Here you can see what the 1.25″ spacers would look like originally. But because of the hubs on the trailer axle, the wheels would never fit and nor would the spacers.

So I took them from the store (Jeeperz-Creeperz) directly to the local machinist. They removed the first lip of the spacer. Giving enough clearance to go over the hub. The hole is now about 2.5″ or so. I didn’t mic it but it fits. Notice the centering lip is gone from the outside edge. I don’t see this as an issue because the lugs will center up the spacer and wheel when mounted.

How it looks mounted before the wheel goes on.

Also had to have custom “tie” plates made because of using the factory springs. Most trailer springs are 1.5″ wide. Factory springs are 2.5″ wide. Add that with the tube diameter of the 3500# axle being 2 3/8″. This was done by a nice old timer for me. Pair ran me $25 bucks plus $6 for the material. Holes are 3″ on center both ways. The plate is 4.5″ square.

Lessons learned so far. When ordering an axle, order it 57.0″ WMS to WMS then add 1.5″ wheel spacers. 1.25″ is ok, but I’m going to have to do something special for the “bearing buddy” cover. The 1.5″ would have kept the factory center cap and made a nice cover for the buddy. Order the spacers quickly and have the machinist do the work as soon as possible. As of now the track wide is 62.5″ instead of the being like the Cherokee’s 60″. Next up is getting the axle perches weld up after being centered.

Ordered the 3500# axle, 60″WMS to WMS only to find that the Moab wheels won’t work without modification. So, spares will work for the time being. I’ll get back to the Moabs when the solution in my head works.  :satansmoking: Also waiting on a custom built axle tie plate. Since trailer axles are usually bolted to 1 3/4″ or 2″ springs, there is nothing out there for this application when using the factory rear springs. They happen to be 2 1/2″ wide. I found a nice little mom and pop shop close to home that will make it for me. Should be ready in a day or so.

From this angle, it’s just about the right height on the stock XJ leaf springs. I keep reminding myself that it’s missing quite a bit of weight from it right now. No trailer tongue, no glass (which I have all 4 pieces of), no rear hatch on it . But still should be close to my 3″ lifted XJ. If not, I have an AAL just waiting in the wings! :finger:

Looks kinda funny with three colors. I’ll be checking into doing a chemical dip this week. I’m need to find out exactly where I need to replace what. And there are panels that I’m questioning.

As you can see, the axle is being held in place by ratchet straps while the tie plate is being made. Not the most elegant, but it’s only rolling around in the driveway or garage. You can see the holes. I have my work cut out for me.