Originally Posted by AxleIke

Then I went to work on the a-arm. I was a bit pressed for time, so I only got the driver side done, because I wanted to take my time and make sure it was beefed in.

For starters, a quick shot of the arm after I cut off the lip, so I could accurately see where it was rubbing:



When I finished with the plasma, and checked for tire fitment, It looked like this:



From there, I was busy cutting and fitting, and forgot to grab more pictures. I used 1/4" plate to fill in the sides, and 3/16" around the front area, and a piece of 1/8" across the gap. I used these various thicknesses, because the front area was where most of the rubbing occured, and a test fit of the tire with 1/4" up there still rubbed. Its plenty strong, just not overkill, though, I'm finding that overkill is almost never a bad thing in wheeling. But, its what was going to work.

I also had to significantly modify my ball joint spacer. Not really a big deal because the bolt surfaces are between balljoint and the a-arm, and I left plenty of material to maintain the integrity of the spacer.

Here is a shot after partial "cutting".


Here is the smooth ground finished product:







And after primer and paint:





I checked before putting everything back on the ground, and it rubs the top of the rearward allen bolt on the ball joint spacer. I'm going to see if I can find a hex head to go there, and it should be rub free!

Originally Posted by stock as possible

Would all of the a arm cutting have been necessary if you didn't have bj spacers? Or if you'd used less backspaced wheels or wheel spacers would you have had to cut the fenders a lot more?

Originally Posted by edeslaur

Wow, I was just going to ask the same question. Heck of a build up thread, lots to digest.

I trailed over here because your other posts state your truck is stock height.

And you have BJ spacers because...? Did you do a diff drop too?

I want to put bigger rubber on mine now as cheap as I can, then do lockers and gears, and go Total Chaos Caddy II some other day (when the economy is not as concerning, so maybe never. LOL).

So 33x10.50s are on the menu for now...

Originally Posted by yeehaw1

This was probably Amongst the most intersting threads that I've read on here, and it actually kept me entertained during my breaks today, just wished I would have saved it to read during my dreadful history class tommorow.

Very nice runner btw!

Originally Posted by Lysmachia

Hey Isaac, update us on the trails you've run since August....

Didja ever tame Spring Creek - since that trail seems to have it out for baby beast!

Originally Posted by AxleIke

The ball joint spacers increase the down travel of the front suspension by 1.5". The relaxed ride height does two things: keeps steering and axles at a good angle, and softens the ride a hair.

I do not have a diff drop. I don't have binding issues, and I personally think that diff drops are a waste. They decrease ground clearance that you just gained by putting in the lift, and they give a bad front driveline angle, which, at speed, has vibrations and is annoying.

Originally Posted by AxleIke

Hey Molly! How's TX? Hope its good!

No, sadly spring creek is either snowed in or kicks my butt. The only time I've gotten thru was with Eric and Nate on the epic Land Rover recovery. The rest have either been breakage or snowed in too badly to get through.

I ran MSV and Coney Flats. That was fun. Just got a couple poser shots cuz we were motoring to get back to town in time. Went with a college buddy.

Originally Posted by edeslaur

Thanks for the tips! Rockin' build up.

Originally Posted by Lysmachia

Texas, is Texas... But I really like it. Tippy has a dent in her rear drive line (I blame Troy) and I think something is wrong with my front diff, but can't be sure untill I get it on dirt since the rear detroit locker might be making the vibration on the paved road.... I somehow became the TxTTORA prez... this should be good!

We miss you and Nat though!

And I LOVE this pic.... Shoulda been in the 2011 Calander!