Well, it looks like I have been lurking on here for over 3 years now and only made 14 posts......

so I thought I might start a build thread and maybe contribute some ideas in return for all of the ones that i have stolen :D



Here is a little update on the history of how the CrazyBlaze has gotten to where it is now.

Here is the beginning, it actually isn't totally stock but it is the most stock picture I have
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/515000-515999/515961_68_full.jpg


Here is after I put the trailmaster 5" lift 2" body lift, and huge torsion bar crank
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/515000-515999/515961_29_full.jpg

After the SAS but before any other real drivetrain mods
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/515000-515999/515961_141_full.jpg

atlas 3.8, ford 8.8 rear, 63" chevy leaves in the rear
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/11/web/515000-515999/515961_253_full.jpg

35's, hood vents ;) , and some more dents
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%204/n80400992_30281869_5108.jpg

completely rebuilt front suspension, astro van steering box, 8 lug HP d44 5.13's aussie locked, High steer, D60 rear 5.13's welded, new tranny crossmember and motor chain
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2012.jpg

no carpet, no a/c, front bumpstops added, steering stabilizer, recentered H1 double beadlocks and cut down runflats, with 36" hummer tires
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-22-07/100_8053.jpg

Now 11-3-07
D60 open, 14 bolt rear welded, disk rear, both 5.13's, Mile Marker 12k winch, about 2" more lift, and a lot more body damage
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%2011-03-07/100_0868.jpg

Here is the whole build thread: http://www.zr2usa.com/mboard/index.php?showtopic=6361&st=0

So here is the project I am up to now.

At the Toys for Tots run last december I accidentally broke out one of my back windows on a tree.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Krocks%20toys%20for%20tots%2012-08-07/IMG_1845.jpg

So the next wheeling trip at tuttle creek it was kinda cold with no back window

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_1727.jpg


I decided that instead of putting in another window just to break it out again I would rather just get rid of it all.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/100_0220.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/100_0218.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/100_0217.jpg

I think I am going to try to move the glass lift gate up and have it still work and open, then build a mini truckbed with toolboxes on the sides.

I am definately open to ideas though if you guys have some good ones.

lower it and get bigger tires

What a waste of a (fairly) new truck.

nice build...

What a waste of a (fairly) new truck.

I bet he has alot less invested than most wild trail trucks out there. Nice rig, what powerplant? 4.3?

It's pretty common to build up your first 4 wheel drive for most of us. Cutting it up is the best thing at your stage in the build. Good build up, but I agree that it needs less lift but gain it back with bigger tires.

Finally got a day off work yesterday and worked on the blaze from 9 am to 5:30pm

got a little further on the chop

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/P1010421.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/P1010419.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/P1010424.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/P1010428.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/P1010429.jpg
I still am seriously debating about welding the angle iron on the outside too but I am trying to think of a good way to do it without totally destroying my paint.

I have some of the "cold coat" gel stuff that I was thinking about putting on where the paint starts but I'm not sure how much I trust it....

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/P1010426.jpg

I call them my "tree sliders" I figure since thats where the tree hit to break out my window, I might as well beef it up a little.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/P1010433.jpg

not done by any means, there is a LOT left to do.

I NEED bigger tires, but the main reason I am running the h1 tires is because I can get them for free. I just haven't came upon a super deal on tires yet.





I also got some bling from Poly Performance

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/P1010423.jpg

looks like a good start man. keep at it!

oh yea, get bigger tires and hydro steering!

like the cap you built. I found that using 1/2 x 1/2 square tube worked well to reinforce the fender rail on my racer and was light weight. problem is that it bends easier than your angle iron design. If you can keep the sheetmetal cool enough, you can tack weld the panel all the way around before you finish weld it into place. the shitty thing about newer GM products is the lack of steel to weld to on body panels.

Nice to see the culmination of so much wheeling fun and the way it got there. also nice to see innovation in a build.


are you happy with the backwards front spring? (i say backwards because its not the same design i would have chosen.)

looks like ya might be at the point to start looking at a cage? unless I missed that part.

Great build. Can you show some more pictures of where you brought the glass foreward and attached it to the rest of the main body. Also where you attached the angle iron in the back are you going to connect it to the inner tub?

Nice, I like, thank you for sharing.

to grumpy old fart- I love the way my suspension works right now. The only problems I ever run into with being shackle front is I tend to bash them into things often. besides that, it works great for me.




I need some opinions on this.

I went wheeling today and everything is working great, I love my truck the way it is.

As of right now I can turn easily and it gets pretty much everywhere I want without a front locker.

so I am debating between two options on what direction the next mod goes

#1. Get full hydro steering and weld the front diff (I already ordered parts mike heim joint high steer arms, and have a high flow power steering pump from agr that I won at a meet)

#2. Instead, spend the money on a new quality (warn) winch for the front and mount my mile marker on the back where it can be used in emergencies b/c today I definately could have used it.

keep this in mind though it gets me pretty much everywhere I want to go now. I have had a front locker before and broken shafts and had to buy bling shafts before but I really just love wheeling, not breaking shit every single time.

what do you guys think would benefit more?

to grumpy old fart- I love the way my suspension works right now. The only problems I ever run into with being shackle front is I tend to bash them into things often. besides that, it works great for me.




I need some opinions on this.

I went wheeling today and everything is working great, I love my truck the way it is.

As of right now I can turn easily and it gets pretty much everywhere I want without a front locker.

so I am debating between two options on what direction the next mod goes

#1. Get full hydro steering and weld the front diff (I already ordered parts mike heim joint high steer arms, and have a high flow power steering pump from agr that I won at a meet)

#2. Instead, spend the money on a new quality (warn) winch for the front and mount my mile marker on the back where it can be used in emergencies b/c today I definately could have used it.

keep this in mind though it gets me pretty much everywhere I want to go now. I have had a front locker before and broken shafts and had to buy bling shafts before but I really just love wheeling, not breaking shit every single time.

what do you guys think would benefit more?

Sent PM about problem 1 ;)

weld it! hydro steering, BIGGER MEATS!

I wheeled with V6, 4:1, 36s, welded front, with stock shafts.....no problems at all. I upgraded the motor and tires, so I upgraded the shafts.

Brian

got some pics from the 2008 Frostbite event

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n205302300_30886438_4696.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n513530291_450251_8484.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n513530291_450259_1754.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n513530291_450267_4770.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n205302300_30886441_5542.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n513530291_450261_2448.jpg

Haha, after this I came home and ordered a lunchbox locker for the 60 :laughing:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n513530291_450260_2111.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n205302300_30886444_6439.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Frostbite%20run/n205302300_30886445_6729.jpg


It was a pretty cool event, there was 230 rigs there :eek:


They served breakfast and lunch, they ran out of donuts in the morning and we barely got some lunch :o

We had to sit in line on the road leading to the park for ~30 min just to get in :eek:

God those tires are crap...^pic above, they're caked in mud :laughing: other than that, really cool build. I hope you come up on a good deal on tires soon so you can see what your truck's really got. :D

Looks like baby Avalanche (sp) but I like it

Awesome thread, really like what you have done with your rig. Keep up the good work!:smokin:

I finally got my camera back from my parents house


Here are some pix of my cutting brake finished

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_8729.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_8733.jpg

I know the lines look like spaghetti, but by the end of this project I would be happy never seeing another brake line
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_8730.jpg
That "was" a 60/40 bench seat, but I cut the cushion out then routed that tube up so I could keep the armrest and have a support for it when it is down.

