Thanks....maybe I'll take you up on that offer someday

 

hey mountain do you have any contact info for Ivan???

 

I emailed him through Craigslist. This is his add: http://fresno.craigslist.org/pts/2106438591.html

There is also this one http://fresno.craigslist.org/pts/2158592058.html. It is just the housing, but it is a start. I think between Dbcfr and I, we can find you a cheap 3rd member that you could gear. You'd need axles, hubs, etc, but the kid selling it is only asking $50, so it might be a good start.

 

I finally took the Chevy springs for a spin. I almost feel like the rear end of my truck is floating or something. Having shocks is nice. The Chevies seem to flex nicely. The brake upgrade is outstanding. That just might be the best "under $100" modification that I have done to the truck. While I will eventually add an under hood proportioning valve, I feel comfortable driving without it in the meantime.

 

 

I'll try to get some tomorrow. One thing about 63s- they really show off how crappy stock ifs with 20 year old shocks really is!

 

Hey mountain cop, what you doing with your old rear springs. I am interested if you dont want them, i hear they make good front springs!! I picked up a housing today for 80 with the knuckles, but while i was there i saw he had a complete front axle with all the reinforcments, highsteer and wheel spacers, disc brake upgrades, basically a bolt on and be good to go for 800. i am going to hold off till i get some tax money and maybe purchase that from him. he also has a couple of transfer cases that i may be interested in later. cant wait to see your rig since the upgrades. wheres the pics!!!

 

I might be convinced to part with them. I think I have a set of allpro rears that I'd like to use up front. I want to hang onto my rears for a little bit in case I need to reconfigure my leaves. If I don't end up needing them, I'll let you know.

 

moutain your build is the most awsome on this site you blow me away with the work you have done to a runner that most would have never took a second look at. I look foward to seeing whats next.

 

It's been a labor of love. Thanks for the props! There are quite a few builds on here, Ih8mud, Pirate and Marlin Crawler's board that I have been looking up to as I plan. Check out Volcom's build on here and the Marlin Crawler board, and DIRTCO's build here.

 

I try to keep up with dirtcos build on here, awsome build aswell

 

This was an exciting day for the Firerunner. In an effort to keep most of the oil inside the engine for a change, I replaced a leaking front main seal, and replaced the oil pump gasket while I was at it.

I just noticed that I've had this truck running for almost a year now! The 22re has a little knock for a second or two when first started, but otherwise shows no signs of quitting. I'm due for an oil change, but I'll probably wait a few weeks until I can get all the IFS junk cut off and start my SAS. That way I can easily see if I have any other leaks to address before the oil change.

MC

 

Congrats fire... those little 22re s are bulletproof.

 

hey mountain cop, Did you get the eliminator kit also?? if so and you have stuff your nt using from the kit let me know. I am piecing together stuff to do a swap, I need spring hangers, and a bunch of other stuff, just seeing what i can get before i go to TG for the remainder. I think I am going to get some dirty 30s too. see what you guys started...
I picked up a knuckle service kit with wheel bearings for 40.00 today in the box. cant wait to see your rig after the swap.

 

wow i just read this whole thread tonight and that truck is looking great good work man

 

who makes the diff armor on dbcfrs axle?

 

cOug: I've got you covered for the spring hanger. I have a spare in addition to the one from the TG kit, and I am going to make my own, anyway.

JSchaffer0525: The armor is a combination of TG, MC and homebuild. We used the TG tube brace and knuckle braces and the Marlin diff armor, then fabbed up the rest of it ourselves. It's pretty beefy. I started calling his housing an art project when he started filling and smoothing everything. The Marlin diff armor is very nice, and I will likely go that way eventually as well.

Calitoy and Aviator, thanks!

MC

 

I finally remembered to take some flex shots of my rig. This is the first time I've really flexed it out since I redid the rear end. I'm pretty happy with it. The 33's stuff nicely. I couldn't fit 35's on it as it sits. The shocks are just about bottomed out, though. I only have an inch of play, and these are the temporary 9"ers of Dbcfr's. I haven't had a chance to go get my 12" Bilsteins from TG yet. Fitting those might be a challenge.

The IFS articulation is abominable. It is made more evidently so by the relative flexiness of the rear. The exhaust is a joke, but it works for now, and will be changed when the underside is all how I want it (Ford tank, air tank, etc).

Pics- Yes they are poserific. The nice fellow at the Chevron on the corner doesn't mind the advertisement.

IFS flex (or lack thereof):







The exhaust is a bit close to the left shock on full compression.





I can't wait to get my front end done. I have way too little time.

 

looking good man, i am thinking on getting f150 springs for the rear, did you make your own hangers or buy and attach. I dont have all the steel to fab some so i may end up getting some prefabbed. I know a guy with some of those marjoint shackle mounts. maybe i can get them from him when i get some fundage. i hope mine turns out as good as your guys. gona be a good season of wheeling!!!

 

Jacob,
Have you opened the shocks you have sitting here?...I think theses are 12" shocks