Here you go,,, more progress pictures.

I want to thank everyone who is sending me complimentary email and/or stopping by Mike Shaffer's shop to get a closer look at the build up. It has really turned into something really awesome. I have to admit that I expected nothing less than perfection from Shaffer's Offroad but what I am getting is way beyond my wildest expectations. If you ever think you need a shop to do any work for you, I'd HIGHLY recommend this place.
[plug on]
Shaffer's Off Road and Performance
3579 Highway 50 East #227
Carson City Nevada 89701
775-885-9944
[plug off]

When Mike gets around to getting me his website information I'll be making up a website for him. Hmm, I wonder what vehicle I should showcase? :D

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-04.jpg

OK all you engineers out there, does this meet with your approval?
http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-05.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-06.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-14.jpg
-----------------------------------------------
http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-07.jpg

This needs to settle a bit, like about 3 inches to be at normal ride height.

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-08.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-10.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-11.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-12.jpg

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-13.jpg

The Stompers are having a run on the 24th, this should be it's first day out. http://www.sierrastompers.org I'm sure I'll be timid until I get used to it, after all this is about 12 inches over stock and I'll need to learn to drive all over again.

Lookin good man... :idea: and tall! Really freakin' tall! But like you said it's gotta settle.
Bet you can't wait to put it to the test.

That does look tall, hope it's not too top heavy.

Originally posted by VeloCJ
Lookin good man... :idea: and tall! Really freakin' tall! But like you said it's gotta settle.
Bet you can't wait to put it to the test. I wish I could have had easy sacrafices in the body department to help bring it down some. But I hope that the ballast of 1 ton running gear and full width axles helps make it not so tippy as it would appear. If it becomes an issue, I'll get creative with the sawzall. ;)

Originally posted by Chris Geiger
That does look tall, hope it's not too top heavy. Me too Chris.

If it's any consolation, I was told they set one tire on the rack and ran it up to see how it would flex, and they maxed out the rack, without lifting a tire! :eek:

I totally don't understand how your axle location bars work. I'm gonna have to stare at the pictures for another 20 minutes or so...

-J

Oh yeah, and the rack on top is coming off, don't need any additional weight up there, course it's not like I could reach anything up there anyway. And the hardtop is coming off and the soft top is going back on.

I really like that Pan Hard Bar mount..... I might have to steal that Idea.

Just one Question though. Why is the Rear Center Link Heim mounted the way it is? I would think it would be better, and have a longer life if turned 90 degrees.

That thing is wrong is some many ways :D


Me like, nice fawk'n work.

thats the second largest amigo i've ever seen :D

If it's any consolation, I was told they set one tire on the rack and ran it up to see how it would flex, and they maxed out the rack, without lifting a tire!

Soooo, let's see some pics of it then. You got me really interested. Full width axles in a *mini* ute. That's gotta look badass:D Thanks fer all the updates.

Originally posted by aaronlosey
thats the second largest amigo i've ever seen :D Show up in Moab May 16th-19th and you'll see both of them together. If your referring to Corbin's white Amigo.

Along with three solid axled first generation Amigo's and a couple solid axled Rodeo's. :smokin:

Saturday, Helldorado, lower and upper. Not something you'll see on every other video. :eek:

Originally posted by Im4yotas
Soooo, let's see some pics of it then. You got me really interested. Full width axles in a *mini* ute. That's gotta look badass:D Thanks fer all the updates. I wanna see it too. I was just told about it. Maybe I can convince a recreation for the camera.

Originally posted by DEnd
I really like that Pan Hard Bar mount..... I might have to steal that Idea.

Just one Question though. Why is the Rear Center Link Heim mounted the way it is? I would think it would be better, and have a longer life if turned 90 degrees.

Panhard mount looks awesome, yup. :D

As for the heim... I agree...d.

...But if you think about it, that joint shouldn't be taking ANY up-down loads; that's what the coilovers are for. So theoretically, that upper link should only deal with front-back loads in conjunction with the lower links, and left-right loads which are dealt with entirely by that joint.

...While there will be a teeny bit of up-down force associated with the axle's reaction to the torque, it's not going to be anywhere near as much as the front-back and side-side loads placed on the joint...

...So I think that's the 'ideal' positioning for it.

Originally posted by Belly Dragger
The Stompers are having a run on the 24th, this should be it's first day out. http://www.sierrastompers.org I'm sure I'll be timid until I get used to it, after all this is about 12 inches over stock and I'll need to learn to drive all over again.

SHOTGUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mine won't be done by then!! SHOT GUN SHOT GUN SHOT GUN!!!!!!!!! :D:D:D

That thing is sick Michael...I'm jealous :) Now I just hope that I can make it to Moab this year to se it in person.

How does the height compare to Corbins?

Nice rag holder:

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-10.jpg


Good work Michael. I am sure you are looking forward to the payoff!

SG

Originally posted by Mitsuzu
How does the height compare to Corbins? I don't know how anyone can miss Moab, come awn! :D

Here's Corbin with his waggy'd Amigo and my stocker.

http://www.trailseeker.com/4x4/rubicon/2001/images/DSC00534.jpg

I hope mine settles down to about this or even less would be better but unlikely. Corbin can still be Monster Amigo, after all his was first.


