and relocation bracket on order.
So far the leak is "small" (not under a pressure test), but I smell coolant burning when I get home. Pinched the clips and it seems to help. Should last till the radiator gets here.
More importantly to the thread - can't wait till I get my bracket

[phreaq]

Radiator swap went great. Added an electric fan too. But thats another thread (too be started).

I got the rear track bar bracket the other day and spent a few nights after work getting it on.
First night didn't bring home the right tools from work, second night drilled the holes, third night installed the bracket.

I must say, I am dissapointed. I guess I though this was going to be some kind of miricle bracket.

I have yet to take pictures (dont think I will), but it seems the left side is still closer to the spring than the right side. I can tell that it has moved ,but I think the tire is still going to rub some

I'm going to rotate the tires to see if they will work from driving in town, but I'm sure there not going to be great off-roading (have yet to put it through the flex test).

I think they look great, but like Ray H said me in this thread http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=387657, "theres alot more to building an effective and usable Jeep then throwing big tires on it." so it may be back to the 30's

jds1vette your right, it's the stock steel rims. Not so much the steel, but the stock off set. I may buy rear spacers.

I have no idea when I'll be able to buy 4 steel rims with a good offset.
Any ideas on where to find some 15X7 or 15X8 steelies that mount 5X4.5?