The usps man brought me a present today :D
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_8746.jpg

Lets see how long it takes to break a 60 shaft :evil:

got done installing my locker


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_8754.jpg

I also installed one of my parts mike high steer arm on the drivers side

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_8761.jpg

Tried to do a front wheel drive burnout in the garage when I was done but it kept dragging the rear tires


I had to adjust the atlas shifters too, I got pissed off at working around my front driveshaft so I ended up cutting about a 6x6 hole in the floor :o

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_8762.jpg

See, nice easy access now. I guess I'll make a door or something over it I was too mad at the time to think it though

Ordered some new tires, so the old ones had to go

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/th_blazerburnout2.jpg (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/?action=view&current=blazerburnout2.flv)


and I finally got the new tires installed.



She looks a little rough, I have done a lot of abusing and not a lot of loving lately :mr-t:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/new%20shafts%20and%20tires/100_8936.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/new%20shafts%20and%20tires/100_8937.jpg


They are 38x12.50x16.5, I am honestly disappointed with the actual size of these tires. I really expected them to be close to 38 but mounted on the truck they only measure about 36 with 10 psi, and unmounted they were maybe 37


I'm ganna go beat on them at D-day this weekend at tell ya how they work ;)

Oober I didn't know you hung out over here.... I decided to go with the Stak (sp:confused:) transfer case with a passenger side drop on my rig. I am still collecting parts as the wife allows me to.

Damn those tires look good on your rig!!!!

Cool S-10. It's a little tall, but I really like the rear chop.

Chevy built a few concept S-10 Blazers with a mini bed a few years ago for Baja Chase trucks that looked almost like yours. I like it.

Looks like you still have trouble keeping side glass in :evil: or is that curved piece not finished?

Check the last few pages of Ken Carter's XJ build, he did a similar chop and kept his back glass.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353716

not broken, I recently cut that out. you can see what it used to look like if you look at some of the pics before.


the chop is ganna get there someday, not the funnest project I have done. I hate sheetmetal......

looks good dude.....told ya to get some 39.5s atleast!

70 dollars more per tire to go up another 1.5"

thats almost 300 bux that I could spend on something else......;)

Hey oober, your build looks really good. I like the way your build just followed the build it, brake it then build it better program. Keep posting pics and enjoy your hard work. JD.......

I love seeing SAS S10 builds...

good job...

I bet some 40" boggers would look Sic under it..

Just got back from d-day


Had a blast out there, and the new tires did AWESOME.

There were a lot of things that I did that I know my military tires wouldn't have gotten me through


we were having too much fun to get many pix, so here are some we got

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D-DAY/100_8977.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D-DAY/100_8981.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D-DAY/100_9011.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D-DAY/100_9027.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D-DAY/100_9033.jpg

haha, guess I wasn't entertaining enough for the gf :jester:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D-DAY/100_8985.jpg

Bent my tie rod.......again


but that was about it, no other breakage that I know of. That makes for a good day :smokin:

I like it!! turned out really good, the tires seem to give it a whole new attitude. Any future plans for it?

That was one hell of a Burnout man I give it a 10. Looks like a fun rig.

im diggin this thing

Went wheelin again on sat at Krocks for the trail cleanup

got a few pics

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/100_9052.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/100_9055.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/l_1049e73a73c0d5c175d7347e2f3504f8.jpg

so the trail held up to it's name, I kinda creeped up to it so I could check the depth and the blaze just nose dived, and I shut it off immediately

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/l_013da1d98a21a0b5ccabcee3a741ef4f.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/l_26b7df63b7f3cad19593f87ad343848e.jpg

I tried to reach my winch but it was under 1 foot of water and 6 inches of mud (thank god for tall waterproof boots)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/l_05ba91336b07ce4008f414266636dabf.jpg

Tried to pull it out, didn't work
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/l_45122dc4b73cfd8aa95ad31d31430575.jpg :laughing:

got some help

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/l_9212a62918ff3891297dc0aa667bceb4.jpg

Pulled out my air filter and wrang it out, then dumped about a quart of water out of my airbox. I pulled off the intake tube at the elbow to the manifold and it was dry so I checked the rest of the fluids and started it up, and it ran fine


ran a little warm for the rest of the day since my radiator is pretty much plugged and it sounds like there are some sea animals in one of my serpentine pulleys.

Here are some pix from the rest of the day

trail trash
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/l_f232c680fd848930cd4f5ffbb9e50990.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/100_9057.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/100_9059.jpg

I almost lost it on this one, because my tires were muddy and when I got up on the wall my whole truck slid about a foot to my left and started leaning downhill. I threw it in reverse and hammered it and luckily it didn't roll.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks%204-12-08/100_9060.jpg

fun day, and I only barely tweaked my tie rod this time b/c I sleeved it in 1.75 tubing :D

Still way too tall and way too small of tires.

The difference in contact patch from taller tires makes a HUGE difference in traction. You make it seem as if 1.5" taller tires are just that. It is more than height...the contact patch gets longer.

I think you should either put 44s on that thing or lower it down at least six inches. I'm actually surprised you haven't rolled it, the soft suspension is probably the only reason why it has stayed on all four.

is it really that tall though?

it feels VERY stable on the trails and I can still stuff the tires up in the wheel wells


I just went out and measured it and the blazer is 6' 6" to the highest point and still fits easily in my standard garage

I went over and measured my stock dodge tow rig and the blazer is only 2" taller


Reading your buildup thread when you were on 39.5's it said your truck was 7'4" to the top of the tubes, even compensating for tires (about an inch) your truck is still 9" taller than mine :confused:

Still way too tall and way too small of tires.

I think you should either put 44s on that thing or lower it down at least six inches.

:shaking:

I been doin WORK sons



I got a pretty sweet deal on an orbital, lines, and a ram the other weekend and started putting it on today

Got the other high steer arm on and the tie rod made(DOM this time), also got my tall ass bracket made for the ram

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9081.jpg

I am 90% sure the ram is too small for my application but I couldn't tell when I bought it what size it was

I am pretty sure it is a trail gear 8" ram but I can't tell if it is the 1.5 or 2" piston. On their website it says that the 1.5" shaft is 3/4" and the 2" shaft is .800 but the shaft on my ram measures .785 :confused:

I would assume that if it was a 2" bore then the outside of the ram would be bigger than 2" right?

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9082.jpg
I did build it with enough room so that if I do have to get the bigger ram it will fit

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9085.jpg
I am still very confused about heims......

