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RedRaider
01-30-2009, 09:57 PM
So I've recently begun my new project. Plans are to swap the body from my 89 dodge raider (aka mitsu montero) onto the frame of a toyota pickup. If you're wondering why, I really like the look of the raider but there's no aftermarket support for them and there's tons for the yotas. Also I wanted something different that I've never seen before. I considered using a jeep chassis but I couldn't bring myself to be another sheep in the jeep heard, I'd rather be the wolf (or black sheep for the jeep sensitive people :icon_winkle:)
This past fall I picked up an 87 toyota 4wd reg cab and an 85 solid front axle. I've only begun the project because I've spent the past few months cleaning out my new shop and outfitting it with some tools (miller 180amp welder, oxy/acetylene torches, 120gal. air compressor, sandblaster, and metal chop saw). Gonna get me a tubing bender when it's roll cage time. It's gonna take me awhile to finish this project because I only get to work on it about 1 weekend a month since I'm in college at PSU and my shop is located in Dallas Pike, WV (about 20min from washington, pa)

Eventually it will have 38s, dual t-cases, propaned 22r, spooled rear, airlocked front, 4link rear suspension, 3link front, an extremely modified raider body, and much, much more.

Right now, I'm in the process of tearing the yota down to the frame to sandblast and patch a couple of rotted spots.

Will update and post pics at major milestones

Leady
01-31-2009, 11:09 AM
whats it gonna be registered as a toyota or a dodge?

RedRaider
01-31-2009, 11:21 AM
whats it gonna be registered as a toyota or a dodge?

That's a good question. I'm not sure of the law there, being that it will have an engine and chassis of toyota and the body of a dodge. I probably won't bother since it's not going to be street legal.

DodgeMudder
01-31-2009, 11:23 AM
I think you should post some good starting point pictures, thats what I always seem to forget to do and then when it's all said and done I wish I had them.

RedRaider
02-01-2009, 02:22 AM
Update
Today I removed the bed, doors, fenders, hood, seats. I spent most of the day doing electrical work at the shop, running wire from the breaker to a 230v outlet for the welder and air compressor, building a 230v extension cord for welder, and installing a regulator on the compressor and connecting the fittings. Next time, is pulling the wiring out of the cab and labeling it before removing it from engine, pull transfer case off, and pull engine/tranny out.

Here's a before pic from when I picked it up.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/1987Toyota.jpg

Here's its current state (sorry for bad quality, taken with cell phone cause camera battery died)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/Toyotabedremoved.jpg

Barillms
02-04-2009, 05:30 PM
good luck. In this years Petersons 4Wheel Drive Ultimate Adventure there was a Suzuki rig that isn't sold in the US. It's a small boxy silver rig, and I really like it
If you build this thing right, I think a Raider will look similar to this.
I would use Poly spacers, you can buy a solid stick of thick 4" Polyethelene to use for Body lift spacers to custom fit the new body to the contours of the Yoda frame

Be sure to keep all the Yoda wires intact and everything, label everything and be careful.
I would think the foot controls will be hard to fit? could you keep the Toyota Dash and Firewall inplace? That way all the wiring and controls will be the same?
I think it might be something to consider?

Definately a body lift/new mounts will be needed.
Reinforce the Raider cab in places where it will rest on the new frame.

Also, the wheelbase will need to be shortened, so don't forget to align the rear Toyota axle with the fender wells of the Raider. So, basically make the Toyota the same wheelbase as the Raider. You'll be moving the rear leaf hangers forward I imagine.
Frame chopped shorter in the back & a new crossmember.
A good product for rear Shackle hangers is from Ruff Stuff Specialities called "Way Back" hangers. Gas tank location might need altered, but that's not a biggie.

Definately take ur time, post progress pics as you go.
This could be a sick looking rig if you can pull it off clean.

