Diff Drop Brackets

[ZEUS]

Here is what I did to drop my front diff to alleviate the sharp CV angles after a lift:

I cut out the lower portion of each bracket by making two 90* straight cuts on each. I then cut off two 2" wide strips from a Jeep bumper I had laying around. The bend at the bottom of the bumper matched the roll in the stock brackets. I hammered on the strips a little to perfect the shape and to fill the hole I made in the stock brackets. Then I welded the strips to the lower part of the bracket. Here is what I got:
Attachment 561Attachment 562

After welding the 2"-extended lower portion of the brackets to the upper portion, I had to grind the welds down on the backside of the brackets in certain spots to allow a tight fit against the axle housing. I was also able to mark the two additional holes needed for the mounting bolts to go through. After a test fit, I painted everything up:
Attachment 563Attachment 564Attachment 565

I have seen another approach where a C-shape was cut out of the brackets to achieve nearly the same result. A piece of plate must have been used, and then all five holes were drilled into it. This was BigMeatVX's approach:
[IMG][/IMG]

I think mine were easier to create, but BigMeatVX's might have more strength. However, I don't think mine will fail either. I will post my solution to the crossmember drop after I figure it out!