I already quizzed a couple of people about it but I still don't fully get it


so I got 2 pairs of those tapered misalignment spacers but it doesn't look like I need to run them on the bolt head side

or do I even need the misalignment spacers????

got a little bit of stuff done today

picked up a 2.5" ram and a bunch of lines/fittings at TSC
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9112.jpg
The cotter pins that hold the pins in look really hoakey, would I be safe just replacing the pin with a bolt?

had Orielly's cut the high pressure line coming from my power steering box and crimp on a 3/8's fitting
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9113.jpg

Got one of my old motor mounts out, notice anything out of the ordinary?
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9114.jpg

Started building new motor mounts, I was going to cut the bracket off the frame and extend the mount all the way to the frame but my friend came up with a good idea to just make the new bushing fit in the stock location and bolt in the stock holes. So this is what I came up with.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9115.jpg
not done but you prolly get the idea

in the process of fixing my grill :D
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9116.jpg

Finally repainted my bumper, it looked terrible
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9117.jpg

goal is to have it drivable by the end of the weekend :eek:

is it really that tall though?

it feels VERY stable on the trails and I can still stuff the tires up in the wheel wells


I just went out and measured it and the blazer is 6' 6" to the highest point and still fits easily in my standard garage

I went over and measured my stock dodge tow rig and the blazer is only 2" taller


Reading your buildup thread when you were on 39.5's it said your truck was 7'4" to the top of the tubes, even compensating for tires (about an inch) your truck is still 9" taller than mine :confused:

My truck doesn't have anything heavy above my ass. There is no roof, bed, etc. You've got an awful lot of body.

I actually haven't measured it since it went on a serious diet. I think it'd likely fit inside a 7' garage though. It would on the 38s with a 3" body lift. If you think your rig feels stable now, wait until you lower it about 6".

Front bumper looks a lot better.

You don't need misalignment spacers.

I do agree that lower is better, but this thing isn't going any lower without some huge changes, I would lose a LOT of compression in my suspension travel

once I put this ram on with the high steer I am going to be getting really close to my oil pan




would it be alright if I found some 7/8 or 1" bolts to replace those pins in the ram?

Yeah. Just use grade 8.

i myself use 1" bolts in my ram... a friend of mine is using the supplied pins on his both front and rear . either way will work fine.

as to your question about the missalignments.. those are mainly used to allow the heim to move to its fullest, in other words on links and whatnot.

Good looking rig! I think I saw you a couple of years ago at KRocks?
Anyways Frostbite and Muddygras were a blast this year but don't remember seeing your rig.
You'll love the full hydro once you get it all blead out!

Got her drivable today!!!


Put the new AGR power steering pump in with a radiator hose to extend the reservoir all the way to the cap
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9137.jpg

Cut the splined section off the shaft that goes to the orbital, sleeved it and welded it to the lower end of the rag joint on my steering shaft. Then I sleeved it again with a bigger peice of tubing and welded that on too.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9133.jpg



Had a machine shop punch 1" holes in a bunch of .5" plate tabs

welded it to the tie rod with a gusset
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9138.jpg
(I am 100% sure the tie rod is too small of a material though it is DOM, ganna have to beef it up somehow)


Also welded the brackets on the axle with a gusset going in each direction
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9151.jpg

Here is a view from the back
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9159.jpg

Here is how I mounted the orbital, it can be unbolted from the frame
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9150.jpg
The bungee is temporary :grinpimp:

No more bent tie rods.....from rocks at least
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Dana%2060%20and%2014%20bolt/100_9166.jpg

didn't take long to bleed and I can now steer lock to lock on the garage floor with one hand.

Didn't even have to adjust anything, everything worked the first time :bounce2:

Has about 3 turns to left lock and about 2.5 to right lock from center

I took it around the block and it drives like a car now, but it seems like it takes a lot of turns of the wheel to make a corner


Now I have to figure out how to limit about 1" of the rams travel b/c it will pass my steering stops by 1" when turning left and I don't want to break a knuckle

Glad to see your hydro steer is up , and running. Now I will out do you with my double ended ram :D

I just ordered 1k of parts this week ... :laughing:

Looks Good to me. Nice little ride you got kicking.

Good looking rig! I think I saw you a couple of years ago at KRocks?
Anyways Frostbite and Muddygras were a blast this year but don't remember seeing your rig.
You'll love the full hydro once you get it all blead out!

I looked for a pic of your jeep in your posts but couldn't find any to see if it looked familiar.

I am sure I have seen you out there before.






Just a little update with the hydro:

I spent 1.5 hours fixing a stupid measuring mistake.

I didn't fully think out the way I mounted the ram and how I was going to limit it's travel. Essentially I needed to build the ram at full extension this way when the ram is pulling in I can put the collar on the shaft to shorten the stroke. But I was being stupid and built it at full compression and there is no way to limit the ram during extension unless you take apart the ram and put a stopper on the inside.

(anybody have pics of the way they limited their ram travel?)

not sure if any of that made sense but I had to cut the tab off my tie rod and move it towards the drivers side 2"


hopefully ganna go test it out on sunday

So far I can turn lock to lock at idle on concrete with 1 finger :grinpimp:

only problem I see is it is going to be a little slow reacting, I'll try to keep it under 100 though ;)

Went over to Techtafab's shop in paola, KS this weekend (toywelder on thsi forum)

Had him help me put a cage in the blazer (maybe it was the other way around, I helped him :D )


it is a pretty basic inner cage made from 1 3/4 .120 DOM, we discussed for a long time how to go about it and since it is a 4 door and you can't really put a tube in between the two doors we decided that it would be much stronger/safer to do an inner cage.

for now it just goes up to the back of the front seats but later if I were to remove my dash it could easily be extended up to the windshield.

Hollowed out
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/102_0624.jpg

Duane, doin his thing (He didn't waste a single peice of tubing :eek: )
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/102_0634.jpg

The back seats were just totally in the way so we ripped them out, and I am going to buy a single bucket seat and put it in the middle in the back b/c that is the only place people sat in the back anyways
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/102_0642.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/102_0644.jpg

Once we got it all fitted up he made the mistake of letting me do my own welding :eek: haha, it came out awesome, but the welds were just not as pretty as if he would have done it

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/102_0655.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/102_0656.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/102_0659.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/102_0663.jpg

I didn't get any real good pics of the forward hoop but you can kind of see it in the third to last pic

I am excited that it is done, I was starting to get a little too crazy offroad to not have some kind of cage. now hopefully now if I roll it I will live to see the video :D

Finally got a moment away to go wheelin at tuttle creek yesterday

it was awesome, everything on the truck worked perfectly and nothing broke

Here are some pix

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2396.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2407.jpg


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2410.jpg

we came upon these guys that got their yota stuck then the engine died on the truck that tried to pull it out so we sat there and watched them for a little while until they asked for help
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2428.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2427.jpg

Bob right after he almost lost it down the hill, his front right tire came about 2ft off the ground then when it came back down a little I jumped on his bumper and we hooked up his winch. I thought he was a goner
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2438.jpg

Don
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2416.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2432.jpg

couple more:


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2439.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2446.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2453.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2454.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/100_2459.jpg

The End

rest of the pics are here: http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Tuttle%20Pictures/

lookin good Paul. glad ya had a fun time!

