Justindodge39 Posted March 30, 2009 Report Posted March 30, 2009 Hi to all. Have just got hold of a jag xj6 front end for the dodge and would like some advice on grafting it into my subframe.I will need a certified welder to complete the job I realise, but i would like to do at least some of the work myself,even removing old and getting it tacked in place ready for welding. Any advice or comments please.... Cheers Justin Quote
PatS.... Posted March 30, 2009 Report Posted March 30, 2009 You do realize that all the parts to completely rebuild your front end are readily available, and not expensive? You already have a stout independent suspension, and several bolt-on disc brake kits are available, as well as a rack and pinion kit. All of which would give you a perfectly usable front end at a fraction of the cost and work of grafting a Jag front end on, especially if you have never done a front clip graft before. It is a VERY detailed process for which there are usually no instructions but if you get it wrong...well, it's ugly and dangerous. You will need a place to work on the car for a while where it can stay put because many of your measurements will be transferred to the floor once the frame is stripped and levelled. My opinion is that a front suspension graft is something that a seasoned rodder with the experience, equipment, tools and space should tackle and the rest...shouldn't...it's not for the faint of heart Check out this thread from 48Dodger for an insight into what's involved on a Pilothouse truck. A car frame is just that much MORE involved because it's not a straight frame. LOTS of measuring and remeasuring and checking measurements! http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=14259 Quote
Joel Torres Posted March 30, 2009 Report Posted March 30, 2009 i agree with pat about measure and cutting the front frame rails not allot of work area to play with and one wrong cut can be fatal to the project i have thought out every option an on upgrade to my cars i went with a full chassis swap and even that took a couple of years of measuring random cars till i found the frame i felt was the best candidate here is my build its on this forum but the more detail cutting stuff is on the hamb forum sorry http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=346922 Quote
PatS.... Posted March 30, 2009 Report Posted March 30, 2009 why a jag?bill Judging by some spelling, I'm thinking he is across the pond, so Jags will be plentiful and cheap...just a guess. Quote
dezeldoc Posted March 30, 2009 Report Posted March 30, 2009 I put a Volarie front clip on my P-15 after listing to one of my buddys and after having it on for the past 10+ years or so It was a bad choice to do. leave the stock front on and do the disc, shock relocation and rack converson and it will be as good or better than the Jag and a lot eaiser. on my P-20 I left all the stock front and did the disc and shock and it is as good as the volarie on the P-15 and was nowhere near as much work. Quote
Andydodge Posted March 30, 2009 Report Posted March 30, 2009 A mate here in Oz has just put an XJ6 front end under his 40 Ford Coupe, actaully a fairly straightforward swap BUT check the track of the Jag front end first against the Dodge as my mate is having problems getting wheels and tyres to fit under his Ford fenders as the Jag is quite wide and it looks like he is gunna have to have special offset front rims........but does your Dodge have the beam axle or independant front end?.....if beam axle then its a easy do, if independant then a LOT more work........andyd Quote
Justindodge39 Posted March 30, 2009 Author Report Posted March 30, 2009 Thanks mate.As a first time builder I am having to go on advise only for the project.I would prefer not to alter the frame at all but to recondition what is existing.I was talked into the front end conversion by a few mates.But it sounds as though it may be a more expensive option.Will have to do some more research to see which option is for me.Cheers Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted March 30, 2009 Report Posted March 30, 2009 is not the Jag front suspension McPhersion strut design? I know the suspension may be on the exotic side and ring like the "Liberty Bell" at a gab session...but realistically with the amount of work and the cost of replacement parts etc etc..think there are a number of tried and true methods to achieve a upgraded better handling car, the frame of your car will have to have major modification to prepare for the install..that in itself is the major drawback on the Volare setup...very invasive...making the need to clip the front with straight rails prior to install the clip of choice...study the frame of your car..READ what is involved..only other thing I can really say is that if you already have the experience in doing this work and want to proceed..why throw it out for questions...basically I would think the job a exercise in frutility and a waste of time and money that could be better spent elsewhere for the end results you are likely to get... Quote
