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joshs1ofakindxj
04-18-2010, 10:23 AM
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs485.snc3/26538_10150175330835343_755350342_12040860_2605098 _n.jpg



http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hs485.snc3/26538_10150175330855343_755350342_12040862_2683407 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs485.snc3/26538_10150175330860343_755350342_12040863_2201962 _n.jpg

Well I always wanted to build a truggy (truck buggy) so when so when offered me this running and driving 3/4 ton Chevy, I jumped on it. Dana 44 in the front, 14 bolt in the rear. Small block 350 under the hood.

Currently the plan is full cage made from ASTM A-500 Grade B structural pipe - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASTM_A500

Feel free to share with me any high quality material and cage design resources. I'm read enough on the pipe vs tube argument to know there are usually more anecdotal stories and opinions thrown around than facts. I know I have a lot to learn before I jump into this though.

I want to move the rear axle closer to the motor and extend the front frame and move the front axle forward so the weight isn't all in the front. Maybe a slightly shorter wheel base but not anything drastic.

I have a Dana 44 lock right from my XJ rear D44 I want to put in the Chevy's front axle. Anyone know for sure if that will work?

steveg0690
04-18-2010, 10:34 AM
Get rid of the cab all together. All tube. I've been thinking about picking up an old k5 blazer and doing this.

limegreentj
04-18-2010, 12:11 PM
nice! are there floors in it at least?


if you dont get that, see my build thread project wife-j

LOL

justin'sbig7
04-18-2010, 12:54 PM
looks sweet! I would really shy away from stating that tube/ pipe dont have enough facts to make a decision. if you dig into the mechanical engineering properties of all, you dont need to read up on it over the interweb. a pipe with uneven wall thickness has more stress risers than a tube with a uniform wall thickness. if you arent building a racecar, you make the decision.

i would keep the cab if you can so that you have the ability to seal out the weather and have a windshield on dusty trails, bob the rear and buld a sweet military style bed shortened to match the bobbing.

Christopher
04-18-2010, 03:31 PM
Better yet buy this Comanche cab and get better trail clearance, Save some fab time, And you will feel like you are at home in a Cherokee!
http://www.pgh-offroad.com/forum/showthread.php?p=202146#post202146
.
.

joshs1ofakindxj
04-18-2010, 08:37 PM
The Comanche Cab is very tempting, I just don't have the extra cash though!

joshs1ofakindxj
06-02-2010, 10:20 AM
Well I pulled the bed off and I'm looking at moving that rear axle forward. Should I also flip the shackle so it isn't up-side-down to the jeep shackle design I'm used to looking at?

I was thinking about shooting for a cherokee length wheelbase...any thoughts?

Does anyone know of any builds that show the front and rear axles being moved forward like I want to do?

steveg0690
06-02-2010, 10:33 AM
When I did mine, I did a shackle flip in the rear when I moved the axle forward. Instead of moving the front axle on mine, I moved the drivetrain back 12".

joshs1ofakindxj
06-02-2010, 10:38 AM
I think that would be harder for me to move the drive train back because I'm keeping the stock cab for now. I won't have time this summer to make a firewall and pedal mounts and seat mounts and all that.

To move the front axle forward I'll probably use the frame pieces that I cut off the back to extend the front frame rails whatever length I need. Steering shaft can be extended with some square tubing. Steering box will need moved down the frame. Shock mounts get moved. What else am I missing? Sheesh I might as well do hydraulic steering now.

For the drive shafts I have square tubing since it will never see pavement.

BUZZINHALFDOZZEN
06-02-2010, 11:08 AM
An 82 should have a 10 bolt up front I think. But those hubs look like a 44. I shortened the rear on (84 3/4 ton) mine and did a shackle flip. Pretty easy.

You wouldn't happen to be selling body parts off this at your new engineering job would you?

joshs1ofakindxj
06-02-2010, 12:49 PM
I'm pretty sure it has a 44 in the front. I've worked on a 10 bolt before and it doesn't look the same. The truck might not even be a 82. The title actually says it is a GMC so...

All the body parts except the cab are for sale. What do you want?