RedRaider
02-09-2009, 02:05 AM
So I put some more work in this weekend. Removed the entire wiring harness from the toyota, labeling it as I went, including both fuse boxes, and was able to do it in 2 pieces without cutting any wires (had to remove the entire dash, and I mean everything til it was an empty firewall inside). I then proceeded to remove the brake and clutch master cylinders and lines, steering column, and heater box. Then I drained all the fluids and pulled the radiator. After that I removed the cab, with the help of my dad and my engine hoist. I was making such progress, I couldn't stop. So I pulled the transmission and t-case as a unit. Then I disconnected the fuel lines and pulled the gas tank. And lastly, I pulled the engine. Now I have to get longer bolts to put the engine on the engine stand and rebuild it. Frame is almost ready for sandblasting. Next time I will remove the steering components and build a plastic paper canopy to sandblast. Sorry, no pics this time, I forgot my camera. Next time I will have before and after shots of the sandblasting.

BTW I will be using the brake master cylinder/pedals from the raider and will either use toyota clutch master cylinder or use the rod from the raider so it will mate to the raider pedals (will have to work that out when it comes time). Both use a speedometer cable so that shouldn't be too difficult to make work. I do plan on using the gauges from the toyota so I don't have to buy aftermarket ones and check engine lights still work. Fuel system will be switched to propane so I can ditch the carb and not have to worry about the pickup tube not getting gas in the tank. propane will also help in that I can mount the propane tank in the back of the raider so it doesn't get in the way of suspension.

I plan on cutting the body mounts off the raider and welding them to the toyota frame (clearly some additional steel and modifications will be necessary) and only using 1" spacers (if the frame contour permits). The rear suspension will be four linked and the front 3 linked so I don't have to change the wheelbase as much. Ideally, I'd like to keep the 103" wheelbase of the toyota, instead of the 93" of the raider, but this depends on whether there's enough body on the raider to do this without the frame hanging out. The front axle will be pushed as far forward as possible for better approach angle.

RedRaider
03-09-2009, 09:01 PM
Another day of work. Though spent most of the time getting the v6 raider ready for trails. Had to sandblast the oil pan and jb weld the holes, replaced front brake pads and all lines because they leaked terribly. Pulled the steering box off the toyota. Played with the sandblaster to set the air pressure and try out the different sands. Here's some pics

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/89%20Raider%20v6/100_0749.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/89%20Raider%20v6/100_0742.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/89%20Raider%20v6/100_0746.jpg

22r engine on crane
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0739.jpg

22r engine resting on tire
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0747.jpg

trans/t-case and spare 22r engine
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0740.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0748.jpg

frame pics
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0741.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0744.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0745.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0738.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0743.jpg

80glasscj
03-11-2009, 12:08 AM
i `m interested in that toyota cab and bed if your interested in selling it. let me know if you want to. thanks.

RedRaider
08-29-2009, 10:10 PM
Update
This project has been on the back burner for a while, but it's time to get back on it. I was debating on whether or not to try and repair the frame from the 87 toyota, but I found a better option.

This is just some of what I was dealing with
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/0829091134_01.jpg

Now I have this
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/0829091133_01.jpg

Since I didn't have enough room in my garage, I had to stack the new frame on top of the other frame. What is it you ask. Well it's a 1984 4Runner frame from virginia. Almost perfect condition. One quarter size soft spot to repair, didn't come with a tranny crossmember, but I have that from the other frame. front crossmember was cut to clear the oil pan from chevy 4.3 previous ownre had installed, so I have to fix that, but it's not a big deal. I just got to make sure the frame is squared and level before I weld in a new crossmember. This is going to save me soooo much time since my solid front axle will just drop right in. Best part, it was cheap and close (in ohio right across river from wheeling, wv)

Leady
08-30-2009, 11:54 PM
Look like a cool project, you should invest in a high clearance transfer case cross member because the Toyota one is ridiculous.

So for mounts you're just gonna weld up plates or something like that to bolt it down to?

RedRaider
08-31-2009, 07:46 AM
I'm gonna run a doubler t-case clocked 10 degress, so I'll make it as high as it will go, and since I got a bunch of 1/8" steel plate, I'll just make a flat bottom skid.