SHOTGUN! You called it, you got it. Now just cross the fingers and toes that they get it done.

Originally posted by Belly Dragger
SHOTGUN! You called it, you got it. Now just cross the fingers and toes that they get it done.

KICK ASS!!! All parts crossed..........

Originally posted by lttlbddy
Nice rag holder:

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-10.jpg


Good work Michael. I am sure you are looking forward to the payoff!LOL, yep Dale can not wait to cut those head bangers off. When it's on the rack the "tow points" are just the perfect height for causeing concussions.

Oh hell ya, I wanna drive it so bad I can taste it! It's gonna be a whole new world. Now I gotta drive over and on rather than straddle or around. Funny thing is, at the pumpkin I had more ground clearance with the IFS, at least up front. Course the IFS worked like crapola cranked up to no up travel.

Man, I want an Amigo SOOOOOO bad.... :(

That is a low budget build up right?

It would not surprise me if you make it in some magazine with that thing.

Very nice..

Originally posted by KMAN
That is a low budget build up right?

It would not surprise me if you make it in some magazine with that thing.

Very nice..

Low buget? We're calling him "Captain credit card" these days. ;)

(But yeah low compared to some build ups I have seen lately.)

that rig is looking SWEET:D :D :D

I know how you must be feeling...I've been watching my TJ really come together over the past few weeks, and I'm just dying to get it rolling...

Thats more like what i was expecting to see on that rear axle mount Mike. Nice work.


Originally posted by Belly Dragger
Show up in Moab May 16th-19th and you'll see both of them together. If your referring to Corbin's white Amigo.

Along with three solid axled first generation Amigo's and a couple solid axled Rodeo's. :smokin:

Saturday, Helldorado, lower and upper. Not something you'll see on every other video. :eek:

Well that is if i get my amigo done in time. Rob should be starting his SAS rodeo soon and hopefully we'll both be done in time. hmm lets see how many SAS Isuzus will there be in moab this may?

Me - 1st gen amigo
Mike - 2nd gen amigo
Randii - 1st gen amigo
Air Amigo - 1st gen amigo
Corbin - 2nd gen amigo
Curtis - 1st gen rodeo
Rob - 1st gen rodeo
Matt - 1st gen trooper
Chad - 1st gen trooper

should be an interesting group. gonna have to get a group shot with all these huge Zus :D

Dallas

Originally posted by ColdNorth

As for the heim... I agree...d.

...But if you think about it, that joint shouldn't be taking ANY up-down loads; that's what the coilovers are for. So theoretically, that upper link should only deal with front-back loads in conjunction with the lower links, and left-right loads which are dealt with entirely by that joint.

...While there will be a teeny bit of up-down force associated with the axle's reaction to the torque, it's not going to be anywhere near as much as the front-back and side-side loads placed on the joint...

...So I think that's the 'ideal' positioning for it.

FWIW, I disagree on the rear center link. When the axle is all twisted up and your crawling over an obstacle, that center heim joint is the only thing taking side-loads, and those can be very high loads. I like the way your shop installed it the best.

Nice fab work, btw.

Squash

Very nice work!! But, email me you address, so I can send you a DECENT oil filter!!! Lose the frams, you'll thank yourself later! :D

Some serious labor went into that rig! Looking sweet!:skull:

Originally posted by Realsquash


FWIW, I disagree on the rear center link. When the axle is all twisted up and your crawling over an obstacle, that center heim joint is the only thing taking side-loads, and those can be very high loads. I like the way your shop installed it the best.

Nice fab work, btw.

Squash

That's what I'm saying... The heim is designed (as far as I can see) to handle forces in every direction except the axis through the bolt. Its strongest points are front-back because you're on the entire side of the ball and sleeve, and side to side because again, you've got the whole surface... But when you go up-down along the axis of the bolt, you're holding the load with only the ring that makes up the edge of the sleeve and whatever part of the ball makes contact with it; much less metal.

...And if these are 30-degree joints (up-down travel), you're not going to max that out on this truck. And 30 degrees is a LOT.

Hey Belly Dragger - I just emailed you... please reply asap! :D:D:D

Some nice looking work there, nice brackets and gussets...

Are you expecting it to settle 3" ? ...I'd check with the builder to see what he thinks. I don't think thats gonna happen with coils.

Michael...quick question. Are you running coilovers plus a 2nd set of shocks in the rear? I se the aluminum can:

http://www.mjw.com/amigo/sas/images/day-8-06.jpg

DRM...if your serious about wanting an Amigo you should get 1, unfortunately resale value isn't the best on these things, you could pick up a 98 (1st year of 2nd gen) for not a whole lot.

Originally posted by DRM
Hey Belly Dragger - I just emailed you... please reply asap! :D:D:D I can imagine. Umm I'm not at home, send it PM if you need a reply now.

