linking the truggy, finally!

[Goose]

How are you liking the rear setup so far, UPDATE..... W/pics..

I didnt realize that I did not leave an update.
I have really loved the rear links, the suspension has been awesome!
as with anything, there are a few minor tweaks that I would like to do.
(I am also in the process of gathering parts for the front links & suspension)

tweeks in the rear- I feel like it could use a little stiffer shock in the rear.
I also want to adjust the links a little.
originally I wanted to run the lower links on top of the axle, this will move the lowers up 2.5" on the axle & I will also drop the lower front mount 1"
this will move my instant center (the imagineary point that the 2 links intersect) forward quite a bit, this will help on tall climbs. (better antisquat)


heres a vid clip of my last moab trip in Mar. it shows the strengths & weaknesses of the suspension


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2nk2-xv7CE

 

[caddis]

Very nice! That is awesome crawler! Job well done.

 

[jswainthug]

That suicide hill is spooky! Nice looking!

 

[Goose]

That suicide hill is spooky! Nice looking!

yeah, its a dicy climb. It can spit you out left or right & if your not paying attention, you will end up on your lid!

 

[ricsrx]

That looks great. I like it.

 

[mierdota]

last night I finished building my lower axle mounts & picked up my links.
when I was threading my joints into my links, I realized that I had 3 right hand thread & 1 left, lame!!
I got all my brackets & Link mounts tacked on & my links hung. oooh yeah!! Its starting to take shape.
Its ready for me to cycle the suspension so that I can see If I screwed it up or not, jk.
heres a couple more pics

You meant you had 3 right hand a 1 left hand joints right? I didnt screw up when i threaded them did i? it looks good i just bought a little toyota pick up today and i am excited to build it

 

[Goose]

You meant you had 3 right hand a 1 left hand joints right? I didnt screw up when i threaded them did i? it looks good i just bought a little toyota pick up today and i am excited to build it

no, your link material was perfect, thanks again!
I meant the joints that ballistic sent me.

 

[SmokinCamel]

Nice Nice

 

[mierdota]

no, your link material was perfect, thanks again!
I meant the joints that ballistic sent me.

ok good you scared me for a sec. im glad they worked out i have like 15' of it left so let me know if you need more

 

[Goose]

Time for an update.
In march when I was in moab last, I ruined my TG springs (they were only 1yr old)
& I sheered off the perch studs on the pass. side.
I got tired of fixing those stupid studs, & I did not want to buy another set of springs.
SO I started collecting parts a couple months ago, so that I could link the front & install some coil overs, (Ive wanted to do this for a long time!)
I also decided that I wanted to go with a full hydro set up, so that I would have a few more options & room & killer steering!

I have put quite a bit of work into it already, but I still have alot to do!
heres a few pics to see where Im at.

 

[Goose]

last week I built all my link brackets & got them tacked into place.
I also have my steering ram bracket built & tacked on.
yesterday I put the ram on & cycled everything, I had to move the ram down a little, because my panhard was hitting it. after adjusting both af them everything looked like it was working great! tonight I spent most of the night fabbing some shock hoops & making room under the hood for the new KINGS. heres a pic with the KINGS mounted up

 

[mierdota]

man this thing is so sexy im glad those arms worked out for you I cant wait to link mine, soon enough

 

[Bart]

Looking good Goose.

 

[CSR]

I have a tech question related to what you're doing. I've heard that the front Dana 60 center section is cast iron and can't be welded to very well, but I've seen a lot of people do it. Anyone know the scoop on this?

 

[jevyguy]

Cast Iron is weldable. Some just Mig it and are fine, but I wouldn't. Before cast can be welded (with a TIG, Stick, or a very rare Mig) it needs to be heated up.

 

[Badger]

Wouldn't that be cast steel not cast iron.

 

[Goose]

I have a tech question related to what you're doing. I've heard that the front Dana 60 center section is cast iron and can't be welded to very well, but I've seen a lot of people do it. Anyone know the scoop on this?

I used to wonder the same thing.
last year I destroyed my rear 60 housing, (twisted the tube & shattered the casting) If I would have had a good truss on there, tying the axle tubes & casting together it wouldnt have been a problem.
I soon realized that most people weld to the casting. I did read that you should heat it up first (500* I think) most people dont preheat it either.
I talked to 3 or 4 very reputable shops that mig weld there axles, so thats what I did on my own, front & rear.
The places on mine, where I welded to the castings were just to tie everything together.

 

[ricsrx]

How did you figure out the length and spring rate of your shocks?
looking very good, thanks for the shocks they are working great on the 82!!

 

[mierdota]

I have a tech question related to what you're doing. I've heard that the front Dana 60 center section is cast iron and can't be welded to very well, but I've seen a lot of people do it. Anyone know the scoop on this?

cast steel and cast iron are 2 different stories, you can weld cast steel just fine. I only pre heat the cast steal when it is cold out side i have welded on a few now and never had a problem. Axle center sections and knuckles are cast steel. Cast iron can also be welded but it is a pita to do.

 

[choptopbII]

looks great goose!!! I can't wait to link the front of my rig.