Jon And Sheri's Vitamin D Wagon

[tdavis]

You know what?

The first time you wheel the that truck HARD, the rear springs will twist into a new shape, and all your worrying will be for nothing. Do you have bump stops on the rear? How far do you allow the springs to move before stopping them?

Go wheel it, and stop worrying about body lean.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

You know he is just trying to make it as good as his Mountaineer.

(Pssst, 1st gens will never be that good.

You haven't seen his poor Mountaineer lately

 

[Turdle]

I have 4 sets of leafs springs here to look at. One in Sparksaflyins truck, the old set of 96 springs of Corkeys under the Mounty, The old set I just tool out of the 93 Explorer, and a new set I just bought at LMC truck.

They are all interchangeable yes, however I have noted a few things

The main spring on all are the same length, however the 2nd 3rd and bottom spring are all longer on sparksaflyins 92 eddie bauer springs then on my 93 XLT springs. My new LMC springs match the old XLT springs in length.
And in fact, the lengths on the 96 springs from Corkeys truck are in between.

I have already PM'd Felix, the guy who built Sparksaflyins' truck and he sadi to see if Froader had changed anything because as far as he knew they were stock springs.

OK, now the second leaf on Sparks truck starts about 3" from the rear eye bend , about 6" from the eye on corkeys old springs and about 10" from the eye on my new and old springs.

So, there must be a way to tell, maybe eddie bauer springs are all stiffer?

 

[MrQ]

Jon, those things will iron out by themselves. You have got to put some hard wheelin on those springs to get an accurate idea on whether or not they will fit your needs. If you start over-analyzing things like this right now, you are going to get stuck and not enjoy your rig. (Been there, done that. )

 

[corkey]

Did you notice Jon that there was a big difference in my old ones?
like the add a leaf on that one to ?

 

[CDW6212R]

The 4WD Explorers are supposed to have stiffer springs, the higher option trucks like a Mountaineer should be softer. There are several stock spring part numbers, but who knows how they differ.

 

[Turdle]

Did you notice Jon that there was a big difference in my old ones?
like the add a leaf on that one to ?

That gives me an idea--

I started playing with the steering again. I got the tubes coated, and started assembling the joints.
Not too happy with the high mis alignment bushings I got which allow a 3/4" bolt into a 7/8" bore
Using a set of standard mis alignment bushings of the same size I get more angle than the high mis alignment bushings will allow. Looking at them closely there is a ridge in them making them catch on the ball's socket edge. The arc of the standard bushings in this point is correct though. I'll try to polish off a bit and see if they will clear and allow more movement.

Last Tuesday's roll cage appointment was post-poned until tomorrow. I have my fingers crossed

 

[Turdle]

They indeed had a problem with the high mis alignment shims and are sending new ones.

Back half cage appointment is set up now!! woo hoo!!

In 30 minutes the work begins.

It will be an angled back look. That way the top will have maximum tree clearance.

It will also have a permanent back overhead hoop for top support. I hope this turns out to be a better decision than a movable support hoop

kinda styling it after Froaders 42 ford rc buggy thingy, but with bends

 

[Turdle]

Got the back half done up. It is not "finished' with triangles yet, but will hold the roof shape of the vinyl top

 

[GRNMACHINE]

I like it! See if you can get it POWDER COATED!!

 

[cybergasm]

damn i wish the Fab shops out here worked that fast

 

[Turdle]

I like it! See if you can get it POWDER COATED!!

I wish I could but it will probably need to be painted.

damn i wish the Fab shops out here worked that fast

And it only cost 50.00 including the steel. He said he had it laying around.

 

[cybergasm]

And it only cost 50.00 including the steel. He said he had it laying around

guess i know where i am moving too now :

 

[CDW6212R]

Very nice. Does it connect to the "C" pillar yet, or will you do that? I'd want a short piece in there to help support the rear door section, a removable(and crush-able) bracket.

 

[Turdle]

Very nice. Does it connect to the "C" pillar yet, or will you do that? I'd want a short piece in there to help support the rear door section, a removable(and crush-able) bracket.

I think it is connected with a bracket. The passenger side was already tested.

 

[nssj2]

and just when I thought you couldn't get it looking better

 

[CDW6212R]

Very good, it looks strong. Does the back hatch open down, or how does it open?

 

[Turdle]

Thanks Jim

Don, right now , ummm, it just comes off and putting it back on is a slight challenge.

I would like to make it swing down like a tail gate.

 

[CDW6212R]

I gotcha, it's another project. My suggestion is to find an old Ranchero or station wagon with common hinges.

 

[bkeeton]

Vitamin D , like Hiland Dairy !

Is this thing still for sale/trade ?

-Blake