building the 85 runner kinda

[hoosier]

So after many years of sitting idle it is time to start on my 85 runner. This is without a doubt my favorite 4x4 i have ever owned. Maybe not the most capable or best looking but none the less favorite. Right now it sits with no front end, No rear third, no tranny, no t-case, a small block only kinda in and ripped apart interior. Assome of you may have read ( http://www.rme4x4.com/showthread.php?76607-Tooele-Newb) i have some BIG plans. I went to back half, ram jet 350, th400, 203/205, 60 ft, possible rear steer, 4 link rear, 3 or 4 link front, full hydro, push the engine back as far as possible, fill cage, narrow ft and rear. Well i am most likely forgetting something. It will be a process but with working in a machine shop now fabricating things will be cheaper. Body off build frame then por15

 

[hoosier]

I need some help. I know some people are ok with just knowing it works but I am the type who wants to know why. I have see that when back halfing a vech just behind the doors seems to be ideal by most peoples standards. Is there a reason that is the spot most people choose? Also looking around I know there are a few link calculators online, but what one is the best? Why to you put the links where they say? Is there some write ups or articles I can read? Is there really a good reason for back halfing other than strength? I understand that these are a lot of questions, but I want to only do this once. I am thinking 40" stickies but not sure yet I will have to see how things come together. Any help or suggestions are always welcome. Thanks in Advance.

 

[rockdog]

I can't answer all of your questions, but you are more than welcome to come by and take a look at my 84 and my sons 85/88 that I'm building now. The 84 has a 5 liter in it with 60 and 14 bolt. Full hydro, linked and 39 sticky's . The 85 I'm building has the same except, engine. I learned a lot on the 84 and changed some stuff I learned didn't work well. I can explain a lot to you while your looking at them I can't over the interweb.
I'm not sure where you live, so I'm not sure it would be doable. I live in Lindon.

 

[Pile of parts]

Not to hi-jack this thread but are either of you interested in a Toyota/Dana 300 transfer case combo? Gear driven Toyota case from an '88 (I think) with OTT adapter and clocking ring to Dana 300. 2.28:1 x 2.62:1 = 5.97:1 plus many options between and the possibility of twin stick on the 300.

 

[hoosier]

Rock dog when is best for you. The chance to look at one would help a lot. You can pm me and i will give you my number. I am in tooele

 

[hoosier]

ok so really this time. I have actually started working on the runner. I have a quick question that I need a real answer to not just an opinion.

So I am running a TBI SBC 4l60e 241 44 front FOR NOW 14 rear anyways, I am plating my frame for strength does it matter if I plate the inside or out? I know that on a C-Channel frame you want to plate the open side but on a fully factory boxed frame does it matter aside from ease of install (I am fully removing the body for this build) or looks?

 

[hoosier]

Then and now

 

[hoosier]

So I need some advice. Tomorrow I will be pulling the body off. I have decided that I am going to plate my frame on the outside simple and I can build extras for other people wanting to do the same. Anyways my the idea of my build is have a rig that is as capable or close as possible to as capable as a buggy. I want full body a/c, heat, windshield (with wipers), ect... you get the idea. So now for my question is I planed on removing the floor and building it around the moved back drivetrain and suspension. Luke has mentioned that I should build a full buggy and put the body panels on, but as stated before I want the windshield. so do I build the full buggy or do it the way I was thinking? any help would be great

 

[Kiel]

sound like you want a truggy. All the luxury nice stuff, and the same work as a buggy, but less capable and you build a buggy later Whats the end goal for this rig?

 

[carsonc1974]

From the sounds of it, your are building the most complicated truck of them all. Im not a 4 wheeler, but i know, from the desert racing world, you are looking at either alot of challenges, time and money, or alot of compromises. Im not discouraging your build, i love seeing them, and they are some of the most amazing, creative, and inspiring build ive seen; just be prepared.

 

[hoosier]

The goal is a toy. I REALLY LOVE rock crawling but I HATE the cold. I enjoy winter wheeling so that's where its hard. I don't have room for a winter rib and a summer rig. I want it as capable as possible but still have the body for comfort. (My kids want to go wheeling also) comfort with function is what the end goal is. The drive train is because well... I already have it. narrowing the front and rear well... for better clearance. the axles well... I already have them. as far as compromising I don't have a lot of expectations. I want this to work.

 

[hoosier]

So got a little work done today. Last night luke swung by and helped me remove MOST of the body mount bolts.

 

[hoosier]

also picked up some tires tonight, not the size I want to run but will work for now

 

[hoosier]

So I finally got back at it today got the engine pulled

Never can be to careful. Slightly worried about the weight


So after getting the engine pulled I moved it inside and started working on the frame

This is the other side I forgot to take a picture before I cut it out


This is the piece I cut out. (messed it up removing the shock mount for another rig)



this is what it looked like after I finished



sadly I only got one side done BUT I did get the gas tank removed and all the gas and brake lines removed from the frame. Hopefully tomorrow I can get the other side done and start on the frame stiffeners.

 

[hoosier]

Quick Question; "Is there any reason, for my lower links, I could not run 2 pieces of pipe with plate in between with something written in it? obviously the upper bar would be bent."

Look at the HORRIBLE paint drawing for the general idea

 

[hoosier]

So not a big update but I did get the other side of the frame, steering box off, steering box frame mount off, and all other incidentals removed. I also removed the spare tire carrier and mount. nothing major but trying to get the frame ready for strength plates and mounting the engine install

 

[rockdog]

Once again. If you are in Utah county. Come look at our rigs. My sons rig is done and has been wheeled. You are going to find you have to build what will fit. Not what a link calculator tells you. I have already dealt with most of the obstacles you are gonna face. My best advice though- get out your wallet!

 

[hoosier]

thank you rock dog. I am going to try to prep my frame this week and then get the drivetrain in so I can see where everything is going to lay out. I will gladly take you up on your offer if I can make it out that way