Recovery rig thoughts

[LT.]

That seems to be the way it goes some days. It always gets better. Sounds like it's coming right along.

And it is coming along alright for now. I work pretty slow anyways but, I always enjoy working on cars. I am not too sure as to why but, it is kind of like a stress relief in the long run. The new parts I got from a fella in New York were perfect in every way. It was like he had my truck there when he built all the pieces. I don't know how he did it but, they were PERFECT. I am really trying to push and get this truck to Utah in February for ChestonScout to work his magic on it. I am really excited to see what he comes up with for Christine. So, before now and then I have to get the engine in, suspension done, and I think that is it. He will be in charge of doing quite a bit. It is really awesome to have friends like him!

LT.

 

[LT.]

Alright y'all. Here are some pictures of todays progress and some of the mock up. The first two pictures are of the front tires centered in the wheel wells. I did not like it so I ended up pushing the front axle forward 1 1/2". Then I took some pictures of how the truck would look leveled off with the tires in the wheel wells. As of right now I have the rear axle out, and I am working on the chevy rear leaf springs. Tomorrow I hope to have the fuel tank removed, springs done, and all the new rear mounts in, rear axle back under it and sitting on its own again. It is a tall order for sure.

LT.

 

[DALTON]

totally dig it bro....good choice on the step side!!!!

 

[LT.]

totally dig it bro....good choice on the step side!!!!

Thanks, my friend. You know I mentioned you and your family for helping me for the EJS a few years ago. I will never forget all the help y'all were.

LT.

 

[LT.]

Well, some more progress. Here are the latest photos of the truck. Some are just of mock up. Trying to see if things are going to fit where I wanted them to. I ended up pushing the rear axle towards the rear an inch. I did this to clear the emergency brake bracket on the drivers side. Since the springs are longer than stock that is where the rear axle ended up. You will also notice I pulled the bed off so I could get to the rear spring hangers a little easier. Enjoy!

LT.

 

[LT.]

And more for the picture hungry.

LT.

 

[LT.]

I bought a new trailer yesterday to haul Christine around on. I still have the race trailer, the Big Tex flat bed and now this one. This is an election year and I expect fuel prices to skyrocket out of sight again this year as they have done in the past. It will be 1,200+ miles of driving for me and take over 18 hours to get there. Hauling the big flat bed I only get around 9 to 10 miles per gallon. This means at todays prices it will cost me $555.56 dollars one way. So a grand total of $1,111.12 round trip. I also have to make a slight detour on the way home and drive into Phoenix, AZ. With the new trailer it should be the same mileage but, a better fuel bill. It should cost me $357.14 one way for a grand total of $714.28 round trip. A savings of almost $400.00. This is considering todays fuel prices. Prices are sure to go up and the savings becomes more and more apparent. And this is just on one trip. Never mind the smaller trailer is easier to maneuver in cramped spaces. I have been wanting a smaller flat bed since I sold my old one. I should have kept that one.

LT.

 

[LT.]

Brake lines showed up today. Maybe I will get them on the truck on Friday. Next up is the frame boxing and the new steering box.

LT.

 

[sixstringsteve]

totally dig it bro....good choice on the step side!!!!

x2, that thing is sexy!

 

[LT.]

x2, that thing is sexy!

Thanks Sixstringsteve. It is coming along slowly.

LT.

 

[LT.]

Today I just ordered another set of Macs Custom Tie Downs. I bought a Pro Pack with the 8' straps and the separate axle straps. The reason for this was so I would have a set designated for the new flat bed I just bought. I have a set of Macs already just for the Big Tex trailer and I could not see a reason not to be a repeat customer. I also wanted separate axle straps for ease of strapping down the rigs. With the built in axle straps you have a twisted hook which makes it hard to work around brake lines, breather lines, and lower vehicles. All in all I am excited for them to get here so I can put them to work.

LT.

 

[LT.]

Today the plates for the frame boxing came in. I took them up to the shop along with the brake lines and started a punch list of what is left. To be ready for recovery duties this June I still need the following:
1. Hydraulic assisted steering.
2. The steering arm and the drag link for the cross over steering.
3. Rear axle shock mounts.
4. Shocks front and rear.
5. Fly wheel and clutch.
6. One more set of 9/16" lug nuts.
7. New wind shield and rear window.
8. Rear gears and locker or spool.
9. Drive shafts.
10. Bumpers front and rear and spare tire mount.
11. Full hydraulic steering arms for the Beater. Then I can put the steering arms from the Beater to Christine.

Other than that I think that should do it.

LT.

 

[Bart]

Nice looking trailer. The rig is really getting close. You've got to be getting stoked.

 

[LT.]

Nice looking trailer. The rig is really getting close. You've got to be getting stoked.

I am getting a little excited. I have been for a while now. I need to save up my vacation so I can go.

LT.

 

[sixstringsteve]

any plans to box in the frame? Is there a need?

 

[LT.]

any plans to box in the frame? Is there a need?

I am boxing the frame where the steering box is. I am also boxing the frame on the passengers side directly across where the steering box goes. This is to so the frame does not deflect under steering. I may do the same thing I did on the beater and just box the frame in on some key points. Between the back of the cab and the front of the bed, and by all the suspension mounting points. It worked well on the beater anyways. Problem with boxing the entire frame is you either need to leave access holes for equipment you have inside the rails or you need to relocate them. Also you would need to think well ahead for any hardware in the way.

LT.

 

[LT.]

Today my Macs Custom Tie Downs arrived. Macs really has put together a nice package. The duffle bag is padded, straps are neatly tucked away, axle straps are also put away very neatly. They even included some extra fleece padded pieces than can be put over the straps incase you are hauling a show car. This would prevent the straps from rubbing on the cars finish.

LT.

 

[mesha]

This thing is cool! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

p.s. I liked your justification for buying a new trailer

 

[LT.]

This thing is cool! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

p.s. I liked your justification for buying a new trailer

Thanks. I think I need to join a support group. I have six trucks and five trailers. Heven help me if I needed to replace all my tires at once. I hauled my crew cab short bed dodge up the mountain to the shop abd back on the new trailer. I just wanted to test the new trailer out and see what I could expect. My only problem was all the roads are snow packed so it really was not much of a test. Tomorrow I am taking the enclosed race trailer down to sell it. I hate to see it go but, all my trucks have out grown it.

LT.

 

[LT.]

I thought I should add some more pictures. I have not added any in a while. Here are some of the trailer loaded with my daily driver and, some of the new straps. I hauled my daily drive up and down the mountain to the shop and I was in about six inches of fresh snow with no plows out. A little scary but, it all went well with no excitement.

LT.