Something w/ rabbits. 72.5 pages of BS

[IZwack]

Wow! Keep going, that's awsome! I would have never thought of moving the engine back to clear the suspension. You are basically building a buggy with an explorer body on top.

Thanks!! Yeah thats the goal, a buggy-like thing fitted inside an Explorer's body .

And I forgot to add this little guy, who's life lasted only a few more seconds after this photo was taken.

 

[IZwack]

Great weather today so the Explorer sat while I hit up some of the local DC ledges on me bike. But then I found a familiar surprise when I returned to the domicile .

Same spec as the fronts.

 

[colindo94]

Math on the core support

 

[IZwack]

Math on the core support

Thanks! I was hoping that would ++ my geek factor . But my original plan was to have a whiteboard somewhere so I can write down specs and do some geometry. Maybe thats a good project for this weekend: tack up a whiteboard and finish this small amplifier cabinet I'm in the middle of.

If anyone is looking for a small cheap amp for their work space, try the Pyle PTA2. Mine is driving two in-wall speakers (a super cheap pair) and its fantastic. The amp is ultra compact and puts out pretty good power for most garage sizes.

 

[IZwack]

Not really much of an update but I had a few hours today so I got the other side cut. Now we've got ourselves two retarded looking things at each side of the engine that don't really seem to go anywhere

 

[IZwack]

Removed the radiator core support and surrounding body parts for easier chassis rail removal / installation:

Broke out ye 'ol plasma cutter and cut out the front cross member:

Unfortunately I never got around to welding the front cross member cauz I still had to weld and brace the two rails:

And I'm still not done bracing, a "strap" brace at the bottom still has to be welded on.

 

[Gator Jeff]

Man, I need to spend a weekend at your place so I can watch and learn all of this in person. Of course I'd help, as well.

 

[IZwack]

You'd probably end up yelling at me for taking too long planning stuff .. staring and measuring for half an hour w/o making any progress.

 

[lifeguard379]

you should bring this to Cali for a con trip.

 

[IZwack]

It will eventually be there in CA (or one of the other states close to the left coast) -- after I finish grad school.

 

[IZwack]

Welded a strap brace at the bottom of the joint and also some plating for the front crossmember. The two rails were laid out on a rectangle pattern drawn on the floor and the D60 housing to keep it in place. Then some temp bracing in prep for the front crossmember.

Front crossmember welded:

Next step will be the rear crossmember and another one just a little bit behind the driver's seat. More floor cutting for those two

 

[FROADER]

estimated build finish date...June 28th, better get to work!

Looking good, IZ.

 

[IZwack]

June 28 .. pluuuus two months! or more...

I could actually maybe start on the cage this weekend but I havent been looking at my schedule and I forgot to order the tubes (and theres at least a 3 day lead time before pickup).

Crap, I better kick it up a notch.

 

[Burns]

Either way its a very crazy project. Props to you.

Enjoying the updates.

I didnt notice this but what is your planned wheel base?

 

[IZwack]

I didnt notice this but what is your planned wheel base?

Thanks!

Planned wheelbase is maybe around 112-ish .. basically around stock.

 

[colindo94]

what size tires are you planning on running? great weldies. I bet your enjoying the mig over stick?

 

[zhanx]

IZWACK, hmm nope just noticed this thread not keeping up with you anymore..

 

[IZwack]

what size tires are you planning on running? great weldies. I bet your enjoying the mig over stick?

The planned tire will be a 39" to 40" -- hopefully the 40x13.50-17 Maxxis Creepies if I can save enough $$ . Yeah the MIG is a lot easier to manage than a stick and I'm still in the learning stage trying different weaves and seeing what happens when you change one setting like having a reeeeeally low line speed.

IZWACK, hmm nope just noticed this thread not keeping up with you anymore..

Heheh I'm glad to see you've chimed in zhanx! But your Toyota is in a different league altogether than these darn Explorers because of your more off-road friendly running gear.

 

[BKennedy]

It will eventually be there in CA (or one of the other states close to the left coast) -- after I finish grad school.

California is already too crowded, but I guess one more crazy wheeler won't hurt anything.

 

[IZwack]

California is already too crowded, but I guess one more crazy wheeler won't hurt anything.

Yeah, I'll just take one of the empty stables