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RalphDogg
01-10-2009, 08:24 PM
today we started what is going to be a long winter buildup of the x90. i have been brainstorming on what to do with this build for a while. a few weeks ago i decided it was time to do it. i decided it was time to the dumbest thing that everyone always does, chop up a perfectly good vehicle. the x has been a great trail capable rig with the small mods that are on it, but i want more. it will go almost anywhere on the trails, but it lacks a lot on the rocks and hill climbs. the small sidewall's and IFS really handicap the rig. SAS is the way to go!
i have a set plan in my head of what i want but i am sure the build will change every time i work on it. so far this is what i plan on doing.

-toyota mini truck axles with a front locker
-3 link control arms with track bars in the front and rear
-toyota power steering
-stretched wheelbase from 85" to 100"
-boatside rockers
-34" swampers
-4 to 1 transfer case
*street legal*

over the past few weeks i started by tearing the axles apart. i cut the old toyota mounts off and started the beefing. i added gussets on the front axle and shaved the pumpkins. the factory oil drain plug on the bottom of the pumpkin hits everything. now it's smooth and ready to slide over rocks.

today we tore off all the calmini crap and basically all the drive train. i am going to scrap most of the stock stuff and i will probably hold onto the calmini lift kit. we dropped the gas tank because it will get relocated after the rear axle is in. dana battled with the stock power steering until it finally came off. he always gets the easy jobs. stay tuned for more.

RalphDogg
01-11-2009, 12:31 AM
i just checked my email and it looks like most of my ballistic fab brackets will be here this week. i didn't know they were coming in that fast. i had better get to work on cleaning the frame up.

Bird_Flu
01-11-2009, 12:57 AM
Ralph, I can't wait to see this project completed. Be sure to post up some pictures when you get the chance. I loved this rig before and can't wait to see what you dream up for it next.

Powerguy37
01-11-2009, 01:49 AM
Yeah I always get the easy jobs.

Before the tear down.
http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5584.jpg


Starting to rip it up.

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5591.jpg

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5593.jpg

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5618.jpg

The diff is out.

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5594.jpg

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5597.jpg



The rear axle coming out.

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5605.jpg

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5608.jpg

The old calmini crap.

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5611.jpg

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5614.jpg

The new stuff going back on.

http://www.angrymanstudios.com/Ralph/_DSC5592.jpg

jlovbasz3
01-11-2009, 02:35 AM
Are you looking to sell the old calmini lift?

oros35
01-11-2009, 03:38 AM
I wasn't a fan before... but I dig it now!

Low gears will be your friend.

What's your width to COG hieght ratio? Just curious how stable it should be. 36" seem to be the best but since your so small you could be perfect with the 34's.

How about a cage? I'd hate to see a thread of a nice build, nice guy, too bad he got smashed.

You really think Street Legal? "Got Friends"? I'd think you'd have quite a challenge, but then so do I. At least friends will make it work.

Why not 4 link? Room? 4 link rear will yield much better rocks/climbing results if you can get near nutral. But as I did with a TJ, space is the limits. Did you toss around the numbers? I know not a set science but gets you some ideas. From experience it does make a difference.

Although link geometry makes a huge impact, I think weight distrubution makes the biggest differnce. Not saying how to do it but at least think about it.

You should have a nice rig here soon!

DMG
01-11-2009, 11:07 AM
Looking good, Ralph! Are you doing leaf springs, links or both?

Since you are running the Toy axles, I have a couple of suggestions. Gusset between the ball and the tube. That is the most common point to bend a Yota axle. Marlin Crawler has a kit for about $25 or you can make your own but brace them top and bottom. Also, fill the steering stops in with metal and weld them up. If you don't, they will collapse eventually and let you oversteer. That is really hard on the birfields.

If you break a birf, change it asap or it will destroy your housing.

SirFuego
01-11-2009, 04:40 PM
Sweet! My only concern with this buildup is that you might be adding a bit too much weight for us to just pick up the rear end on the trails :tongue:

How do you plan to stretch the wheelbase 15"? 90 degree approach/departure angles? :D

The boat sides should be nice. For whatever reason, you always had problems with stray roots and logs getting between the rocker and sliders...

