The Mud Pit > Wrenching
Bill's 1 Ton TJ Build
Bill3753:
So, here are those pictures I promised.
Starting out, one of the rear frame work I did. I didn't take very many pictures here, but its reinforced and boxed in a few areas with 1/4" plate steel then fully welded with multiple passes the final of which is a large weave to tie it all together
Now, the Dana HP60 front all cleaned off ready to go (well, kind of but we'll get to that here soon).
These are with the TNT truss system sitting on top to check for fit.
Here you can see I need to grind down the cast in leaf spring perch some. Its not a big deal as TNT tells you it has to be done. I just wanted to see about how much I'm looking to grind out.
Anyways, that is where I'm at with it. All and all I'm thrilled with the progress I have been making. The front axle cleaned up very well and should be ready for mock up tomorrow night. Then, the rear suspension is more or less complete (aside from upper shock mounts). Next up is the grinding I mentioned earlier followed by pulling the old Dana 30 front and all associated parts that go with it. Once that is complete, I'll set the HP60 in place and start to check everything over and tack weld it all together.
gearhead1985B:
--- Quote from: Bill3753 on April 11, 2011, 06:04:19 AM ---
--- End quote ---
i love the little pionon stand
Bill3753:
I wondered if someone would comment on that, lol. Its a hacked off old drive shaft chunk I had laying around.
More updates now.
Dana 30 front is pulled and stripped of the control arms and shocks. The pictures below are to compair it with the HP60.
Then these are of the front of the Jeep without the Dana 30 there. On a different note, these are some good shots of the skid I built last year. I'm hoping it will clear the differental of the new axle. I mocked it up tonight and it looks like it will, but you never really know until you flex it out.
These last few are nice. In order to fit the TNT truss and lower control arm bracket, I ended up having to grind away a bunch of the cast on the driver's side. I didn't go so far as to where it will weaken the axle, but I did want to weld the axle tubes because of it. Here are the results of those welds.
I thought they came out great. Tomorrow I'll weld the other side after I get my oxygen tank filled. I should also be able to start tack welding the truss, crontol arm brackets, and frame brackets on. I test fit everything tonight, so its basically ready to weld together. More pictures to follow, but I should be able to cycle the front suspension tomorrow as well.
Bill3753:
Nothing new for pictures, but I did make some major progress tonight. The Dana 60 is now in, truss installed with control arms bolted on and brackets welded to the frame. Its all tack welded for now, but all the same its there and in place. I also cycled the suspension and installed the front springs to check everything for clearance. I'm happy to say it all looked great. It is hard to cycle the suspension for now as there is no track bar keeping the axle from moving laterally under the Jeep, but I was able to check it all well enough to know I can weld it all solid tomorrow after the clean up and cruise day at Auto Zone.
After I get it all welded solid, I need to build some lower shock mounts. Then, I will clean and paint the front axle. Next, I'll install the locker and gears followed by installing the spindles, hubs, and brakes. After that I can build the steering and track bar.
Doesn't sound like much, but its a lot of work. Good thing is after that the front will be ready to go.
Bill3753:
Ok, so things are really starting to fall into place for this build. The front is now fully welded; both frame brackets and truss. I still need to finish grinding the old track bar bracket off the frame and weld the new bracket for the track bar on. Once that is complete, the fab work for the suspension will essentially be complete (shocks need set up, but that is easy).
Tonight, I scored a 12 ton hydrualic press for cheap. I'm very happy because I needed one to set my gears up for the front and rear. This just makes things a lot easier on me. This week will be a big push to get the axles finished up. Plan is to finalize the suspension; shocks, steering, track bar and all. Additionally, I should be able to get the front and rear lockers/gears installed. After that, I'll be putting the tummy tucker skid in, new transmission mount, and SYE kit as well. Somewhere in there I'll finish the brakes off and set them up as well. Obviously, going along with all of this will be a fresh coat of paint.
The basic idea is to have the suspension ready to run with the only item missing from the driveline being the rear drive shaft by the end of the day Sunday. This will leave me with the begining of the following week to highline the body, install the new tire carrier, and finish it off by installing the fuel cell and lines. If that all goes smoothly, I'll have it on a trail somewhere a few days before the next club trail ride to test it all out. Everything goes right there and I'll be able to meet everyone, camera in tow, at the end of the month.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version