Just a minor update, no big steps this time around, but a handful of changes in the plan... let's start with the changes.
After coming across a set of used FOA coilovers in the classifieds on here, I've decided to go ahead with coilovers on all 4 corners instead of the planned air shocks. FOA's are a tad more money than even the least expensive air shocks and I believe the upgrade will be very valuable. The fronts are 2.5, 16" travel remote reservoir CO's and the rear will be 2.0, 16" remote reservoir CO's as well. FOA had their shop burn down right after I placed my order for the rear set of CO's, so I'll be waiting a little while before I get the rears. Not a big deal, as I'm not in a rush and not having them isn't holding up my build.
After test fitting the FJ60 steering box and not liking how far forward and low the pitman arm sat, I decided I'd be better off with full hydro steering. This is going to cost more than I would have had into hydro assist, but with this vehicles planned use, a steering box would have just got in the way. I will probably end up ordering most of the parts from Trail Gear using their double ended ram and their TC pump, thru one of the great RME vendors. To make the full hydro work, I found a steering arm from a Right Hand Drive FZJ80. It was somewhat hard to find, had to locate it on the AU Ebay site and the seller was actually in England. The part only ran me $63, plus $63 in shipping!! The plan is to fabricate my own upper arms, use the RHD arm and tie the double ended ram into the steering arms which will be in strong double sheer mounting with arms on top and bottom, tieing into the knuckle. I'm still not 100% sure how the upper arms will come together, but I don't think they will be all that difficult.
I'm also changing my plans on the propane delivery, instead of running a draw thru setup with a loaded charge running thru a hot turbo, I will be running a blow thru setup, with an intercooler. The intercooler will add more air density and that is essentially free power and should be easy enough to add into the system. It's just a matter of changing the plans, running a 'boost reference' line and adding a little more tubing. I have a used Garrett T3 turbo and intercooler that came from another member on here. The turbo needs new bearings in a bad way, which is probably a good thing to do anyhow.
Lastly, I've decided to ditch the idea of running an AX-15 transmission and put an automatic in. I will be running the venerable AW4 transmission, using a 22RE/Automatic bellhousing from a Toyota A340 to bolt the AW4 to my 22R. The AW4 will of course bolt to a 23 spline NP231 Crawl Box with the planned Box 4 Rox adapter and the Dana 300 behind that. I believe that with the turbo charged 22R, I will have just enough power and enough gearing options to make the automatic work in this buggy. Of course the auto will make is easier to drive in the technical stuff, which is the main reason for the change. I think/hope this will be a good way to put an quality automatic behind the 22R engine and have dual t-cases without any crazy, expensive adapters (other than the Box 4 Rox).
And finally, I have done
some fab work... I've been cleaning and tweaking my propane parts for my application and decided to start building my turbo header. First off, I have to say... I've never built one of these before! I used my MIG welder, when a TIG would have resulted in a much cleaner joint. Yes, I used PIPE! It's cheap, easy to work with and should do the job just fine. Initially I was going to build a Log style manifold, but for the bit of effort that was required, I thought that building a header with individual runners wouldn't be all that much more work and a would out perform the log manifold by far. Not that this is a high-performance build, running high boost, but I didn't want to create a manifold that wasn't the most efficient option. It looks pretty ghetto, but as long as it's sealed I'm happy. I bought all 90* fittings and should have mixed 45's and 90's... it would have been cleaner. I didn't want to wait on ordering 45's, so I just cut the 90's down on the chop saw. I would like to build another one eventually and have it TIG welded... my MIG worked, but it doesn't look near as clean as it could.
I need to get with I Lean to have some manifold flanges cut on his drawing machine... .... so I can finish building my Poo manifold.
Here's pics of the manifold coming together... it's not done, but not bad for a days work.
