Here is a link to my original thread followed by the current state of this project.

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=17101.0

Well the front A-arm drop bracket prototype has been cut out. I now need to build a jig so that I can weld the two parts together in the proper relationship. It was supposed to be one piece but the shop that I had cut and bend it was unable to complete the second 90* bend. The part actually hit the press brake at around 60* - 75* on the second bend. Prototype solution was to cut the back free from the front and then weld it back together. For a variety of reasons it might take me some time to get this done though.

Enjoy the pictures.

Thats a good start.
But if they bent half it that way but they could bend the other half?
Weird.
Somehow lower the rear cross member with the diff?
(cut out and move?)
Then you could get a whole 6+lift out of it?.

Thats a good start.
But if they bent half  of it that way but they couldn't  bend the other half?
Weird.
Somehow lower the rear cross member with the diff?
(cut out and move?)
Then you could get a whole 6+lift out of it?.

After bending the first leg of the bracket they tried to make the second.  As they were in the process of making the second 90* bend the bracket itself actually moves up and hits the press brake before the 90* is bent.  Solution is either make it a two piece part or find another company with better tooling for their press brake.

I'm not sure how the design of the rear braket will end up yet.  Thanks for the compliment and the idea for the rear crossmember / bracket.

I am not an expert or anything, but I think you should add some internal bracing to it. Maybe weld in some angled braces and then weld a plate across the bottom to let it slide over rock and stuff.

Yes, the final part will be boxed in for strength.  I do like the idea of adding some angle internal to the brace though.

It's a good start! Post more pics when you get more done.

I used to run a press brake

Once the whole ifs drop lift is finished, will you be using longer coils?  Or huge metal spacers like whitfield did?  What about the rear?  What in store for that?

Once the whole ifs drop lift is finished, will you be using longer coils?  Or huge metal spacers like whitfield did?  What about the rear?  What in store for that?

I hope to use longer coils for the springs, and flipping the strut mount after adding the 2" strut extenders.  Crossing my fingers that this combination will work well.

I think your on to something here    But what size lift will it give you? like 3, 4, 5 inches?  Anything over 3 you'll have major problems with out redesigning the rear 3rd link.  And also you might need extended rear trailing arms.  But after its all done i bet it will be bad ass!!

Well I'm thinking 3" from the drop and hopefully another 1" - 2" from longer springs.  The rear will get longer lower links and a new upper link as well.  I'm thinking of using poly bushings on the frame side and Johnny Joints for the three atachment points at the axle.  I have the poly bushings right now, but I'll have to wait on the Johnny Joints and springs for a little bit.

It has taken me around 8 months to go from drawing to cut steel on the front drop bracket so this might be a three year project.  Hope not!

Mike

what kinda springs you wanna use?  Like stock yj's?

I need to do some more measuring but I think that some 3" coil over springs might just fit the stock spring mounts.  Just to clarify I'm refering to the spring only and not the complete coil over assembly (others get confused when I start talking about this  ).  If this is infact the case then I'll have quite a selection of spring lengths and rates to play with.  Any one have a spring they want to donate to the R&D?

Do you know what the Chevrolet IFS drop is?  Does Chevy make it or an aftermarket company?  Have you heard of it?

I haven't heard of the Chevrolet IFS drop.  Please specify.  Pictures?  Which year, models?