SSIIBuild, build thread

I use Valsper IH Red Tractor and Implement Paint from Tractor Supply over engine primer.

 

and it's only a little bit brighter for a short period of time. Looking good guys!

 

We got a great start on the front bumper this weekend. The base is 2x4x3/16. The center mimics the cross member including the three sleeved holes through the front.



We tapered the ends upward and backward.

 

Once the base was built we bolted the winch down with the two lower bolts that go through sleeved holes through the bumper. With it in place we started building the tube work around it.





We wanted to see how it would look with some lights up high, so we threw a couple on top. They looked pretty well so I think we will add some light tabs.

We still have a good bit left to go, but you should get the idea. This week I'll break down the tube work and get it cleaned up and welded in. I'll also add in the d ring mounts, cap the ends, weld in the top bumper mounts and build the rest of the winch plate.

 

That's a sick looking bumper, man. Each one just gets better and better. Way better improvement over what was one there. Can't wait to see it with some fresh paint, and then some rock rash.

 

I have winch envy...god I love winches.
You could hang that scout from an oak tree with that bad boy!
Looks good Randy....I look forward to your progress and dream I had the same motivation level.

 

Thanks guys. Todd, if you only knew how many unfinished home projects I have. ...

 

Hey now no "ringing her out"

One of the first things I did was give them full permission on testing runs.
I definitely want it ready to go before I drive it 800 miles home. Not that I think there will be any problems watching the progress, other than possibly having to stop and talk to people about it.

 

Ah, yes... a cool looking bumper...

I can't get past the menial tasks to get to work on my Scout. I am not envious, but I am getting antsy. I have to stare forlornly at my Scout as I walk (hobble) by it every morning.

One day, I, too, will have a cool Scout...

 

Jason and I have both been very short on time for the last week so not much has been done. But here is a teaser shot to give an idea of the upcoming progress this weekend.

I spent the evening working with all the parts that won't be welded, the diff cover, shackles, spring plates and rear disk brake brackets. They all got cleaned with brake clean then primed and painted. I also drilled the shackles from 1/2" to 9/16 to work with the springs.

 

Oh . . . give me a minute . . .












. . . OK, I'm better now.

That is fabrication porn right there. All hail Dan at Ruff Stuff.

This weekend is going to be busy.

 

Dang Jason, your quite the stallion...one whole minute!

I only lasted 33 seconds.

All funny business aside...looks like ya'll got some work ahead of ya!

If there was any fuel left in North Ga, I might could swing up yonder and bother the two of ya!

 

If I weren't playing "Haul Master" upon my return, I would come down as well. Love seeing new goodies. Can't wait for the write-up this weekend.

 

Weeee. more toys finally arrive.

 

It's that time again.

We started in on the front suspension and axle this weekend. The first step for us was tacking the shackle hangers as far forward on the frame/cross member as we could get them.

With those in place we positioned the spring hangers and tacked them in place.

With those in we set the front housing under it and put the weight of the truck on it.

We had to adjust the spring hangers some to get the shackle angle correct then Burned every thing in. Next we pulled the housing and springs back out, then painted the mounts. While the paint was drying we installed the lockright and painted the housing.

 

The next step was to replace the axle shaft u-joints. Before we installed the joints we snapped a comparison pic.

That's a dana 44 axle joint in front, then a dana 60 joint with an ignition coil behind for reference. Once we finished screwing around we knocked the joints in and painted them with drab. The paint makes it easy to spot any problems on the trail and looks good.

With that done we moved on to prepping the knuckles and lower king pins for assembly. A couple of the threads for the upper king pin cap, now high steer arms, looked questionable so we ran a tap through all of them. The grease fitting had sheared off of the lower king pins so they also needed attention.

We drilled them out and tapped them to 1/8npt them made a guard around them to keep the rocks away.

at this point The wet paint had dried and everything was ready for assembly.

 

How about another fun comparison shot? The previous spring plates next to the new ruff stuff spring plates. The old ones are for sale if anyone is interested

Once we finished assembling the axle we cut and welded the old steering linkage for mock up and measuring purposes.





The oil pan to tie rod clearance is pretty tight. Once it's driving again we will figure out just how tight the clearance is make any changes accordingly. Also one spring sits flater than the other so it has a bit of a pimp lean. We'll swap springs side to side and see what happens.

 

I call first dibs on the spring u-bolt plates! How many times can I say this? Looks sick guys. Excellent job as per usual. Hate I missed the fun.

Oh, and damn what a beefy new u-joint!!

 

WHAT!! Are you trying to say I'm not good enough to have a pimp lean.

Still looks good to me.