The Rockcrusher axles are more than up to the task of handling repeated abuse on the trail, and the SOA suspension will see that the 37-inch Parnelli Jones tires are afforded ample clearance beneath the fenders. | 
The M.O.R.E. shackle-reversal system includes fully welded pivot brackets, 3/8-inch-thick spacer plates, polyurethane bushings, and greasable shackles and shackle mounting hardware. | 
Mike Montana of Tri-County Gear began the installation of the suspension components by using a torch to remove the factory spring hangers from the frame. The rear crossmember/bumper was pretty banged up and will also be removed completely. The stock fuel tank will be relocated as well. |
A factory-style spring hanger from Crown Automotive was used to support the forward eye of the rear leaf spring. Mike created a template and cut out frame gussets, which were used above the rear spring hangers. He first set the gussets in place to ensure proper fitment before punching a few holes in the plates and welding them in place. | 
The rear framehorns were cleared of the factory components so the SlickRock spring shackle hangers could be installed. The SlickRock shackle hangers are constructed from chrome-moly investment-cast steel, can be bolted or welded in place, and are available for CJ and YJ vehicles. A 1-1/2-inch-lift Black Diamond spring was mocked in place with the hanger and the new M.O.R.E. shackles. | 
Once the proper positioning of the SlickRock spring hanger on the rear framehorn was determined, Mike welded nuts in place where the hangers would bolt up to. The rearward-facing nuts will secure a new rear bumper. |
Quarter-inch, rectangular steel stock was cut to the proper dimensions, and cutouts were created so it would fit over the rear framehorns. | 
Mike mocked the bumper in place at the rear of the CJ and marked the areas to be trimmed and where he'd drill holes for mounting. | 
The rear spring hanger and shackle are shown mocked in place with the bumper also bolted up. Mike also made angled cuts to taper the ends of the bumper and will cap them as well. |
With the proper mounting of the rear hanger and bumper determined, Mike welded in rear frame gussets and painted the exposed metal. | 
The finishing touches were applied to the new rear bumper before final assembly was completed. Here, the greasable shackle bolts are installed. | 
The rear axle was positioned beneath the vehicle and secured to M.O.R.E. leaf spring perches on the axletubes. The perches are made from 1/4-inch steel and are 2.5 inches wide with three holes punched for the leaf spring center pin. Many sizes are available for varying axletube diameters. Tri-County Gear supplied new U-bolts. |
Mike bent a few sections of 3/8-inch hard brake line and secured them in place on the rear axle. A Superlift braided brake line was used between the union on the axle and the line on the frame. | 
Installation of M.O.R.E.'s shackle-reversal system began with Mike mocking the new pivot brackets in place on the front framehorns. You can see where the brackets are designed for later-model CJs, as they extend beyond the forward length of the frame. | 
For the brackets to fit properly, it was necessary to extend the frame 2 inches. Mike used a couple of pieces of angle iron to achieve this and fully welded the seams. |