Is it worth it?

[jumpn4jesus]

Modify the rear suspension by removing the factory overload spring, replace it with one of the universal overloads from any autoparts stores (the long ones that go inside the spring pack). Add longer shocks (4" longer are good). Loosen or re-bend the rear brake line mount so it reaches your axle under full flex. Make or buy a set of 2" longer shackles. That will get you around 12" of useable travel out back.

How much would that lift the rear? And how much would that cost?

 

[glfredrick]

How much would that lift the rear? And how much would that cost?

It will give an inch or two of lift, but more importantly, it will allow the rear leaf springs to flex much better.

This is what I used. You can pick them up at almost any auto parts store like Pep Boys, Auto Zone, etc., for about $30 a pair. They work good, and if they bend or break you are not out much money. I've used them for years.

An added benefit is the extra clamps stop leaf spring wrap and wheel hop.

http://www.autozone.com/selectedZip...etail/initialR,4202638/shopping/selectZip.htm

Shocks -- get creative. Look for take-offs or junk yard shocks that are the right length. Take a tape measure to the salvage yard and get good shocks for $10 a pop. This stuff doesn't always have to be high dollar.

In fact, the Ranger I'm building -- which will be a radically capable rock truggy -- is going to cost me only about $2000 total. That is a full-on scratch build running 38s, a brand new motor, headers, jet chip, c-4, Dana 44/60 axles w/5.13, doubler, winch, and lots of other mods. I do all my own work, parts out other trucks to get the stuff I need (and sell the rest for profit) and look for good deals.

 

[aeuerle09]

Good idea. I can see the corners being a problem in the stuff I get into. I seem to find this truck in the thickest woods around with a lot of branches, stumps and rocks to deal with. Hopefully there'll be time tomorrow after the tires, bearings and brakes are done to do some chopping on the bumper. That'll also help cut weight, too I guess. Right now it's roughly 50 lbs, maybe a little more. Kind of a drastic weight addition compared to the 2 lb sheet metal bumper that was on it before!

 

[glfredrick]

Good idea. I can see the corners being a problem in the stuff I get into. I seem to find this truck in the thickest woods around with a lot of branches, stumps and rocks to deal with. Hopefully there'll be time tomorrow after the tires, bearings and brakes are done to do some chopping on the bumper. That'll also help cut weight, too I guess. Right now it's roughly 50 lbs, maybe a little more. Kind of a drastic weight addition compared to the 2 lb sheet metal bumper that was on it before!

Yup. All my stuff was hollowed out behind to save weight.

A good (and free) test that you might want to run at home is to take a piece of board, like a 2x4, and wedge it into the front of your tire. Now, lift it until it hits the bumper (or whatever is there). Do that front and rear. That is your approach and departure angle. You want it to be straight up and down, but obviously there will always be some compromise unless the axles are re-located. The straighter that board will stand up, the more stuff you'll be able to get onto in the woods. Design accordingly.

 

[aeuerle09]

I got the truck into my friends shop yesterday and got my 31's put on. I also replaced the bearing and spindle nut while I was in there.

Couldn't have gotten it in at a better time, honestly. Once we got the rottor off we realized there was something seriously wrong. We dug a little deeper and realized the grease seals for the bearing had been busted up and warped so the bearings got so dirty they physically couldn't roll. They basically got cemented in place by dirt, mud, salt and grease. That wasn't even the worst part either! The spindle nut on the passenger side had 3 cracks that went ALL the way through it. 1 more big bump and that sucker would've been GONE along with my wheel. I kept the old nut to show my dad. Well when I got home I wiggled 2 sections a little bit just to see how resiliant it actually was and it all fell apart like a house of cards.

BUT all of our hard work had payed off! We got it all back together and it looks great!

 

[aeuerle09]

I was thinking the other day, kinda bored and had nothing to do. So I made a list of everything that is to be done on this X before I consider it finished. It's getting me excited just thinking about it!

-Diamond plate steel grill, can build in my welding class for free
-Matching rear bumer, also free in welding. When that gets done I'll shave down the corners on the front bumper, too.
-No more carpet or upholstery inside. It's all been ripped out and come spring time it'll get a roll-on bed liner coating
-Whips. Can't have the CB without whips!
-New springs or a 3-4" lift.
-33" tires once these 31's are shot
-Roof rack for hauling dead critters and stuff for hunting trips
-Gun rack for when I'm out in Wyoming coyote hunting
-New drivers door since this one's only half attached
-Finally, my friend has a 400 we want to squeeze into it if there's enough $$$ left over after everything else is done

Most of this won't be done for a while, but I'm hoping by the end of this summer, maybe end of the fall it'll all be completed and I'll have my dream truck!

 

[glfredrick]

Wish you had a 4 door. I have a decent set of doors.

 

[fixxxer]

Now that you've made some head-way and know what direction you want to take with your Ex, ask yourself that same question you had a few posts ago "Is it worth it?" (I think the modification bug has bit!)

 

[aeuerle09]

I think it'll be worth it. I'll get the cheaper stuff done first and if it seems less and less likely to last much longer, I'll stop and just use it for my hunting vehicle. I guess time will tell!