Gettin ready for the Kansas Krawl 6 :D

Got rear seats mounted up
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0100.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0104.jpg

And the CO2 tank relocated since the cage interfered
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0102.jpg

Tore out the front end
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Motor%20and%20tranny%20mounts/SSPX0096.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Motor%20and%20tranny%20mounts/SSPX0097.jpg

So I could build more beefy motor mounts.....


I got a big ol' box of spare/replacement 60 parts so now I will have almost all the spares I need to carry for my trip to Harlan, KY in october

FANTASTIC Journal of a build. Almost feels like we helped... without freezing our butts off on the floor. :) Keep posting, I'll keep following along. ( and thanks )

Gettin ready for the Kansas Krawl 6 :D

Got rear seats mounted up
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0100.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0104.jpg

And the CO2 tank relocated since the cage interfered
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0102.jpg

Tore out the front end
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Motor%20and%20tranny%20mounts/SSPX0096.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Motor%20and%20tranny%20mounts/SSPX0097.jpg

So I could build more beefy motor mounts.....


I got a big ol' box of spare/replacement 60 parts so now I will have almost all the spares I need to carry for my trip to Harlan, KY in october

Didn't you already beef them up with some poly bushings? Were you having problems with the poly mounts? I've redone mine as well with poly bushings, but haven't gotten to run them yet. I hope they will be sufficient...http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i38/mustanger302/1%20Ton%20Swap/Picture106.jpg I know the stock ones are garbage. I was trashing mine every other ride.

Finally got this beeyotch back together

I did beef them up once but I simply replaced the stock bushing with a spring eye bushing but then the next weak link was the stock bracket. So this time I just cut the whole thing off and went all the way to the frame with the same bushing.

I think I ended up with a pretty decent design

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Motor%20and%20tranny%20mounts/100_9217.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Motor%20and%20tranny%20mounts/100_9218.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Motor%20and%20tranny%20mounts/100_9219.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Motor%20and%20tranny%20mounts/100_9221.jpg


Only have a few things left to do before this weekend.

I am going to the Kansas Krawl 3 and entering the competition. Hopefully I get a little further than I did last year.

Kind of a shake down run.


Still have to put u-joints in my spare shafts and organize/pack all my tools
and put rear seat belts in

maybe you wouldnt kno being the driver but how do those poly seats work

Tried out the competition again, it consisted of a race through the rock garden, a timed obstacle course, and the "blind mans bluff"


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/dwV9kV9fMSR4duitoBf7j-BTOOPGSTM1030.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/LTnbTMURHTmSm4lqQlunZ4HvPmiD7avR030.jpg


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/VdrlcZTrHXY2GXXm2jDx0FZMs6Pfle0300.jpg

Came over a big rock and landed on my front drive shaft
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/Xc5R36fcJLl7kqDnTDu4JCmx9VAbQFn5030.jpg

I called DNF but had a spare and fixed it
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/fNxW9tLZqcaiu7FiZ6GHxdaDKTFJIex7030.jpg

Drove out of the rock garden afterwards, but not the designated route b/c it was pretty much a wall
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/lvoGpO6tqeSE56CFX39KY519YltHmq8L030.jpg

Had it fixed and out in time before the next comp


Some pics of the obstacle course

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/Pwo0affOuy3kvfnsvmZQAMoNHe7biBn0300.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/r1pCmrQCDoLVRi2i6lQOj-T7XwCJ-KZ8030.jpg

no pics of the blind man's bluff but basically you get blindfolded and they send you down a trail with only your spotter guiding you.


Here are some other pics from this weekend

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/KypIisFAPCTIgSJsl4bM4Nwc58kQ4-8J030.jpg

Had to winch out of this one
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/DSCN0143.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/DSCN0131.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/th_DSCN0132.jpg (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/?action=view&current=DSCN0132.flv)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/DSCN0138.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Krawl%206/DSCN0140.jpg

The end

it was a blast

Oh ya... and I got 4th in the competition.................out of 4 :flipoff2:




Pennsylvania boy the seats worked out pretty good, I didn't actually ride in them but my buddies said they were pretty comfortable but you could feel every bump.

Sweet rig man! Are you going to do anything to enclose the rear or leave it open?

I have a couple ideas as far as finishing the rear.

I saved a piece of roof that I cut out so I can extend it back to the rear hoop. Then I will fill in the sides with something. And I wanted to put tabs inside of the x and make bolt in plexiglass panels

I'll start worrying about it when it gets cold out.

All that work and no V8 yet?

Slight problem.....Truck won't start


I am pretty sure I tried everything

I drove it to the mall last night to eat dinner :laughing: Ironic, I know...

it started and drove fine all the way there. Went in and ate dinner and when I came out it wouldn't start.

I also beat the crap out of it this last weekend and it never skipped a beat. Didn't have any problems until I powerwashed it a couple of days ago.

Has gas in it (even put some in it from a can)

pulled off the line after the fuel filter-has gas

pushed shraeder on the back of the fuel rail- has gas/pressure

Has spark because it will run on ether


so if it is getting spark, getting air it has to be a fuel problem

pulled a plug and it was dry even after cranking it for a while

Tried resetting the security light (left the ignition on for 10 minutes)

Grabbed my key fob and unlocked it a couple times just to make sure (yes it still has remote locks btw ;) )


It isn't really a dead crank though, it fires up for a couple seconds then dies off

so I am thinking it is a computer problem

my question is how do you go about checking the computer?

do I just go to the auto parts store and borrow a scanner?

you guys have any other idears?

can you tell if it has any codes? maybe a crank position sensor or something like that shit the bed
try to get it scanned

Brian

You sure it wasn't bleeding fuel pressure off? I would try a gauge first before I ruled fuel out. Do you hear the pump running?

I can clearly hear the fuel pump

when we took the connection off on the engine side of the fuel filter and primed the pump, it spewed out a lot of gas so it can't be a fuel filter problem

I don't think it is bleeding off, I can go check it but there was pressure behind the schraeder even after a couple minutes.

You tow it home or what?

collapsed fuel line?


Rig looks good BTW.

pulled it home with a strap last night.

Found another blown fuse that I must have missed last night but it was for the oxygen sensors. Replaced it....no change

Rented an OBDII reader and the only codes were that all 3 oxygen sensors were not reading but that probably had to do with the fuse being blown.

charging the battery now with the ignition on for 15 minutes, ganna wait a while then see if the security light turns off.

could be a collapsed fuel line but it was getting fuel at the schraeder right before the fuel rail.

Figured out the problem was the stock passlock in the PCM.

Took it out and had it reprogrammed to delete the passlock, tune for 91 octane, delete EGR, and correct my speedo.

Works awesome now!!

Towed the beyotch 1600 miles round trip to Harlan, KY to do some wheelin!!