RalphDogg
01-11-2009, 04:51 PM
i am going to run TJ coils in the front and rear. leaf springs will hang out to far. i am going for a stretched look. i am guessing the tires will just barely be under the bumpers. The ballistic mounts will work with the springs and i can get 2 complete sets for free. i decided a 3 link in the rear for a couple of reasons. i want it simple, less parts = less money spent, and i am hoping to mount the gas tank directly above the rear drive shaft. removing the old suspension which had a upper Y link give me ton's of room for the tank.
the old gas tank skid is trashed anyway and the tank is very dented. it will be out of the way of harm (rocks). the gas tank is like 10 gallons, it's so small.

i don't see why it won't be street legal. as long as the tires are under the body the guy should pass it. everything else will be new. i might have to get some cheap roll out fender flare from JC whitney. i am not sure how legal heim joints are but, the steering will be all ball joins, and the only heim jounts will be on the trac bar.

(can't see in the picture) i added upper gussets on the front axle i am debating on lower gussets for clearance reasons, but i am sure i will end up making some. i am going to stick nuts in the steering stops and weld them in. i have a ton of cross threaded nuts laying around.

RalphDogg
01-11-2009, 04:52 PM
Are you looking to sell the old calmini lift?


i think i am going to sell the lift. i wanted to save it but i will need money for tires and gears.

the lift only has 2000 street miles on it!

RalphDogg
01-11-2009, 04:53 PM
it might look like a RC car when it's all done.

96greenxjjeep
01-11-2009, 05:49 PM
sweet

jlovbasz3
01-11-2009, 06:01 PM
i think i am going to sell the lift. i wanted to save it but i will need money for tires and gears.

the lift only has 2000 street miles on it!


Let me know a price i know someone that might buy it.

Bill
01-11-2009, 06:20 PM
Looks good Ralph! I will be looking forward to seeing it back out on the trail.

Wrecker
01-11-2009, 08:23 PM
Bill you have to go on a trail to see it on a trail.

Bill
01-11-2009, 08:52 PM
Bill you have to go on a trail to see it on a trail.

There are some people on the forum here that can say that to me... You my friend are not one of them. When is the last time your Jeep was out on the trail? Hmmmm? :biggrin:

Wrecker
01-11-2009, 09:08 PM
About a month ago.

RalphDogg
01-13-2009, 09:38 PM
i had monday off so i spent most of the day working on the new project. i started by cutting the old IFS from the frame.

i added new 2"x4" sections to the frame from the motor on. the old frame was strong but this straight piece will be much easier to work with. the toyota steering box will mount on the outside as opposed to the factory zuke which mounted on the inside of the frame. this new frame will make it much easier to clear the axle and i will have and easier base to mount the springs , shocks and box to.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P3110001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P3110006.jpg

i also cut the rear coil mounts and shock mounts from the frame.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P3110005.jpg

the factory X member was very rusted. i usually sleeve them, but this one had to be cut off completely and rebuilt. a piece of schedule 40 gas pipe will always do the trick. the shedule 40 will slide threw any factory frame in the early zuke's including samurais. i just cut out the old section out and slid the new piece threw the frame where the old x member mounted.

i was holding the old piece in my hand when i took the pic. it's a weird angle.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P3110004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P3110002.jpg

to the right of this picture is where the old as tank mounted. to the left is the hole where i will mount the tank.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P3110012.jpg

96greenxjjeep
01-13-2009, 09:52 PM
keep it comeing

RalphDogg
01-13-2009, 10:10 PM
i forgot about this one. it just needs some bicycle grips. OH CHIT

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P3110013.jpg

Deadman 94 xj
01-13-2009, 11:38 PM
This thing's gona be fun. I always loved seeing it on the trail.
Keep up the good work.

JeepGeneral
01-13-2009, 11:50 PM
Looks great, it will be nice working with a flat frame. I'll try and drop off those coils after work tomorrow.

RalphDogg
01-14-2009, 04:28 PM
motivation
http://www.zukikrawlers.com/showthread.php?t=5055

Deadman 94 xj
01-14-2009, 06:55 PM
motivation
http://www.zukikrawlers.com/showthread.php?t=5055


Pretty bad ass!
I'd say 37s are just a little tall for that one though.