For body mounts, I'm planning on cutting off the toyota mounts and relocating them so they line up with the raider body mounts. I would just cut and reuse the raider mounts, but after doing a body lift on my other raider, I found that new bushings for the raider mounts are only available from the dealer and cost around $50 a piece x8.

Leady
09-01-2009, 09:17 PM
f that.

RedRaider
11-03-2009, 01:17 AM
Update: front crossmember fixed

From this:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0972.jpg

To this:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0973.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/87%20Toyota/100_0974.jpg


Also, front and rear suspension kits arrived, so I'll be starting that this week.

It will look like this:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Misc/100_7820.jpg

and this:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Misc/john-flex-600.jpg

jim91303
11-03-2009, 02:44 AM
would be dodge since title and vin are on the cab

RedRaider
11-19-2009, 03:49 AM
Got the axle brackets installed.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/axlebracketsinstalled.jpg

RedRaider
11-25-2009, 08:55 AM
Update: tig welded bungs in links, welded link brackets to frame. Axle is 20" off ground to simulate 40" tires. frame height is currently 28" but I'm gonna raise it 2" and thread the johnny joints in further to move the axle back a little so I have more room for shock hoops and panhard.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/3link-1.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/3link-2.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/3link-3.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/3link-4.jpg

Dragonslayer
11-25-2009, 07:41 PM
Lookin pretty good dood. :thumbsup:

RedRaider
01-24-2010, 11:03 AM
Update:

Just picked up longer shock hoops for the front so will be finishing the front soon.
Got the rear 4link brackets installed on axle, 4link crossmember installed. Wheelbase is set at 105", Since I moved the front axle so far forward, the rear horse collar crossmember got in the way of 4link crossmember, so I had to cut out the horse collar. The plum bobs in the 4th pic are where I wanted my axle, and where it is now. Have to cut up the back half of the frame to articulate the axle, and build shock mounts.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/Rearaxle.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/Rearaxleprep.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/Rearaxlebracketsinstalled.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/Rear4Link-1.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/Rear4Link-2.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/Rear4Link-3.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/100_1005.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/100_1006.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/100_1009.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/100_1012.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/100_1013.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/100_1010.jpg

justin'sbig7
01-24-2010, 11:19 AM
very nice work! did you build or buy that rear crossmember?

RedRaider
01-24-2010, 11:29 AM
very nice work! did you build or buy that rear crossmember?

I would like to say I built it because it made it soooo easy and it's really beefy, but I didn't, it's from trail gear.

Leady
01-24-2010, 12:07 PM
I wasn't expecting this kinda build, looks awesome. I think you should sandblast or media blast the rest of your frame so you can undercoat it. That way you won't run into rust issues down the road in expected places. I know you can get cheap bottle blasters and with a tarp down you can re-use the bead too.

RedRaider
01-24-2010, 07:05 PM
I have a pressure feed sandblaster that I'll be using when I'm done with the major frame work, followed by truck bed coating. I hate using the sandblaster cause I don't have a suit, only a hood, and you get sand (or blast media) all over you and in your clothes, shoes, etc.

RalphDogg
01-25-2010, 09:44 PM
awesome build and i cannot wait to see it done. where did you get the idea to use the raider body? those are fancy suspension links and brackets.

Lumpy
01-25-2010, 11:02 PM
Just came across this build. Doin one hell of a job here!!!
Love that 4 link!!

RedRaider
01-26-2010, 08:13 AM
I have to give credit to trail gear for the suspension brackets. They fit the frame and axles with only minor grinding and are built really tuff.

I'm using the raider body cause it was the first 4x4 I bought and has sentimental value and I like the way it looks and the rarity of it. I would have just built the raider, but there's almost zero aftermarket support for the axles, suspension, t-case, and would require too many one off expensive pieces, so I decided to keep it japanese and go with toyota stuff.