The blaze did great! no real breakage besides munchin on some needle bearings and some pretty well bent front main leafs



Here are some pix

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/100_9250.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/100_9269.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/100_9348.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/100_9395.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/100_9299.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/100_9442.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i226/big96zr2/Harlan%20oct%2008/DSC_0021.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i226/big96zr2/Harlan%20oct%2008/DSC_0022.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i226/big96zr2/Harlan%20oct%2008/DSC_0023.jpg

Couple more:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i226/big96zr2/Harlan%20oct%2008/DSC_0018.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i226/big96zr2/Harlan%20oct%2008/DSC_0093.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i226/big96zr2/Harlan%20oct%2008/DSC_0077.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/100_9342.jpg

some VERY beautiful scenery out there!!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/100_9278.jpg



Had a blast out there with the group from www.zr2usa.com

Any more of the S10 on Rockwells from the picture dated 10/04/2008?

awesome thread

Yep

Here are the rest of the pics
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/

Yep

Here are the rest of the pics
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Zrocks%2008%20Harlan%20KY/

Well played, sir.

Well, did some post harlan work to the blazer

(sorry for the cell phone pix, my digital camera took a crap)

Rotated the tires

discovered both front wheel bearings were a little loose so I went to tighten those up

then discovered that both of my front hub selectors were broken in half

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0121.jpg


Beat the crap out of my door hinges on the body side so I could put my doors back on

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0111.jpg

Kind of have to slam them closed but they work for the most part ;) power windows/locks still work

Then I finally connected my roof to the rear cage hoop

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0110.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0113.jpg

Not perfect but I HATE sheetmetal/sanding work
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0116.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0118.jpg

I am going to cover the rear X and sides in lexan

I am thinking about doing the bottom triangle in the X in sheetmetal to keep heavy things out of the cab though.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Roll%20Cage/SSPX0119.jpg

Just gettin started in the winterizing process

Been droolin over Mojave heaters lately, kinda expensive though...

Continuing my winterizing


(sorry still cameraphone pics)


This is the start of my heater. I looked at mojave heaters but decided I could build one myself for a lot cheaper. The only investment so far is the 30 dollar to my door 7" radiator fan and some rando scrap metal I had around the shop.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0127.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0130.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0132.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0134.jpg
The fan is towards the firewall and will be pushing through the core into the box.

I have not made a front cover/ vent housing for it yet, but it will cover up the core so it is not visible, it will just be a box blowing out some nice warm air ;)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0136.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0137.jpg

uses the stock heater core and it will still go through the firewall at the stock location.

Now I have to design a grill/vent system to attach to the front of it to direct the air to different locations, but I gave up for the night

I have plans for a valve on the lines to the heater core so if it gets too hot, I can limit the amount of coolant flow through it.

I also need to figure out how to have variable speeds on the fan but for right now the plan is just to have an on off switch very handy.

great idea Paul! I might have to do something similar someday

sweeet ass build man, im liking the heater work too

I was thinkin about doing the same thing for a heater, but was also thinking it would be cool to have just the fan, for some "ac" in the summer. if you rigged up a valve would you be able to completely stop coolant flow, and blow cold air for the summer?

Sweet build man. What brand fan is that and where from??

The fan is just a heapo cheapo off ebay. Search 7" radiator fan.

I did discover a problem with the setup in the pictures. I now know why they used squirrel cage fans instead of straight blade fans.

The heater core is very dense and the fan is not able to blow through the core very much at all, most of the air escapes back out around the outside of the fan blades.

so my plan now is to move the fan to inside of the housing and have it pulling through the core instead of pushing. I haven't tried it yet but it should work a lot better.

if this doesn't work I might try opening up the fins with a small screwdriver to make channels for the air to go through the core.

I picked up a heater core shutoff valve at NAPA for 14 bucks, it is an adjustable screw type so I can reduce the flow or shut it off completely. I would guess if the heater core was shut off you could use the fan for just air flow during the summer.

Beat the crap out of my door hinges on the body side so I could put my doors back on


Been there done that. Harlan played hell on my doors on many occasions(Can Opener to be a little more specific). I said fuck the doors on this build.

Another step towards my winterization :)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/DSCN0224.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/DSCN0233.jpg

Didn't finish the inside yet
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/DSCN0234.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/DSCN0235.jpg

I had to switch the fan to the other side. The fan didn't have enough pressure to blow through the heater core because it was too dense.

So now it sucks through the core instead of trying to push through.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Top%20Chop%201-19-08/DSCN0241.jpg

Progress!!

Got to get her at least heated and somewhat closed up before Disney this weekend :evil:

lookin good paul!

Rig is looking good oober!

Forgot to add that the top window triangle unbolts with 3 bolts for the summer, takes about 2 minutes to remove.





Oh, and I scored some seatbelts for the backseats today here on pirate for 20 bux shipped :judaspriest:

They are just lap belts, but if I am doing anything THAT stupid ppl shouldn't be in the back anyways.

I also scored a new (to me) set of hubs for the front on ebay for 40 bux, already put those on.




So I figured out why my front driveshaft has been eating needle bearings lately, REMEMBER THIS

If you have u-bolt style u-joint caps DO NOT overtighten them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like this:
http://www.extremegearoffroad.com/images/tera/Ubolt_conversions_lg.jpg

I was in class the other day BS'ing with my teacher and we were talking about heavy duty u-joints and such and we came across the subject of u-joint straps, and my teacher said that he didn't like the u-bolt style because if you overtighten them they will distort the caps and cause overheating and failure of the needles.

So I realized that I am an idiot and I have been tightening my u-joint caps WAY too tight. I did this because before every wheeling trip I just sit on a creeper under my truck for about an hour just checking/tightening things, and I always seemed to discover that the nuts on the u-bolt straps on my front driveshaft were always loose/fingertight. So I would take a wrench and crank them down.... :nono:

So the moral of the story is: IF YOU HAVE U-BOLT STYLE U-JOINT STRAPS DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THEM!!!!!

Simply get them snug and use lots of locktight and a lockwasher.

Does anybody have any actual specs on what tight enough would be on these?

Great build. I wish I had half the time to wheel that you do, so keep up the good work for those of us who dont get to enjoy it except through some pics now and again.

hey what front leafs are you running in the front of this truck on the first couple of pages. I'm am doing a similar build and i like the ride hight. Truck also looks to flex pretty well. Fawkin sick truck man!:smokin:

where have i seen this truck before. have you had it in readers rigs or any magazine?

hey what front leafs are you running in the front of this truck on the first couple of pages. I'm am doing a similar build and i like the ride hight. Truck also looks to flex pretty well. Fawkin sick truck man!:smokin:

The front leaf springs are 52" IIRC stock s10 rear springs with some homebrew add a leafs. Right now after 4 years of beating on them they are definately shot. I need to replace them bad.


where have i seen this truck before. have you had it in readers rigs or any magazine?

Ya, it was in the readers rides in petersons and four wheeler

hey Oober, do you ever go to snowball in joplin? i dont have access to a trailer yet, and was curious if you ever want to go, ive got some locals going to meet there this weekend, if your up for it. plus its gonna be sweet weather to hit the trails.

damn your blazer is sick! makes me wish mine wasnt my DD

hey Oober, do you ever go to snowball in joplin? i dont have access to a trailer yet, and was curious if you ever want to go, ive got some locals going to meet there this weekend, if your up for it. plus its gonna be sweet weather to hit the trails.