Triple-D TJ
01-15-2009, 04:31 PM
Looks good man, Lookin forward to the finished product.

RalphDogg
01-18-2009, 07:20 PM
more pics from today. i had a few hours before the steeler game to get some work done. tomorrow i will go to multi metals and get the control arm tubing and really get some forward progress. unfortunately i have to take the time to go to the dentist before lunch. i hate the dentist!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0256.jpg


great tig welds!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0258.jpg

assembling the perches. the bottom plates i received were wrong, they weld on to the bottom of the perches like a skid. i called ballistic and they are shipping me the correct ones.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0259.jpg

the passanger side perch had to be cut up to fit correctly. it sits very close to the pumpkin.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0260.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0261.jpg

i dug out a 34 from my old sami just to measure it all up. it's not at the exact placement right now, but you can geat and idea. i am going to trim a lot and i am sure it will fit a 35. that tire size will have to come in the fiture, the stock shafts are strong enought for a 34 but not for a 35.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0262.jpg

i think i will have to notch a little out from the frame, but i think it will work. the control arms will be around 22" to 25" long. i thought i would be able to make them longer but any longer and i think they will get smashed on rocks too much. this length they should still work well.
the axle is around full compression in these pics. the upper control arm will have to be short as hell to clear the funky frame design.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0264.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0266.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0265.jpg

Peccavi18
01-19-2009, 12:56 AM
did you go with the balliastic square tube adapters? talk to 13below on the board (jason) he has some bad ass adaptors that are threaded the whole way through and the price isn't bad either.

RalphDogg
01-19-2009, 07:35 AM
i did go with the ballistic tube adapters. i wish i would have known about the cheaper adapters that are threaded. i don't know why ballistic doesn't thread them the entire way.

gonecheenin
01-19-2009, 08:20 AM
i dug out a 34 from my old sami just to measure it all up. it's not at the exact placement right now, but you can geat and idea. i am going to trim a lot and i am sure it will fit a 35. that tire size will have to come in the fiture, the stock shafts are strong enought for a 34 but not for a 35.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0262.jpg




Aren't you using Toy axles?

I've seen Toy axles with stock shafts, strengthend by only homemade birf rings, stand up to abuse from 38's turned by a doubler & an aggressive driver with only occasional breakage during extreme situations.

RalphDogg
01-20-2009, 09:46 PM
you are giving me to many reason's to go bigger! maybe i will price a 35, but i am going broke quick.

RalphDogg
01-20-2009, 10:03 PM
i put more hours into the zuk this weekend. i made up the lower control arms for the front and rear. they are all the same measuring 23" from bolt to bolt. i had a hell of a time deciding on the control arm length. i didn't want them too short to limit flex, but i didn't want them too long either. the longer arms would hit off of everything. i figured the long arms would hit off every rock. i used 2"x2"x1/4" tubing for all the arms including the upper arms which i still have to make. the upper mount will be adjustable and the lower arms are fixed. the ballistic adapter for the upper arm fit's inside of the 2x2x1/4 so figured i would use it on all the arms.

i had to do a little extra work to make the tubing mate to the frame end of the lower control arm.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0267.jpg

all lower arms welded!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0268.jpg


i am guesstimating on the rear pinion angle for now. i will be able to fine tune the angle with the upper adj. arm. i am still debating on a Tcase setup. i was going to have dual cases using a OTT setup, but i think i have a better idea. i will unveil this crazy contraption after i get the tcase and tranny out.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0269.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0270.jpg

gonecheenin
01-20-2009, 10:40 PM
Damn thats comin together nice already


you are giving me to many reason's to go bigger! maybe i will price a 35, but i am going broke quick.



Hey, if its cash holding you back I understand completely


I just didn't think 35's were anything to be scared of on Toy axles strength wise. Them little buggers are Magic potion strong!

DMG
01-21-2009, 07:42 AM
Aren't you using Toy axles?

I've seen Toy axles with stock shafts, strengthend by only homemade birf rings, stand up to abuse from 38's turned by a doubler & an aggressive driver with only occasional breakage during extreme situations.

