Tommy Boy. On the road to bad decisions...

[derf]

So I picked up a new to me project rig.  It is going to replace my previous project.  It's @MeanLemons old project that came to me via @Smokeyyank.

 

 

It has a lot of work done already that I was going to do with my other project.  Mostly the frame stiffeners and long arms.

 

 

I'm going to take this one several steps further.  I have a Dana 60/80 combo to replace the 44s.  I'm going to 4 link the rear and probably bob it further.

 

Not sure about engine and trans yet.  More to come.

[neohic]

I love these types of projects that get passed around and have more hands on them than a yearbook! 
 

1 hour ago, derf said:

… and probably bob it further.

Suppose you won’t be needing those rear bumper brackets then, eh? 

[derf]

49 minutes ago, neohic said:

 

I love these types of projects that get passed around and have more hands on them than a yearbook! 
 

Suppose you won’t be needing those rear bumper brackets then, eh? 

Oh, I'll still need them for my other Comanche.  I have an idea for it...

[Smokeyyank]

Looking forward to seeing it come along!  

 

[derf]

Got some work done on the axles I'm building. 

 

[Big_Mark]

Are you going full 35 spline or 40 spline on them axles?

[derf]

35 spline.  It's not going to have enough horsepower to need 40 spline.

[derf]

Some progress on the axles.  I didn't grab a picture but the truss is on the front Dana 60 and it's ready for final install on the gears.  Still have to weld the crossover steering bits to the knuckles. 

 

The Dana 80 has all of the brackets cleaned off and the 5.38 gears and ARB locker installed.  That took some bigger tools than a regear of a 30 or 44.

 

[derf]

Got a shot of the front 60.

 

[derf]

Some progress this weekend. 

[derf]

Also, we're going to be documenting the build as it goes.

 

https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMg2a90IIU_DuEh62E70dJBLhUA6klrOC

[derf]

Paint on the knuckles with the Artec steering kit.

[derf]

Baby steps as I get chances to clean up parts and put things together. 

 

[derf]

More slow progress. 

 

[derf]

Last of the brake parts came in for the rear.  So it's together and ready to go.  I'll get a few more parts on the front 60 and stow it for the time being.

 

 

But before I get much further it's time to address an old nemesis. 

 

[Pete M]

oh right, that's still there.    I was distracted by all the new shiny bits.  

[87 MJ Chief]

Really

Ugly

Standard

Trim

 

By default, we all have it! 

[derf]

7 hours ago, Pete M said:

oh right, that's still there.    I was distracted by all the new shiny bits.  

New shiny bits inbound. 

 

[derf]

Videos of the axle builds are coming out after a brief delay.

 

 

[derf]

Short video of the first fit of the truss.

 

 

[derf]

Some cutting and welding fun.

 

 

[derf]

Video took a while to get released but welding fun in this one.

 

 

[derf]

Welding high steer knuckles. 

 

 

[derf]

9 hours ago, saveevryjp1998 said:

I'm looking forward to the cage part of the build I'm assuming is eventually on the way with those amazing diffs. I hope you guys do even more videos of the cage work. I don't care how boring some may think it of the tiny details. All of it's good resources here. I'll be having good dreams tonight after watching these videos.

Yeah, it's on the way.  I have to pull the drivetrain and do some body work.  Then paint. Then the cage will probably be done.  This is a slow project but I will have videos of most of it.

[derf]

Last axle video for a bit.  I'm going to move on to body work next.