BUZZINHALFDOZZEN
06-02-2010, 01:04 PM
I don't need any parts. Just doing some detective work haha. I work at Elliott too.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-02-2010, 01:09 PM
Haha oh snap! Where do you work?

BUZZINHALFDOZZEN
06-02-2010, 01:16 PM
2nd floor by the lobby. Manz

joshs1ofakindxj
06-02-2010, 01:17 PM
nice. i hope you hit up those free hot dogs at the picnic today!

joshs1ofakindxj
06-05-2010, 12:00 AM
Well once I had the body off I said hell with it, I'm not going to wrap a cage around this stupid wide cab. I'm going full cage. I got all the pedals and steering stuff off of the cab tonight and tomorrow and start measuring some things.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs605.snc3/31879_10150206204780343_755350342_12832737_7522853 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs635.snc3/31879_10150206204785343_755350342_12832738_4019250 _n.jpg

I got some pictures of the drivetrain so you guys can help me verify what I have.

Front axle sure looks like a LP 44 to me.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs605.snc3/31879_10150206204750343_755350342_12832734_1585880 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs605.snc3/31879_10150206204765343_755350342_12832735_534670_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs545.ash1/31879_10150206204770343_755350342_12832736_5230951 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs545.ash1/31879_10150206204820343_755350342_12832743_4686453 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs545.ash1/31879_10150206204790343_755350342_12832739_5595735 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs605.snc3/31879_10150206204795343_755350342_12832740_7880175 _n.jpg

NP205?

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs635.snc3/31879_10150206204800343_755350342_12832741_6516375 _n.jpg

SM 465?

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs545.ash1/31879_10150206204805343_755350342_12832742_1131605 _n.jpg

I think I'm going to be pulling out some leafs and those blocks

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs545.ash1/31879_10150206204835343_755350342_12832744_3328433 _n.jpg

and making a new one of these

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs545.ash1/31879_10150206204840343_755350342_12832745_4723434 _n.jpg

So new plan is shorten the frame in the middle about 20" for a wheelbase of 110". Next, build a cage.

Anyone recommend some good priced seats?

So I had someone go see my metal guy about getting me some hrew or dom 2" tube. He recommended I consider ASTM A-500 Grade B Structural Pipe Sch 40. I can get 1-1/2" pipe (1.9" OD, 0.145" min wall thickness) or 2" (2.375" OD, 0.154" min wall thickness) at prices much much much lower than DOM or HREW tube, but the downside...

According to matweb the ultimate strength is 58 ksi, yield strength is 42 ksi, and the percent elongation is 23%. It is 0.26% carbon max. Sounds soft and flexible to me. Does anyone know the specifics on DOM or HREW of comparable size I can compare this to? A little searching showed me numbers much higher than those. I'm sure I can over-build it. I need to find out how much more it would cost for the tube first. Thoughts?

ridgerunner97
06-05-2010, 09:10 AM
Looks like a 205 to me. As for trans, an SM 465 measures roughly a foot long, has power take off ports on both driver and pass. side, and has a cast iron top cover held on with 8 bolts, as well as a cast iron case. I'd venture to guess its a 465. Possibly a NP435 though? Did chevy offer that trans in their trucks? One of these bowtie boys needs to chime in...

Christopher
06-05-2010, 05:37 PM
dana 44, (with flat top knuckles) 14 bolt, sm465, np205
It is either titled under a different year or the front axle was replaced with a 1974 or earlier axle.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-05-2010, 09:21 PM
wow, you think its that old?

today I got the cab off and im ready to cut the frame to shorten it.

spent the rest of the time changing the bearings in my trailer's axles.

tomorrow i want to have a shortened frame done and a core support for the rad made.

mmmmmm...progress...

joshs1ofakindxj
06-06-2010, 10:22 PM
So today, 21-1/2" came out of the frame to make the wheelbase 110"

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs316.ash1/27979_10150207374565343_755350342_12874423_7270485 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs316.ash1/27979_10150207374575343_755350342_12874424_3724946 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs316.ash1/27979_10150207374620343_755350342_12874428_1820245 _n.jpg