I have been hammering stock shafts with 35s and a V6 for a while now. The front birfs will go eventually (hopefully not before I get Longs) and the rears will take 40s.

6DoF
01-21-2009, 01:56 PM
hell yes sir! git-some!!

DMG
01-24-2009, 10:32 AM
Hey Ralph, you want some 15 inch beadlocks for that? A buddy bought them but they don't have enough offset for his yota. They may be right for yota axles on a zuki, though. They were on a suzuki buggy with toyota axles.

RalphDogg
01-24-2009, 11:17 AM
can you get me pictures of the beadlocks?

RalphDogg
01-26-2009, 09:21 PM
i am glad i started with the front end which is usually the hardest.

i added a few gussets, which added lots of beef! the control arms had to be bent to clear the frame. i was going to notch the frame but this worked much better. now i have lots of up travel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0276.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0278.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0275.jpg

a little flex
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0283.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0284.jpg


i wanted the trac bar as long as possible for flex and ride. it ended up a little shorter than i wanted for simplicity reasons. another reason may be that the frame rails are SO damn close together!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0281.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0282.jpg

more beef on the frame for the trac bar.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0279.jpg

mount
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0280.jpg

village_idiot
01-27-2009, 12:14 AM
This has got to be the coolest Zuk build I have ever seen. Really slick!

doublejz
01-27-2009, 09:30 AM
looks good man, still waiting to see what your "crazy contraption" is for the rear.

RalphDogg
01-29-2009, 09:23 PM
i didn't like the trac bar i made up so i scrapped that one and made a new setup. this new setup made the trac bar 9.5" longer. this will work much better! i hate to redo something but i did not like the design of the original trac bar.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0288.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0289.jpg

i made a cut to fit the steering when it's fully turned. the axle mount tilts outward just a little. this will help clear the coil spring
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0290.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0291.jpg


new and old steering and box! IFS toyota steering box and FJ 80 tie rod ends with tapped DOM tubing.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0285.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0287.jpg

JeepGeneral
01-29-2009, 09:38 PM
I like the new tracbar much better. Is the frame mount going to get in the way of the spring?

DMG
01-30-2009, 12:29 AM
The new track bar is much better.


I will get pics of the beadlocks.

jeepxj3
01-30-2009, 12:34 AM
They dont make longer high steer arms? I see how limited you are by that.

RalphDogg
01-30-2009, 06:35 PM
the frame mount will clear by less than an inch. the coil spring will be clamped on both sides so it should not rub or hit the mount. i still have to put a gusset on the axle side mount, i could see the trac bar mount tear off the coil mount. i will do that when i make the diff guard.


I like the new tracbar much better. Is the frame mount going to get in the way of the spring?

RalphDogg
02-05-2009, 06:46 PM
rear trac bar all finished

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0298.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0301.jpg


the x90 needed a tranny bad, and i was hoping to get one instead of rebuilding it. luckely i picked one up tuesday very cheap and it had a tcase attached to it! :040:


since i saved some cash on the tranny deal i have decided to go with a dual case setup. i will use a tracker case and sami case with this setup. i had more pictures put i cannot find them on the camera. here is a pic of the sami case(left) and the tracker case(right). they are completely different but both suzuki.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0297.jpg

96greenxjjeep
02-05-2009, 07:00 PM
very noice

jeepxj3
02-06-2009, 12:42 AM
This little truck is gonna be sick! I really want to see how you stuff 2 xcases under there!

RalphDogg
02-10-2009, 08:01 PM
i have definitely decided to go dual cases. i am going to copy the kicker 3 setup from OTT as much as i can. i was debating on what to do originaly and i could not afford sending OTT my case to convert it.

that changed sunday when i picked up a tig welder on craigslist. i payed less for the welder than OTT's entire kicker 3 kit! now i can cut up my sidekick case weld it back together. i think i can shorten the sidekick case about 4 inches and only add 8 total inches with 2 cases.

the sami case will have 6.5:1 gears so thats 187% gear reduction in 4 lo. plus more reduction when i shift in 4 lo with the sidekick case, this will be slower than molasis!

http://www.ottindustries.com/kicker3.htm

trailerrails
02-10-2009, 08:26 PM
What TIG welder did you get? I have been looking on there for one also.

