Jeep WJ A-Arm Spacer - D.I.Y. for $20: part 1
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- Here is a quick tutorial on how to build your own a-arm spacer for a Jeep WJ.
Materials:
Large Cutting Board
New Hardware (I used three M14 X 80 Class 10.9 Bolts)
Epoxy (OPTIONAL)
Tools:
Saw (I used a band saw, a hand saw r other could be used)
Drill (I used a drill press, a hand drill could be used)
5/8 Drill bit
2 5/8 Hols Saw
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We hope you enjoyed this video and will keep in mind that all information included is intended to be purely academic and in fact is only the opinion of D&E. We are not professionals, nor are we qualified to knight you a professional. D&E want to ensure that anyone modify or fixing their own vehicle does so in a safe manner which leaves the vehicle in a legal, roadworthy state. In short, DON'T BE A MONKEY WITH A TOOL BOX! If you don't know what you are doing, leave repairs and modification to the professional.
An update of your idea using a single piece of polyethylene on my WJ. I recently replaced the rear end suspension rubbers and pulled the spacer off to check on it only to see that where the spacer sits on the diff has left a deep impressions (3mm) in the plastic. Assuming over time it may or may not sink further my work around was to remove the ball off an old ball joint and use the plate as a single spacer. So now the polyethylene is sandwhiched between the old and new and will hopefully spread the load rather than just on those 3 bolt points. Please keep the videos coming as I enjoy your ideas.
Wow, great! Thanks for sharing this!
Built mine off your idea and design...works great so far and will update hopefully later as to how it holds up
Awesome! Glad it worked out for you!
So how is it going now . i figure a year is about a fair amount of time ??
@Cuppa Joe how has it held up?
Informative video on a arms..not many out there..keep em coming
Wow, never thought about cheap cutting boards as a source of "engineering nylon." Most excellent.
Thanks. it has held up really well!
This video doesn't even apply to my YJ but I still enjoyed watching it! " I'm not an expert in literally anything, I'm just a guy who's broke and still wants to drive a dope Jeep". I'm pretty sure I've said those exact words before. I feel like we could have been good friends lol!
That is basically our slogan around here., haha
Again, great job. Need is the mother of invention.
Great tutorial. Awesome idea.
You could use a larger spade bit on top and bottom layer to counter sink a steel washer in each of the three corners but drill the counter sink hole first...just a thought. Great vid I’m doing my rear suspension tomorrow 👍🤠🇺🇸
A really good thought too. Thanks!
Nice. I made mine from a piece of bullet proof glass, (1.25" thick Lexan) a friend gave me for my 04 with a 3" lift.
Damn.. never would have thought of that. How is it cutting/drilling Lexan?
D&E In The Garage Very easy to shape. Probably not much different than what you used.
Great video!!! Im getting ready to watch your other videos 👍👍
Thanks for the support and feedback!
Awesome video. Came across this just at the right time. Thank you for sharing your ideas and know how.
I will email you for a printable version.
You have a new follower.
great idea, thank you!
Awesome video THANKS
This is a great video! How are more people not doing this? Is there anything special about the cutting board?
Nope, just the cheapest cutting board Wal*Mart had available
Did you make a template with dimensions that you could share?
this is brilliant, being in the UK parts that are easily available state side are a pain, plus over double the price with duty and postage, don't suppose anyone know the diameters of the material required? otherwise ill just pull mine and crack on
Glad you found this helpful! Several people have made there own and the results have all been good. Do you mean the diameter of the bolts used?
So I have a 2" lift kit and my question is what size would i make my spacer 2". I'm almost thinking about removing the lift kit as it is from 09 and I have a lot of rear wobble so I need to replace the upper rear control arm.
Also take a look at metling down recyclable plastics as they make them into sling shots etc. Might be an easy way to pour an exact piece, account for shrinking and work well.
This is an awesome idea.
I currently putting a 3" spacer left on my WJ.
Do I need to build one of these as well, for a 3" lift.....
Or is this more so for taller lifts
Why not fab a spacer from mild steel?
Awesome video. How many inches thick was the spacer ?
I think it came out to about 3"
D&E In The Garage Thanks so much for the quick reply.
Great video, thanks!