Originally posted by Mitsuzu
Michael...quick question. Are you running coilovers plus a 2nd set of shocks in the rear? I se the aluminum can:

DRM...if your serious about wanting an Amigo you should get 1, unfortunately resale value isn't the best on these things, you could pick up a 98 (1st year of 2nd gen) for not a whole lot. The "can" is the remote resovoirs for the shocks, they still yet need to be attached.

I really doubt DRM is serious, his sarcazm is eeking through his keyboard.

Hmm on the settling. I'm repeating what I was told. I would say that virtually every coil spring I've ever owned settled but what do I know.

Originally posted by Belly Dragger
The "can" is the remote resovoirs for the shocks, they still yet need to be attached.

I really doubt DRM is serious, his sarcazm is eeking through his keyboard.

Hmm on the settling. I'm repeating what I was told. I would say that virtually every coil spring I've ever owned settled but what do I know.

what brand of coils did you use?

Originally posted by Belly Dragger
I really doubt DRM is serious, his sarcazm is eeking through his keyboard.

Actually - he is serious!!!

Originally posted by Belly Dragger

Hmm on the settling. I'm repeating what I was told. I would say that virtually every coil spring I've ever owned settled but what do I know.

>>>Thats cool....I'm a little ride height sensitive lately. :)

Originally posted by brector
Actually - he is serious!!! :eek: I see what David is cooking. Excellent find. It'll be awesome!

DEWWWW IT!

I may have to sell my Isuzu and get something less popular. :p

Randii

Sheesh - and you guys thoguht I was kidding :p


So, you think 42's will fit under an Amigo?

Originally posted by DRM
So, you think 42's will fit under an Amigo? Laying down on their side, sure. :D With creative use of the Plasma cutter anything is possible. Compared to my wheel wells the 91's have a huge amount of room. I need to check out to see how the wheel well looks under the skirt to see if it can survive surgery well. I'll take pics for you.

Randii might know the answer to this off the top of his head though..... Randii?

Originally posted by KMAN
It would not surprise me if you make it in some magazine with that thing.Now that would be cool. But I doubt that the mags would want something like this, they've been bagging "oddball" 4wd's for so long they may not ever be interested. I have attempted to contact a couple and I got one interested but they have backed out, course the build up was only part done with just a Toyota transmission and dual tcases with the solid axle swap being only a glimmer in my eye. Hell I couldn't even get the online versions to put pic's of it in their readers rides. :rolleyes:

But I'll try again..... Anyone have a lead to talk with?

No I won't let anyone at Peterson's drive. :D

Maybe it's just me, but that thing looks damn TALL! What kind of tip over angle does that thing have? Nice to see some new stuff being built though.

i've said it before........ damn thats beefy:eek:

BTW. are you getting it re-painted the same color? If you've ever thought "wonder how it would look {insert color here}", nows the time:cool:

looking good:beer: :flipoff2:
________
Madura (http://www.suzuki-tech.com/wiki/Suzuki_Madura)

Originally posted by Belly Dragger
Laying down on their side, sure. :D With creative use of the Plasma cutter anything is possible. Compared to my wheel wells the 91's have a huge amount of room. I need to check out to see how the wheel well looks under the skirt to see if it can survive surgery well. I'll take pics for you.

Randii might know the answer to this off the top of his head though..... Randii?

Well, the tire thing may be the deal breaker to me. I have to be able to fit at least 39.5's, and 42's would be better...

Thanks for looking for me - I wish I had one around close by so I could check for myself :(

Originally posted by StinkBug
Air Amigo - 1st gen amigo

I'm pissed.... Been almost a year with his new axle and I still haven't got to ride in it. When he had the Swampers first put on, you could feel every lug through his IFS!:p

Just curious, does he still detail it once a week?

Originally posted by DRM
Well, the tire thing may be the deal breaker to me. I have to be able to fit at least 39.5's, and 42's would be better...

Thanks for looking for me - I wish I had one around close by so I could check for myself :( I gotta run into town but when I get back I'll give you the info. Cursory exam says it's doable.

Any thoughts on whether the 42's would fit?

Lookin pretty trick. But I, too, agree that it should come down a bit. I was curious to know what brand coilover was used in the build-up. Are they Eibach or Race-Runner, maybe?

:emb: :emb: :emb: :beer: :beer: :beer:

Hell DRM is a Tellico boy, an Amigo on 44's would not get a second glance there, but a lime green Pinto with tractor tires.....

Sweet rig!!!

Love the Amigo!

What is the Generation thing? They have generations? :flipoff2:

Originally posted by wngrog
Hell DRM is a Tellico boy, an Amigo on 44's would not get a second glance there, but a lime green Pinto with tractor tires.....

You laugh, but it is about the truth :rolleyes:

But really - as long as it is not a cab truck or a 1 ton Jeep - people will notice :Cool2:

Originally posted by wngrog


What is the Generation thing? They have generations? :flipoff2:

first generation was up to '94, second generation is the 98+ Amigos :flipoff2:
________
LovelyWendie99 (http://www.lovelywendie99.com/)

Looking damn good Michael....just reminds me i need to register for Moab today.

looks like your the Isuzu BIG DOG :p :flipoff2:


hell yeah!