RedRaider
02-06-2010, 11:08 PM
I braved the snowy roads today and went to my garage cause I got my shock hoop brackets delivered this week. I wanna say thanks to John(john00TJ) for bending me up the shock hoops, they worked out great. Shock hoops are tacked together. Shock hoops are 1.5" dom, ballistic shock mount tabs, and frame mounts are 2" dom.I drilled holes through the 2" frame mounts so I could set the height for the shock hoops. I still have end caps to weld on the tubing and bracing for the hoops. I have to modify my panhard frame bracket cause I don't have enough room between it and the shock hoop mount to run a bead. sorry about the crappy pics, forgot my camera and had to use cell

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontShockHoops1.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontShockHoops2.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontShockHoops3.jpg

RedRaider
04-09-2010, 04:21 PM
It's been awhile since I updated this, but I have been working on it. The front axle has been gusseted heavily, top/bottom knuckle ball gussets, large truss, diff armor. It took forever to do since I had to wait for it to cool completely between welds to avoid warping the housing. I just finished modifying my panhard brackets, so the front suspension is basically done. it only needs air shocks and bumpstops. I sandblasted the front axle and put some primer on. the front axle still needs rebuilt/upgraded. I'm waiting to finish the rear until I get my dual t-cases and crossmember, which will be shortly, so I can set the right pinion angle and wheelbase before I finish welding the brackets


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontAxleprimer1.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontAxleprimer2.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontAxleprimer3.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontAxleprimer4.jpg

john00TJ
04-10-2010, 08:05 AM
looking good man ..

RedRaider
04-10-2010, 02:54 PM
Here's a few pics of the front axle articulated


http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontAxleprimer5.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontAxleprimer6.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontAxleprimer7.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/Rock%20Raider/FrontAxleprimer8.jpg

Heff733
04-16-2010, 07:32 AM
lookin good! its good to see someone buildin something other than a jeep! i wish i would used coils unda my mazda... the ole yota leafs are way to stifff

RedRaider
01-15-2014, 09:30 PM
It's been a long time since I updated this build, but it has recently been resurrected. I kinda started over when I ditched the Toyota ales for a dana 60 and 14bolt out of a military pickup. Axles have 4.56 gears, factory true-trac up front and Detroit in the rear. Drivetrain is still Toyota 22r, 5spd manual, and Toyota doubled t-cases. Transfer case has been clocked 10 degrees up, chromoly input/output shafts, twin sticked (no fwd though), 2.28 and 4.7 gears for 4 speeds (1:1, 2.28:1, 4.7:1, and 10.8:1)

Transfer case sits on tubular mount I bought, that no longer fits with my new front suspension, needs modified slightly,

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20131212_203259_381.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20131212_203259_381.jpg.html)

The front axle is now equipped with an Artec truss/ram mount, Artec steering arms w/ knuckle bolt kit, PSC Ram, .250 wall steering links w/ 7/8" heims, factory knuckles, Cs, and shafts. I just rebuilt the knuckles and spindles w/ new bearings and seals. I changed the front suspension from a 3 link to 4 link because my panhard setup from the Toyota axle was too short and would have caused massive bump steer. It turned out to be easier to change to 4link than to try and keep the 3 link. For the fourth link I had to add, I decided to try Barnes Enduro joints instead of the Trail Gear Creeper Joints I have everywhere else. It is setup for 16" travel FOA 2.5 Coilovers, that I borrowed for mockup. Still have to put limit straps and bumpstops on, and change the brakes and wheel bearings, and get a thicker diff cover, and change the yoke.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20131124_175517_217.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20131124_175517_217.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20131124_180332_276.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20131124_180332_276.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20131121_162624_362.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20131121_162624_362.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20131124_175507_279.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20131124_175507_279.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140109_200546_743.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140109_200546_743.jpg.html)

Rear 14 bolt has been fitted with truss from Ballistic Fabrication, which fit like crap, unlike the perfect fit front Artec. Truss ties into pinion guard and diff cover and has upper link mounts built in. Rear suspension uses the links and frame crossmember from the trail gear kit I started with, though I did have to shorten the upper links to make up for the increase in vertical separation at the axle. Still have to build shock mounts and add limit straps and bumpstops, and disc brake conversion, and new bearings/seals.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20131220_160903_528.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20131220_160903_528.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20131220_160844_285.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20131220_160844_285.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20131220_160934_778.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20131220_160934_778.jpg.html)

