xj1514

Well, here's my first post. I've been lurking for quite sometime just haven't posted anything as of yet. Here's what I started with.

Bad motor, destroyed a main bearing. Got a new motor with a 3 yr warranty and new clutch for 1350, including an upgraded camshaft. The rig came with headers so thats a bonus. Did all the motor work my self. Not much to look at, but its rebuilt anyhow.

xj1514

How it sits now.







Started off with a new/used Skyjacker 5" lift. Thought it would suffice for a couple months till work slows down and then I could start the cutting and grinding. Got the lift on, hated it, didnt even drive it. Tore it apart. Now, the rear is the farthest along. Got the Chevy rears mounted up. Ordered the hangers from Skyoffroad. I put a 1" block under ther springs since I had it laying around. Bought some shocks from a friend new for a good price. Got the rear lower shock mounts ready to weld up, also from Sky, and for the top shock mount I'll make that. Still gotta add new brake lines and extend the ebrake cable and such...and a u bolt flip.

The front is still sitting on the Skyjackers. Going to pick up stock Toy leaf packs from the junkyard tomorrow. Doing the RUF with two rear pack setups, havent decided on which springs to mix and match yet. Front spring hanger is the low clearance that Sky has on sale. Ill make some rear shackles with flat bar. Got hysteer on from Trailgear. Bought the IFS box mount from them too. Havent quite got that all figured yet...more searching. Once I get my springs the way I like them I'll get the box mounted. Shock hoops are from Trailgear and still need put on. And like the rear a u bolt flip.

Im sure I missed something. Ive been working on and off for a month or more a couple hrs at a time. Been busy at work. Hopefully soon I can drive it. I did drive it once stock to check out the motor, all good so I started on the suspension.

Future plans...front and rear bumpers, gears, locker(s).

Critique away fellas.

Swimmerboy2112

iTrader: (2)

Another yellow! SWEET!!!

87 Deathtrap

Wow! Great start man! Good looking truck.

xj1514

Thanks. Start is correct. Seems like the list just keeps growing though

Nice yellow runner bud.

Swimmerboy2112

iTrader: (2)

Thanks man!

Looking forward to the progress on yours.

xj1514

Add to the list...extend front driveshaft, rebuild knuckles, and change tcase and diff oils.

Question. How long of a shackle do you guys recommend for the front springs without hurting dshaft angles? Im looking for some lift. Ive heard only an 1"? And yes I know they will hit the body mount. Ill figure that one out. No I dont want boomerangs, need to go on the cheap for these.

xj1514

Where can I find the best write up or dirctions on the IFS box? Ive got the reinforcement plates from Trail Gear. I tried searching but...

87 Deathtrap

I'll be doing the same thing this weekend. Mocked mine up today and looks like I'll be cutting the body mount and core support. Most of what I am finding suggests that you mount the box as forward and high as possible so that the pitman arm barely clears the frame and the bottom 2 mounting holes are level. Here are a couple of the links that I've been reading through.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...t=steering+box
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/steering_box/

xj1514

Thanks, those links are great. What is everyone using to drill the holes? Drill bit or holesaw?

xj1514

Got the RUF done. Used my runner pack plus an 89 extra cab pack. My runner pack had 4, I used all of them plus added the two lowers cut to length from the 89 pack. It sat about an inch lower than I wanted so I started building some longer shackles for about 1.75 inch lift. The factory shackles are 3.5 center to center, so I made these new ones 7 center to center. Im not liking how they are turning out so I might go with some boomerangs like I said I wouldnt.

Got the new front spring mounts in place, still need to weld it up but Im trying to decide how far forward I want it. I also drilled another hole in the spring perch to move the axle back a bit. After jockying the axle back, and moving the mounts forward and back Im not sure where its going to end up. I think Ive looked at every combination so far. The axle right now is about 2 inches forward. I should prolly just burn it and be done. Anywho heres some pics in the dark.

xj1514

Here's some driveway shots for you, welded in the front spring hanger, mounted the steering box temporarily and hooked up the high steer, all works well IMO. No shocks, no front driveline, some loose bolts etc. Couldnt resist.





After those pics I tore off one of the stock front shock mounts and started clearancing for the TG shock hoops. The rear shocks are installed in stock location for now, I have shock mounts from TG, but because I want to get this thing road worthy sooner than later, I will work on the ubolt flip and different shock mounting locations later.

xj1514

And some more progress pics. When I put my IFS box on the front mount hole of the box actually lined up with a stock hole. Using that hole with a stock bolt, I then drilled the hole across on the frame all the way through. These two bolts are all I have holding the box on right now. I have the TG box mount kit, I just wanted to make double sure this is where I want the box, and it wont be beat on till the whole kit is welded and sleeved. Input is welcome on box location.




In the pic the hysteer doesnt look parallel, but I assure you it is. Dang camera skills.





I think my shackle angle is pretty good. INPUT?

xj1514

Got the shock hoops on and flexed it up a bit. Flexes great. Went for a test drive, omg, holy death wobble. I got some stuff to tighten up and change.