Welp I never started a build thread here because the progress was so slow. I have however documented everything up to know on my website here (http://www.wesleycombs.com/blog/tabid/53/BlogID/3/ParentBlogID/1/Default.aspx). So for past progress or lack there of go there. I won this chassis at the April Fools day toyota run on 3 $5 tickets. So I decided to dedicate the buggy for my local club 4x4Grace.Com. Anyway here is what I did today..

I made some chassis mounts that allow me to remove the chassis from the frame while I'm building. Then I built the floor frames and started the frames for the seats.

Setup the notcher (These are handy.. I've been doing the Chop Saw notching 101 and this thing is much quicker)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4274%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Made these from 1.75" HREW and some Box tubbing.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4275%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Welded them to the chassis so I could get rid of the 2x4's. Now the chassis just sits on top of the frame :)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4278%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4280%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Starting the drivers side floor frame, I didn't make it removable. Just seemed like a lot of work for something I probably wouldn't use that much.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4283%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Drivers side floor welded to the frame and the seat sitting in place..


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4286%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG



Building the passenger side floor.. These take lots of clamps. Had to build a notch around the tcase.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4288%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4289%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


How it looked after today..


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4291%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Next post....

Front view


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4294%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Rear Profile


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4295%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4297%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Seat frames I cut out of 1" angle. More on these tomorrow.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4298%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG



Thats if for Day 1 of my push to get this thing built.


Goals for tomorrow


- Seats In


- Peddles


- Steering


Thanks for looking.

Keep the pics and updates coming. You gonna compete?

Keep the pics and updates coming. You gonna compete?

I hope to yes.

That's a great idea making the chassis removable like you did. Keep the pis'c coming.
Congrats on winning the Chassis.

What's with the angle on the front cross member/spring hangar ?

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4294%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG

What's with the angle on the front cross member/spring hangar ?

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2026/DSCF4294%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG

Explanation thread here (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=636678)

Today I mounted the seats, peddles and steering. I look at other builds to get the design for the peddle bracket. Its really nice to sit in the drivers seat now and know what it gonna feel like to drive it :)

The day started slow working on brackets for the seats.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4299%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Then It picked up momentum when I got to the peddles and quickly fabbed up the brackets for it using my TD plasma.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4303%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4304%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Steering column added


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4316%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4317%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Full view


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4315%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Front



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4319%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Seat bracket 1" angle and a 1" xmember. Not too pretty but it works. I'm guessing I will order some PRP seats later but these are cheap and will work for now.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4326%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Profile


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4327%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Next post...

Built a hoop for the drive shaft.. Now I'm safe and protected :) It looks really crooked in this pic but It wasn't that bad. I tried to make sure I didn't cover up any of the bolts for the rear tcase.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4328%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Ground up view. Jungle gym.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4329%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


More of the seat bracket.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4331%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


Took after I finished cleaning up the garage tonight..


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4332%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4333%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


How she ended up after Day 2 of the push.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4322%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2027/DSCF4334%20%5B640x480%5D.JPG



So I accomplished my goals of seats, steering and peddles.


Tomorrow's list

- Dash bar
- Radiator support
- Winch plate
- Some of the firewall and the throttle.


Saturday I plan to hit the axles again and get them rebuilt using the new beef.





Thanks for looking.

Favorite part of my rig ?.............


Suspension seats.


Steal the money or rob the kids piggy bank, whatever it takes. I've used those polys and the are grim for an all day ride. I'm using the cheapest suspension seat you can buy the Corbeau Baja SS but i'm told you can get PRPs for just a litle more and they are real nice.:D

Looks Good! You are sure motivated!

I like the removable chassis idea as well. Keep her going!

those seatsa are bad. i switched to Kirkey's (I Know!) but find them much more comfortable!

Good progress otherwise. look forward to seeing it on the trails.

I was very disappointed when these seats showed up. I was expecting something a little different. I will probably do PRP's after a few rides and put one of these in the back or both if I can fit them.

Thanks for the good feedback.

"removable chassis"

And the purpose is...:confused:

"removable chassis"

And the purpose is...:confused:

I think he said it was for removal during the buildup.

A quick question. With how you have mounted the tcase crossmember, are you going to be able to pull just the tcases out easily? Looks like you'll need to drop everythign 3-4"s to get the crossmember off so you can then pull the cases.

We had to do a tcase re and re on Sledgehammer last year and to say the least it was alot of fun on the trail compared to doing it in a nice shop, due to some tight tolerances on the tcase and driveshaft hoop/traction bar mount.

A quick question. With how you have mounted the tcase crossmember, are you going to be able to pull just the tcases out easily? Looks like you'll need to drop everythign 3-4"s to get the crossmember off so you can then pull the cases.

We had to do a tcase re and re on Sledgehammer last year and to say the least it was alot of fun on the trail compared to doing it in a nice shop, due to some tight tolerances on the tcase and driveshaft hoop/traction bar mount.


Yup your correct. How does one get around this when using the FROR bracket?

I guess if I break on a trail I will just tow back to camp and call it a weekend.

I think he said it was for removal during the buildup.

Yup only removable for the buildup. I will weld those brackets to the frame and then they will act as scab plates.

I mounted the radiator, built a winch plate and cut the dash bar. Then I had to quit to go get steel.. Got to the steel yard and they closed early today :(. So I wasted 2 hours..

Started the day off with the radiator and decided to run an electric fan so I could get the winch as far back as possible. I've seen several 22R's on pane running a small electric fan with no probs so I figured I would go that route. I took some 1" Sq tube and drilled some holes to match the brackets on the radiator then I notched them so they would slip down between the frame rails.. I set the radiator and tacked the new mounts in place. I plan on adding another support to these for front-back/side-side movement. I ended up welding and removing this thing about 3 times to get it where I wanted it.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_005.JPG


Next I started on the winch mount for the front. I took some 3/16" plate that was bent on the edges (looked alot like a standard winch plate but wider). I cut it down on the edges and notched it on one side to go around the support plate on the passenger side of the frame.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_002.JPG


After the plasma on the long straight cuts.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_003.JPG


Cut out and notched.. Gotta love plasma.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_004.JPG



Before the winch plate








http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_006.JPG


Winch plate tacked in..


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_007.JPG


Holes drilled for the winch and I also cut a channel out for the rope to go straight down so I can try to hook it to the front axle to cinch the front end down. Not sure if this will work but it took a few minutes and was worth a try. I also put holes in for the fair lead mount on the bottom.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_008.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_012.JPG

Next Post...

I cut the dash bar and welded 2 bolts to it that will support the factory steering column.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_009.JPG


What it looked like at the end of today.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_010.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Dec%2028/Ftoy_510_071228_011.JPG


I feel like I'm moving along at a good pace. My wife said it didn't look like I did anything today.... I guess once I do axles and tires it will look like a buggy.





Tomorrows List.


- Get Steel in the morn so I can work over the holiday


- Pickup rotors and calipers for the front axle



- Clean up knuckles and start to put the front axle back together.


- Break down the rear axle and weld some armor on it and see how my home maid disk brake brackets fit.


It's a big list but a buddy said he was coming up to help :)

Thanks for looking.

Good to see some progress on this F Toy.

I wish I would have bought a ticket for this at Harlan...I dont know if you remember me or not but I won all kinds of stuff at that raffle.

I think I ended up with six stud knuckles, BTF truss kit and diff cover some shirts and some little stuff.

Will you have this out for this years April Fools day run?

Yup your correct. How does one get around this when using the FROR bracket?

I guess if I break on a trail I will just tow back to camp and call it a weekend.


You could use similar mounts to what they use in the FROR kits similar to old school ford motor mounts (similar to a bodymount), or make the FROR bracket bolt onto the cross member separately.

Dropping it isn't a big deal as long as you keep that in mind for everything els that ends up getting put back there.

You could use similar mounts to what they use in the FROR kits similar to old school ford motor mounts (similar to a bodymount), or make the FROR bracket bolt onto the cross member separately.

Dropping it isn't a big deal as long as you keep that in mind for everything els that ends up getting put back there.

After I posted that I went back and started digging through builds and noticed how they hinged the FROR bracket so it could swing down. :( I didn't even think of that. Oh well..

Good to see some progress on this F Toy.

I've been collecting parts for a while before I really tore into it and started the build up. I didn't want to get 1/2 way in and realize I needed to spend more money. So I put the $$ up first.


Will you have this out for this years April Fools day run?

Yup I will be at the harlan run in 08. It should be done a few months before that run.

Thanks.

Why not mount the brackets where the bolt at the frame is vertical ? Then it will just slide back when you remove the bolts.

Toddy

When you gonna get the diamonds under there so this thing can really kickass!

When you gonna get the diamonds under there ?! No diamonds on this build.. Not yet at least. I thought about doing portals but I want to keep it comp legal.