And I made a radiator support out of square tubing. Then I started to look at how to mount the pedals and steering wheel using as much of the original brackets as possible. Looks like I can use everything.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs286.snc3/27979_10150207374585343_755350342_12874425_7734363 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs286.snc3/27979_10150207374600343_755350342_12874426_5805254 _n.jpg

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs276.snc3/27979_10150207374605343_755350342_12874427_2365344 _n.jpg

This week I want to get those controls mounted and make seat mounts. I'm not sure what to do for seats and the hunt for cage material continues.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-06-2010, 10:23 PM
Oh, and I need to whip up a shorter rear driveshaft.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-07-2010, 10:09 AM
Also, ran the numbers and the motor is from a 73 Camaro.

BUZZINHALFDOZZEN
06-07-2010, 10:41 AM
Lookin good

joshs1ofakindxj
06-22-2010, 09:43 AM
Last night I welded the rear drive shaft together. It needed 20" taken out to match the 21-1/2" that came out of the frame.

I got a big piece of 5/16" steel to make a mount for the controls. Probably going to start on that tonight.

The 36x10.50x16.5 super swampers are mounted on 16.5x10 wheels. Even though they barely have tread they'll work for now. Picked the tires and wheels up for $80 for everything.

Slow and steady progress.

Front u-joints are shot so I'm going to replace those and slap in the Richmond Gears Lock Rite I have laying around.

rubberduck
06-23-2010, 12:38 PM
do you live in Derry? right up from the Kwik Fill. I know I've seen that truck.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-23-2010, 04:25 PM
Haha, nope, I'm on the other side of the ridge north of Ligonier. I sold the bed to a kid from Derry who fixes up trucks like mine though.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-23-2010, 11:24 PM
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs140.snc4/37343_10150218134285343_755350342_13186201_2084729 _n.jpg

Needs cut down and braced. Hopefully I'll have a seat or two mounted by the weekend.

joshs1ofakindxj
06-27-2010, 02:14 PM
Forget the cage, I'm happy with it like this! :mrgreen:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs019.ash2/34322_10150220274840343_755350342_13241254_1187614 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs019.snc4/34322_10150220274845343_755350342_13241255_6689264 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs019.ash2/34322_10150220274850343_755350342_13241256_7335150 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs039.snc4/34322_10150220274865343_755350342_13241258_5417233 _n.jpg

I busted my ass Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night to at least be able to drive it around the yard before I headed out of town this week for work.

Something I noticed when putting on the front wheels: with the hubs on both sides engaged the tired didn't turn the axle shaft - uh oh! That is getting torn into once I get back and the cage will start being put together also.

Dick.Breakey
06-28-2010, 08:47 AM
that's f'n sweet!!! Looks like a mud drag rig with no cage haha. If it wasn't bad for your health, i d say leave it that way haha

joshs1ofakindxj
07-07-2010, 12:25 AM
Got back from Texas on Saturday and got some buggy work done.

Took the front axle apart. The hubs were missing parts so I have to find some 3/4 ton hubs which hasn't been easy so far. I put in new u-joints and a powertrax lock-right lunchbox locker. I was feeling artsy today so I took some round stock and welded it to the original cover which fortunately was thick enough to work with.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs150.snc4/36864_10150226995965343_755350342_13432635_7075579 _n.jpg

Also changed the oil, and it turns out Advance had this oversized filter I couldn't pass up. Holds two quarts, yay.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs070.ash2/36864_10150226995960343_755350342_13432634_915462_ n.jpg

Ford Taurus electric fan wired to push air at the flip of a switch.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs150.snc4/36864_10150226995955343_755350342_13432633_5694800 _n.jpg

Made a rear hitch mount for the winch. Front hitch mount coming soon.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs150.snc4/36864_10150226995950343_755350342_13432632_8030832 _n.jpg

$186 got me 44' of 1.5" ASTM A-500 structural grade pipe and 44' of 2" which is for the main hoops. That is a start. Hopefully I'll start doing some bending tomorrow night.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs130.snc4/36864_10150226995945343_755350342_13432631_621594_ n.jpg

joshs1ofakindxj
08-03-2010, 12:05 AM
Slow and steady. The next pieces to go in are a "V" in the top, a "V" between the kickbacks, and a big "X" in the hoop behind the seats. I also need to put something else under the seats and down low on the sides. I don't think I'm going to do boat sides yet but I need some type of "rocker".

