DB_1's re re re...aww heck, i'm re-doing my set-up

[redranger4.0]

Whos panhard mount is that?

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

I've noticed a lot of people seem to be a little scared of hacking on that engine crossmember. I think it needs to be pointed out that the only reason that thing is so beefy to begin with is that the stock suspension also used it as a mounting point. Since the stress of the suspension is no longer there, it is way strong enough for the engine. Most of the engines weight and torque is absorbed further out by the framerails. I have very little of the front drivers side of mine left and haven't has any problems.

 

[Fabbed4d88]

Not an X but that's what I did on my 88. I used some extra metal to brace it as a percaution....(you don't need to plasma cut the eyes)

http://fordtruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/Fabed4d88/744815.jpg

 

[RangerX]

Why wait? :

Just be sure to take notes and make a template, so we all can have one.

 

[Josh S.]

Looking sweet Dave! Ruffstuff has some pretty nice battery boxes for cheap! $39 for a single.
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com....html?osCsid=9f848127c1a8e8ed147057976004b699

 

[Rick]

Can't wait to see the final results! Sounds like it should work out great

 

[DB_1]

Thanks guys

Josh, for now the battery will stay put behind the pass. seat, it's mounted with the j-hooks: I actually have a battery box/mount from Kartek in the garage somewhere, someday i'll put it to use.

 

[Josh S.]

Sounds good I miss Kartek

 

[DB_1]

Time to open this thread back up

After a long hot summer here in the dez, it's finally cooled off and I can work on the truck again. I've been making steady progress the last couple weeks so here's what i've got so far.

Got the lower frame brackets with tranny X-member welded, painted and installed. Front bolt of the X-member will be shared with the heim bolt (3/4") on the bracket.
Then I just drilled a 1/2" hole further back on the bracket to finish it off.

Next I worked on the upper mounts for the axle. I bought the tallest link bracket Ballistic makes to give me room for error. I made a template of the bracket and cut it down to what size I needed. I just layed the template pieces on the sides, traced it then cut one side with the angle grinder and the other with a hole saw...worked like a charm.

That's pretty much whats completed at this point but i'm plugging along so updates to come.
Here's the pics in order of description above.

 

[cybergasm]

Damn that welding is sexy

one question tho in the Second pic why is there a large bolt in there and a small one ?

 

[90ranajo]

Damn that welding is sexy

one question tho in the Second pic why is there a large bolt in there and a small one ?

Front bolt of the X-member will be shared with the heim bolt (3/4") on the bracket.
Then I just drilled a 1/2" further back on the bracket to finish it off.

 

[cybergasm]

ok so i am hella tired tonight and not paying attention

 

[DB_1]

I can't take credit for the welding on the brackets, those were bought that way. My welding isn't quite up to par with that yet...as long as everything stays glued together then i'm happy:

 

[zjrog]

I like this thread...

 

[RockRanger]

Will it be ready next week for truckhaven?

 

[DB_1]

It will be close, I have the upper/lower shock mounts and shock hoop brace to figure out and fab yet. Then it's a matter of welding that stuff plus the links and all the bracketry on the axle.

 

[RangerX]

Then stop webbing, and start welding. :

 

[Turdle]

I hope so, because I really want to see this in person.

 

[DB_1]

Nothing real exciting today...got the axle, all brackets and links prepped for welding.
The I had to fab up the drivers side upper link bracket on the axle because I hoped I could use what was there already but it wasn't going to work. Had I known before hand I would've ordered a pair of the Ballistic link brackets.
Snapped a few pics of the upper links, the brackets they will attatch to and a mock up of where the Polyperformance panhard bracket will go plus a pic of the drivers side upper link bracket.

 

[DB_1]

Stuff is still getting done but I had a bit of a snafu. The shock hoops I have on there aren't tall enough plus they angle out from the frame too much so i'm in the process of making new ones.
Originally they were set up for the shocks to be straight up with no angle and my ride height was an inch higher.
I have the pieces cut for one of the hoops and tomorrow I'll work on the other one.
I'll also have to come up with a new brace that spans the engine bay to tie the shock hoops together.

I'll have some updated pics to post sometime this weekend.