Cross member fit issues..AFTER diff drop...HELP!

[JoFotoz]

Yes..I have searched :_thinking..but didnt find!

The cross member drop brackets I got from Tom
that came with with the diff drop barckets, dont seem
to line up with either the Calmini c/member...or the original c/member.

The cross member doesnt fit either entirely inside ..or outside...the bracket.
It will fit putting one side inside..one side outside ( does that make sense!)

Can any of you folk out there that have done the diff drop...HELP!

My solution would be to cut the extensions off the c/member drop brackets
and weld the c/member right to the bracket....Yes/no..:_thinking
It would still be removable...plus it snugs it up a bit higher for clearance.

:_thinking..:confused:..:_thinking

Thanks
Jo

[JoFotoz]

DOHH......

......just found Toms instructions for modifying the stock c/member

Any other ideas from those that have done the diff drop.

Thanks

jo

[Triathlete]

Sounds like you are having fun!
Did the gears and lockers get installed?
Hope all goes smooth!

[JoFotoz]

We are getting there...


Sounds like you are having fun!
Did the gears and lockers get installed?
Hope all goes smooth!...

Front pumpkin and locker/diff drop and selectable hubs are done.

Rear pumpkin and Transmission fluid change tomorrow.

A few bits of grinding for trooper skid plate clearance on drive shaft...
.....figure out the cross member ( just had a good chat with dub :thumbup: )

...and she'll be ready for Moab abuse :dance:

jo

[JoFotoz]

Just FYI...

Having chatted with Dub and looked at the cross member again...

....I do believe I am going to cut Toms "H" brackets down leaving
a 1/2 - 3/4 inch "stub" where he had the bolt holes for the c/member
on the lower legs of the "H"

It will essentially leave a saddle bracket with stubs.

I will weld the Calmini c/member to these stubs ( extra surface area)..

...and that will secure it solidly, AND tuck it up a bit higher for clearance.

It will still be removable with 4 bolts as before.

Any comments and / or derision ( :p ) glady accepted!

jo

[tom4bren]

I've got a set of CM drop brackets that were designed for the Calmini CM. If you like, I can get them in the mail today.
http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/CIMG1010.JPG

[VXorado]

The cross member drop should work for ya Jo but I recommend using the stock cross member and modifying it to fit. Reason being, the Calmini cross member will have to sit pretty low to clear the pumpkin because it's straight while the stock cross member has an upward curve built into it. My kilby cross member was catching rocks & mud on the trail after I dropped it for the 2" diff drop. This annoyed me so soon after I pulled everything out and started over.

Just a thought, I've seen an article of someone modifying the stock cross member to fit the 1.5" diff drop without drop brackets. Then you won't lose any lower clearance :)

[BigSwede]

Joe Darlington could make a modified stock crossmember for you...look him up over on the Planet if interested. Or I'll show you the one he made me, in Moab.

[tom4bren]

Yah, I agree the Calmini CM does hang low. I just figured:

1. I owe him to get it right since I supplied the SNAFU parts.

2. This is the quick solution to get him to Moab.

[LittleBeast]

Jo, I did both options. I had to grind the extensions to get them to fit and then I had Joe Darlington make me a modified stock cross member. The modified stock cross member is definitely the way to go.

[JoFotoz]

OK...

Gonna get the calmini compatible brackets from Tom...and see how that looks...

...and will certainly think hard about modifying the OEM c/member.

Many thanks to all for the input.....:thumbup:

jo