I did actual work on the buggy!

[RockMonkey]

My front axle tube was spun. The upper control arm mount on top of the diff was bent, the holes were egged out, and it was tearing off. One of the shock mount tabs was torn. So I welded up the spun axle (going to reinforce it some more later). I rewelded the mounting plate on top of the diff, and added three more rosette welds to it. I ground off all the damaged tabs, and built some new upper control arm mounts. They are much beefier than the previous ones. Do you think I need to box in the front? I may have to change the shape at the back a bit if the control arm hits it. I'll know when I bolt it back up and cycle the suspension.

 

[Herzog]

That should hold!

With the way your suspension is, what are you going to do to help prevent spinning another tube?

 

[RockMonkey]

That should hold!

With the way your suspension is, what are you going to do to help prevent spinning another tube?

I welded the wee out of it. Used a root pass and two covers. I'm also going to plate the joint with 1/4" plate. I would build a truss but everything is so tight there's not really any room for one.

 

[420willys]

nice work, but since your building a truss why not cut that mount off and weld it to the truss. you could weld a few tabs from the center section to the truss where you have your origanl link mount. or at least tie your truss to your link you have now, jason.

 

[I Lean]

nice work, but since your building a truss why not cut that mount off and weld it to the truss. you could weld a few tabs from the center section to the truss where you have your origanl link mount. or at least tie your truss to your link you have now, jason.

I would build a truss but everything is so tight there's not really any room for one.

 

[420willys]

ya i saw that after i posted, jason.

 

[Herzog]

I have done something similar to one my front upper axle mounts. The tab is welded directly to the cast steel, but definitely not as well done as yours. It's lasted so far though! Probably also helps that I have two upper arms instead of just the one.

Let's go wheelin!

 

[RockMonkey]

At full stuff my engine pulley almost hits the axle tube. The diff sits just barely to the side. No room for a truss.

I have two uppers, Shane. Just one lower!

 

[Herzog]

I have two uppers, Shane. Just one lower!

DOH!

I forget.

 

[RockMonkey]

Got the front of the buggy back together today!

I did have to reshape the control arm mount a bit, on one side. It should still be plenty beefy. I also added 1.5"x.25" strap reinforcements to the back of the axle where they wont get in the way of anything. I don't think it will spin again. Got the shock tab done, and I even notched the frame on both sides because I noticed one coilover is bent from hitting the frame. :-\ Wire wheeled the wee out of it and painted it this time. Looks like I'm going to have to paint the rest to match now. Just have to seal up the cover, add oil, rewire the Eaton, and bleed the brakes.

I still need to replace the oil pan (may wait on this one until after next week), replace the oxygen sensor (bought one today, maybe it'll install itself tonight), and fix an intermittent electric fan. Woohoo, I'm goin' wheelin' soon!

 

[I Lean]

Looks nice! Paint makes a huge difference, huh? Time to scrape a lot of that off.

 

[RockMonkey]

Looks nice! Paint makes a huge difference, huh? Time to scrape a lot of that off.

I'm hoping to scrape a bit off on Thursday. That tie rod sure does look straight from that angle, doesn't it?

 

[Herzog]

Whoa. I don't think it's gonna spin again.

 

[RockMonkey]

Whoa. I don't think it's gonna spin again.

The paint will probably hold it.

 

[JoeT]

You taking it out this weekend?

 

[RockMonkey]

You taking it out this weekend?

I'm planning on going to Delta for a day trip on Thursday.

 

[Bart]

Will you be wheeling the wee out of it???

Looks great man.

 

[RockMonkey]

Will you be wheeling the wee out of it???

Looks great man.

That's the plan. Can't wait.