RedRaider
01-20-2014, 07:02 PM
Update: I got the front axle put back together and painted, except for the knuckle bolt sleeves and hubs/rotors. But, I found more problems. The frame height was way to high w/ 42" tires (33") and the rear link angles were way too steep (22 degrees). I couldn't lower the frame because then I would have had zero uptravel on the front. I had a feeling this would happen with stock frame rails, but I was hopeful it wouldn't. After going through my options, I decided the easiest fix would be to cut the frame behind the engine mounts, and lower the rear portion of the frame and build a new front section. So I cut the frame and now my frame height is 25", and rear link angles are 9 degrees. When I finish the front frame section, I'll have to recheck my front suspension since the link angle will decrease, though not by too much since the links are very long.

front axle during paint
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140116_170738_586.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140116_170738_586.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140116_170817_418.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140116_170817_418.jpg.html)

front axle assembled w/ steering
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140120_164258_384.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140120_164258_384.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140120_164419_506.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140120_164419_506.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140120_164328_890.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140120_164328_890.jpg.html)

frame chopped and sitting at proper height
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140120_164140_147.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140120_164140_147.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140120_164212_965.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140120_164212_965.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140120_165016_351.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140120_165016_351.jpg.html)

proper rear suspension angles
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140120_164446_555.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140120_164446_555.jpg.html)

RedRaider
01-25-2014, 07:17 PM
Update: I thought I'd finish the rear suspension, before building the front frame section. Turns out, the existing rear part of frame rails got in the way of the coilovers, big surprise right, lol. I figured I'd knock it out real quick since I don't have to mount a motor. After a few paper designs, this is what I came up with. Built using 2x4, .188 wall. Axle clears easily at full compression. I'll weld it as soon as I fit a crossmember at the joint and put the upper shock mounts on

I cut the frame again
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140125_133714_417.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140125_133714_417.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140125_133724_819.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140125_133724_819.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140125_165220_380.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140125_165220_380.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140125_165234_265.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140125_165234_265.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140125_165433_080.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140125_165433_080.jpg.html)

RedRaider
02-14-2014, 12:55 AM
Update: I finished welding my rear frame section, cut, bent, and welded fish plates at the original frame joint. Made a rear crossmember (which will be the rear seat bottom, high enough so the rear occupant can still see). Then I made a rear shock mount, this is the 3rd design I came up with, just gotta do another one. I plan on putting an extension on the rear shock mount down tube at the frame where it sticks out past the frame rail and also running a bar between the top of the shock mounts, which will be the rear seat back frame. Why all square tube you ask? Because I can, really it's to be different and it's easier to mount stuff to it. I know I could have bent a set of hoops and crossmembers, much easier and faster, but I like the angular look and hardly anybody else does it like this while still making it look neat, probably cause they can't do the math involved. BTW, all square/rectangular tube joints were welded with 1"x1/4" backup strips for 100% weld at each joint, which is a real pita cutting and fitting all the little pieces. I was gonna grind them all down for a smooth look, but it took too long to do the one shock mount so I'll stop with the other shock mount just so it looks the same.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140207_205707_418.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140207_205707_418.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140207_205652_458.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140207_205652_458.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140213_230233_317.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140213_230233_317.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140213_230252_748.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140213_230252_748.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140213_230435_074.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140213_230435_074.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140213_230419_758.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140213_230419_758.jpg.html)

RedRaider
02-14-2014, 10:24 PM
Update: Built the other rear shock mount, added a crossmember between the shock towers (which doubles as the rear seat back), added a little extension to the rear most shock tower downtube, where it stuck out past, just to seal up the tube.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140214_173639_017.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140214_173639_017.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140214_173654_496.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140214_173654_496.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140214_173755_197.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140214_173755_197.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140214_173731_918.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140214_173731_918.jpg.html)

The extension mentioned above
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140214_173717_138.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140214_173717_138.jpg.html)

Had to test out the rear seat room....and thought about driving from the rear...lol
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140214_164901_338.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140214_164901_338.jpg.html)