Ya, I usually make it out there a couple of times a year.

This weekend I am getting ready to go do Disney. You and your buddies should come out there with us.

the PSU offroad club will be leaving Pittsburg at 4 this friday and camping both nights at hogans.

Hope to see lots of you there, and don't be afraid to come say hi :flipoff2: I don't bite.......too hard


Thanks for the good words knivel :grinpimp:

I got my rear seat belts in the mail today!! Thanks darkstar, you are a great seller. Bought them on monday and had them in hand wednesday :smokin:

Also got some roll bar padding and a master battery cutoff switch from summit too

Still waiting for my KOH dvd though.....

so i noticed the psu offroad. please tell me that's penn state offroad...and if so, and you are at UP, where the fuck is there to wheel out here?

so i noticed the psu offroad. please tell me that's penn state offroad...and if so, and you are at UP, where the fuck is there to wheel out here?

Pittsburg State U. in Ks.
(aka the gorillas)


Ooober, maybe next year, i dont have a way to pull the rig that far, and sure as i drive it i'll break something serious, better off waiting til i have a way to trailer it, appriciate the invite and will sometime in the future.

ah, too good to be true. for some reason wheeling isn't super super big around here. ppl think my jeeps are "cute".

Welp, got some work done today before this weekend.


Moved the front bump stops down 1" to make sure my ram doesn't get into my oil pan.

Made some limit straps to take ~2" off of my downtravel to help relieve my driveshaft angles

Also did a bit of clearancing on the yokes where I could see rub marks.

Slinky suspension is cool but I am tryin to get it in control and predictable that way I can beat the crap out of it even harder :evil:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/DSCN0259.jpg



Got the rear seat cover snaps installed while I had them out.

Got my lap belts mounted in the back. The outsides attach to the stock seatbelt bolts and in the middle they attach to a bracket that I made.

Put on some roll bar padding too

It's startin to look like an all business race truck on the inside.....I like it ;)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/DSCN0256.jpg

They are actually really comfortable

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/DSCN0247.jpg




Lastly I have been working on my heater, didn't get all that far on it yet.

All of the stuff is pretty much just chillin there right now. I really just want to get it "working" for this weekend, and I am planning on refining it later.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/DSCN0251.jpg

If you look at the bottom left corner of the heater core I put a valve to turn down/off the flow of coolant to the heater core for warmer or summer days.

Just got back from Disney, OK

Had an awesome time and didn't turn a single wrench on my truck all weekend

The heater, limiting straps, bump stops, back window, yoke clearancing, and rear seat belts worked great all weekend.

I am really really close to not having any front driveshaft angle problems, I checked and they just barely rubbed a bit on the yokes.


enjoy some pics :smokin:


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0266.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0269.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0270.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0286.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0315.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0332.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0328.jpg

Kolby on the wailing wall, made it look easy

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0340.jpg


Here is a vid of me on the wailing wall
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/th_DSCN0321.jpg (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/?action=view&current=DSCN0321.flv)


Left some nice scrape marks
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0322.jpg

Stef was NOT happy :laughing: Though later she admitted that she didn't think I would make it and the Crazyblaze's abilities impressed her ;)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/DSCN0325.jpg

The rest of the pics are here: http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/cof...0PSU%20offroad/ (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20PSU%20offroad/)

nice wall video. truck looks very capable

My buddy posted up a couple pics, so I "borrowed" a few ;)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/n205302300_31094794_776.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/n205302300_31094795_1059.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/n205302300_31094825_9977.jpg

Aight, haven't been doin too much lately but I did manage to make a modified snorkle/intake


Since I tend to get really close to trees there was no way I could have an intake tube going up the A pillar like the arb snorkels

so here was the alternative I came up with


since I ripped out all of my a/c stuff I have a nice little box on the passenger side where the fresh air from the cowl comes in for the fresh air intake on the HVAC system.

So first I turned my intake around so it came out towards the passenger side
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0162.jpg

Then I started building a tube to connect from the box to the MAF sensor (3" Exhaust tubing)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0164.jpg

And a coupler to go from engine bay to interior that fills the hole in the firewall and gives me a place to mount the filter
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0169.jpg

Here are the complete parts
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0171.jpg

The filter inside the box connected to the coupler
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0174.jpg

Almost completed system, had to extend intake temp sensor and MAF sensor wires. Also had to modify the PCV (?) valve line to the intake
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0179.jpg

Made a block off plate for the inside (the filter went beyond the box so I had to make a hump)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0184.jpg

Final pic inside (shiny new paint :D )
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0185.jpg

put weatherseal insulation around the outside of the cover plate and there is barely any intake noise in the cab

works good so far, but the next time I sink it in a hole I won't be as worried about locking up my engine and can keep my foot in it :D

Nice build all together and sick wall climb

Well, so much for my winterization :homer: DOH

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0186.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0189.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/SSPX0190.jpg

Back two windows broke and I can't roll the front one up till I pull the panel out some

Went over to a buddies house that has some pretty mellow trails in his backyard. We were coming out of a ravine and up a steep muddy trail with a turn to the right at the end

Nice! Glass is for girls anyway! :lol:


Dw

Nice! Glass is for girls anyway! :lol:


Dw


yeah, what he said! :laughing::laughing:

nice build :grinpimp:

Took a little trip out to Krocks this weekend since I missed the Toys 4 Tots run.

Small group, 7* outside with strong winds, but it was a blast :smokin:

John and his cj7 using his locker we put in a couple weeks ago
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks/100_0965.jpg

Little breezy in the cab :homer:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks/100_0967.jpg

Aaron wheelin Techtafab's old buggy, still runnin strong and now on 40's
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks/100_0986.jpg

Musta been poser shot day or somethin
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks/100_1011.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks/100_1021.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks/100_1024.jpg

I don't see a problem :confused:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks/100_1029.jpg

Tie rod finally gave up the ghost at the end of the day. I had my ram mount gusseted on one side and the tube broke on the other side. Overall it just needed to be beefier.

Little breezy in the cab :homer:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Kansas%20Rocks/100_0967.jpg

So did you make it up head wall?

nope, I have never seen anybody make it without a winch


The undercut at the bottom is too much, I worked on it for ~10 minutes though.

Aaron also tried it for ~10-15 minutes with no luck.

nope, I have never seen anybody make it without a winch


The undercut at the bottom is too much, I worked on it for ~10 minutes though.

Aaron also tried it for ~10-15 minutes with no luck.

You think a bigger tire would get it?

I know last time we were out and it was dry Greg was runnin 36's and it seemed like more tire and he'd-a had it. I haven't seen it since frostbite last year and it was so icy the bypass was givin' everyone trouble :laughing:... Is it just dug way the hell out from everyone "humpin" the obstacle???

I'm not sure what the winning combination is.

a couple years ago I rode in a v8 buggy on rocks and ~44's and he had to winch up.

One of these days I'm ganna kick it's ass. Glad my tie rod didn't break while I was on headwall though....

Well, not ganna make it to Hangover krawl this year


Was doing my before trip inspections. Saw some paint missing on my knuckle, cleaned it up to get a better look and here is what I found

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/PC310006.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/PC310005.jpg


On a side note though, the new camera I got for christmas kicks ass :grinpimp:


I am NOT going to buy new knuckles right now. Just too expensive. I can't go and drop 600 bucks without at least trying to plate the stock ones first, if I screw it up I will just have to buy them anyways so I'm only out my time.

So my plan right now is to tow it back to my shop in Pitt this week and fire up the ol' arc welder with some nickel rods, do the preheat/postheat thing and weld as much 1/4" plate to it as I can till I feel like it will hold up.

The Pic I attached below looks like it was done with a mig welder? I don't remember what thread I got it from, I'm going to have to do a little more research on what to use to weld it up.

I just read your whole thread, perty cool.
Maybe box that heater with and use some 45* pvc elbows to make the flow directional, or some flex tube to point them at the window for defrost.
A squirel cage fan would probley have more pressure and volume.
Keep up the good work.

Well that sucks.



There's a really good post on here about doing them, I beleive from Randy's Offroad?.....
I knew I had it saved.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=534740&highlight=knuckle+plating
And this one has tons of pics in it.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=600141&highlight=plating+knuckles

WOW, this is a really great build/wheel/learn/rebuild/wheel/learn thread. Great job on documenting all your work, mistakes (teasing):p and successes. You have my respect. Subscribed. :D

It looks like mig welding to me. Stick would be just as good, if not better, just slower.

sorry to hear it Paul, but glad you caught it ahead of time. that's why I ponied up the cash for the oranges one. seen too many of those break.

good luck with the modification and hope it works for ya.

do I need to stop by and spank that wall? :flipoff2:

Nice build, just went through the whole thread and was impressed. Nice fab skills and innovative style. :)

It looked like the guy had mig'ed it too in the pic I attached

But I talked to my welding teacher and he said absolutely no way (and if he did do it, it wasn't the proper way)

So I stole my dad's ol' buzzbox and started practicing, I went through 3/4 of a box of 6013 before they started looking like decent welds.

Went to airgas and bought a 5lb box of nickel rod, got a smokin deal on it though :smokin: (expensive stuff!)

So everything is apart and I have cleaned both knuckles up and discovered that actually BOTH knuckles are cracked in the same spot! I torched gussets for both sides though I am not quite done bending them.

I'll get some pics up later

Steve you come on over here and try to spank the wall with your schoolbus and you will be the first I have ever seen :flipoff2:

just might have to do that. where's it at? :D

would the area be worth traveling to for a couple days worth of wheelin?


school bus :laughing::laughing:

Steve you come on over here and try to spank the wall with your schoolbus and you will be the first I have ever seen :flipoff2:

Throwin' down the gauntlet! I say we make it interesting with some friendly wagers :D

Build looks sik. I hope those nuk's turn out good for ya. Can't wait to see them.

Got some more done on the knuckles

http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1190313.jpg

Cloud of rust after using flap wheel on knuckles (was wearing respirator)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1190319.jpg

Hard to tell by the pic but both sides are cracked in the same place
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1190327.jpg

Gussets cut out
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1210343.jpg

Gusset bent with my newly made hydraulic bender
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1260006.jpg

http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1260007.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1260009.jpg

I tried bending the gussets with a 3lb sledge and when my work bench about ripped off the wall I remembered that I had seen somewhere on here where they built the adapter to bend stuff on the hydraulic press. Works Great! took like 5 minutes to make a gusset after that vs. 1/2 hour of beating.

Back to the shop.....

They are cooling down in the oven right now. Used ~20ish sticks of nickel rod, totally sucked. Freezing cold outside, had to have the doors open because arc welding is so smokey, and my welds looked like crap...(I suck at arc welding even after practicing with at least 40 sticks)

I ground out 3/4 deep where the cracks were and filled them with weld/ground them flush, then gusseted over them with the plates I made. They should be strong, I trust my welds but it was a lot of work and probably still isn't quite as strong as an aftermarket set.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1260111.jpg

On second thought this project was quite the chore. After doing it I would suggest if you have the money to spend just buy an aftermarket set of knuckles....... :rolleyes:

We'll see, I probably wouldn't be quite as whiny if it wasn't cold as shit outside.......

Gotta clean them up tomorrow and put everything back together then I should be ready for this weekend :D (given the weather is decent)

mmm, easy bake oven :D

Finally freakin done......ugh

after replacing/packing all of my front wheel bearings, putting a final grind down on the knuckles and reassembling everything

I spent about 5 hours on it today, if you add it all up I bet I have at least 15 hours from start to fully fixed

It's how you learn right?


Oh well, here are some pics of the final product (ended up saving about 400 bux if it works)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1280003.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1280005.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/D60%20Knuckle%20Repair/P1280007.jpg

no rubbage or other interferences, banjo bolts on the calipers are within about 1/8"

Ready to go wheelin :smokin:

Any reason not to gusset the outside down to the spindle as well??

Looks good man.

I was mostly copying randysoffroad's pics of his rear knuckles.

Figured if it is good enough for 49's it is good enough for my 38's

Here: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7074004&postcount=22

Did some wheelin at disney this weekend to test out the newly beefed knuckles. Truck worked awesome, no breakage!!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310083.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310081.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310075.jpg

Snagged the 14 bolt on a rock, had to connect the winch to the battery
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310053.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310034.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310029.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310031.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310033.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310019.jpg

Got a new little dent, I would have broken out the window but I had already done that last month :dualingmiddles:

I also mostly broke the mirror on the drivers side and the window won't go all the way up.... time to get the hammer out :P

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310014.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/P1310015.jpg

Here are a couple vids. I did the wailing wall again but now that I know how to do it, it only took 3 tries instead of 12

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/th_P1310098.jpg (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/?action=view&current=P1310098.flv)

It was Aarons first time, so he ended up trying it about 12 times too before he got it

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/th_P1310103.jpg (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Disney%20OK%20wheelin/?action=view&current=P1310103.flv)

your build is really awesome. nice work with everything.

Gettin ready for TTC '09 (well at least the possibility of it, Mag comes out soon. I'm in the top 50. Vote for me!!!) :bounce2:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2080105.jpg

Here are some things I noticed while taking it apart

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2080110.jpg

Hey kids, make sure you pay attention to where you mount your limit straps :shaking: Should have had gussets going from the shock towers to the top of the frame.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2080111.jpg


Also this is the L on the bracket that I had my ram mounted on. Looks cracked, not sure if it was from the axle flexing, the ram's force, or the design/weld (probably a little of each). I had plenty of more support on the mount, it would not have outright failed but this was a very high stress area in the way I built it. Also I only welded it on the front side that you see.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2090119.jpg


Here is what it looks like now after the coffee wore off :D

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2090122.jpg

Still learning

I am actually taking my first ever formal welding class this semester, so we'll see if I improve any.

Borrowed my buddy's tube bender so it looks like I'm ganna try my luck at that also.

*goes back to researching links*

The madness continues....