I see nothing wrong with the way your crossmember is mounted. That is the same identical way mine is done. You only have to drop it like 2-3" and then unbolt off the tcase and your done. Simple and stout.

I'm behind on updates so here goes. Knuckles painted, Axles cleaned, Frame welded, Skid built

Very dirty Hub and knuckle. Almost 30 year old Alabama Gunk.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/CleaningAxles/Ftoy_510_080103_002.JPG


All cleaned up.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/CleaningAxles/Ftoy_510_080103_003.JPG


Installing flanges and dowels.


Before drilling


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/CleaningAxles/Ftoy_510_080103_004.JPG


Hammering the dowels in.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/CleaningAxles/Ftoy_510_080103_005.JPG



All Installed


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/CleaningAxles/Ftoy_510_080103_001.JPG



Taped off the knuckles and other parts to paint them


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/PaitingKnuckles/Ftoy_510_080103_003.JPG


Painted


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/PaitingKnuckles/Ftoy_510_080103_004.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/PaitingKnuckles/Ftoy_510_080103_005.JPG


Got new rotors and IFS calipers for the front.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/PaitingKnuckles/Ftoy_510_080103_001.JPG


Next Post...

Back down to basics




http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/WeldingFrame/Ftoy_510_080103_002.JPG


Turned the frame around so it will be easier to put the motor back in.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/WeldingFrame/Ftoy_510_080103_003.JPG


On rotisserie for welding.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/WeldingFrame/Ftoy_510_080103_004.JPG


Welded it up.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/WeldingFrame/Ftoy_510_080103_001.JPG






Tracing out frame on some plate for the belly.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid1/Ftoy_510_080103_002.JPG


1/4" plate for the belly setup for some plasma goodness.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid1/Ftoy_510_080103_003.JPG


A little bit cut out.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid1/Ftoy_510_080103_004.JPG


All cut out and a radius put on the corners to avoid sharp edges.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid1/Ftoy_510_080103_005.JPG


Sitting back on the frame




http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid1/Ftoy_510_080103_001.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid1/Ftoy_510_080103_006.JPG

Next Post...

Cleaned up with flap disk


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid2/Ftoy_510_080103_003.JPG


Built these little deals from 1.75"x.120 hrew and some washers for 3/4" bolt and some 3/4" bolts and nuts. These are to keep the bolt heads recessed (Thanks for the idea east coast John)



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid2/Ftoy_510_080103_002.JPG


Cut some 1.75" holes in the skid and tacked the supports on.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid2/Ftoy_510_080103_004.JPG


The skid hanger are now on the frame and I welded these onto the skid solid.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid2/Ftoy_510_080103_005.JPG


Bottom of skid painted black.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid2/Ftoy_510_080103_001.JPG


Bottom of frame painted before I take it off the rotisserie so I don't have to try to paint from underneath it.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid2/Ftoy_510_080103_007.JPG


Started on rear axle


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2003%202008/BuildingSkid2/Ftoy_510_080103_006.JPG





Tomorrows finish axles and get them under the frame with the leaf springs.


Put the motor back in and the chassis back on then start building some supports for the chassis.


Hope to have it on its feet by Sunday so I can roll it around.


Thanks for looking.

This entry has several days of updates but it ends with a bang. The frame is right side up, springs are installed, motor trans and tcase are installed. Axles are under the rig with a fresh rebuild :) and I put the 35's on it for now.




Cut some plates with the plasma for new homemade motor mounts. (yes solid for now. If it causes issues I will put a rubber bushing between the mount and the motor.)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_021.JPG


Welded up.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_004.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_027.JPG


Motor Mounts installed.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_016.JPG


Transmission mounted again.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_022.JPG


Front axle built up :) This took much longer than I expected.




Specs are

Trail-gear gusset
BTF cover
Trail-gear inspection kit
Trail-gear High-Steer
Trail-gear Hydro Assist
Aussie Locker
4.56 Gears
Rock rings
Back plate Eliminators
Solid Stock steering stops.
Longfield Super 30's

Trail-gear drive flanges.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_028.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_017.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_011.JPG

Next Post..

Rear Axle Specs

Poly Performance Chromo shafts
Home maid Disc brake conversion
Chevy 1500 Rotors I turned out on the lathe
Malibu calipers
Aussie Locker
4.56 Gears
BTF diff cover
Trail-gear traction bar bracket

New spring perches
Trail-gear inspection kit.



Trail-gear inspection cover on the rear axle.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_009.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_015.JPG


Spring perches welded on.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_005.JPG


Gonna cut some solid mounts to hold some Shackles on the axle for the winches to pull on.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_029.JPG



One of these got welded to the top of the diff on the rear axle. The other will go somewhere on the front axle once I figure out where the axle sits versus the steering and the winch.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_006.JPG








Springs installed. These are Trail-gear 5" springs with 2 springs from each pack removed per trail-gears instructions.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_010.JPG

Next Post...

Front axle going under it. (heavy little buggers all built up.)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_012.JPG


Testing the fit. I had to clearance the BTF cover a tad more for the Ubolt to line up with the plate.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_018.JPG



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_008.JPG


I have some front pinion angle work to do. Sits at 12* right now. I have some 7* steel shims that I'm gonna throw on to see how that helps. Right now I would be binding yokes like crazy I think.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_020.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_013.JPG









Rear axle going under. (Still needs paint)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_007.JPG


Top view. I grabbed a shock to see how I'm gonna mount it :) Probably will mount it on the leaf spring plate to the rear seat tube.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_026.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_001.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_003.JPG

Rear Disk brakes


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_019.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_025.JPG



Tires installed and its sitting on its own!


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_024.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_002.JPG


Front Approach angle with 35's. The 37's should make it better.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_014.JPG





That's it for now. These springs are gonna be very flexy I think. I could easily get the front and rear to move down several inches with my 250lbs of weight.


I hope to keep building from the ground up by doing the traction bar (thinking slip joint), shocks, bump stops and tie in the chassis for good next. I have a full day Saturday and a lot of time Sunday so maybe I can get most of that done by this weekend.


Thanks for looking.

Looking good!!

Rear axle needs gusset. Trust me it will bend.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2010%202008/Ftoy_510_080110_014.JPG

Looking good! Youre making good progress!!!:D

I dont know if you are competing or not, but I think that your front spring hanger bolts cant be mounted any higher then what a stock hanger would be. I think stock is 2" to center of bolt from the bottom of framerail. I dont know this for sure, so maybe one of the "officials" can chime in on this.

Looking good!!

Rear axle needs gusset. Trust me it will bend.

Cool. I will build one for it this weekend. I thought it looked a little puny too. I might go the bat wing route with some gussets across the back of the axle since I have the inspection kit on top.

Nice build!
I like the belly plan.
Why no 2 piece front drive shaft?
Thats alot of front shaft hanging down that doesnt need to be.

Nice build!
I like the belly plan.
Why no 2 piece front drive shaft?
Thats alot of front shaft hanging down that doesnt need to be.

I second that. A 2 piece front allows a nice flat belly pan. For mine I didnt have to cut any whole for front or rear driveshaft and it goes from the rear output to about mid transmission.

You're kicking butt!! Nice work on the skidplate and axles!

Nice build!
I like the belly plan.
Why no 2 piece front drive shaft?
Thats alot of front shaft hanging down that doesnt need to be.

because I haven't found one yet :) So I figured I would design it to run either. I have some ideas on the carrier bearing mount to the bottom of the floor etc. I just gotta find a good 2 piece shaft which isn't proving easy around here for some reason.

wow. lots of pics. you are doing some good work. i am curious as too how much that belly weighs. mine was 3/16" and its wieghed 80 lbs i think when if i first fabbed it up. now its about 40 lbs i think.



check out my build thread. that trac bar mount came off after some serious beating. you might want to add some beef to it just for insurance.


nice work on your front axle.:)

wow. lots of pics. you are doing some good work. i am curious as too how much that belly weighs. mine was 3/16" and its wieghed 80 lbs i think when if i first fabbed it up. now its about 40 lbs i think.



check out my build thread. that trac bar mount came off after some serious beating. you might want to add some beef to it just for insurance.


nice work on your front axle.:)

the skid is heavy... I've got to cut some more out of the rear for the trackbar. How did you cut so much weight out of yours? I will tie the trackbar mount into the gussets I build this weekend for some extra support. I am using the Johnny joints at all ends so hopefully that will reduce some binding.

Thats the first toyota axle I've built and it was a very educational experience thats for sure.

Thanks for the great feedback guys.

at first mine was just like yours. then i realized that i didnt need the front cut out to be that tight. so i cut a large v in it. then later i realized that i didnt need it to go that far back to my hangers. so i cout a good 6" off of the rear to that it just runs under the tcase mount.

this is after the first cut. then i cut some off of the head of it, then i cut a even wider v out of it.

in this pic the rear of the plate goes back to the spring hanger...now its cut all the way up to the tcase because there is nothing to protect behind the tcase because i put my arb compressor and battery under the seats.

http://www.thebestbuddies.com/pic/formulatoy10/21706/images/100_9690.jpg

Small update. I did some other work but didn't post since p4x4 was down. If you want to read it go to my blog
(http://www.wesleycombs.com/blog/tabid/53/BlogID/3/ParentBlogID/1/Default.aspx)

Onto the update.

I got a 1700lb winch from TSC tonight and built a cross member with some scab plates on the ends to mount in the rear of the frame above the axle. I cut some 1/4" plate and drilled holes to match the pattern for the winch and welded it to the cross member. Then I started on the rear hoop to tie the chassis into the frame on the back. Made the rear hoop 41" outside to outside and then I made some 1" tall supports to make up the space at to bottom. Then I welded it in as well as finished welding the rear cross member in on the topside.

1700 lbs warn utility winch.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_005.JPG


Took these and cut them in half for the scab plates.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_006.JPG


Winch cross member with plate welded on.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_007.JPG


As you can see the scab plates are welded on the ends.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_008.JPG


Another view.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_009.JPG


Another.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_010.JPG


Winch fits.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_011.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_012.JPG


Winch cross member welded in.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_013.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_014.JPG

Next Post..

winch on the crossmember hooked to rear axle.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_019.JPG


I hooked a battery charger to the winch and did a test pull with it and it pulled the rear axle down very well.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_020.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_021.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_022.JPG



Rear hoop ready to weld together. Bendtech makes things line up perfect.. I had zero tube waste.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_015.JPG


Full view of rear hoop.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_016.JPG


Notched some scrap tubbing from the smaller front hoop i cut up yesterday for the front shock mounts.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_017.JPG


Then cut them down to 1"


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_018.JPG

Next Post..

Attached the rear hoop.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_001.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_002.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_003.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2014%202008/Ftoy_510_080115_004.JPG




Thats it for tonight.. I'm pretty happy with the look of it and think with round lights and sheet metal in the rear it will look good.


Next is finish the upper mounts for the shocks Front and Rear, build the traction bar and tap the steering box for the hydro assist, maybe Wednesday I will get that done.


Thanks for looking.

"I hooked a battery charger to the winch and did a test pull with it and it pulled the rear axle down very well."


"Rear hoop ready to weld together. Bendtech makes things line up perfect.. I had zero tube waste."



Looking very good! Glad to see you have no dimple die holes on your rig:D:D:D
I tell all those left coasters they only get packed with mud but they don't know what i'm talking about.:laughing:

Put a block (pulley) on the diff and run the cable back up to the winch mount. This is how most of the comp guys do it. It will make that 1700# hold the axle up better. If you had links holding the axle wouldn't be as hard, the leaf springs don't want to stay compressed and the pressure on the winch when sucked down is really high. I tried a strap on my winch that looked cool and didn't bury the rope on the drum but it has snapped several times and now i'm going back to a 15' rope and doubling it up with a block on the diff.

Run a tube kicker up to a perimeter bar or to the seat bar....that winch mount is going to want to bend with dynamic loads on the trail.

I love the rear hoop...that's a killer complement to your grill hoop. Is he coming or going!? :laughing:

"I hooked a battery charger to the winch and did a test pull with it and it pulled the rear axle down very well."


"Rear hoop ready to weld together. Bendtech makes things line up perfect.. I had zero tube waste."



Looking very good! Glad to see you have no dimple die holes on your rig:D:D:D
I tell all those left coasters they only get packed with mud but they don't know what i'm talking about.:laughing:

Put a block (pulley) on the diff and run the cable back up to the winch mount. This is how most of the comp guys do it. It will make that 1700# hold the axle up better. If you had links holding the axle wouldn't be as hard, the leaf springs don't want to stay compressed and the pressure on the winch when sucked down is really high. I tried a strap on my winch that looked cool and didn't bury the rope on the drum but it has snapped several times and now i'm going back to a 15' rope and doubling it up with a block on the diff.

Good point on the pulley... That will work well.

I don't do the dimple dies :) I try to stay east coast style with the diamond plate :grinpimp:

Run a tube kicker up to a perimeter bar or to the seat bar....that winch mount is going to want to bend with dynamic loads on the trail.

I love the rear hoop...that's a killer complement to your grill hoop. Is he coming or going!? :laughing:

Yah I figured I would tie the winch cross member into the rear xmember and the toyota xmember for the old shocks. That will also help support my expanded steel for the floor back there.

Thanks for the support and keep the suggestions coming. I'm starting to feel like I will actually be able to get this thing done.

[QUOTE=Jeep07;7736890]

I don't do the dimple dies :) I try to stay east coast style with the diamond plate :grinpimp:

Damn right!! We call it South East bling. :D

Nice..

I love the front and rear hoops you made.. Killer

Nice, no bootie fab to be found on the whole thing:smokin:

looking sweet cant wait to see in full battle gear:smokin:

how far did you move engine back

how far did you move engine back

The allowed 8 inches. I didn't move it down any.

Saturday James came to the house and welded the rings on the wheels. I spent the day welding the chassis into the frame in several spots. I also redid the traction bar and put a mount on the skid plate for the shackle.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2024%202008/Ftoy_510_080124_002.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2024%202008/Ftoy_510_080124_003.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2024%202008/Ftoy_510_080124_004.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2024%202008/Ftoy_510_080124_005.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2024%202008/Ftoy_510_080124_006.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2024%202008/Ftoy_510_080124_001.JPG


Thanks for looking.

Your panel in on the way:)

:smokin: Nice build Dude!!!!!! Get it! come up and wheel with us up in the North West we'll show ya a good time Right Pook!!!!!!!:D:laughing:

Looking good.
have you tried your front winch out yet? We was thinking the same thing But wasn't sure if it would work. Thought it might pull forward alot or maybe bend the leafs funny.

:smokin: Nice build Dude!!!!!! Get it! come up and wheel with us up in the North West we'll show ya a good time Right Pook!!!!!!!:D:laughing:

Thanks! I hope to get out west sometime in the next year. I have family in CO so I hope to make it alteast that far.

Looking good.
have you tried your front winch out yet? We was thinking the same thing But wasn't sure if it would work. Thought it might pull forward alot or maybe bend the leafs funny.

Nope not yet. I have the same concernes. If I had tilted the radiator and put the winch mount a little further back then i think it would be fine. I somehow missed that idea while reading all the other build threads :/.



Your panel in on the way:)

Thanks I can't wait. I'm almost to wire and plumbing. Hopefully after this weekend.

Saturday I ran the brake lines down the passenger side and drilled and tapped the bolt holes in the frame that hold the lines in place. Then I tore the steering box down for the drill/tap process. Sunday I started working on the mounts for the propane tanks. I wanted some cargo area in the back and wanted to keep the rear seat area open for some seats. I also wanted it to be pretty easy for myself to change out the tanks without having to lean my back over the side and lift the tank straight over the side bars, so the result I came up with seems to accomplish all those goals.

New propane Tank.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_001.JPG


Setup the steering box on the drill press.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_002.JPG


Top channel drilled and tapped


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_003.JPG


Side drilled and tapped. I had to do this side instead of the "A" because that fitting on the front would've been in danger of being hit by rocks or trees etc since it was right out front.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_004.JPG


Brake lines ran across the front of the firewall.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_005.JPG


Here is my solution for mounting the tanks. The tank will simply sit in the two rails and have a set of straps to hold it in place.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_006.JPG


Almost matches the lines of the chassis :)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_007.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_008.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_009.JPG


Next post...

Tank mounted. It goes to far down into the rear hoop.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_010.JPG


So I had to make a bottom point to stop it.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_011.JPG


Bottom stop in detail here.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_012.JPG


Did the job.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_013.JPG


Here I put some 1" sq tubing across the back to support the rear flooring and add some strength to the rear winch mount. 2 birds 1 stone type of deal.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_014.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_015.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_020.JPG


How the rig looked after this weekend.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_016.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_017.JPG

Next post...

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_018.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Jan%2027%202008/Ftoy_510_080127_019.JPG

Incomplete Todo list:

Install my proportioning valve
Run a line for the propane tank from the rear to the front.
Clevis mount for a D-Ring for the rear winch.
Mount battery box
Flooring
Cut the belly skid a little for the traction bar
Seat belt attachment points
Firewall sheet metal
Propane to 22r adapter plate
Gas pedal mount
Dash with new panels
Wiring
Buy some brake lights and head lights.
Install ARP studs when they get here from FROR.
Build front and rear drive shafts.
Fluids and grease
Adjust the front low range box so it doesn't interfere with the trans shifter.
Paint it.
Bold all the misc stuff on.
Figure out how to start it



Wow big list but nothing compared to what it was just a month ago. :)


Thanks for looking

:smokin:Looking sweet!!!!!!:smokin:

The propane tank mounts turned out REALLY nice!