BTW, where did you get the bolts? And are the 2.0 thread? Can't seem to find the bolts anywhere (only for like $15 each on Amazon). Thanks!
I just got them in the suspension aisle at the auto parts store. They are just regular suspension bolts
@@DEInTheGarage OK, was able to find the bolts at Fastenal, they need to order them. Which brings me to my second question if I may.
So I see you installed 4 planks of the cutting board, which should bring it up to about 2" height (0.5x4). Now all the kits online I see are 2.5" of a spacer, so I am wondering why you did not go with 5 planks of cutting board? Is there a structural reason?
Also if I do go with 5 planks, would I need M14x100 bolts (just if you know the measurements :) ). Thank you!
Alright, not nearly nice as yours, but I was able to get to almost 2.5 inches on mine. :) Also calculating that the original bolt is M14x36, I added 2.5" (63.5mm) = 99.5mm, so I ended up getting M14x100-2.0 bolts which I can always shorten just a bit if needed (got them online DORMAN 460892 for reference). Cutting board I used was the Mainstays 15" x 20" Poly Cutting Board
(Walmart # 1495714). Now just waiting on the new bolts to get here, and hopefully it will all bolt on well.
One mistake I did is that I did not overlap the mount as much as you did, and only have it about 1/4 inch larger than the ball joint mount. Hopefully that will hold well enough under pressure. I am not sure how much you sanded off. Thanks again for the inspiration! It is just so much more satisfying building something than buying it ready!
Hi. I would like to ask you on that spacer. Is it holding up, no issues? I want to do the same, this is awesome video. And i can decide the thickness instead of purchasing 1 size. My jeep is 2-2.5" lifted only, but I need to change that joint, so I toughed it would be good idea to level the a-arm at the same time. Thank You
Yep, you don't NEED to add it with a 2.5" lift, but anytime you can keep your suspension close to stock geometry, you will be better off. I have had this spacer on for almost a year and checked it often. There has been no movements, compression, cracking, or or issue. I would highly recommend it. Reach out via email if you would like a printable version of the pattern I used. dandeoffroad@gmail.com
Hi Thank You for reply. I have emailed you and also sent you pics of my WJ project. Anyway I would definitely be interested in printable schematic of that spacer. My email is turboburt1msn.com
turboburt1@msn.com
My rear ball a arm joint has gone bad in less than a year of adding a 2.5 in lift. I hope this keeps it from happening again
Can't seem to find part 2
ua-cam.com/video/iiicgVyECFk/v-deo.html
would I need to add a space if I used a 2" lift kit?
I have same question :)
Probably not. Especially not if it is just your daily driver.
This is a great idea. Has it held up
It absolutely has. I check it often for signs of cracking or compressing (which would compromise the torque of the bolts), but have not found any evidence of either. It has about 5000 miles on it over 3 months. On the flip side, I have lost a significant amount of drive-line vibration as the spacer helped put my rear end geometry back closer to stock.
Great! I have a 3” lift and replaced the ball joint several months ago. Should have done the spacer then but will give this a shot.
Hey did you make a paper pattern you email??. I just ordered a 3 inch lift. Even though the lift company says not needed in concerned that my joint will be near maxed out
I do have a template. If you want to email me at dandeoffroad@gmail.com I can send it to you
What size lift do you have
What size are the bolts?
M14 X 80
D&E In The Garage thanks brother ! Appreciate it.
Very good,how long are the screws?
The bolts i used were M14 X 80.
just sent you an email for your layout great video
The pattern should be in your email now!
There's safe and then there's this.
20$ plus tools (300$) = 350 with tax, just buy upgrade a arm
Hey Doug can you make one for me? I will pay you. I put a 2.5 lift spring on my WJ Ball joint and control arm are in a angle
Yea man. I sure can. Do me a favor.. email me at dandeoffroad@gmail.com. This is a SUPER busy time for me and I guarantee I will forget 5 minutes after answering your comment. haha
This is a danger zone. Fiberglass boards with epoxy would have been a bit safer.
They glue doesnt matter. The bolts hold everything together at the end of the day. 20k miles on it with no issue
Hey Doug! In the off chance you see this comment, and still have the template-can you email that template to me?
I think you can email him for the template. His email is listed in other comments.