1990 short bed resto; TDi, 3-link, coilovers, doubler, JK axles

[Pete M]

my bread and butter 

[A-man930]

Making some removable fender sliders.

[A-man930]

Been wanting a doubler for the better part of 15 years. Now is the time.

 

[A-man930]

The crossmember was/is a major chore, but I think I ended up with a good design.

[A-man930]

[Swampy]

that"s interesting how you decided to support the weight of the doubler. makes me want to rethink my design haha. I'm using a tail housing support like for an atlas cause my second np231 has an sye kit on it

[A-man930]

This piece was originally only intended to cap off the front of the tube rockers. It evolved into a partial inner fender and a roll cage support point.  Rather excited. 

 

[Pete M]

more steel + more contact points = more better  

[A-man930]

10 hours ago, Pete M said:

more steel + more contact points = more better  

I'm becoming worried how much this thing is gonna weigh! 

 

[Pete M]

more power + more gearing = more better  

 

wheeling is just one slippery slope after another. 

[A-man930]

2 hours ago, Pete M said:

more power + more gearing = more better  

 

wheeling is just one slippery slope after another. 

This little TDi is gonna need a bigger hair dryer! 

Seriously though, one of the benefits of the TDi swap was weight savings... Those closest to this build recently pointed this out while laughing about how much steel I've glued to it 

[Pete M]

even a race car that's worried about every single pound has a heavy rollbar inside.   it's all about removing weight from the places you can. 

 

or not.  I just added more and more to my truck.  the most thought I gave to weight-savings was I used 3/16" tube for the bumpers rather than 1/4".   

[A-man930]

On 1/20/2023 at 11:21 AM, Pete M said:

even a race car that's worried about every single pound has a heavy rollbar inside.   it's all about removing weight from the places you can. 

 

or not.  I just added more and more to my truck.  the most thought I gave to weight-savings was I used 3/16" tube for the bumpers rather than 1/4".   

Very good Pete. I feel better now.

[A-man930]

JK 30/44 are both stripped and ready for conversion. 

This process was irritatingly long and messy.  

[TONY_MJ]

When can you get my truck in for the same type of rust treatment?

 

[A-man930]

8 hours ago, TONY_MJ said:

When can you get my truck in for the same type of rust treatment?

 

Haha, not in this lifetime

[A-man930]

Lower arms are tacked up.  

[NorthwestMJ]

Looking super good! Just finishing up a 3 link myself! Keep up the good work! I’m jealous of the Bridgeport, that would be so fun!

[A-man930]

On 3/14/2023 at 7:16 PM, NorthwestMJ said:

Looking super good! Just finishing up a 3 link myself! Keep up the good work! I’m jealous of the Bridgeport, that would be so fun!

 

It is super useful!  God's drill press and so much more.

 

I should have taken video of using it to cope the 1-3/4" .250" wall DOM for the lower arms.  It was straight up impressive.  

[NorthwestMJ]

Oooh that would’ve been cool! I’m a machinist by trade, so I love that stuff!

[A-man930]

On 3/15/2023 at 12:30 AM, NorthwestMJ said:

Oooh that would’ve been cool! I’m a machinist by trade, so I love that stuff!

 

A real machinist would likely cringe at the ways I use (or don't use) this thing 

[NorthwestMJ]

4 hours ago, A-man930 said:

 

A real machinist would likely cringe at the ways I use (or don't use) this thing 

I do my home “milling” with a craftsman 10” drill press…..3 chucks later…..

[A-man930]

On 3/17/2023 at 10:41 PM, NorthwestMJ said:

I do my home “milling” with a craftsman 10” drill press…..3 chucks later…..

After experiencing what a hole saw can do to a Jacob's taper, I can't imagine trying to mill with one 

[A-man930]

Speaking of machining stuff... 

 

Still gotta make progress even when you're low on project cash.  

[NorthwestMJ]

My “machining” was rudimentary at best LOL. That looks great! I’ve been looking around at bridgeports, knowing it will only open a MASSIVE can of worms.