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs267.snc4/39684_10150245849615343_755350342_13942089_6373545 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs127.ash2/39684_10150245849620343_755350342_13942090_941714_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs247.snc4/39684_10150245849625343_755350342_13942091_37424_n .jpg

Deadman 94 xj
08-03-2010, 12:10 AM
LOL, you're nuts. :biggrin:

I think you should find some track and some trailer axles and make a tank! Like they did on ultimate car build off.

joshs1ofakindxj
08-03-2010, 09:32 AM
Well I was going for a Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome meets Zombie Apocalypse look.

Deadman 94 xj
08-03-2010, 11:57 AM
Does that mean you're going to do it? I want somebody to build a tank dammit!

joshs1ofakindxj
08-03-2010, 12:37 PM
Maybe in phase 2?

Deadman 94 xj
08-03-2010, 01:19 PM
Ok. Sorry for the hijack BTW. I just got done watching that show and had tanks on my mind lol. Project does look like fun though. I just thought it was funny you actually driving it on a frame.

dan58
08-03-2010, 02:38 PM
Out of curiosity, why did you mount a puller fan as a pusher? It can't be very efficient that way??? The shroud is effectively reducing the radiator size by half.

joshs1ofakindxj
08-03-2010, 02:41 PM
Out of curiosity, why did you mount a puller fan as a pusher? It can't be very efficient that way??? The shroud is effectively reducing the radiator size by half.

I'm running a Ford Taurus fan backwards. It pushes A LOT of air. I have a temp gauge so I'll try it out while wheeling around the house and see how it works.

dan58
08-03-2010, 03:06 PM
I have the same fan. Didn't have enough room behind to run it the designed way?

joshs1ofakindxj
08-03-2010, 03:22 PM
Didn't bother to mess with it. I'll switch it around if it runs hot. Do you have any suggestions for my rocker design?

dan58
08-03-2010, 04:43 PM
Definitely run it behind the rad. They work incredible for a $35 junkyard fan, but I really think the integrated shroud has something to do with its effectiveness.

The way the A and B pillars come down will make it a bit tougher to make a "boatside" of sorts. You could run a bar from the A->B about 6" above your frame. That will protect your feet and lower legs. Make the same round bend to make 3 more vertical bars between A and B which will connect the horizontal bar to the frame. Then find some delrin to heat up and bend in your round shape. That stuff takes a real beating, but I don't know how pliable it is (never tried) to make it curved like you have. You could also do it with steel, but the weight would get out of control in a hurry. If you have access to a bit sheetmetal break, you could make a bend that would cover the whole opening. The key here is to protect your legs.

joshs1ofakindxj
09-03-2010, 01:23 PM
The cage still needs a lot of work but I'm back at school for awhile so this is it for now.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs369.snc4/45202_10150265422155343_755350342_14489866_5158177 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs406.snc4/46958_10150267537400343_755350342_14541611_2810727 _n.jpg

I slapped some milemarker hubs on it and drove it around a little. I can't wait to get some better tires on it because it is going to be fun.

I think I might have some engine work to do in the future though. The right exhaust has a lot of white smoke coming out of it. It gets a little better when it warms up but not by much. You can see it in the picture above. For some reason, when I stopped on a hill for a few minutes to move a tree, it was parked on a grade wit the front uphill, and the smoke got worse. And then back on the flat it was the same steady amount. So what is most likely the cause of that?

Super Scout
09-03-2010, 01:56 PM
I had an ole chevy that did that, more than likely the valve springs are getting week, it will run a really really long time like that.

RalphDogg
09-04-2010, 12:38 AM
awesome project truck! it looks like you are on the right path for a cool west pa trail rig.

RalphDogg
09-04-2010, 12:44 AM
the smoke may be the rings