Adding simulated back seat passengers (351W block = 340 lbs) again lowers the clearance to about 6” when measured vertically. Shortest distance at about 45 degrees to vertical is 5.5”
From the bump stop mounting surface (w/o rubber bumper) to the axle tube is about 7”.
Not that I’d go that small, comparing to a stock 215/70R14 there is approx 1.5” extra clearance than the Ranger tire. Even a very aggressive 275/50R17 gives an extra 0.5” clearance.
I added the last couple hundred pounds and everything appears to check out OK. With the very tall 235/75R15, the tire will rub when the bump stop bottoms-out on the axle tube. Less tall tires will give me more room obviously.
The effective spring rate appears to be about 200 lbs/in.
Burning-in the new metal into the modified wheelhouses. Some dimensions and pics. New piece was 17x5.5 with 2” 90-degree lip on the long side and then trimmed to fit. The piece sits parallel to the axle and is inclined front/back as shown in the pics. The back of the piece ends pretty much with the centerline of the axle.
Tight stop. Difficult to get the tip of the welder in the 2” deep recess. Same thing for the grinder so must use a large diameter wheel. Slow, tedious, but doable.