RedRaider
02-22-2014, 06:36 PM
Update: Got the front frame section put together and welded. I'm gonna add some gussets, fish plates, and winch plate. I had to push the motor back so i could keep it at the height that I want, which caused the rear suspension crossmember to get in the way of the tcase output, so I added a bar at the bottom and cut the top off. I will cut more off and clean it up when my motor mounts are made. I also have to modify my tcase mount to fit the new location/height of the drivetrain at the frame rails.I changed one tube on it already, 2 more to go. The reason nothing fits anymore, is because I've made too many other modifications, for example, the tcase mount was originally for a leaf sprung suspension locating the tcase in its stock location, neither of which i have anymore.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140222_150345_943.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140222_150345_943.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140222_150457_239.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140222_150457_239.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140222_150438_105.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140222_150438_105.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140222_150517_198.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140222_150517_198.jpg.html)

RedRaider
02-24-2014, 08:46 PM
Update: Got the fish plates cut and welded to the front frame section. Also added my gussets/winch support. Now it's time for motor mounts and shock hoops, then I'll finish the t-case crossmember and rear suspension crossmember

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140224_180615_708.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140224_180615_708.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140224_180603_380.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140224_180603_380.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140224_180642_871.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140224_180642_871.jpg.html)

RedRaider
03-20-2014, 12:55 AM
Update: I finished my steering, had to shorten my steering links and cut/fit the knuckle bolt sleeves, I like to keep short, easy things like this on the back burner for downtime or waiting for parts. I also built new motor mounts using bushings/sleeves from barnes4wd, part of the original motor mount, and the rest I made. Also fit new shock hoops and tabs. Hoops are 1.5" x .120 wall and came from Liquid Iron industries and were the tallest non custom order hoops I could find @ 22", though I did trim them down a bit, and they're in new jersey so shipping wasn't much for me. Shock mount tabs are 3/16" wrap around brackets I had from previous hoops as are the tube gussets. I'm still gonna make a cross bar between the hoops, but I'm not sure if I want to go straight across or take the time to bend it slightly so it's above the motor. Also got my front hubs put together with new bearings/races/seals/studs/rotors, waiting on hub parts to put them on. Also got my rear disc brackets painted and installed. Got to find a replacement hub before I install the new bearings/races/seals/studs/rotors and Eldorado e-brake calipers I have waiting. Now on to the t-case crossmember.

finished steering (needs painted, but I just volunteered my dad to be my painter so I can keep moving forward)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140319_234325_580.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140319_234325_580.jpg.html)


motor mounts

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140319_234428_628.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140319_234428_628.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140319_234514_142.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140319_234514_142.jpg.html)


Shock hoops

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140319_234414_562.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140319_234414_562.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140319_234545_058.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140319_234545_058.jpg.html)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140319_234443_313.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140319_234443_313.jpg.html)


front hubs

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140319_234722_470.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140319_234722_470.jpg.html)


rear disc brackets

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140319_234618_725.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140319_234618_725.jpg.html)

RedRaider
03-31-2014, 10:24 PM
Update: Found a replacement hub for my 14bolt at a junkyard and got both 14bolt hubs assembled with new bearings, races, seals, rotors, studs, (awaiting paint). Also got all the tubes replaced and remounted on my transfer case mount. Then I had to chop up the rear trail gear crossmember for driveshaft clearance. That is one heavy duty crossmember and a pita to cut. It's been bridged with a piece of 2 x 4 x .25 tube. Next, I'm changing my lower shocks mounts on the rear axle to behind the axle mount and going to be mounting my bumpstop cans when the stuff gets here.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140325_214341_816.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140325_214341_816.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140325_214027_060.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140325_214027_060.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140325_214006_530.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140325_214006_530.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140331_195606_530.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140331_195606_530.jpg.html)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp156/epm131/IMG_20140331_195508_549.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/user/epm131/media/IMG_20140331_195508_549.jpg.html)

The_War_Wagon
04-01-2014, 12:24 AM
Needs a crate 392! :112: