I don't post here real often, basically just do a bunch of lurking in Gen4x4...but since we started a new project and it's Dodge based, I figured I'd see what you guys think. Hopefully you Dodge guys aren't too hard on us for chopping the crap out of it. :D :flipoff2:

1980 Dodge Power Wagon 3/4 ton. It's powered by a dual-fuel (propane & gasoline) 360 with a 727 auto trans and 208 case. Plan is leaving the leaves up front and a nice slinky 4-link in the rear. Low lift (like 2.5") and lots of fender clearance to keep the COG low. Prolly stick Iroks on it with H2 wheels. It'll seat five.

Anyway, pics....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/IMG_2472.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/IMG_2469.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/IMG_2464.jpg

Interesting Where you located in IL ?

I'm about an hour or so SW of Springfield.

We have been working on it every night when we get home. Hard to make real progress worthy of pics when you only get 3-4 hours each night. We have the roof center bar in, trianglulated supports will be in soon. Rear folding seat is mocked up. Some B and C pillar cross-supports in.

Cell phone pics, so they kinda suck.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/Image008.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/Image009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/Image011.jpg

Nice work!!!!The only thing you might really not like is how close those rear coils are together.It will flex alot but it will want to lay-over in off camber situations.If you can maybe try to move them further out on the axle.Just a suggestion.....not flamin ya,just thought I could save ya the headache now.

Nice work!!!!The only thing you might really not like is how close those rear coils are together.It will flex alot but it will want to lay-over in off camber situations.If you can maybe try to move them further out on the axle.Just a suggestion.....not flamin ya,just thought I could save ya the headache now.


Noted. I think the pics might be a little mis-representative of the actual spacing, though. Looking at it here, they do look kinda close. Stupid camera phone. I'm trying to remember the actual spacing....I'm thinking it was about 40" center to center......

Honestly, this is the first back-half job I've done with coils. My buggy is on Fox AirShox.....so I'm still learning.

I am around Joliet IL , That is why I was wondering. Alway's looking for wrenching buddy's. And Wheeling Buddy's. But look's sweet.

I am around Joliet IL , That is why I was wondering. Alway's looking for wrenching buddy's. And Wheeling Buddy's. But look's sweet.

Oh, cool. We don't get up that far very often. We do some wheeling at a buddy's private place in WI on memorial weekend, but that's about it. Planning a trip to Hannibal,MO sometime this summer. I've watched a few events over there, but have yet to wheel it.

Is there a park in Hannibal or is it just a place they have comps.?


Also, nice work.

Cameron

Is there a park in Hannibal or is it just a place they have comps.?


Also, nice work.

Cameron


Thanks.

Both. They have opened it up to the public for certain weekends. Info on the Rocport website. www.rorp.com


Edit:Also pics here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=488566&page=8

hey dude. you still have that land over by scottville? im working on a buggy right now, 4 linked, air shox, 40s, hopefully will have it done by summer. need some places to wheel...i talked to you on naxja a long while back about it

hey dude. you still have that land over by scottville? im working on a buggy right now, 4 linked, air shox, 40s, hopefully will have it done by summer. need some places to wheel...i talked to you on naxja a long while back about it

Yep. Finally got to wheel a little bit this past weekend....opened up a few new trails. Gotta get some more opened soon, because it sucks cutting trails after the foliage is back on the trees.

Small update.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/3-18-07036.jpg

What are the axles? You got a creeper hiding the front lockouts.

What are the axles? You got a creeper hiding the front lockouts.

:laughing: Sorry, not intentional. The rear is a 60, front is a 44. Yes, I know the consequences of running a front 44 with a heavy rig and 39.5's....but it's not my baby....so I guess we'll upgrade as needed.


(boatside not done, obviously. buddy snapped this one 'in progress'.)

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/ktharp96/3-22-07006.jpg

Are you planning on re-installing the front clip?

Are you planning on re-installing the front clip?

Nope. It's junk. He's gonna sheet-metal (aluminum) it to protect the engine. The stock hood will be cut to fit.

totally awesome :)

We worked our ballz off on this thing this weekend. Actually took it out for a little test-run yesterday. Few items to address, as with any shake-down run...but overall we were very impressed. He said it really doesn't feel as big as he thought it would on the trail. Don't have any pics with me, might be able to load 'em tomorrow.

Nice work!!!!The only thing you might really not like is how close those rear coils are together.It will flex alot but it will want to lay-over in off camber situations.If you can maybe try to move them further out on the axle.Just a suggestion.....not flamin ya,just thought I could save ya the headache now.



BTW, Rock Ape, you're absolutely correct. This will be one of the things he has to change.

Update: Second shakedown run didn't pan out real well. Blew the front end apart. I figured it would last a little longer than it did...especially since it was slick on the trails with very little traction. So.....*sigh*.....we went and bought a front 60 last night. Add that to the list.

Panels still aren't done yet...but here are a few pics.

Front end is really narrow. It's kinda growing on me,however I'm not sure I like it....but hey, it's not mine.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/April%20Fools%20day%20wheelin%2007/DSC01140.jpg

Stuck due to front axle failure.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/April%20Fools%20day%20wheelin%2007/DSC01150.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/April%20Fools%20day%20wheelin%2007/DSC01152.jpg






Still a TON of work to do, but that's what we do.....right?

Panels nearly done. Front 60 is in, along with crossover hi-arm steering and box moved to 2wd position. As soon as the panels are completed, it'll get sandblasted and painted. Sounds like it's gonna be yellow, from what he's saying.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/smittyside.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/Smittyfrontquarter.jpg


I know, I know. The headlights are fugly. Not my design. I thought the hood skin turned out cool, though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Smittys%20Truggy/Smittyfront.jpg

Finally got the paint shot. Left it out in the sun to cure before putting the panels back on it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Image036a.jpg


Next to mine.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Image035a.jpg

Pretty much completed for now. Going on a big run this weekend, so we'll see how things hold up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Image044.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Image039-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Image042.jpg


We've been ribbing him about it looking like a "short bus", so I had to sneak into the garage yesterday to give him a stop sign on it. :D He wasn't impressed. :laughing:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Image035c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/myjeepsbigger/Image036c.jpg