So.... Pugly is getting an SAS eventually. Parts collecting has been going on for at least 2 years now for this Mod.
The full width '77 HP D44 has arrived thanks to Twizted (Steve) for storing & delivering it to me.
This axle was originally planned for Pugly's partner in crime, but plans have since changed.
This axle has been rebuilt with new everything, and assembled very nicely. Too bad I have to tear it down completely again to narrow it. Local axle shop wants $450 to narrow it, but I have to deliver it completely gutted down to the housing alone. This is way more than I expected to pay, and am looking for other means to get this done. Might take an ad out & see who responds.
Setting the pinion angles and the castor angles for the new wedges and C to the tube, plus getting a good penetrating weld with proper alignment is crucial. This is something I can't do myself. A proper Jig should be used for this.
Going to remove 6" and run the aftermarket Bronco Graveyard EB axles with X760 U-joints. The stock EB axles run the small joints and are weaker than the EX stock axle set up. Still need to order a set of wedges, and the inner/outer replacement axles. Really wish I could afford to add a high steer set up, but not possible.
The raised aftermarket track bar mount needs welded to the axle as well. I need to research more on this to find out when the proper time is to install it. Would be nice if it could go on while it is at the axle shop and have them weld it on while it is there, but i just don't know if that is wise or not for alignments sake.
I have so much reading to do on all this still. Feel as if I am studying for an exam. All the small details of taking on a project like this for the first time is daunting to say the least.
The things that are intimidating to me are:
Radius arm bracket mounting.
Making a new trans cross member.
Installing the upper Track bar mount to frame rail & trimming of the engine cross member.
Figuring the proper coils and shocks to run & the mounts for each
Cutting the DOM tubes to proper length to add the threaded bung fittings for steering & track bar.
Figuring the proper pitman arm length.
Yeah.... Reading & doing are 2 completely different things. This is definitely going to push my limits on everything I know. Wrenching & fabricating are also 2 completely different things. My biggest fear about attempting this myself is I get stuck on something and can't continue on without help, or life gets in the way half way thru this.