Looks great:smokin:

I really dig the originality!:D

I really dig the originality!:D


Thanks. I'm really trying to make it my own instead of a complete duplicate of another.

Those tires look really nice :D Glad I could help :D Now we just gotta get it wired and fired :smokin:

Like the tank mounts.. are you going to use underneath them for storage?

Those tires look really nice :D Glad I could help :D Now we just gotta get it wired and fired :smokin:

Yup. Not working on it today.. I need a little R&R. :)

Like the tank mounts.. are you going to use underneath them for storage?

Yes I will have some storage under there, not much but some. I do have enough room between them for a cooler though :)

Yesterday I built some brackets to hold fluids, drilled/tapped holes to hold the propane stuff :) and worked on all the plumbing for the steering and radiator etc.

Now that the shop is clean James needs to get over there and get it fired up. Oh James. That thing is better in person.

A lot of work has been done but very few things really stand out as large achievements. I've plumbed the rig and welded on about every bracket I can think of. I did a lot of running around digging up the parts for the propane etc. I got the battery box welded in and acquired about everything for the electrical. After I had everything welded on the frame and installed to make sure it fit I unbolted everything and painted the rig with Hammered Silver. After that I started the bolt on process. I had to make a few trips to the exhaust shop getting a muffler and some tubing I could bend to make the exhaust fit. I also welded the front top shock mounts on and setup the bump stops for the rear. I have around 5" of up-travel on all 4 corners. I also installed the proportioning valve for the rear discs and the line lock on the front so I can do rear burns. I also installed some ARP knuckle studs on Tuesday night. Today James came over and started cleaning up the motor and removing all the unnecessary junk.

Here are the pics.


Driveshafts built...


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_024.JPG



Building front winch pivot point bar that will be used so the front winch can suck down the front axle.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_025.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_026.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_027.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_028.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_029.JPG



Tabs for panels welded on



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_030.JPG



Tcase removed so 4.7's and twin sticks can be installed.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_031.JPG



Dash panel cut


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_032.JPG



Rear expanded deck installed


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_033.JPG


Next post...

Starting exhaust.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_034.JPG



Had to bend these 1.75" x 16ga tubes to go under the xmember but stay above the belly skid. Luckily I had the die for my bender :)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_035.JPG


The muffler is going to move out of this spot and in front of the expanded so my shocks have more clearance. (I think)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_036.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_037.JPG


A shot after the paint.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_038.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_001.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_039.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_040.JPG

Next post..

Some homemade diff breathers like the ones TG sales (I actually got the stuff for these like 2 days before TG started selling theirs :) ) Dino1967 gave me the idea. The breathers are from the suzuki shop and the rest is 1/4 NPT with a barb'd fitting.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_002.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_004.JPG



Tcase installed with MC twin sticks and MC 4.7 gears.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_003.JPG


Some block offs James did tonight.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_007.JPG


Proprtioning valve


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_008.JPG


More blockoffs. Much cleaner :)



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_009.JPG


Chevy V8 fuel pump block off plate fit the toyota one really good. Thanks for the tip BJack.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_010.JPG


Front shock.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_011.JPG


Next post..

Dash panel with 12v guy panel and summit digital guages.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_012.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_016.JPG


Rear bump stops.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_013.JPG


Seat belt brackets with 1/2 bolt and a pin drilled through them.



http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_014.JPG


Twin sticks again :)


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_015.JPG


I wire brushed the alum dash and wire panel.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_017.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_018.JPG


Fuse panel under the dash.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_019.JPG

Next post..

Wiring in the back.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_020.JPG


Propane hoses. Just the vacumm line left to hookup.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_021.JPG



Expanded on the roof. I've got a softtop for the rainy days.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_022.JPG


Latest photos....


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_005.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_006.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb%2028%202008/Ftoy_510_080228_023.JPG


Welp that's it. I plan on working sat/sun and hoping it fires up and I can drive it. The list is getting much smaller.


Thanks for looking..

The rig looks great.
Cannot wait to see it in KY. Provided I place low in the comp I am running this weekend. If I am in the running for the points lead, things could change.

Looking good! Why did,nt you run your brake bias valve to the inside where you can reach it?

Looking good! Why did,nt you run your brake bias valve to the inside where you can reach it?

Honestly I figured once its set correctly I shouldn't need to touch it. Do people mess with those often?

Honestly I figured once its set correctly I shouldn't need to touch it. Do people mess with those often?

We dont even run one, I was just wondering, do you also run a line lock?

We dont even run one, I was just wondering, do you also run a line lock?

I kinda wondered if I even needed a valve for the rear but I figured do it now while I'm in build mode.

I do have a manual line lock going to the front calipers. It's located to the left of the steering wheel right now.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Feb 28 2008/Ftoy_510_080229_001.jpg

The line lock does help in some spots for doing 2wd rear burns. the car is looking good:smokin:

looks great. See ya in a:D month

Is this thing done yet..

shoot me a pm with your number I may can help you on one thing your needing..

I fixed the water leak, Setup the air cleaner, installed the winch, installed an overflow tank for the radiator and made some brackets for the front lights. Almost there.

New bolt in the Intake manifold

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_002.JPG


It can breathe clean air.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_003.JPG


Winch Box mounted on the side.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_004.JPG


Electrical connectors for the winch.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_005.JPG


Eye balls.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_006.JPG


As it sat last night.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_001.JPG

Tonight James is coming over to finish the wiring.
I have to build some brackets to hold the rear lights.
Bleed the brakes
Bleed the clutch
Bleed the steering
Adjust timing and check all the fluids like engine etc.
Install and wire the CB and put the floor boards in and install the seats.

Almost ready for a test drive :)

I'm a little worried about your forward most bar that runs from the rocker bar down to the frame. I think it's gonna hit the tire at full stuff unless the pic is deceiving.

ya john is right. it might hit. no big deal though. just cut it back out if it rubs bad and weld it in tighter.

Might be ok since your pretty far above the frame with your chassis. You'll know soon enough.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_005.JPG

Anderson Power Products 350A connector, or did you find a more economical connector?

I'm a little worried about your forward most bar that runs from the rocker bar down to the frame. I think it's gonna hit the tire at full stuff unless the pic is deceiving.
I think its the pic but i guess it could get up in there. I've actually not even considered that. I will watch that pretty close though (Pooks right though atleast its an easy fix if it does pose a problem)

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_005.JPG

Anderson Power Products 350A connector, or did you find a more economical connector?

The winch was mounted on my trailer when I bought it and the quick disconnect kit was with it so I used it so it was free :) I have no idea what brand/size it is sorry :(

Thanks for all the compliments everybody. This has been a journey thats for sure. Welp another update.

Last night I did some tail light mounts and worked with James on the wiring. Also mounted the CB and the cheapo drivers seat (Will be the first thing replaced). The driveshaft bolts are all mounted and tightened up as well.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_001.JPG


Powered Up.
http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_002.JPG


Tail lights :)
http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_003.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_004.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_005.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_006.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_012.JPG


More tank straps.
http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_007.JPG

Next post...

CB Up top.
http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_008.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_009.JPG


Antenna
http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_010.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%207%202008/Ftoy_510_080307_011.JPG



Tonight we bleed brakes, steering and clutch.
Setup the timing on the motor
Wire up the Alternator
Wire up the rear winch And Finally..................................... Drive it



Thanks for looking

Heres a web site that my buddy orders all his electrical connecters from they have those connectors you have on you winch,hope the info helps......

Nice build!!!!!!!





http://www.waytekwire.com/

that cb handle is going to pop off and hit your right in the head:laughing:

I really like the hammered Silver paint. I originally wanted to paint my rig Silver with Green panels but we got carried away with the black and so.....
What color you got in mind for the body panels? Maybe you already covered this but I didn't see it.

i ran mine for 2 years with blue frame and chassis. the reason i changed it is because it didnt look like a car. the blue paint of the frame mixed too much in the lines of the formula toy chassis. once i painted the frame black. it kind of hid itself and then only the chassis was blue and it looked more like a car...here's a before and after for reference.

http://www.thebestbuddies.com/pic/froctoberfest/images/ontrailer.jpg

http://www.thebestbuddies.com/pic/froctoberfest/images/poser.jpg

http://www.thebestbuddies.com/pic/formulatoy10/100206prorock/images/020_202.jpg

http://www.thebestbuddies.com/pic/formulatoy10/22606/images/100_9786.jpg

that cb handle is going to pop off and hit your right in the head:laughing:

Heh yup. That was just to keep it from dangling. I've got a little more work to do their.

I really like the hammered Silver paint. I originally wanted to paint my rig Silver with Green panels but we got carried away with the black and so.....
What color you got in mind for the body panels? Maybe you already covered this but I didn't see it.
heh Right now I'm thinking silver with green panels .. I have been in photoshop a little lately but nothing has hit home yet. Probably some yellow text on the green panels as well.


I stayed up until 3 am last night finishing the wiring. This morning I cleaned up a bit and bled the steering. Then I drove it :)

I think its gonna do really well... I'm hoping to take it to the farm tomorrow and play around. Hopefully it will be warmer. It was snowing on me for the test drive.


You propane guys do you run the vacuum advance or did you discard it?

Heh yup. That was just to keep it from dangling. I've got a little more work to do their.


heh Right now I'm thinking silver with green panels .. I have been in photoshop a little lately but nothing has hit home yet. Probably some yellow text on the green panels as well.


I stayed up until 3 am last night finishing the wiring. This morning I cleaned up a bit and bled the steering. Then I drove it :)

I think its gonna do really well... I'm hoping to take it to the farm tomorrow and play around. Hopefully it will be warmer. It was snowing on me for the test drive.


You propane guys do you run the vacuum advance or did you discard it?


Uhoh I was looking at yours and thinking about changing my cage to silver and leaving the frame and axles black.:D

Yes use the vac advance. Just keep advancing the timing until it pings then back off a little.

can you do a close up pic of your pedal mounts im builing a formula four style buggy for trails hope to see you guys in Harlan

can you do a close up pic of your pedal mounts im builing a formula four style buggy for trails hope to see you guys in Harlan

http://lh4.google.com/lucentglow/R9S9plOdBsI/AAAAAAAAFac/zKpOcX2Cq0w/s800/DSCF4303.JPG
http://lh4.google.com/lucentglow/R9S9rlOdBtI/AAAAAAAAFak/Yt9KN-0_Hfo/s800/DSCF4304.JPG
http://lh3.google.com/lucentglow/R9S9tVOdBuI/AAAAAAAAFas/vcD2W3Teyxs/s800/DSCF4305.JPG
http://lh6.google.com/lucentglow/R9S9vFOdBvI/AAAAAAAAFa0/HG5iOZG1Hxs/s800/DSCF4306.JPG
http://lh6.google.com/lucentglow/R9S9xFOdBwI/AAAAAAAAFbA/lwCgiKTckeE/s800/DSCF4316.JPG
http://lh6.google.com/lucentglow/R9S9zFOdBxI/AAAAAAAAFbI/_1ChFgiWriA/s800/DSCF4317.JPG

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%206%202008/Ftoy_510_080306_005.JPG

Anderson Power Products 350A connector, or did you find a more economical connector?

They use those on Electric Forklifts. Check out a forklift repair shop. They use them for the batteries, chargers etc, different sizes available.

Dad and I did a little riding on the farm today to test the rigs. There was on old logging road that has about 15 years of growth on it. That didn't stop us, we just did some trail blazing opening the trail back up. Anyway the Ftoy ran pretty good and had some idling issues over time. As the engine would warm up the idle would advance quite a bit so I have some issues to work out there. The suspension did really well but I do have a few adjustments to make. The rear shocks need to be moved up some to allow for a tad more up-travel so the bump stops can do their job. Anyway the ride went well but dad did take a little sheet metal damage.

Loaded up ready to go.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_003.JPG


unloading at the farm


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_004.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_001.JPG


Dads damage after riding.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_002.JPG


Lower bar is missing some paint :) So is the upper.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_008.JPG


Ftoy looks small next to dads ride.


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_009.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_001.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_011.JPG


http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/Ftoy/Mar%209%202008/Ftoy_510_080309_012.JPG

Overall a good day of wheeling..

i remember that day of first starting it up!!! what a good feeling. congrats!!!

I am soooooooo jealous! :D

Looks good.

thanks

I checked out your pedal assembly. Looked pretty good.....along with everything else. How did you go about fixing your front pinion angle? Shims?

Mine is not quite that bad but my front hanger is mounted a little lower and my shackles are the banana ones from Sky Manufacturing. How do you like the TG 5" springs so far? I have RUF and F150's in the back and thinking about upgrading.....especially since switching from truck to F-Toy.

Shims to fix the pinion angle. I'm saving for a HP 3rd to put in with an ARB.

The TG 5's are super soft and ride great. I'm going to harlan this weekend so I will know more about the rig after this run. :)

please post up a site to go to for Harlan info if you have one we would like to come but dont know anything

After the next comp on april 5, we want to do a trail run Harlan, Wheeling in the country, woodys or Windrock. Could you meet us there? Maybe we can get a couple more east coast f toys.
My group typically consists of 6-10 rigs of varying type. All are hard core, dont care about damage wheelers.

Congrats on the test run. i know it feels great. It only gets better as you SEARCH for the limits of what the F toy is capable of.

After the next comp on april 5, we want to do a trail run Harlan, Wheeling in the country, woodys or Windrock. Could you meet us there? Maybe we can get a couple more east coast f toys.
My group typically consists of 6-10 rigs of varying type. All are hard core, dont care about damage wheelers.

Congrats on the test run. i know it feels great. It only gets better as you SEARCH for the limits of what the F toy is capable of.

The weekend after the April fools day ride we are going to chinquipin offroad park in sneedville, tn to ride on saturday. This is a smaller park but has some awesome crawling. (Funnest I've had) Some people have described it like all the hard stuff of Harlan and tellico packed into one area with no trail running in between. Full cages and a waver are required to ride on the property. I'm sure If I talked to jeff he would let people camp and ride on sunday as well. if your interested I will talk to him about it. For that matter if that weekend doesn't work mention one that does and I will ask him about it instead. Also there is no cost to ride as of right now.

The ftoy was a blast on the first run. Now I simply have to get the motor running right.....

please post up a site to go to for Harlan info if you have one we would like to come but dont know anything

http://tired-iron.mounet.com/afd08/

I have the buggy all loaded up on the trailer ready to haul to harlan tomorrow. Looking forward to testing it out on some trails. Looks like its gonna be a wet and muddy weekend so it should make for some interesting wheeling.

:bounce2::bounce::bounce2::bounce:Have fun man and let us know how it goes!!!!!! nice build!!!!!:smokin::smokin:

Take pictures!!!!!

Cool build. I see Pitbull Rockers. Are those 37's? What size rim are you running them on? I am looking into getting a set.

Wes, great to see the Ftoy finally complete!

I hope all goes well for you in Harlan.
I have yet to go wheeling there when it wasn't slick and muddy. :D

Cool build. I see Pitbull Rockers. Are those 37's? What size rim are you running them on? I am looking into getting a set.

Yup 37" Rockers. They do really good. Those are on a 15" rim.

Wes, great to see the Ftoy finally complete!

I hope all goes well for you in Harlan.
I have yet to go wheeling there when it wasn't slick and muddy. :D

Harlan was cold, wet and muddy :) Crawlin wasn't much of an option. I had to let the squirrels drink a lot of pane to get up stuff. It was fun though. I'm looking forward to more trail time.

here is a video of me crawlin in the lower Rock Garden (a few minutes into the vid). It started raining right after that so all the camera got put up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wjbJ7qYDu8

Yup 37" Rockers. They do really good. Those are on a 15" rim.



Harlan was cold, wet and muddy :) Crawlin wasn't much of an option. I had to let the squirrels drink a lot of pane to get up stuff. It was fun though. I'm looking forward to more trail time.

here is a video of me crawlin in the lower Rock Garden (a few minutes into the vid). It started raining right after that so all the camera got put up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wjbJ7qYDu8

Rig looks to be working good. How'd those PB's do in the wet? You're gonna be at the April Fool's ride in Harlan right?!

Rig looks to be working good. How'd those PB's do in the wet? You're gonna be at the April Fool's ride in Harlan right?!

PB's did fine wet. About like an Iroc. It was actually easier for the ftoy to put the front tires up on some rocks compared to some linked jeeps on 42" irocs.

Yup I will be at the harlan april fools day run. :) I hope we get some dry weather for that one.

good video.. them rockers looked like they did great in the rocks..

good video.. them rockers looked like they did great in the rocks..

Hey Ronnie make that 2 orders for dry weather please.:D

I hear you on that one. I had enough rain this year. Seems to rain right before every trip planned or on the weekend planned.

I was told Wheelin in the country was closed by E P A until further notice ;some friends went down this weekend and they were closed

I started on the firewall tonight :) Trying to get comp ready for jellico. I hope to finish it up tomorrow night then this weekend I will fab up the motor cover is my 1.5" die gets here in time.

I noticed this build thread doesn't have any pics with the side panels installed. Here is the latest I have on guardrail at Tellico 2 weekends ago.

http://www.wesleycombs.com/Portals/0/Blog/trail%20rides/06092008/DSC05391.JPG

The side panels look great! Is that a wrap?

Note the comments in the Comp forum about making the team # more visible. For non-comp, I like the subtle 510.

The side panels look great! Is that a wrap?

Note the comments in the Comp forum about making the team # more visible. For non-comp, I like the subtle 510.


Yup its just vinyl I had printed. I thought about blinging the 510 and might just cut some letters from vinyl and stick them over the 510.

These little buggies are a blast. I'm getting a feel for the 22r and what it takes to wheel them.
I have some 1st person view videos that i need to edit together.

These little buggies are a blast. I'm getting a feel for the 22r and what it takes to wheel them.


Hamma down!!! :D

A little off topic. I heard Tellico had more trail closures. Was it even worth going to wheel? Keep in mind it is 6 hours from SC maybe 7.5hrs in the motorhome.

A little off topic. I heard Tellico had more trail closures. Was it even worth going to wheel? Keep in mind it is 6 hours from SC maybe 7.5hrs in the motorhome.

We wheeled the same stuff both days... So honestly... no. Gas is better spent going to harlan or another park. It was a 4 hour drive for us and I would do it only once per year just to hang out with the people I road with..

Hate to hear that.
Hopefully someone can "pull a rabbit out the hat" and keep this park open.

I threw a video of the f-toy on pull cable at Callalantee together. (http://www.wesleycombs.com/blog/tabid/53/EntryID/94/Default.aspx) That was probably my fav obstacle of the day. Lots of technical slow crawling. Also a video of my dad almost flopping his rover/yota mix

I threw a video of the f-toy on pull cable at Callalantee together. (http://www.wesleycombs.com/blog/tabid/53/EntryID/94/Default.aspx) That was probably my fav obstacle of the day. Lots of technical slow crawling. Also a video of my dad almost flopping his rover/yota mix

Cool. Never heard of that place?

I really like your dad's "unconventional" rig. Bet he was shaking a little bit after that?!:eek:

Where is that place at?

Where is that place at?

Mtn City, TN.

http://www.highcountryatv.com/

$10/day/rig

Some fun stuff over there. Not as big as harlan but cool none the less.

Nice vids, I have yet to make it up there. Heard alot about that place... looks like you had fun!! :D

Run a tube kicker up to a perimeter bar or to the seat bar....that winch mount is going to want to bend with dynamic loads on the trail.

Just and update on the rig.

The rear winch bar has help up well to the use and hasn't bent or acted like it was going to. Just an FYI.

The rig has had a few issues with clearance in the rear. The brake line coming down the the T was mounted at the top of the traction bar bracket and the suspension can compress so much in the rear that it hit the winch mount bar and pinched the steel braided line and cut it open. :eek: Also compressed the rear suspension up so much that it hit the muffler and jamed it up giving it some more clearance :smokin: .

On the front I had clearance issues with the winch cable bar that goes under the motor for the winch line to pivot on to suck the front axle up and the hydro assist ram. When the suspension compressed the fittings on the top of the steering ram would hit that bar. Resolved the problem by adding a little more bump stop and rotating the ram forward and using the Jam nuts to hold it there.

I am getting ready to get into a small phase 2 build. I'm adding suspension seats and going from 37's to 40's for tire size. Also putting on 6 shooter knuckles and going to add a new clutch, some Marlin HD axles seals and internal beadlocks. One day I will go for HP front 3rd and ARB's but not yet.

Just figured I would update this with stuff that changed or didn't work for those building there rigs.

Small update.

I just had a new stock clutch/flywheel/pressureplate etc put in because I was grasping at straws as to why my ftoy was always so weak (Not able to use 1:1 1st gear at all to drive the rig down the road. Always had to use 2:1) Well the new stuff didn't do crap. So I bought a 4.3 on propane and th350 and adapter for toycases that I was gonna drop in the buggy this winter (not planning on competing next year) but Having newborn makes it hard to get into a swap that is that time consuming. So around thanksgiving I found some new parts so I created some new plans.

I acquired a new to me 22re crate motor that I'm putting in right now. It came with a Centerforce DF clutch and pressure plate along with a PSC steering pump and a GM 1wire conversion done already... Here are the good parts though.. Has a Camden Supercharger hanging on the side with a 261 Crawler cam and some headwork has been done. Even better is it's setup on propane..

As of right now I have both motors removed from their respective chassis and I will be putting the newer/better motor in this week. I do have to move the Radiator forward a little because the SC requires an extra sheave on the the crank which puts me to close to the rad.

I'm looking forward to ~200 HP which is what the prev owner estimates this motor has.

I know it's not Comp legal even though I think power adders should be allowed since a competitor can call up DOA or LC and get 225HP out of a NA motor if they are just willing to spend the $. I think a common HP calculation should be used for tech and a competitor has a Not To Exceed HP rating or something like that. That way a resourceful guy can throw on a turbo and still compete with the $Bling engines. but that's just stiring the pot.. :stirthepot:

I like the engine choice. Good option for a nice power increase without having to redo the entire drivetrain. You'll have as much horsepower as me on half the cylinders. I may have a bit more torque though... :p

Now that it won't be comp legal I guess the next step will be linking it. :D

I like the engine choice. Good option for a nice power increase without having to redo the entire drivetrain. You'll have as much horsepower as me on half the cylinders. I may have a bit more torque though... :p

Now that it won't be comp legal I guess the next step will be linking it. :D

Nah man I have another chassis sitting in the driveway that will get the links. It will get the 4.3/th350 stuff and 1 tons. Thinking F&R Steer on it. Should be about 120" WB. I'd like to turbo the 4.3 though. I need the axles/links, airshocks, rear hydro and Time then It will be ready :)

Here is a video of the buggy I will be using as a base for that build. I pulled the motor from this one for the Ftoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUd_Q9m72H0

I know it's not Comp legal even though I think power adders should be allowed since a competitor can call up DOA or LC and get 225HP out of a NA motor if they are just willing to spend the $. I think a common HP calculation should be used for tech and a competitor has a Not To Exceed HP rating or something like that. That way a resourceful guy can throw on a turbo and still compete with the $Bling engines. but that's just stiring the pot.. :stirthepot:

Sounds cool but a rather weak, completely stock 22r on propane won 3 of 4 east events this year and a stock 22re with an auto trans got 2nd. Of course it's been proven that those guys cheated so take it for what it's worth. Still kinda hurts the argument for more power.:D

Sounds cool but a rather weak, completely stock 22r on propane won 3 of 4 east events this year and a stock 22re with an auto trans got 2nd. Of course it's been proven that those guys cheated so take it for what it's worth. Still kinda hurts the argument for more power.:D

Yeah but last year all motors were close to stock and this year Some are spending some real $$ in that area. I'm interested to see the outcome of 2009... Even your "stock" motors passed mine like i was sitting still in Harlan at the April Fools day run but I think the motors I've had in the buggy have been plain weak.. Heck A fresh stocker would've probably been a big step up for me.

I predict that in the future if a player wants to seriously compete for 1st in Ftoy they need to bring 20k to the build table instead of 10k. Gotta have Selectable lockers, Sticky tires, and a strong motor. These are the 3 places where a competitor is given a chance to either spend $ or not and most are choosing to spend the coin which means new builders are gonna just have to do the same if they are serious about winning which is kinda stepping away from the roots of the class IMO..

Doesn't bother me much, but I'm a long way from SoCal/AZ/UT/NV regular WE-Rock West comp circuit. I'm excited to have a super capable trail rig, and I'm hoping to get some local fun comps together....

...the class just made a huge change for the '09 season, and with a new perspective on finding sponsors, it doesn't bother me either that the vehicle buy-in cost went up. Some will grab the ring; some will simply build a capable budget rig. I don't see it as a detriment to the class, though.

An interested competitor could buy a built budget FToy like mine for $10k, and add a $3k motor, $2k in tires, and $2k in lockers, and be at $17k for a top level comp rig.

I'm excited to have a super capable trail rig, and I'm hoping to get some local fun comps together....

Thats what Ftoy is about to me.. I love mine for wheeling and having fun and I can fit a back seat so It's got the ability to be a family rig too. I can't wait to have some HP in it :)..


An interested competitor could buy a built budget FToy like mine for $10k, and add a $3k motor, $2k in tires, and $2k in lockers, and be at $17k for a top level comp rig.

17k, 20k eh close enough :)

Didn't mean to sound like I was splitting hairs. If someone was going "top level", there's probably another $3k they'd spend on accessories to hit your $20k number - carry more spares, radios/headsets, chromo t-case outputs, beadlocks, etc.

Do you have any good shots of your backseat/seat belt bar pics, etc?

Didn't mean to sound like I was splitting hairs. If someone was going "top level", there's probably another $3k they'd spend on accessories to hit your $20k number - carry more spares, radios/headsets, chromo t-case outputs, beadlocks, etc.

Do you have any good shots of your backseat/seat belt bar pics, etc?

