tc

Good choice. A link setup will always have better control over the axle than a leaf spring setup.

scottapher

so ive had the parts for a little while now, just finding time one weekend at a time, finals are this week and i havent really had time to do anything other than remove the gas tank, and mock up the crossmember, weld in the tube ends (bungs) and get some paint on the pieces. Going to use coils in the rear so i can save SOME rear cargo space instead of using air shocks or coilovers (maintenance wont be as high with coils either).

So here are some pictures of how much of the rear floorpan i had to cut out, dropping the crossmember in from the top. The crossmember still needs to be moved forward and measured and measured, and measured again with links all mocked up, measured again, and then tacked in, measured....and then maybe if the sun and the moon are aligned right welded in place...fuel lines will have to be re-routed (i am using the stock tank for now, relocated adjacent to the passenger cargo area). Brake lines will have to be run around the crossmember in some form or fashion. Also i have NOT finished clearing the rear seat for the top links...this is just to show what you have to do to actually set the piece between the frame rails.











-scott-

tc

Yeah ... way more trouble than it's worth ... may as well made your own crossmember and not done all the floor cutting and moving...

dirtoyboy

U gonna use a winch to suck the axle up?

scottapher

tc, no its not way more trouble than its worth. reasons being:

1. this crossmember tucks up the frame end of the links so they dont hang down below the frame.

2. I am only loosing SOME rear floor space, as the rear seat will still be usable and available, the holes in the floor will be covered and sheet metal tunnels will provide room for movement of the links.

3. the ability to use a quality fabbed part instead of hacking something together is beneficial to those of us who do not have a tube bender.

4. the time and money saved

dirtoyboy: ill probably just use limiting straps to keep the rear end from going skyward on a hill descent if thats what you are referring to? i would love to use a winch, but just dont have the cash

tc

I'll agree it saves time, but all the other issues I just addressed with my 4link design with none of the drawbacks you're looking at.

As a matter fact, I would say it's the same amount of time - those "sheet metal tunnels" are gonna be a b(%ch

dirtoyboy

I would seriously consider one....that is gonna be one tippy, tall sumbidch
Air shocks unload pretty darn easily

scottapher

yeah the sheet metal tunnels will be hard, hopefully i dont fail at welding thin guage, haha, but hey its practice right? and sheet is relatively cheap...and theyll be in the way of the passengers feet but ohwell, this crossmember suited my application best i would say, and i am one impatient dude, so hopefully all turns out well.

I am using coils for the rear suspension, not airshocks...so i dont know how they would rebound compared to an airshock (or unload) in a downhill situation? Coils are originated from an 8" set up from the front of a TJ, so well see how the thing levels out, hopefully it sits lower in the rear, so i can have an excuse to get some springs with less lift for the front of the runner. This weekend looks like i will be able to complete the setup. One final down, three more to go.

Also i need to resource the tool that "trumpets" the end of brake lines and fuel lines so i can make some of both this weekend, do yall think some local ripoff parts store will have one on the shelf?

-scott-

tc

Coils unload more than leaves ... it's pretty much why Molly rolled her rig. You only need a little "baby" ATV winch for the suck down. It works REALLY well (after the roll, Molly put one in).

They're called a flare tool and any parts store should have them. Make sure you get the right fittings for the degree flare tool you buy.

dirtoyboy

my bad...i thought u was using air shocks for some reason...

cant wait to see how it turns out...keep us updated!

scottapher

thx guys...ill try and get some good pics this weekend.

-scott-

scottapher

So a lot was accomplished this weekend, all mounting points, crossmember and axle, are fully welded, links installed, springs MOCKED--not installed yet, yes i know in the pictures below they bend inwards because they are just tucked between the frame rails and not holding any weight ...so before you say anything keep that in mind. Also i was delayed because i welded up a headache rack for my roommate's truck, which has turned out very nice.

Things still needing attention:

1. Coil spring spacing and upper locators/mounts.

2. Re-route fuel lines.

3. Mount and install gas tank on passenger rear fenderwell.

4. Re-route brake lines, and bleed brakes.

5. Re-route parking brake cable.

6. Shocks and shock mounts.

7. Limiting strap(s)

8. Build new rear drive shaft.

axle out


wiping the slate clean


links and the slinkys ill ride on


headache rack


another shot


axle getting cleaned up


unpainted rear axle


front view


paint


bracketry setup


coils


under the runner


side view



rear view



I'll post more as i make progress.

-scott-

4runner999

looking incredible man. You got some skills. keep the pics coming

olharleyman

After looking at all you have done to this thing I am glad I did not buy it when it was posted here for $2500

scottapher

haha, got it for alot less than 2500, and i didnt HAVE TO do all this stuff to it....i WANTED to do it.

Gerdo

I can't get past how much tire there is!

The linked rear is looking good.

tc

I think I would extend some arms off the truss out to the coilspring pads to help strengthen the axle tubes.

scottapher

next time i have the axle out i might, i did notice when i was taking the ubolts off how soft the metal is that these things are made out of; indentations where the ubolts met the axle tube. But this is one thing that can come later.

note to self: "next time you are doing a build dont start in the winter, days are short nights are long, and its COLD."

-scott-

tc

And that's in Austin - imagine if you lived somewhere with a real winter!

I finished mine just in time!

scottapher

exactly....i dont do cold....not voluntarily.