Are you guys running an engine cage or just shock hoops?

 

Just shock hoops but we plan to add a removable brace across the engine since the hoops already are there on the sides. So then it would be a minor engine-cage. Also when we build the bumper we will probably tie into it as well so eventually it will be more or less an engine-cage.

 

Cutting into the cab is definitely not an option for me either. Might as well just get a truck then. I'm glad to hear I'm not crazy. Sometimes it is logical to sacrifice a little performance for utility.

An engine cage is necessary with coilovers, as far as I'm concerned. And if it's removable...Then it really hasn't hurt anything.

At first I was a bit bummed that someone was beating me to the completion of A 4x4 LT 1st Gen. But now, I'm glad because I think I will build a smarter truck than I would have on my own.

Sweet!!!

 

It's all about working together to help each other build the best trucks possible. Plus, we are both building similar but different trucks so they are distinct in their own way. I agree that an engine-cage is almost needed with a LT setup but these TC hoops are beefy and the are gusseted so if you don't plan to go huge then they will be more than sufficient. But like you said, if there is room to fit an easily removable cross bar or two, then why not.

 

Pinnacle sent me a photo of his buddies 1st gen. The way the rear is cut is interesting to me. It is a roundish opening now, But the tire clearance is greatly improved. I'll try to post it so you can check it out.

 

Is it this one?

 

yeah thats the one

 

Yep that's the guy. I wat to do that to my rear wells. I wonder what is the best way to go about that.

 

i've seen that truck before driving around my town..... interesting.

 

You have to cut them out and then weld in a mini-tub in order to seal the cab again. You can buy generic tubs from Summit or Jeg's and then cut them down to fit your truck.

I dig that truck by the way, it's clean!

 

The teaser article is in the new Four Wheeler mag that just hit news stands (Feb 2005) and the full article should be up on Fourwheeler.com any day now. I just finished adding the article to our website, it can be found here

http://www.trailslesstraveled.com/viewarticle.php?id=60

Something went wrong when I uploaded the cover image on the main page but otherwise it's all good.

 

It's a nice article from what I can tell. I keep getting an Internet Explorer error.

 

SWEEEEEEEETTTTTTT!!!!!!
I might just have to get a subscription to that mag now.

I like the animated gif showing the travel.

How did you get it to be held in the "up" position. I see no strings?

You guys are literally magicians.

 

Nevermind it works now

 

Pinnacle, we have been getting reports of IE issues on PC's but our test machine runs fine. We are trying to figure out what the problem is but our IT guy has no ideas yet???

Death, Sweet new avatar! There was just enough friction in all the new uni-balls and bushing to hold the arm in place for the ride height and full bump pictures in the GIF. Pretty cool huh.

 

gotta love this pic.

 

I Didn't Even Think About Friction. I Imagined The Weight To Be Hefty Enough To Overcome That, But It Makes Sense. New Poly Bushings And All.

Either My Uppers Or Lowers Had Delrin Bushings, I Thought It Was Kinda Wierd. Never Heard Of That Before.

How Much For The Steering Kits?

And How Do The Brakes Work Out? Looks Like A Different Setup Than Mine.

 

The brakes are stock, not sure if some years were different or something? We just rebuilt them and added new rotors/pads/lines that's all.

The steering kit is about $380, Kartek might have it a little cheaper. You should feel what a difference it makes though! The steering feels surgical, there is ZERO play in any of the front end components. It actually feels better than a brand new truck. The lower uni-balls are awesome too.

 

I had thought about doing the lower uniballs, but I have heard from a few sources that the uniballs space the lower arm further from the spindle than the stock BJ. This change in spacing also changes the geometry of the system which is not necessarily a good thing. Made soem snse to me due to the size difference of components.

Any thoughts on this??

Let me know how the cv boots wear. My bumpstops are adjusted so my travel is safe for the cv's, but I like to use my 4WD in some flexy situations. I have noticed a little wear on my inner boots. Just curious if you have wheeled it enough to see anything like this. I know everything has just been put on, but I'm curious to see if you will encounter the same problems.

I will definitely be looking into the steering kit. You're description leaves me aroused. Just kidding.

 

The uni-ball is actually the same overall height as the stock BJ. The difference is that the pivot location is slightly different (higher) so in effect what you've been told is sort of correct.


______ Top
__ Uni Ball Pivot
__ Ball Joint Pivot
______ Bottom

It does alter the geo slightly but that's not a real problem as long as you align everything afterwards. The problem was only that when adapting the uni-balls to older TC kits you needed to clearance the lower arm a tiny bit. The newer kits are already clearanced so that's no problem. Jesse and I think we figured out a way to make a misalignment bushing to return the uni-ball pivot location to stock.

I will report with full details once we get a chance to whomp on this thing. We have been driving it easy since we don't have the rear done yet and it won't be able to keep up w/the front. The rear should be done soon.