Stock Wrangler look - leaf under axle?

[Teebs]

Hi all, I want to achieve a pretty much stock ride height Wrangler look to replicate a Jurassic Park Jeep.

I have the Tamiya body, but am struggling to decide the chassis. The CC01 it originally was on does look a good stance but it's a poor performing chassis and not scale with its weird mix of suspension types.

I have seen the body on the TF2 SWB but it always looks lifted.
Some folks on the TF2 Facebook page recommended leaf under axle but is this possible on Yota 2 axles? Apparently the front axle isn't doable due to the steering geometry?

Any ideas or has anyone done leaf under axle on a SWB?

[58_Willys]

It can be done. Keep the axle oriented the same as spring-over, and use spacers between the spring perch and the springs.

I did this to a set of Yota 1's on a Gelande when I converted it to a leaf suspension. By using different sized spacers, I was able to adjust the caster angle a little in the front and tweek the pinion angle a little in the rear. I don't have any Yota 2's, but I think it would be similar, since the axles are similar in design. If you don't use huge tires, then it might be easier clear the springs in the front. If you use large tires, you may have to sacrifice a little turning radius for scale looks. Just for reference, I used RC4WD 1.9 MTZ's and Gmade rims. With the Tamiya Wrangler, 1.55's should be perfect.

Here's how mine looked on the Gelande.

[Teebs]

Originally Posted by 58_Willys

It can be done. Keep the axle oriented the same as spring-over, and use spacers between the spring perch and the springs.

I did this to a set of Yota 1's on a Gelande when I converted it to a leaf suspension. By using different sized spacers, I was able to adjust the caster angle a little in the front and tweek the pinion angle a little in the rear. I don't have any Yota 2's, but I think it would be similar, since the axles are similar in design. If you don't use huge tires, then it might be easier clear the springs in the front. If you use large tires, you may have to sacrifice a little turning radius for scale looks. Just for reference, I used RC4WD 1.9 MTZ's and Gmade rims. With the Tamiya Wrangler, 1.55's should be perfect.

Here's how mine looked on the Gelande.

Hi this is a genius idea I hadn't thought of that with the spacers and not flipping the axle, but it may well be a perfect solution. I am planning on running small tyres 80-90mm diameter so rubbing is hopefully not a problem.

The Yota 2 has some front axle caster already so hopefully will only need level spacers.

Now I just need to save some money for the chassis - they are the equivalent of $5-600 over here in the UK!!

[58_Willys]

With tires that small, you will be fine. Mine are 4.19 MTZ's (about 106mm), and they clear the springs by about 6mm on each side.

Wow...pricey!

[Teebs]

The only thing I have found on another thread is that the Yota 2 axles don't have the recess groove below the spring over axle position mount on the front axle. So I will have to cut the spacers to fit next to the axle. I found a thread from 2016 where someone did a Gelande 2 leaf under axle conversion.

I assume I will get next to no suspension travel with spring under?

Yep RC4WD stuff is pretty much the same in number in ££ what you guys pay in $$$!! Consider yourselves lucky!

[rampage]

Originally Posted by 58_Willys

It can be done. Keep the axle oriented the same as spring-over, and use spacers between the spring perch and the springs.

I did this to a set of Yota 1's on a Gelande when I converted it to a leaf suspension. By using different sized spacers, I was able to adjust the caster angle a little in the front and tweek the pinion angle a little in the rear. I don't have any Yota 2's, but I think it would be similar, since the axles are similar in design. If you don't use huge tires, then it might be easier clear the springs in the front. If you use large tires, you may have to sacrifice a little turning radius for scale looks. Just for reference, I used RC4WD 1.9 MTZ's and Gmade rims. With the Tamiya Wrangler, 1.55's should be perfect.

Here's how mine looked on the Gelande.

Yup, this method works great. I did exactly the same on a Gelande II with Yota axles for an XJ with leafs in the back. Stance came out perfect. I used small plastic M3 nuts as spacers since I had an abundance of them. Worked a treat.

[rampage]

Also, here's the wheels for your JP Jeep.

https://www.asiatees.com/display?Mis...d=164550&pid=1

Very very close to the YJ Sahara wheels. Just paint 'em red.

[Teebs]

Originally Posted by rampage

Also, here's the wheels for your JP Jeep.

https://www.asiatees.com/display?Mis...d=164550&pid=1

Very very close to the YJ Sahara wheels. Just paint 'em red.

You sir are a genius for finding those!! Thank you, although my bank account doesn't...

[58_Willys]

These are the ones you need for this.

Jurassic Jeep Rims

[Teebs]

Originally Posted by 58_Willys

These are the ones you need for this.

Jurassic Jeep Rims

Yeah I had found those, but they're $250 for 5 and look quite plasticky?

The Asiatees ones posted look close but are almost too nice to spray red!

[58_Willys]

The ones for $20 ea and in red, is the way I'd go. The higher the level of detail you go, the less durable they are. A little sanding with 600 and 800 grit would get them to a nice smooth finish and then just clear coat them. I think I have a set JK rims somewhere, that are close.