This was my truck the last time I went wheeling, which was the first(and only so far) time out on the new 38.5's. I have since cut the spare tire mount off and re-modified the rear, details below.



I removed the spare tire to make room to install a fuel cell. My stock tank was getting pretty bashed up so I decided that I will save the weight of carrying a spare tire and just take a tube if it is needed. I will still care a fullsize spare on my trailer. I made a deal with a friend if he bought the sheet of aluminum, I would make him a fuel cell, so I had enough aluminum left to make myself a cell, and redo the 'bed' out of aluminum instead of steel.


I still need to rivet the back panel in shown.


New gauge panel, I am going to get a voltmeter instead of the ammeter (not wired up)


Finally, one of the other things I have been working on, I notched the frame to provide clearance to keep the draglink and tierod from hitting each other during flex. I also drilled/tapped the steering box, and in the process ruined an o-ring which is why it leaks.


You can check out the other most recent pictures of my truck at:
http://www.rockdustfab.com/gallery/New-Tires

 

looks like a fun rig

 

Only when I take it wheelin, it is not fun on the road w/ 4.10 gears and 38.5's. I had it up to about 45mph(on the speedo, so I was going faster), and it would barely pull 4th gear. I don't care though, if I built it for the road I would regear the axles. Dual cases is all I need off-road, and 4.10's are stronger