My 3rd gen done... for now.
#66
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Update
I had ordered Sonoran Steel’s Lower Links two weeks ago in anticipation of destroying the stock ones. The new links had been riding in the back of my truck ready for such an event. Today in Broad Canyon I bent the driver side enough to bring the rear driver wheel an inch forward and did the swap trailside. The rear of the truck seemed to be a bit more firm under articulation; no surprise looking at the old ones.
Replaced my damaged muffler earler in the week with a Magnaflow mounted a bit higher
Bumper construction began last week
4:88’s and ARB RD-90 going in Monday
Replaced my damaged muffler earler in the week with a Magnaflow mounted a bit higher
Bumper construction began last week
4:88’s and ARB RD-90 going in Monday
#69
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Lower Links
The Sonoran Steel Links proved their strength Sunday on Amatista Ledges upon encountering a troublesome set of boulders. The links emerged victorious whereas the brackets folded. The ride home was interesting as my driver side wheelbase was an inch shorter (again) than passenger. I’ll have to have new beefy brackets fabbed. The tricky part is the angles that the links pivot as well as an offset from the frame. The smart thing to do is to beef the stock brackets before this happens.
Mod one thing, destroy the next.
Mod one thing, destroy the next.
Last edited by Vermejo; 03-22-2008 at 10:24 AM.
#70
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35's
Friday I finally got my truck back from the mechanic having fresh Yukon 4:88’s, ARB compressor and RD-90. ARB was just laying in the engine compartment as I decided that SMP would fabricate a nice platform for it to sit on next to the cruise . The gears sound wound going with speed but that was somewhat expected, the new pep felt good. Didn’t have much of a chance to get a feel for things as it went to SMP Monday for completion of the metal work. If I’m lucky I’ll get everything next week ready for powder. I ended up getting the MT Classic II 16x8 in a 3 5/8 backspacing as they accommodated 35’s nicely for a good price. I took the wheels in last week to get blasted and powered as polished aluminum is not my cup. The black sand finish is perfect, but the glory will be short lived. KM2 treads rolled in this week after the store searched high and low locating some in Iowa. Now, they sit in my garage and wait for the second coming of my runner.
#72
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Yowzer's, I said I would never put 35's on because I just didnt need the headache of cockdieselizing my drive train. But it's going to look good no doubt.
Aaron
Aaron
#73
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Those Mickey Thompson wheels look GOOD painted black. And, they are aluminum... I actually felt a good decrease in braking and acceleration simply by switching to the steel wheels. Since I use my truck as my DD I may switch!
Since I just did it, and I wouldn't want anyone else to go through it, I'd go ahead and start looking for some spare axle shafts, or go and buy some Poly performance shafts. The extra strain from those 35's might be a problem... Especially since the trails you are doing are pretty intense...
So you got 4.88's? If you don't mind me asking, what did that set you back?
I have to say it again, but, you may start saving up for a solid front axle here.... Plus, I'd love to see your rig with one riding on 37's. hehe
Since I just did it, and I wouldn't want anyone else to go through it, I'd go ahead and start looking for some spare axle shafts, or go and buy some Poly performance shafts. The extra strain from those 35's might be a problem... Especially since the trails you are doing are pretty intense...
So you got 4.88's? If you don't mind me asking, what did that set you back?
I have to say it again, but, you may start saving up for a solid front axle here.... Plus, I'd love to see your rig with one riding on 37's. hehe
Last edited by BajaRunner; 03-26-2008 at 07:25 AM.
#74
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You actually wheel like many of us wish we could-kudos man.
I admire you guys not afraid to break something-but am not one of you, yet..... Heck of a buildup and good to see feedback on the Sonoran Steel pieces and parts.
I admire you guys not afraid to break something-but am not one of you, yet..... Heck of a buildup and good to see feedback on the Sonoran Steel pieces and parts.
#78
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Rear Build
I picked up the truck from SMP for the weekend with the rear tacked and almost complete. All panels were cut on a computer guided plasma cutter with exception of the rear rectangle, everything 3/16th. This weekend I’ll figure out the rocker tube guard shapes and angles with PVC. Monday it goes back for the remainder of welding, support, armor and dress-up. The front bumper will be trimmed forward at the wells to clear the new treads. I’m thinking about adding a small hoop on either side similar to the AllPro set-up. I’m hurting to test all this stuff.
Gate for one of our new houses, they do it all
Gate for one of our new houses, they do it all
#79
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Rubber
The pinch welds and panels need to be cut and patched at the rear of the front fenders. It’s hard to keep the wheel at full lock without a bit of spring back to visualize frame contact with the new treads. My indications are that contact is minimal without articulation. Hack and weld will commence Monday at the shop after I stuff the wheels in all possible positions. With the 4:88’s the 35’s get plenty of GO on the pavement. The KM2 tread pattern is a bit more forgiving on the road than it looks: time will tell with only 40 miles on the clock.