Adding some tech. I imagine this should be the same for DS drop cases as well.

Full measurement from the bellhousing to the back of the rear case at the flange is 49-3/8" roughly.

Just so happens that I had a rear shaft from a 96' T100 xtra cab. This shaft is the rear CV portion behind the carrier bearing. This will be a direct bolt in into the rear. The front looks like its going to be around 35-36" long.

After setting the axle under the rig finally and taking some measurements, I had to pretty much redesign the entire front geometry to get the numbers where I wanted them. I extended the front links to get them as close to the front Tcase flange as possible. This makes them around 47" long eye to eye. The most difficult part is going to be the panhard and clearing the front pumpkin. The Diamond is just so big that I will have to likely bend the panhard around the pumpkin to help clear it.

At this point, I think I can start mocking things up though using my new numbers:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...1V0J3Smc&hl=en

 

Its amazing how many things change when you build one of these. So, until I finish the link design, I won't both posting #s at all. I changed everything again anyway.

But, at least I have a few more updates and pics.

94 F150 aux gas tank. Good shape. This will be going behind the rear axle in place of the stock spare.


Longfields showed up. Also some hub gears.


Diamond axle being mocked up









Crossmember mock up. I tried 3-4 different designs before setting on this. Its pretty much identical to Booger's. I just didn't like anything else I started.


Duals in place. Will be getting the FROR crossmember in place now too.

 

llokin good as hell dude....keep the pics coming!!!

 

Lower links are in place. Crossmember is mocked up and tacked in place. Upper link mounts going in next.

 

Couple things. This is what I have mocked up for the upper link mount at the frame. Its a 2x4 .250 wall that I am just going to weld to the top. This keeps me fully adjustable. The center hole is 26.5" and has the antisquat at 60%. It also is low enough to maybe clear the fuel filter on the frame. I see no reason to go close to the fuel lines and bring them into play as well. As it sits I may not even need to move the filter, but until I cycle the suspension, I won't know for sure.









A look at the stance from the front.





One thing that I will have to do is move the lower link brackets about 1" closer to center line. The tires rub the links at full turn as they sit right now. I checked it with the numbers and its only a marginal difference in my roll axis #'s.

 

This is a very cool build. Thanks for all the details. Keep the pics coming

 

LOVE it how hard is it to mount the f150 box... im lookin to 3link front my 85 using tgs 3link and there new bad a$$ front housing. and am thinking of going the full 5" forward so that box would be ideal. jw thanks and sorry for the short hijack

 

I seriously doubt the F150 box will work on the mini trucks with that kit. Any steering box is going to be a chore with their kit which is why they recommend full hydro with that kit. That and the oversteer is around 6* on their kit. So, it will be a little darty on the road. It will work well on a trail rig though.

 

hm with that being said i may stay leaf sprung up front, not too sure although their front axle is a def must i mean why not right, and what 3 would u suggest, the one your using for ur gen 3?

 

one other thing man.. would u check out my build thread... tell me what u think? which ill be gettin in touch with u asap to order one of ur bumpers and reinforcement plates... love ur design the most.

 

Well, if you can fab yourself, then just build your own. That way you have control to adjust things to make it handle right. Most off the shelf kits won't handle great on the road. In order to do it right, it needs to be custom engineered for the rig its going on.

Just drop it off at my shop and we'll hook ya up!

 

If I wasn't back in west Texas it'd already be at ur shop letting u create it into one of ur works of art and ya I can fab a lil but I don't think I'm good enough to design a kit for the frt. Maybe the rear. So ya illbe stayin leaf sprung cuz she has to remain dual purpose I love driving her 24/7 but I'll stop hijacking check out my truck

 

Today was Supercharger day. I traded out labor on installing some gears into a 2000 4runner in exchange for his Gen II Supercharger. I still need to do a timing belt and water pump on the motor which is why its still torn down, but everything will be buttoned up soon on it.

It should help push the 37s a little easier too.

 

Looking good.

 

Lucky

 

So, I was able to cycle the suspension. The up travel is going to be a lot less than this after its all said and done. The plan to have around 5-6" of up travel. This is easily 8-9" and everything still clears. Yes, I know there is no panhard yet either. But, it gives me some clarity on where things are at this point. FWIW, there is ZERO binding anywhere in the cycle, and the pinion angle is perfect throughout the cycle as well.

 

How long do you plan to keep this one? This has got to be one of the sweetest builds you have done.

 

That is a good question.

Honestly, I have never been a big buggy guy, so this is kind of my dream build at this point. I have no plans to sell it, but you know how that works.

If someone walked up with the right amount of $$$, I guess everything has its price. That being said, its going to be one HEFTY price tag to pull it out of my hands when its done. This is a no expense spared build, so the guy who wants it is going to have to pony up to get it.

IMHO, I don't think very many people will be able to afford it, so that should keep it in my possession for a while.

 

That is good news though if I win the lottery I might be on a plane your way with a cash offer

 

Very nice project you have going on here!