RalphDogg
02-10-2009, 09:58 PM
it's on old linde welder. it's huge and so heavy, but it's like new and i am sure it will weld like the wind.

RalphDogg
02-10-2009, 10:01 PM
this is it, i guess he isn't taking the ad off. it's like new and is water cooled. i got him down to $550.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/1006948764.html

trailerrails
02-11-2009, 07:55 PM
I saw that on there I was tempted but I dont have that much room for something that I cant move very easily. it looks like a sweet welder. You will never want anything bigger. There was a Miller Econotig on there but it sold within a day.

RalphDogg
02-14-2009, 04:29 PM
yeah, it's still in the back of my trick. i have to figure out how to unload it and get some big casters to move around.

jlovbasz3
02-21-2009, 03:30 AM
http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/images/30Spline-wknob-Copy.jpg
this is from longfield super axles. Man i miss my suzuki now i'm stuck with this p.o.s. heep that would suck on a banana peel.

RalphDogg
02-25-2009, 09:17 PM
3 feet of rubber!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0312.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0314.jpg

busij44
02-25-2009, 11:09 PM
I like it.....:050:

village_idiot
02-25-2009, 11:29 PM
Looking great dude!

aman-fred
03-09-2009, 08:38 PM
Ralph how was the gearing with 29's?

RalphDogg
03-11-2009, 07:43 PM
it was kinda fast with the 29's, but the last vehicle i ran had 6.5 to 1 reduced gears. i had some problems with ill climbs more than the rocks. i am sure if the engine had more power the gearing wouldn't have been an issue.

RalphDogg
03-11-2009, 07:45 PM
i am still working on it every chance i get. hopfully i get batteries for my camera and i can post up recent pictures.

Leady
03-11-2009, 09:26 PM
that's awesome man I can say I've never seen one of these builds before.

RalphDogg
04-07-2009, 07:08 PM
i finally got new batteries for my digital camera. it's been a while since i have worked on the x but i am going to put some real work in soon. most of the fabrication is finished except the body work, skids, shocks, and t case xmember. it seems like a lot but i can see light at the end of the tunnel.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0332.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0333.jpg

this is the steering box mount w/ lots of plating!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0334.jpg

new transmission/engine xmember. the old brace was in the way of the front drive shaft.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0335.jpg

i cut the old bumper up and added more tubing. the old bumper was a bit too small.i wanted something bigger that went with the monster tires.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0330.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0328.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0331.jpg

gonecheenin
04-07-2009, 09:00 PM
Lookin Sexy :110:

commando72
06-03-2009, 12:12 AM
Any more progress on this?

DMG
06-03-2009, 06:38 AM
Hey Ralph, don't forget to gusset the knucle balls on that yota axle. Thats where they bend first.

Barillms
06-16-2009, 11:40 PM
Better cut those wheel wells out about another 6" back.

JeepGeneral
06-17-2009, 01:12 AM
Ralph sucks at updating this thread, just about all the sheetmetal is trimmed and welded back up.

SirFuego
10-22-2009, 10:56 AM
Updates?

Powerguy37
10-22-2009, 11:19 AM
Updates?
I know he was going to work on it last weekend but I didn't make it over to see if he did.

He got a little sidetracked this summer with a few other things but he should be back on track now.;)

BigDukeSix
10-22-2009, 02:09 PM
This is the first I've seent his thread.

Ralph, awesome stuff.

oldschoolyotaguy
11-08-2009, 06:17 PM
updates??

RalphDogg
12-02-2009, 07:54 PM
finally i got a little wrench time in on the project. i have been working on finishing the rear wheel well's and bolting the front end and axle together. i really think i will have a rolling chassis soon!

the rear inner fender wells turned out well. i just wanted to prevent rubbing and make them water tight. the trunk may seem stupid, but it is nice to have all my tools and stuff away from me and away from the weather. if i roll or tip over, i don't have to worry about a wrench or tool box flying at my head. i never take enough pic's.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0395.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0396.jpg


got a trail spare from nation tire and wheel on cyber monday. 3% off all super swampers and free shipping. i picked up the used black wheel a few weeks ago for $25. the 34 is a lot smaller than my 36's but it was $45 cheaper and i can actually lift the 34 on to my carrier.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0391.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0397.jpg

RalphDogg
12-02-2009, 07:58 PM
i ordered a power steering kit from urban off road. i found the place on ebay and decided to order a gm pump with the suzuki kit from them. it was a ton cheaper than the PSC i was going to order from spidertrax and should work fine. i used to run 34's on my samurai with NO power steering at all so this GM pump should be like BUTTA.

