Only while it doesnt run do I need the ramps

 

The only thing about the stock IFS being on is its bulky and takes alot of space away from getting to some of the hard to reach spots you might encounter while doing the swap. Motor would be a good place to start I guess, ive never really thought much about the actual order I would go if I changed it or what. The 350 would be nice but its tons of power and the alxes and 5speed could last but if you were on the trail and just hit its bad spot they could go with ease. Ide say look into the 4.3 swap maybe that or even just the 3.4. If you want a 350 I would say build the motor and put in some Dana 60's and youll be good for some time Should be a sick build either way

 

Keep in mind that most guys have to install a body lift if you are going with a small block chevy. Not a big deal, but it might change your approach to the project. 350 is the quickest and cheapest way to some decent power. Myself, I am going to go with the 4.3 and maybe save my 454 for a day I get bored

Actually, I am secretly hunting for the turbo charged 4.3. Shhhh! Don't tell anyone!

 

I think you just told them

 

So I got my gas tube today and it fits perfectly. It did take some effort to get the tube onto the tank since its a really tight fit but the shape and size of the tube is perfect for my set up
Its the stock ford tube I used

With the tube in

yes I know I need some hose clamps


Im going to build a box around the tube posibly that has removable pieces for easy access to the tube if need be. Im still kinda thinking about how im going to do it and plan on maybe getting it done friday as Im busy the next few days. Sorry for the slower updates

 

Fills, where's your hose clamps?

 

Dont worry about those clamps who needs them anyway I like the spilled gas smell

 

Ok so my gas tank work is complete... Finally I ditched the box idea and instead went to my local tire store and bought an innertube for an old tire. I cut out a piece of plate and slit a hole in the rubber to act as cover for the hole.

Heres how it looks and it should work really well for my application and yes ive got hose clamps on

Its like it was meant for this spot

Now I may still get some fumes and some elements coming in from here but it should not really be a big deal and like all the work ive done so far Ill find out how it works once I get it out on the trail again.

heres a pic of my ramps built for my trailer. I used 1/8 tubing and anlge. the angle is 3/4" and the square tube is 1.5" and they are 7.5' long and 16" wide. I may add a triangle to strengthen up the ramps if I need too but ive yet to really test them yet to see if im going to need to.

Im really pleased with the look and fuctionality of the gas tank filler and its new location and as for the ramps I made I saved about $300 making them myself. God I love welders and fabrication

 

I get a call feb 8th from a buddy mine wanting to go wheeling up at rieter pit for the day. We headed out early Sat morning and apon the first 10mins we encounter this and Eric in his 94 sigal cab destroying his birf, and axles. Pretty much the day started off terible but it got better.



Before the broken white truck

Nicky's rig 85 4runner locked in the front on 33's



Some other broken rigs. This was the rear of a Ford Explorer

Broken shocks and damaged shackels

This is why you dont drive a full size rig, aspecialy a turbod one . Trying to pull him out torn my buddy Nickys bumper right off.

Rigs from WATTORA were here also and some photographers from 4WD toyota mag owners.




In all it was a fun day. Lots of broken rigs on the trail but we pushed on. Just makes me want my rig more and more.

 

you need to get yours out there!!! looks like fun.

 

I never venture into those puddles anymore for the reasons illustrated above. 1/2 of the folks stuck in the mud do not even have a decent recovery point.

Entertaining however.

 

Ya the mud holes werent even that deep that day. The guy was just being an idiot. I dont really like mud holes as much anymore because they can lead to bad things but they are still fun till then

 

Ya I know

 

Another bungee cord will fix the shock and I don't understand why the shackle got tweaked maybe just a little too long

Looks like a great time

 

That was a ford explorer. He wasnt with our group so I dont really know what was up with the bad shackles and all. He also had a very small dana 44 some 33 or 35's and it was way to tall and top heavy if you ask me.

And bungy chords rule

 

yep, I have one wrapped around my steering column

 

Oh yeah and zip ties too

 

Some work continued today on my seat braket. I was thnking about getting sliders for my seat but figured Ide make it stationary for myself since once I cage it Im gonna also make a roll bar right behind my seat so I wont be able to move anyway.

I made 3 frame attachment spots but have yet to fully weld the braket in until Im set and ready to. The seat used to be just attached to the body but for strenth and saftey the frame was my best option

Holes to frame mounts. Notice the back closest to the door will have the tube go betweed the body mount and also the sliders so its a good fit

Brackets starting to come together


Notice in the above pic that one bar seems to be turned but thats to accomidate the frame turn

Pretty much how it will look inside. Ill use sheet to cover the holes in the body once I fully weld the braket in

Ive still got some work on this bracket to strengthen it up some and it will also tie into the other side once I get to that point

BTW over 10' of snow in a little over the week called for some boarding

 

nice! snowboarding rocks. i cant say we have that much snow here though.....

 

It has been an incredible season here at stevens I love it