I haven't gotten the back seat in yet. I picked up a YJ Rear seat to put in there. I will post pics when I get there though :)

I agree with you to a point but I still argue that the "tater mobile" did incredibly well this season on all stock motor and dot tires. It will ALWAYS be a driver/spotter class regardless of who brings what in the HP department.

I agree with sticky tires but not the rest. You don't actually need selectable lockers. Detroits front and rear would be good enough also. As far as the motor. I don't agree at all. You can use a stock junk yard motor that runs on propane and have a winning rig. Unless you guys do something different in the East, horsepower never has come into play when it come to winning or loosing in F-Toy. It just needs to be reliable.

I agree with sticky tires but not the rest. You don't actually need selectable lockers. Detroits front and rear would be good enough also. As far as the motor. I don't agree at all. You can use a stock junk yard motor that runs on propane and have a winning rig. Unless you guys do something different in the East, horsepower never has come into play when it come to winning or loosing in F-Toy. It just needs to be reliable.

Agreed, we did come in second with a ton of blow by, missing 1/2 the timing chain guides, and a knocking rod. :shaking: That motor was NEVER supposed to actually hit any trail, let alone a comp! :laughing:

X2 on the motor
It really wont matter at any crawling comp.

But you should hear it rev well past 8000rpm. Its a beautiful thing.

I agree with sticky tires but not the rest. You don't actually need selectable lockers. Detroits front and rear would be good enough also. As far as the motor. I don't agree at all. You can use a stock junk yard motor that runs on propane and have a winning rig. Unless you guys do something different in the East, horsepower never has come into play when it come to winning or loosing in F-Toy. It just needs to be reliable.

Agreed, we did come in second with a ton of blow by, missing 1/2 the timing chain guides, and a knocking rod. :shaking: That motor was NEVER supposed to actually hit any trail, let alone a comp! :laughing:

Give up 1/2 your traction to rain and slimy TN Clay then tell me that it wont make a difference. Not all east coast comps are held in a dry rock garden type area. If it's a dry day I have no problems at all. Slick it up and things change quick. Check the Hill Climb thread on what it takes to have a TN buggy with all the slop we wheel in. I'm not saying a stocker can't win but I am saying a built motor isn't going to hurt when the elements rear their head and it turns into a WOT/stand on it display.


Honestly all my opinions are based purely on the engines I've had in my buggy and a good stock motor might be sufficient and maybe the 2 i've had are just junkers.

Oh well I do have to pull my belly pan and do some new exhaust work since the new motor has nice exhaust manifold so that's were the build heads this week :) I hope to have it back together for a ride on the 26th or 27th in harlan.

I totally agree that more horse power is a great thing for a trail rig. The only thing I disagreed on is your statement that big horsepower motors were necessairy to be competitive in W.E. Rock competition.

X2 on the motor
It really wont matter at any crawling comp.

But you should hear it rev well past 8000rpm. Its a beautiful thing.

:flipoff2::D:flipoff2:






Honestly Wes I'm just jealous. Can't wait to hear it sing in Dayton!:D

:flipoff2::D:flipoff2:

Honestly Wes I'm just jealous. Can't wait to hear it sing in Dayton!:D

I am working on a more conservative controlled driving style. The WOT displays are a thing of the past.





















NOT:flipoff2:

well #48 will have a weak junkyard motor in it for 09, and it will be my first comp, so iam screwed:laughing:

well #48 will have a weak junkyard motor in it for 09, and it will be my first comp, so iam screwed:laughing:

Lol nah I'm wrong and motor makes no difference. Just go out and gett'm. 1 Word of advice is some good radios for you and your spotter. Dad and I lost lots of time due to having to repeat stuff all the time.

where is the best place to get them

where is the best place to get them

Check this thread I believe the blue tooth radios ended up working really well for some.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=680102&highlight=radio

Quick update.

After reading the shackle angle thread I decided that I needed to make a change. I've also noticed that my rear shackle bushings are shot after 1 year so I ordered some new shackle mounts from TG and plan on doing like Kevin/ski4x4 (RIP) did and move the mounts back off the rear xmember to get a better angle.

here are the mounts i ordered.

http://www.trail-gear.com/images/2008-1590b-600.jpg

I've thought about just using some 2" Sq stock to get them moved back further. If thats not far enough I will design some other mount to get the shackle angle corrected. This should also lift the back up a little which will help because the rear sits lower than the front.

I agree with you to a point but I still argue that the "tater mobile" did incredibly well this season on all stock motor and dot tires. It will ALWAYS be a driver/spotter class regardless of who brings what in the HP department.

"Tater mobile" Thats funny. I think power should be the last upgrade, selectable lockers first, stickies secound, then work on the motor upgrades. Just my opinion:)

I am working on a more conservative controlled driving style. The WOT displays are a thing of the past.





















NOT:flipoff2:

Just point, close eyes, and shoot!! Good times!

Quick update.

After reading the shackle angle thread I decided that I needed to make a change. I've also noticed that my rear shackle bushings are shot after 1 year so I ordered some new shackle mounts from TG and plan on doing like Kevin/ski4x4 (RIP) did and move the mounts back off the rear xmember to get a better angle.

here are the mounts i ordered.

http://www.trail-gear.com/images/2008-1590b-600.jpg

I've thought about just using some 2" Sq stock to get them moved back further. If thats not far enough I will design some other mount to get the shackle angle corrected. This should also lift the back up a little which will help because the rear sits lower than the front.


You will like.

I tried a similar setup on the Jeep (RE Joints as the frame side shackle mounts on rear SUA leaf springs) hoping to gain a bit of flex and lessen bushing wear. I lost tons of lateral stability, making it not feel good around corners at speed or while sidehilling. I swapped back out for regular bushings shortly after and was much happier with the performance.

However, Jeeps and F-Toys are not one in the same:homer:, so it may end up working out better for you... My .02

Just point, close eyes, and shoot!! Good times!


I was hoping nobody saw that.
I hope I can do better this year. I think I am going to wear an eye patch. Maybe I will be able to focus better and people will think I am real cool.:laughing:

OK from the quotes below people/competitors say it doesn't matter what motor you have/run when it comes to comps right? So now my question is if it doesn't matter who has what in the HP department then we are we not allowed to run a turbo or a super charger and still be comp legal? I mean if it doesn't matter and provides no advantage in comps then why restrict it at all?

Desert Toy states the more HP in a trail rig is a good thing and since part of the idea behind Ftoy is a multipurpose trail rig/family rig/competition rig then why not allow it?

:stirthepot: Flame away

As far as the motor. I don't agree at all. You can use a stock junk yard motor that runs on propane and have a winning rig. Unless you guys do something different in the East, horsepower never has come into play when it come to winning or loosing in F-Toy. It just needs to be reliable.

Agreed, we did come in second with a ton of blow by, missing 1/2 the timing chain guides, and a knocking rod. :shaking: That motor was NEVER supposed to actually hit any trail, let alone a comp! :laughing:

X2 on the motor
It really wont matter at any crawling comp.



It will ALWAYS be a driver/spotter class regardless of who brings what in the HP department.

I totally agree that more horse power is a great thing for a trail rig. The only thing I disagreed on is your statement that big horsepower motors were necessairy to be competitive in W.E. Rock competition.

I think they should be stock and I think the rules say stock head and block. I would think that means no stroking the bottom end, no bigger valves etc. or am I wrong? Must be natrually aspired too. I think all this makes for a better class and cheaper. More driver spotter not money and a good sponsor. But thats just me:) Upgrade to propane if you want, upgrade your EFI if you want, just have fun!!

I think they should be stock and I think the rules say stock head and block. I would think that means no stroking the bottom end, no bigger valves etc. or am I wrong? Must be natrually aspired too. I think all this makes for a better class and cheaper. More driver spotter not money and a good sponsor. But thats just me:) Upgrade to propane if you want, upgrade your EFI if you want, just have fun!!

That's how I Interpreted the rules originally but there is a thread that says whatever you want pretty much as long as its NA and doesn't have some crazy custom 1 off dual over head cam or something...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8575229&postcount=91

The class needs a motor buy rule....we did this in some local dirt racing...you could buy anyones motor for a set amount,so this kept everyone from putting big bucks in their motors

That's how I Interpreted the rules originally but there is a thread that says whatever you want pretty much as long as its NA and doesn't have some crazy custom 1 off dual over head cam or something...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8575229&postcount=91

I read somewhere else that it must appear pretty well stock from the outside--start with a stock block and stock head.

The class needs a motor buy rule....we did this in some local dirt racing...you could buy anyones motor for a set amount,so this kept everyone from putting big bucks in their motors

"Claim rule"

Skip the "you can do this, you can't do that" aspect.
If someone dumps uber-cash into their rig, 2nd place can buy 1st place motor for a set amount. $1,200??

I'm all for it!!

