NVLD bracket install

[Cannonball]

Hey has anyone got a little information to help install the NVLD bracket found on 2003+ TJ donor vehicles? I am to that point and I am looking at a lot of issues,

1) will it clear the box bed floor?
2) Should I build a side protection plate / shield to keep it from getting packed full of mud & road debris?
3) Should I build a skid plate under it to protect it from damage?

I found bending the tab on the bracket will allow it to fit flat on the frame rail but then I dont know where to exactly locate it on the frame rail? I only want to do this once. I dont want to mount it to later find I have to move it because it has clearance issues with something.

Any help from people would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.........

Cannonball

[AEV Dave]

I've asked Dave Yegge to take a photo of the NVLD bracket and mounting location for you.


dh

[Cannonball]

Any luck with that Picture Dave? If it shows plumbing too that would be wonderful too.

Thanks

Cannonball

[dyegge]

Cannonball,

I've attached a few photos showing the NVLD system installed in one of our latest Brutes. We install the system on the passenger side of the rear frame extension. Hopefully these pictures will clear up some of your questions.

Basically we start with the OE bracket and cut about 1.75 inches out of the vertical wall of this bracket. Then weld to 2 pieces back together and hook everything back up. A couple of the rubber lines will need to be shortened. Just make sure everything is hooked up where it was in the beginning and that none of the lines are kinked.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks,
Dave Y.

[imajeepnut]

Dave,

Does the positioning of the system matter?...or can the entire system be clocked so that it will "tuck" up higher? It seems like there might be a chance that it could get banged-up there....if you dropped off a ledge or such.

Thanks

[Cannonball]

Looks like this is going to be tight to the floor of the bed isnt it. I was hoping to not have to hang it below the frame rail where it can get damaged. the way you have it mounted in the picture what clearance do you have above it it looks like 1/2".

I was wondering too if it could be clocked differently and laid flat rather than vertical.

Thanks for the pics and the update. Re set the tub tonight and started on the close out. I better get a move on, it goes to paint in 2 weeks lol.

Cannonball

[Cannonball]

I tucked mine up and think its actually about 1/2" tighter than the one in the pic. It still hung down to where I thought It may get damaged. I made a Skid that attaches to the frame rail and the cross section of the frame. It should be okay as long as I dont drop it off a 5' ledge onto another rock now. I fabbed up a side shield too to protect the hoses and wiring on the side too.

In case any one else runs into this.

CB

[Cannonball]

Here is a picture if the NLVD and skid plate/protector. I have three bolts (w/nutserts) holding it along the frame and another 2 fastening the front to the frame x-member. I put a bottle jack under it and lifted till the tire was off the ground. I have 3/8" clearance between the skid and NLVD. No deflection in the skid. Now I would imagine if you dropped the back end off a rock ledge on top another rock it could dent or bend but at least this is better than nothing. I plan to make another strut leg off the unsupported corner and attach it to the center frame rail @ the winch bracket location on the rear frame extension.

Yes I put my air tank in the rear winch location. We dont run rear winches here in Wisconsin cause the salt on the roads would chew them up in Winter. I plan to make a drain petcock protector too yet.

Cannonball