RockRangerII the build up.

[RockRanger]

Lookin sweet man, got any info on the doubler? Are you making it or having it made? What case will it be made from?

I am making it myself. I am using a BW 1350 t case. More info in this thread. http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130250&highlight=np435 Eventually I think the np435 will find its way in as well.

 

[RockRanger]

did you have to convert to hi-steer? since your using a leaf spring suspension

Yes I am using just a histeer arm on the passanger side. This will allow me to run the drag link above the springs. By leaving the tierod under the springs I wont have to cut my engine cross member. We will see how it works I might eventually buy the other arm and get all the steering above the axle. It is one of those things I will just find out how well it works after I get it driveable.

 

[RockRanger]

Well the truck wont be ready next weekend for a madian trip. My reamer for the pitman arm wont be here till next friday. Looks like thanksgiving might be its madian trip now.

 

[redranger4.0]

im currently building my axle and i just found this page about axle shafts thought you might be interested, http://www.alpine14ers.com/dana44 axle.htm

cheap way to get rid of the stock d44 shaft neckdown

 

[RockRanger]

Interesting idea. I think though once I recover from the costs of the SAS I will swap some Yukon shafts in. They seam to run around $350 for a set. Might also send my stock 760 joints to be cyroed for a little extra stength or break down and buy one of the alloy u joints. Just need to get it on the road first.

 

[RockRanger]

Well spent a few hours working on the truck the last few days. Started working on making a skid plate and mounts for the broncoII tank I am swapping in. So I busted out my super dooper drawing program. Then the super speedy cutting tool of choice. After a few hours and 18 grinding wheels later I had the pieces cut

 

[RockRanger]

Here are all the pieces cut and tacked welded together. I got about 1/2 of it welded today before it got dark. It is made out of 3/16 plate steel. I decided on that thickness because that is what it seems like a lot of jeep gas tank skid plates are made of. I need to pick up some angle iron for the making the brakets to mount it and then some sort of straps to hold the the tank to the skid plate. It is one heavy pig.

 

[RangerX]

Looks good. Save the pattern.

 

[RockRanger]

I did

 

[bmxking5]

That's awesome! Love the tank skid plate. The progress on the truck looks great.

 

[wired_af]

After a few hours and 18 grinding wheels later I had the pieces cut

You sir, need a plasma cutter.

Lookin good!

 

[Rick]

Skid plate is looking good. Sorry to hear you won't be able to make it this weekend, but I can see it won't be long!

 

[RockRanger]

I wish I had one. Until then its $2 a pop for grinding wheels. Also I would have to rewire the shed I work out of cause I only have 30Amps of service feeding it. Wouldnt have enough power to run the plasma and the air compressor. Works Ok cause I am the only one working so there is only one thing running at a time. If I upgrade to 50 Amp in the shed then I have to watch what is being run in the house so I wont trip the main breaker. Plus Ill only be living here another 6 months so why bother doing the upgrade. Once I leave all the 220V stuff is coming out of the shed and a tree will be planted to make backyard access in a car impossible. (parents dont want renters to be able to park cars in the backyard )

Rick Wish I was able to go wheeling this weekend. I was looking forward to hitting the trails with it. But atleast this way if i can get the gas tank in then I can get the doubler built and in as well. With all the new changes it should be interesting to see how many gremlins show up. Maybe for the first Thaven run I make I will rent a trailer and tow out incase I break or something screws up bad.

 

[DB_1]

Looks cool so far Matt, do you think you could've modified a BII gas tank skid plate to work or no? Also, did you figure out the sending unit issue(s) meaning is a BII sending unit gonna work? Let us know how that turns out so I can copy it

 

[RockRanger]

Well Im not sure about the BII skid plate. I looked at them but didnt think they will hold up to the abuse I plan on the truck seeing. As far as the sending unit/fuelpump issue Im playing that by ear. Ill figure that out when the need arives which should be pretty soon I am hoping to modify the one that is in my ranger tank right now to work. If that doesnt and I cant get a hi pressure pump for a bronco II then I will use an external pump like we are on tracy's motor swap. Id rather not go that way but we will see when I get to that point . Im not sure if it will fit your truck with the bobbed bed cause it is one big pig of a tank. Guess it depends on how much of the frame you cut off. Once the tank is in then its time to modify the exhaust, build doubler, build new tranny cross member and modify drive shafts. Hope to have it done by thanksgiving but we will see.

 

[DB_1]

I cut off whatever was left after the rear shackle hanger...probably 2-3 inches but if i do and can use a BII tank i'd also cut out the bed and raise the tank up into it a bit.
I just ordered the material I needed to do the 3 link (plus panhard) on the front axle so i'll be awhile before i'm up and running too. I'll be your co-pilot if ya got an extra seat come Thanksgiving...there's some carne asada and air from my new powertank in it for ya

 

[FROADER]

There are seats open this weekend if you two want to show up anyway.

 

[DB_1]

I thought we were keepin that on the DL but yeah i'd like to go this weekend too.

 

[FROADER]

Well I saw a couple other threads that it was brought up so I figured...what the hell. Hope to see you there. BTW DB_1, I owe you some lunch.

Matt this thing is looking good. great work on the tank skid plate.

 

[BKennedy]

Nice skid plate!
I might not have a 4wd vehicle this weekend either, but am still going.