Four Wheeler Homepage: 4x4 Trucks, SUVs, & Off Road Vehicles

1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ - Project Teal-J II, Part 18

Part 18: Testing TeraFlex's new PRO LCG coilover conversion

By Robin Stover
photographer: Robin Stover, Greg Boardman, Vinson Pratt

 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Passenger Side View Rock

By now, some of you are probably wondering how a magazine's project Jeep can last 10 full years and still provide valid tech information to the readers. We'll admit it; we've squeezed a lot from our Teal Princess over the last decade. Changes are evident as we've left no part of the chassis or drivetrain untouched. Now, with its 18th segment, we're looking ahead, realizing that Teal's existence as a testbed for new products isn't going to change anytime soon. And as long as we can keep from destroying her on the trail, Teal-J will remain in our stables for decades to come. Savvy readers will remember our last visit with Teal ("Part 17," Jan. '07), where we tested Fabtech's newest TJ suspension kit. Unfortunately, we couldn't live with some of the quirky wheel-lifting characteristics that the kit caused on the street, so we hit up our friends at TeraFlex to see if they had anything new in store for TJ owners. Fortunately, they did, and they were quite pleased with the opportunity to showcase it on our beloved Teal-J. So arrangements were made to move the Teal-J to TeraFlex Plus-Jeep Adventure Outfitters in Salt Lake City, after the 2006 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab. Check out what they did.


 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Pro Lc Kit
This is the complete system that TeraFlex calls the PRO LCG. "LCG" stands for Low Center of Gravity, something that we at Four Wheeler love to promote. A lower center of gravity allows for greater stability during off-camber maneuvers and high-speed driving. The PRO LCG was developed specifically for TJ Wranglers with aftermarket high-pinion front axles.
 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Framerails
1. First, all the existing aftermarket components were removed from Teal-J. Next, the framerails were prepped so that the new LCG brackets could be located on the frame.
 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Upper Link Mount
2. Here you can see the new passenger-side rear upper-link mount as the mechanic from TeraFlex Plus took critical measurements just prior to tack-welding it in place. Note the extra holes provided in this bracket. This allows end users the ability to adjust and fine-tune antisquat for improved handling. We love this aspect of the PRO LCG kit.
 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Upper Link Bracket
3. Here again you can see the rear upper-link bracket prior to being welded to the framerail. We recommend that a skilled and experienced welder perform these welds because the rear suspension could easily fail if they are not done correctly.
 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Lower Axle Bracket
4. The PRO kit utilizes the OE front lower axle brackets but moves the frame bracket on the front upper control arms back 9 inches and down 5 inches to correct geometry on lifted Wranglers. This is where TeraFlex's extensive R&D time with the LCG PRO kit pays off and differs from other aftermarket suspension systems. An inch or 2 here changes driving dynamics significantly.
 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Weld
5. TeraFlex's technician laid down some decent beads for us. This particular weld is critical because it's what triangulates the passenger-side front upper-link mount on the framerail.
 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Spherical Urethane Rod Ends
6. This shot shows TeraFlex's heavy-duty spherical urethane rod ends. These joints are massive and provide an excellent range of movement while damping a fair amount of road noise and vibration at the same time. Each uses a 9/16-inch bolt and is completely rebuildable. Notice the zerk fitting in the center of the bolt, which helps ensure a long working life and noise-free operation.
 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Spherical Urethane Rod Ends
7. Here you can see which hole TeraFlex set the rear upper-link arms to during assembly. We haven't felt the need to alter this setting yet, though we plan to play around with it in the near future to see how each hole affects handling.
 1997 Jeep Wrangler Tj Rear Triangulated Axle Bracket
8. A custom rear triangulated axle bracket was made specifically for the rear Dynatrac axle to maintain the antisquat technology the LCG kit is known for. TeraFlex has additional options for customers with other aftermarket rear axles as well.

1  | 2  | Next
Get FREE, up-front new car and truck pricing with no hassle.

Related Photos

Related Articles

 
1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ Brute - Project Teal-Brute
How to beat the heat: Eleven easy tips to help keep underhood temps under control- and your Jeep's... more
 
The Great Four Wheeler 4x4 Throwdown - Great Debates
Gas Or Diesel? Ifs Or Solid Axle? Our Editors Tell You What Setups Works Best Or Not... more
 
2008 Top 10 New 4x4 Vehicles - 2008 10 Best Buys In Four-Wheel Drive
The Best Of The Best In New Vehicle Wheeling... more
 
September 2008 New Products - What's New
The latest and greatest for your 4x4!... more

Fourwheeler Blogs

 
A Dual Sport Kit with Attitude
Now you don't have to own a Dodge Ram to get KORE Performance!... more
 
All Packed Up And Ready To Go
Well, the 'Con Artist is all packed up and ready to get going to meet its namesake - the infamous... more
 
The Jeep We'd Love to Own
It's not even a 4WD Jeep, but we want it anyway . . .... more
 
Blingers on Tha Road
Got money? We got rides! . . .... more

Fourwheeler Forums

 
Electrical Problems
Hey everyone: I have a 1997 wrangler that at times the dash gauges just go out,it dosn't effect the... more
 
jeep junk yard parts?
Like Mud said go with the d44. The Super 30 and 35 doesn't change the weak axle tubes. Have seen... more
 
Mitsu SWB Model J26 (1975)
what is the 4spd you have in the jeep now?... more
 
DYI SYE?
I recently seen a jeep that had a disk brake and rotor on the t- case yoke as a parking brake,... more