Jump to content

the big link project


Recommended Posts

The front half of the frame is only 3.5 inches tall... Just a heads up on that. also where are you getting your DOM from.. thats a decent price.

 

Dom is source locally from a welding shop.

They usually do me right.

 

I realize that the front half of the frame is only 3.5", but, my rockers are trashed, and the pinch seam is going to have to go. The plan is to bend the top of the channel over so I can weld it ino the floorpan, and then build the rock rails into the rockers from that, and the existing cab supports. probably with a few more supposrts ran to the side of the newly plated frame rail.

I might go with 2x3 and then bend another piece to fit, but going with 2x4 or 2x5 and bending the one leg may be easier.

I've got a friend that runs a cnc brake at a local shop, so if it will fit in his machine that's what's gonna happen.

Probably do 3/16 stuff on the frame rail, maybe even 1/8, but I don't know if 1/8 will stand up to the rocks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was just telling you that.. I don't know what kinda of equipment access you have. I would see if you could get 1/8 or 3/16 bent like the TNT frame stiffners are for the XJ. That way you can drill lots of small holes and put lots of weld on them(kinda like tempermental racing has done for their front frame stiffners).

 

While you are doing research you might want to look at this months Offroad magazine.. they are doing a 4 link on a Ranger.. might give you a few ideas.

 

 

As for DOM prices you have to buy in bulk to get that good of rate locally. I mean like 300 feet or more. That adds up quick

Link to comment
Share on other sites

cost is a big deal right now.

So I'll be doing all the work myself. Besides, I'm not sure if all that would fit under my junk.

It's easier to make the right parts, than modify someone elses that don't fit.

 

anyway, I think I've come to a few decisions.

 

Rubber on the frame side

shanked rebuildable on the axle side

2x4 crossmember for the uppers.

probably going to tie the lowers to the plated frame rail on the inside.

 

that leaves me with a few questions about the crossmember.

 

That section of the frame will obviously be plated, but I don't think I want to weld the crossmember in place.

 

Was thinking of putting a flange on the ends that wrapped around under the frame rail.

4 sleeved bolts through the frame rial, and then 2 or 3 on the bottom into weld nuts.

We're probably talking 5/8" grade 8 bolts all the way across.

Strong enough?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouls go with 4 grade 8's on the bottom, and 2 on the side. When you weld in the weldnuts... reinforce the area with 3/16 to give you nutserts plenty to hold onto.

 

 

I know a couple of ppl who tried the poly bushing and jj o each end.. they said the bushing would be hashed after a few rides

 

 

 

Do lots of research and talk to ppl who have built rigs similar to yours

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouls go with 4 grade 8's on the bottom, and 2 on the side. When you weld in the weldnuts... reinforce the area with 3/16 to give you nutserts plenty to hold onto.

 

 

I know a couple of ppl who tried the poly bushing and jj o each end.. they said the bushing would be hashed after a few rides

 

 

 

Do lots of research and talk to ppl who have built rigs similar to yours

 

best way to weld in the nuts?

I was thinking of making a "nut strip" and then welding that to the frame. Just use the unibit to drill holes to clear the nuts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...