I would be willing to give Wes 1200.00 for his motor.:flipoff2::flipoff2:

Wesley noone is stopping you from building a full on NA engine. For the time and money you will spend swapping drivetrains you could almost buy a "hotrod" 22re from DOA or LC, or somebody? I'd much rather have a nice "built" NA engine than to have to dick around with a turbo or blower. Stay within the rules and have all the power you'll ever need in a lightweight 4 banger.

I would be willing to give Wes 1200.00 for his motor.:flipoff2::flipoff2:

I was waiting on that one.
It aint happening.:flipoff2:

Wesley,
I bet if you get a good 22r you would be a lot more happy. You would be clearing most obstacles you approached. (stickies would help) Your engine just would not rev up in Jellico like it should. It sounded like the dizzy was not advancing.
I also bet if you 4.3 plus the needed drivetrain you will greatly hinder the performance of the F toy. Primarily due to weight.

Quick bit of math to back up Scheidhauer
$500 4.3 engine
$300 trans
$2400 atlas??
$1000 for shifters / linkages / trans cooler / fluids / mounts/ I am sure there is more
$1500 for the 75 hours or more to do the swap ($15 per hour)
I am sure I missed something and over and under priced something. But that is $5700. You can get a solid performance Toyota engine for that money and wheel the next weekend.

I'm not using the 4.3 in the ftoy. I have a crate 22re on propane with oversized valves, 261 crawler cam and a few other mods.. Oh yeah it also has a Camden Supercharger on it too.. Should be about 200 hp :) The new motor is in the buggy right now and i'm just trying to finish up the modifications I had to make because of the super charger, 1wire alt, psc pump etc.

Sounds awesome.
I cant wait to wheel with you. When is your next Harlan trip. We are talking late Jan / Early Feb.

Sounds awesome.
I cant wait to wheel with you. When is your next Harlan trip. We are talking late Jan / Early Feb.

If I get the motor done it'll be this friday. :) Let me know when you plan to hit harlan for jan/feb.. Maybe you could come check out Chinquapin :)

Get it done already, Friday is getting close. :D

Get it done already, Friday is getting close. :D

Trying to take 1/2 day off tomorrow to finish it up so I can take it for exhaust on tuesday. There are a few things I've done that are cut cornerish that I don't like but you gotta do what ya gotta do.. It's mainly just radiator stuff anyway so at least its not that hard to fix later.

Cool, hope you get it done. I'm loading my junk up tomorrow night. I'd come help, but I've got Christmas things to go to every night this week.

If I get the motor done it'll be this friday. :) Let me know when you plan to hit harlan for jan/feb.. Maybe you could come check out Chinquapin :)

That sounds great. Will the crew of 4-6 motorhomes fit at camp? The entire crew is going to travel a bit in Jan/Feb/March.
We are waiting on Sonny to finish his toy based buggy. You met Sonny in Harlan with the backhalf red jeep.

That sounds great. Will the crew of 4-6 motorhomes fit at camp? The entire crew is going to travel a bit in Jan/Feb/March.
We are waiting on Sonny to finish his toy based buggy. You met Sonny in Harlan with the backhalf red jeep.

Plenty of room at chinquapin. It's all primitive camping FYI. When is the trip to MOAB? 2010? A couple of buddies are heading out then and I need to make it out there sometime. I think a good group I ride with is doing GrayRock sometime in April so I will let you know about that one. Also it's been mentioned that the April Fools Toyota run in Harlan will be the last weekend in March so keep that in mind :).

All sounds good.
Moab is probably a dream for me. Unless the trip is in Jan/Feb. My business will not allow me to get away for more than3-4 days April through September.

Nice build man.

I appreciate all the detailed fab pics because half the time Im blown away because I just have no idea how somebody even made a part, muchless made it look good :homer::mr-t:

How long is your bumper-pull trailer with the pop-up on it? Ive seen big gooseneck and Heeps on tons like that, but never a small trailer.

We have few Toys that go riding in Gardendale once a month when you head down this way. If you need to bring a youngin' that cool too. We usually have a few with us to and understand the extra planning envolved. I think the only reason my 7 year old goes riding is so he can play in the mud/creeks :D

:grinpimp:

How long is your bumper-pull trailer with the pop-up on it? Ive seen big gooseneck and Heeps on tons like that, but never a small trailer.

:grinpimp:

We have not seen this setup yet. Got any pics?

Nice build man.

I appreciate all the detailed fab pics because half the time Im blown away because I just have no idea how somebody even made a part, muchless made it look good :homer::mr-t:

How long is your bumper-pull trailer with the pop-up on it? Ive seen big gooseneck and Heeps on tons like that, but never a small trailer.

We have few Toys that go riding in Gardendale once a month when you head down this way. If you need to bring a youngin' that cool too. We usually have a few with us to and understand the extra planning envolved. I think the only reason my 7 year old goes riding is so he can play in the mud/creeks :D

:grinpimp:

It was a 22' trailer with an old popup on it. In the winter it was awesome I just kept a heater running in it and it was warm and toasty but it pulled awful because It needed about a 24' deck to evenly distribute the weight. (It pulled much better with the lighter Ftoy on it versus My Rubi but still not good enough to cruise 65-70mph down the interstate.) I've never riden GardenDale. What kinda places are there to ride? My next Camping type purchase is gonna be an RV or somesorts. Maybe a class C. Nothing to long or to big but a slide would be nice.

We have not seen this setup yet. Got any pics? It's my old trailer/camper combo. I think there is a pic of it when I did the first test drive at the farm.

BTW I did a test run with the new motor today and it has a lot more power and torque, I'm still trying to adjust the throttle cable a little as of right now it has some slack in it I have to take care of. Looks like Friday I'm gonna hit up Harlan :)

We have #111 finished and #112 will be done in a week. We would love to meet up with you guy's at harlan sometime.

We have #111 finished and #112 will be done in a week. We would love to meet up with you guy's at harlan sometime.

Well cmon! Harlan in Jan/feb is rough.. Never good weather. I hope to start on a soft top with windows sometime soon so winter wheeling is more enjoyable and I'm semi protected from the elements.

Very soon.
i have torn the car down and hope to reassemble after next week. We are going for a local trip to Gulches on Jan 10, then we will try to hit the road for A longer trip.
I will PM when it comes together.

Well I took the buggy out today for it's initial run and man did this motor wake it up. I had a great day of riding except for the stupid GM 1 Wire Alt. First off it has been draining by battery every night since I hooked it up so when I get into Harlan to unload the battery had a whopping 4.5v. So I roll the buggy off the trailer and dad gets the jumper cables. We let it charge for a while then get it to crank. The bigger coil requires a solid 12+v to give spark. Then I let the buggy run for a while and charge the motor and its putting out a good 13-14volts. Well about 1/2 way through the day I notice I'm running at 12.7-12.8 volts constant and I just assume the alt has cut off because the battery is charged but that was wrong of me to assume something. So I'm on top of the mountain in the upper rock garden and just make it over a huge rock and the buggy dies. The motor would turn over but not crank and when trying to crank the volt meter reads 11volts. We do a spark test on a plug wire and yup no spark :( So after winching out (yeah the battery could run the winch fine but not the accel supercoil.) I throw a tow strap on it and dad pulls me down the mountain so we can load it on the trailer.

I've now moved the alt to the master switch so it can't drain the battery and I'm gonna go get the alt tested and replace it if needed or I might go back to a toyota alt..

On a good note the motor screams. We ran Lower Damnation and it hopped right up the obstacles with no problem and then we ran big perm which is a steep rocky hill climb with a large obstacle 1/2 way up and then the top is all black harlan county mud. The buggy rocked on big perm with the new motor. It's amazing at how fast the power comes on now. I was actually able to grab a gear in the climb and keep going which amazed me. So I'm not comp legal any more but It's well worth it to get the performance I'm looking for. I didn't feel like the motor was the part holding the buggy back now. I think I still have a little tuning to do on the motor as it wasn't running as smooth as I would like but overall it's a huge difference.

No pics =.................................



It never happened.:flipoff2:



We needs pics of the engine and the ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0PysTWO3a4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3BQiZZZFyo&feature=channel

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xdt4leV36Eo/SVaXD-0LnyI/AAAAAAAAHq8/X5zQajIDQM8/s400/IMG_0745.JPG

Sounds good! We did Lower Damnation in April in a full on downpour. It was awesome! I still don't know what Harlan looks like dry?:D

Sounds good! We did Lower Damnation in April in a full on downpour. It was awesome! I still don't know what Harlan looks like dry?:D

You need to come back about mid July it's dry as a desert then. I have a video on YouTube called Harlan RRORC (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blCoS8n240Y) if you wanna see harlan mostly dry. I've never been on Lower Damnation Dry but have seen a few pics and vids where it had no water on it.

I've just about got the Ftoy buttoned back up and fixed the electrical issues with the new charging system so I should be back up for a local trip before too long. I think a few buddies are planning on Harlan in the next Month or so.