does this make my rear end look fat?

[tdavis]

Since I'm bumping the wheel base from about 89" to 100", the rear end needs some loving anyway.

Notching the frame is out - it's only about 2x4 in size. Plus I need to find a place put back the gas tank into..

Got 3.5 sticks of 1.5/.120 HREW tube hanging in the garage, time to get rid of it.

 

[Stic-o]

Since I'm bumping the wheel base from about 89" to 100", the rear end needs some loving anyway.

How Ironic, wasn't the Navajo about a 100" wheelbase

 

[Brother_of_Jefe]

Since I'm bumping the wheel base from about 89" to 100",

My TJ's only 93" - you're telling me the Zuk is going to have a longer wheelbase than me? How are we going to keep taking the Explorer's and Ranger's through "Taillight Terror" at Truckhaven?

 

[410Fortune]

Navajo should be 101" I believe

 

[tdavis]

Sports/Navajos had a 102" wheel base.

Jefe, don't worry, I will still have protected taillights, so the tradition will continue.

I had my panic attack today about the whole thing, and stopped, took measurements, downloaded the 4link Calculator, and started to worry.

All indications are a kick ass suspension is going in!

 

[FROADER]

Sweet, too bad you can't make TH this weekend but that thing will be ready for the annual TH run right?

 

[tdavis]

Sweet, too bad you can't make TH this weekend but that thing will be ready for the annual TH run right?

If it ever stops raining here..

 

[section525]

I think more pics are in order. Inorder?

 

[FROADER]

I think more pics are in order. Inorder?

Agreed. More pics are definitely in..in..uh...needed. Post more pictures!

 

[410Fortune]

Tom can the front keep up with the new back do you think when all is said and done?
or are we going 4-5 link up there too?

 

[tdavis]

The front has close 14" of travel, and really isn't causing much problems.. At the moment. The main reason I'm linking the rear is I am tired of the axle wrap from the soft YJ leaf springs, and traction bars SUCK big time in my mind.

Some pictures - here's the YJ components that are being retired

 

[tdavis]

The working area.. Removed the fuel tank, exhaust, and minor other crap.

 

[tdavis]

A tacked version of the lowers, and frame end of the uppers in place.

Also one of the placement of an upper frame link mount.

 

[tdavis]

These are the frame mounts - all tabs are made from 3/8" thick steel, 1/4" and only 3/16" in one spot (frame plating). Lots of beef, so when it sees a rock it will not fold over (the YJ stuff was doing that..)

I changed the upper frame mounts from the external tabs to the internal tabs when I realized the external design put the joints too far back. The old style is on the left in the first picture, and the new style is on the right.

So far, it appears all 4 links can be the same exact length, which is 32".

Next is to design and build the link tower that goes on the housing. I need to get about 9" of link separation there, and everything will be pretty good number wise then!

 

[410Fortune]

disc brakes or drum? sorry if I missed it.

Looks great so far! Nice bracket fab!


I love large sheets of cardboard, is that wrong?

 

[Rick]

Damn Tom... It actually looks like you know what you're doing Nice work

 

[tdavis]

It has drums. I really have no need for disks at this time in the rear.

Carboard is wrong.. Cardboard is a HUGE fire hazard - anytime I weld or use the plasma it's always catching on fire.

 

[JoshC]

Carboard is wrong.. Cardboard is a HUGE fire hazard - anytime I weld or use the plasma it's always catching on fire.

That could be cool thing to see on the webcam, lol.

 

[tdavis]

Damn Tom... It actually looks like you know what you're doing Nice work

Thanks. There is tons more work to do. The "is this right?" didn't help me any at all. thankfully, I've found enough references and other things to give me pretty good confidence on the whole she-bang.

As for the web camera - I'm not going to film myself doing the Safety Dance. You know, run for the fire extinguisher, trip over everything, and have the neighbors laughing and wondering what the heck is going on.

 

[Stic-o]

As for the web camera - I'm not going to film myself doing the Safety Dance. You know, run for the fire extinguisher, trip over everything, and have the neighbors laughing and wondering what the heck is going on.

"......we can dance if we want to, we can leave your friends behind
Cause your friends don't dance and if they don't dance
Well they're are no friends of mine...." LOL



Tom looks really good. You said you were using 7/8 hiems? those things look huge! I really like the new boxed pieces. Very nice!