SirFuego
12-02-2009, 08:51 PM
Nice! Can't wait to see it with the tires on!

gonecheenin
12-03-2009, 06:56 PM
the sweetness continues :smirk:

RalphDogg
12-03-2009, 10:21 PM
more progress. the front and rear is frinally!!!!bolted up and torq'd except the shocks and coils. the rear tire fits and tucks like a glove. i am going to add 2" wheel spacers all around and eventually some type of fender flare. for now this is how it will sit be because i am not forking out $50 for each wheel spacer.

the front fenders and some of the fenderwells will have to be trimmed. i started with the back becasue i new it would be a bitch and i wanted to get it out of the way.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0398.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0399.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0400.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0401.jpg

Powerguy37
12-03-2009, 10:49 PM
Sweet, lets take it out this weekend and see what it will do!:003:

SirFuego
12-04-2009, 10:25 AM
An X90 looks surprisingly proportional on 36s...

I like it, Ralph! Keep it up!

gonecheenin
12-04-2009, 12:36 PM
An X90 looks surprisingly proportional on 36s...

I like it, Ralph! Keep it up!

I was just thinking the same thing. Specially after how funny looking it was with the IFS lift on it.

fmlyof4whlrs
01-03-2010, 10:24 PM
that thing just looks awesome....hope to see what it can do sometime.

RalphDogg
01-04-2010, 08:23 AM
i figured i should post some up to date pictures because i think this project will be sitting for a few weeks untouched. i have a couple of family projects to work on and i guess they are top priority.

trunk all cleaned and done. the little hose under the left speaker is the rear diff breather.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0403.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0405.jpg


GM power steering pump with urban rockcrawler bracket. i bought the bracket instead of making it to save time, but i can tell it's going to need rebuilt after some time. the bracket is basically junk.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0404.jpg


i redesigned the rear bumper from the little x-90 to give more clearance and accommodate the tire size and 6 lug bolt pattern. the 34" tire is almost at wide as the trunk lid!

old!!! not cool
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P3040018.jpg


NEW!!!!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0408.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0409.jpg


like i said, it's sitting for now. :tear:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/100_0410.jpg

RalphDogg
06-07-2010, 09:26 PM
i am finally getting the bug back to get this thing out of the garage. i think i finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. i have been putting a bunch of hours in on it jumping around to finish every little thing to get it on the trail.

the power steering is finally done, all thats left is to add the fluid! i found this massive tranny cooler laying in my dad's garage that i hooked up the the steering. it's massive about about 2/3 the size of the radiator.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4090260.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4090261.jpg

i added the last touch to the suspension other than bumps stops, which was the shocks. these were also a free item that came off of a stock TJ. i cut the steel dust shields off for clearance reasons. they aren't as long as i would like, but were the right price for now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4090265.jpg

this pic barely shows the rear shocks but you can also see the wheel spacers and gas tank done! the tank was one of the first things to be removed
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4090263.jpg

i lost the stock gas filter and banjo bolts, so i used a GM filer and some fancy converters.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4090264.jpg

i am converting the rear to disc brakes so i had to get a adj. proportion valve. i am just waiting on the braided hoses and rear disc brake brackets to come and i can bleed the system.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4090271.jpg

96greenxjjeep
06-07-2010, 10:05 PM
looks great

Powerguy37
06-07-2010, 10:26 PM
:026:

highlandercj-7
06-08-2010, 07:14 AM
Rad-Zuk's that's turning into a sweet lil mo-chine.

SirFuego
06-08-2010, 08:37 AM
Oh that there thing is purdy.

You are missing headlights, FYI. :-)

RalphDogg
06-08-2010, 09:00 PM
Oh that there thing is purdy.