Andydodge Posted March 31, 2009 Report Posted March 31, 2009 Tim, nope the XJ6 front and rear suspensions are rubber mounted, the front end is unequal length upper & lower A arms, with coil springs and shocks, the rack & pinion is rear mounted onto the jag crossmember, which bolts onto the frame using rubber mounts. The rear suspension is independant via 4 coilover shocks, 2 on each side with a lower arm and the half shafts on each side doing double duty as the upper arms, a link goes forward to locate the lower arm, the whole lot is in a "cage" that unbolts from the Jag body shell and is rubber mounted.....andyd. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted March 31, 2009 Report Posted March 31, 2009 Thanks Andy...I tried my best to find a picture of the Jag front end on the web..no dice...was not sure of the strut question...I knew the rear cradle was a bolt in...the Sunbeam Tiger has a bolt in front suspension also complete with the forward mounted rack..matter of fact..when it come to engine and tranny replacement..easier to just drop it out of the bottom..I installed my V8 and toploader that way many many years ago..the Jag would be a sharp set up and such...it already carries the GM bolt pattern so wheels and offsets should be such that a combination to fit and look good ought not be a real problem..however saying all this does not remedy the first problem..making a set of frame rails for the 39 Dodge and installing them first..the placing of the doghouse and hanging the original bumper back in place is a headache at best and the bumper may not be up to the original job as designed..now if he is eliminating the bumper that is one less headache... I still think for the time and money and the overall improvemnts made, the lowering uprights, shock relocation, disc brakes, and the TRW rack install is the way to go..I have done a couple of clips jobs..they do get involved...while the frame work is fast and easy...the steering setup, doghouse, bumper, inner fender reconfiguration etc etc does get a tad envolved..I still have a hankering to put my Volare sub-frame into something...originally thought to install it in my 47 P15 Bz Cp but as I said..if you don't install rails..the trimming and boxing of the original frame is very very involved.. Quote
David Strieb Posted March 31, 2009 Report Posted March 31, 2009 I've got a Fatman subframe on my '40 Plymouth, mustang II type independent suspension/rack and pinion steering. These are made to fit and accomidate all the sheetmetal and bumper mounts. Best thing I ever did to the car. Rides and steers great. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted March 31, 2009 Report Posted March 31, 2009 Did you do the owrk, have it done or buy the car already in that condition? Reason I asked is that you did not mention the cost...I checked this route once...600.00 for the subframe and another 2000.00 to 2400.00 depending on the a-arms etc etc for the Mustang II setup...while very nice..it is a major investment...and if you don't do your own cutting and welding..run the tab even higher..for deep pockets though..the Mustang II is very well engineered as is everything that Fatman markets...and I would love to take a ride in one of these old hoopies with that set up...got to be nice...! Quote
Justindodge39 Posted April 1, 2009 Author Report Posted April 1, 2009 Thanks for all the advise.It would seem that reconditioning what I have is the most cost effective and a hell of a lot less work,all of which I can do myself.So if anyone wants a Xjs6 frontend with power steer let me know,I now have a spare.LOL. After talking to a brake company they feel the old drums will be fine once reconditioned and a booster installed.So back to the start..... Anyone have any contacts for drum rebuild,bearing and suspention kits for the 39.Part outlets for this car are few and far between over in nz.Also will the old girls diff be allright running a small V8. Thanks to PatS and all for steering me right. Quote
Andydodge Posted April 1, 2009 Report Posted April 1, 2009 Justin, If you have the original 39 independant front end do what I did with my 1940 here in Oz, I kept the original upper/lower arms, and used the 42 upwards stub axle,(kingpins are the same up to 56 in the US or 62 if you got the OZ Chrysler Royals) it has a large bolt boss above the kingpin wihich coupled with the 2 lower steering arm bolts makes it easier to make a caliper bracket, I am running P76 Discs and calipers but Falcon discs and VR/VS Commodore calipers are also a good fit, I'd update the rear end also, I have put an EA Falcon disc brake diff under my 40, its running the original springs and the Falcon diff fits straight on with only having to drill 2 extra U bolt holes on the original Falcon spring pads.......you will have to update the master cylinder/booster if you do this as the 4wheel discs require this.......I'm running a P76 master cylinder & booster without the rear proportioning valve........trust this helps........andyd Quote
Justindodge39 Posted April 14, 2009 Author Report Posted April 14, 2009 Thanks andyd. This sounds like a much more straight forward conversion.Dont spose you could post some pics of the front caliper assembly.Or send them PM. I will keep a look out for an EA rear end.Any other combos or advice out there...... Cheers All Quote
Andydodge Posted April 14, 2009 Report Posted April 14, 2009 Justin, post your phone number and time to call, your in kiwiville aren't you?........andyd Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.