Mounty71's 4x4 Long Travel Build

[Tbars4]

...You've got a great truck...:biggthump

...It breaks down before the trip giving you plenty of time to fix it...Good thing it didn't happen up there...

 

[mounty71]

Thanks, ya it's alright. This is actually probably the biggest problem it's ever given me, so I can't really complain. (knocking on wood)

At least the trip is next weekend and not this weekend.

 

[mounty71]

Got the new radiator in after some struggling. The fact that the AC condenser is attached to the radiator makes it a little challenging to get it out.

And started on the front end upgrades today, but not without a fight. Took a grinder to the head and that kind of put a damper on the day. Luckily the disc only scathed my scalp and my forehead took most of the force of the plastic casing. But I've pretty much figured out the upper shock mount on the driver side, and swapped out the driver side torsion bar. The #1 torsion bars are significantly thicker than the B torsion bars being replaced. I'll continue on this probably Sunday and hopefully finish Monday.

 

[mounty71]

Here's a pic to compare the old and new torsion bars. #1 on the left, #B on the right.

 

[lynchy wa]

Glad your ok mate, at first I wondered why you were grinding on your motor! Good luck on the fix.

 

[Tbars4]

...Let's see the injury...Is it gonna leave a mark?..

 

[StryctNy9e]

Nice rig

Love your truck and all the custom fab work you put into it. I cant wait till I get a welder man I am gonna have some fun. Keep up the good work.

 

[mounty71]

It's really not bad and I doubt it'll leave a mark. I didn't even notice I got cut until I was in the shower. The bump on my forehead hurts more.

And thanks for the compliments.

 

[Tbars4]

..It's not everyday you get a foto op like that..

..and Thanks for sharing..:biggthump

 

[mounty71]

Switched out the other torsion bar yesterday and I got a little bit more lift out of them, and I can feel the difference in stiffness driving around. I forgot to take pictures until the very end today, but the shock mounts are ready to be welded onto the frame tomorrow. Here they are after paint.

And the welding. Not my prettiest.

Tomorrow I have to figure out where the shock reservoirs are going, and weld tabs onto the lower arms to mount the shocks. And then it's time to test it at our local jump. Maybe.

 

[cybergasm]

Looks great

Been taking lessons from the Section525 fab shop ?

Paint first then weld :

 

[mounty71]

Once they're on, the back will be hard to get to for paint.

 

[Turdle]

I have also learned to respect the angle grinder.

 

[mounty71]

Got the front end done today, and I love it. It's so much better with the new torsions and shocks. Hit some big dips with some speed around my house and the front feels great. The back feels like it could use some valving adjustments though.

And the front sits perfectly now compared to the back.

Still have to get tow hooks on and make a driveshaft loop this week before heading to Pismo Friday night.

 

[mounty71]

My roommate welded these 4x4 Ranger tow hooks on today, one on either side in front.

 

[lynchy wa]

Bloody awesome!!!

 

[mounty71]

Truck did pretty well in Pismo this weekend. Front shocks make such a huge difference, but I think they can still be a little stiffer on compression because it still was on the bumpstops more than I'd like. I'll see how it does in the desert first though. I need to put in a 90* fitting for the reservoir hoses because on the passenger side the upper BJ hits the hose and crushed it a little bit, it's not completely crushed though.

The new tow hooks held up great too. Pulled my friend out once, and then he pulled me once. Didn't get any pictures all weekend unfortunately.

 

[Tbars4]

..:shifty_ey ...Nobody goes to a "HuckFest" at Pismo and then comes home with no pictures..:

 

[mounty71]

Sorry to disappoint Ted. We didn't stay at huckfest too long, maybe 15 mins. or so and we were tired of seeing the same trucks jump as last year.

There are pictures and video links in this thread starting on page 12 though. http://www.dezertrangers.com/vb/general-off-road-talk/131277-12.htm

 

[mounty71]

Got some 90* fittings for my front shock reservoir hoses. I'm hoping they give enough clearance now though, otherwise I'll have bigger problems than a crushed hose. And I have weld-on reservoir mounts ordered too. The ones that came with the shocks are crap.

In other news, my pinion seal is leaking pretty bad. More money down the drain.