You are missing headlights, FYI. :-)

nah, they are the euro altezza headlights. you can barely see them, and those rotors are also high performance. brand new calipers, pads and rotors left over from the 80's. it's function over form at this point.

JEEPIN/J.S.A
06-09-2010, 08:06 PM
Man that's a kickin little buggy!!!! Any plans for a cage? It looks like it would be a tight space to work with

Dick.Breakey
06-09-2010, 09:26 PM
im thinking exo. that would be sweet imho

RalphDogg
06-11-2010, 03:15 PM
exo's are nice to have, but i am going to make a cage on the inside. it will probably get a double hoop under the targa and then the usual sides down past the dash.

RalphDogg
06-11-2010, 03:34 PM
i modified the stock air box so now it sucks from the cab. i was getting tired of replacing the air filter, one long weekend trip and it was so dirty and dusty.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4110268.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4090272.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4110269.jpg


inside of firewall above the clutch
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4110270.jpg


i fixed the exhaust back to street legal which is the way i like it. we had cut it just before the axle when we were doind the tear down.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4110271.jpg

i first went with a mad max buggy style
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4110273.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4110272.jpg



cut the excess off and welded on an old subaru imprezza tip that i had laying around. i love free car parts
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4110274.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P4110275.jpg

fmlyof4whlrs
06-11-2010, 06:58 PM
awesome....I like the intake that's a nice touch.

as for the exhaust...you should have left it mad max like haha.

MemorEsto
06-11-2010, 10:37 PM
Badass Ralph!

RalphDogg
06-14-2010, 07:27 AM
it looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel. the dual cases are just about finished, i have to bend the shifters to fit, make a cross member, and make a new frame brace.


the front case(the clean one) is a modified stock sidekick case and the rear is a samurai case with 6.5 to 1 gears. the 6.5 to 1 gearset reduces low range 187% and high range 20%. is the full writeup on the dual case build
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=764843

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20box/P4140266.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20box/P4140267.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20box/P4140268.jpg

96greenxjjeep
06-14-2010, 07:38 AM
noice

SirFuego
06-14-2010, 09:10 AM
About how long is your rear driveshaft going to be with the doubler? I'd imagine it was pretty short to begin with...

ridgerunner97
06-14-2010, 04:21 PM
Tell ya what Ralph, that is pure badass. Never thought i'd ever say that about one of them X-90's LOL. Can't wait to see it in the woods man.

Muzikman
06-14-2010, 05:18 PM
Ralph, I say we toss a receiver and some servos in that bad boy and make it remote controlled! :)

RalphDogg
06-15-2010, 09:41 PM
as far as the drive shafts:i was measuring them up a few days ago but i can't remember the exact length, maybe 26 inches for the rear? suzuki guys run toyota truck drive shafts and flip them.. meaning use the front shaft for the rear and rear shaft up front. the original yota front shaft has a double cardan design so it works perfect for the rear angle. the samurai rear output shaft is at the bottom of t case as opposed most cases that come straight out the rear, so it's about 5 inches lower that the stock x90 output shaft. either way i think i am going to get lucky because the stock toyota drive shaft i am using for the rear is perfect length. i can finally bolt something up without hacking and welding it.

RalphDogg
06-15-2010, 09:44 PM
and yes you can make it remote controlled w/ a video camera. that way i can drive it from the comfort of my campsite

RalphDogg
07-10-2010, 08:26 PM
pictures of the finished build coming monday, rausch creek thursday!

Powerguy37
07-10-2010, 09:22 PM
:026:

SirFuego
07-11-2010, 12:41 PM
Yay! Been looking forward to this!

ridgerunner97
07-11-2010, 01:25 PM
HELL YES!!! Can't wait to see the finished package

RalphDogg
07-11-2010, 10:30 PM
here you go, a little sooner than i promised.

twin sticks!!!! we always wanted twins

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130340.jpg

twin cases
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130338.jpg

rear drive shaft (stock yota front with 3/4 spacer)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130339.jpg

underside of skid plate. beef, it's whats for dinner
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130337.jpg

skid

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130336.jpg

ready, great feeling

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130344.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130345.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130348.jpg

driving in yard

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/ralphdogg/ROC%20X90/P5130350.jpg