Tacoma Solid Axle Swap
Nov 16, 2003 | 07:43 PM
#261
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From: North Bend, WA
Most definitely. I stopped by this evening and the hoops were looking pretty stout.
(my unofficial guess is that they'll finish everything excep the ARB tonight)
(and of course the drive-shaft & t-case cross-member, but those will come later anyway)
They've made a lot of progress, and I'm happy to have gleened the info that I have, it will come in handy down the road. <fiend-ish grin>
Jim
(my unofficial guess is that they'll finish everything excep the ARB tonight)
(and of course the drive-shaft & t-case cross-member, but those will come later anyway)
They've made a lot of progress, and I'm happy to have gleened the info that I have, it will come in handy down the road. <fiend-ish grin>
Jim
Nov 16, 2003 | 07:51 PM
#262
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From: Duvall, WA
Actually, these things are BEEFY! The F250 towers are cheap and easy, but I really like the looks of the custom hoops and they are strong enough that I am betting you could jack the truck up from them if you could get a jack under there.
Here's a shot of ChrisCo standing on one with all his weight on just the third leg.
I am glad we spent the extra time on them... besides, they look cool as hell.
Here's a shot of ChrisCo standing on one with all his weight on just the third leg.
I am glad we spent the extra time on them... besides, they look cool as hell.
Nov 16, 2003 | 08:01 PM
#264
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From: Duvall, WA
I bought the hoops preformed from AJ, so that part was easy. Installing them has proven to be a pain in the butt. Yesterday, we had even decided to abandon them, but in a lack of sleep daze, driving home last night, I had an epiphany and figured out the secret... today we tried it and it worked 
None the less, the first one took us a few hours. The second has taken us about half as long. I suspect that in the future, we could do them in a couple of hours. Not that I will need to do them again. 
None the less, the first one took us a few hours. The second has taken us about half as long. I suspect that in the future, we could do them in a couple of hours. Not that I will need to do them again.
Nov 16, 2003 | 08:09 PM
#265
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From: Seattle
Originally posted by WATRD
I bought the hoops preformed from AJ, so that part was easy. Installing them has proven to be a pain in the butt. Yesterday, we had even decided to abandon them, but in a lack of sleep daze, driving home last night, I had an epiphany and figured out the secret... today we tried it and it worked None the less, the first one took us a few hours. The second has taken us about half as long. I suspect that in the future, we could do them in a couple of hours. Not that I will need to do them again.
I bought the hoops preformed from AJ, so that part was easy. Installing them has proven to be a pain in the butt. Yesterday, we had even decided to abandon them, but in a lack of sleep daze, driving home last night, I had an epiphany and figured out the secret... today we tried it and it worked
None the less, the first one took us a few hours. The second has taken us about half as long. I suspect that in the future, we could do them in a couple of hours. Not that I will need to do them again.
I've got a set of hoops coming from Shaffer's. 
...could you be a liiiiiiiittle more specific?
Nov 16, 2003 | 08:35 PM
#268
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From: Mount Pleasant, SC
Originally posted by Churnd
I agree... they do look awesome. Now I know that they're stronger than the fords, that's even better. How hard were they to fab?
I agree... they do look awesome. Now I know that they're stronger than the fords, that's even better. How hard were they to fab?
Here are some pics:
Nov 16, 2003 | 08:39 PM
#269
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From: Gold Bar, WA
Originally posted by 44Runner
I trussed my ford towers. I think they are more than strong enough and they were super easy and cheap. The only time they see any real load is when a tire is completely stuffed and the shock is bottomed out. The shocks have built in bump stops too. I have seen no evidence of deflection at all.
I trussed my ford towers. I think they are more than strong enough and they were super easy and cheap. The only time they see any real load is when a tire is completely stuffed and the shock is bottomed out. The shocks have built in bump stops too. I have seen no evidence of deflection at all.
btw, Ford quoted us $45 each for the shock towers -- yeouch!
Ouch is right, both of my hoops are only ~$20 more than that after shipping...
Nov 16, 2003 | 09:08 PM
#271
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From: Mount Pleasant, SC
Originally posted by ChrisCo
Good idea! I'll have to keep that in mind if I ever do a spring over on my Cruiser
btw, Ford quoted us $45 each for the shock towers -- yeouch!
Good idea! I'll have to keep that in mind if I ever do a spring over on my Cruiser
btw, Ford quoted us $45 each for the shock towers -- yeouch!
Nov 16, 2003 | 09:43 PM
#274
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From: Seattleish, WA
Originally posted by WATRD
I would have to show you for it to make sense.
I would have to show you for it to make sense.
Nov 16, 2003 | 09:52 PM
#275
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From: Duvall, WA
Originally posted by midiwall
How about... A plumb bob hanging from inside the fenderwell centered on the wheel hub. Then measure n degrees back to get the centerline of the 3rd leg, tack the outside legs to the frame, drill the holes while tacked, and bolt them down?
How about... A plumb bob hanging from inside the fenderwell centered on the wheel hub. Then measure n degrees back to get the centerline of the 3rd leg, tack the outside legs to the frame, drill the holes while tacked, and bolt them down?
Nov 16, 2003 | 10:35 PM
#278
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From: Seattle
Originally posted by WATRD
It's not that simple. The third leg has to be parallel to the movement of the axle, not up and down, because that is the angle the shock will take. Also, there's no holes and no bolts on mine...
It's not that simple. The third leg has to be parallel to the movement of the axle, not up and down, because that is the angle the shock will take. Also, there's no holes and no bolts on mine...