Here is some progress from tonight:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2090107.jpg

Haha, stef walked in right when the frame smacked the ground "what did you do!!?!?" :laughing:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2090108.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2090110.jpg

Axle ~4" forward and ~1" from full bump (should be around 6" of uptravel when done) and ready to fit 46's

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P20901155.jpg

So I'm not going to lie, I have no idea what I am doing. I have a lot more thinking/researching to do.

I was first planning on doing coils to stay in budget but now I'm interested in a used pair of airshocks if they'll hold my heavy pos up.


It is still up in the air for the suspension, planning on a dual triangulated 4 link with a big 'ol truss on the 60, and lots of adjustability (b/c I never get it right the first time)

looking good

and airshocks can hold her up, there are many fatter rigs runnin them

Here I was opening this to ask what the upgrades will be for TTC, and you've cut it in half:D:D:D

Can't wait to see this.

Good Luck man.

Lookin good. I would check you front axle for straightness. Ford used a pretty light casting on the center-section (and knuckles). Weld the tubes to the housing using 99% nickel, and truss the long side top or back, or both. I have seen alot of bent Ford 60 fronts. Good luck with TTC!

(edit: I see it is on your to do list!)

good luck Oober! that first cut on the frame is always the hardest....I guess you are going to do a frame similar to mine and Bills. if so, I suggest you cut holes in the plate you plan on capping the frame with and slide the tube through and weld both sides once you get it set how you want, then weld the cap onto the frame. air shocks will be fine, I am sure Bills truck is heavier than yours with the amount of tube that guy used! LOL

keep it up
Brian

I am still interested in Bill's airshocks

But my question is how well will my suspension be balanced. I will still be running some pretty heavy duty leafs out back.

Will the airshocks just do all of the flexing and the rear will not flex??

Let me know when you get rid of the 38s. I'd be happy to take them off your hands.

just might have to do that. where's it at? :D


That wall doesn't look any harder than some of the exits out of the quarry at the Badlands. Hell, for a decent wager I'd say my Grand, on 33's and puny axles with a 318 could do it. :flipoff2:

Prolly the schoolbus draggin' ass that would do yah in though.

I am still interested in Bill's airshocks

But my question is how well will my suspension be balanced. I will still be running some pretty heavy duty leafs out back.


Build an anti-wrap and take some leaf's out. Or add an anti-rock to the front.

Well, I have a pair of SAW 2.5" x 18" travel air shocks on their way :grinpimp:

Wonder if I can get my new suspension to actually use all of the shock.


If I get in the top 10 I will be ready to get rid of my 38's (if they still give you the 46" claws to use in the comp) So ya better vote for me if you want 'em :flipoff2:


No updates, I have been doing a bunch of piddly stuff today...

They give you 46s??? Wow. I planned to vote for you anyway. Gotta help out a fellow psu student...

Little update

Got the frame plates cut out to cap off the end of the frame and attach the tube to
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130122.jpg

Tried to bend them in my press brake
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130132.jpg

But it seems my press brake is not strong enough to bend a 6" wide piece of 1/4.....
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130134.jpg

So I beefed it up
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130140.jpg

here is as far as I got bending the plates before I had to spend an hour fixing the bender
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130146.jpg


Mounted the bender
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130128.jpg

Bent my very first pieces of tube
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130142.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130144.jpg

My welding class at school is helping me A LOT. I would highly suggest if you plan on doing this stuff a lot at home to go to a local community college and take a class, I was amazed at how much it helped me to have a person be able to tell me what I was doing right and wrong

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2130139.jpg

Gotta get back to work on the blaze tomorrow....

just got my 4wheeler

been watchin your truck, and i will be voting for you

And the lesson of today is..............LUBE

Got all of my frame plates bent up, found out they bend a lot easier if you put bearing grease on the bottom die so they slide a lil' easier

Also had to put an extension tube on for one of the bends because the bracket would hit the frame.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150148.jpg

Here is how they wrap around


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150151.jpg

Torched some holes

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150154.jpg

Inserted my frame tubes

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150157.jpg
(don't make fun of the slider mounts, I built those when I was 16 :flipoff2: )
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150160.jpg

How it looks now, the tubes are straight enough considering there isn't really anything to measure from on the truck.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150163.jpg

I am stoked, it is going to turn out badass :smokin:

Also I shortened my front end a lot, as of right now that temp. square tube is about where the end of the hood will be, so I probably chopped off 10". Should have a 90* approach even with 38's

Thanks for the votes!!

Just gave up for the night, got some more done.


Who needs a hole saw??
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150164.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150167.jpg

Narrowed the stinger and de-junked it
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150172.jpg

Pulled the frame to final weld it
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2150173.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2160178.jpg

Here is my plating idea between the tubes, not perfect but should look pretty cool when done and painted.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2160184.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2160185.jpg

Back to work tomorrow after class, hopefully I get some parts soon.

I am also debating about getting a fuel cell to throw in the back so I can run my coolant lines to the rear radiator easier. But I don't want to go spend a bunch of money for a new pump and stuff, so I'll have to do some researching on that to see if I can use my stock stuff.

awesome build man, things coming out sweet... keep up the good work :grinpimp:

Still chuggin along at it

Got the front frame all welder'd on

(if you want to see a comparison of my welding skills that blob to the left is my rock slider mount that I welded on ~5 years ago)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2160197.jpg

Took off the rear tailgate/toolbox
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2160186.jpg

Hollowed out the tailgate (weighed 45lbs at the beginning, didn't weigh it again yet), also hollowed out the fenders
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2160201.jpg

Took the doors off to get ready for the rest of the cage
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2170204.jpg

Future before pic
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2170205.jpg

Got the motor mount plates torched out, still have to clean them and drill holes

Waiting on the winch mount until I get the fender/hood situation but I have to have the engine mounted first so I can take off the straps to mock up the hood......long process...

My tranny crossmember is incredibly bent from 2 outings ago, so that is getting nixed and replaced with something much beefier that incorporates the lower link mount.

3rd night in a row up till at least 2 am workin

I am starting to get kinda pinched in time/labor issues.

The rear radiator idea is getting nixed. Not enough room to run tubes to the back, and the gas tank would interfere. Also I briefly thought about putting in a fuel cell so I would have room to run the coolant tubes but even then the t-case is still in the way. So maybe someday I will do it.

I am going to start getting burnt out here in a while working 95% by myself so I need to stick to the KISS method


Here is some progress (everything takes 2x as long as it should so it isn't much.....)

The engine sittin on the frame

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2180209.jpg

I plan on plating the bottoms of the motor mount tabs then running a support tube between them.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2180211.jpg

Threw the front clip on for fun. I miss her, she wants to get taken out and flogged :evil:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2180216.jpg


Here is the approx 4 inch stretch, it's going to be nuts with no leaf springs sticking out there

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2180217.jpg

Yeah, working by yourself gets old. It's looking good though. Keep up the good work.

Hey man, you from around manhattan? Think I saw you up at randolph last year. Your truck was pretty bad then. You make it thru the rock garden?

I hear you on the staying up till 2 or 3 AM, and working mainly by yourself. How do you find the time to post a good running thread too? Way to make the top 55 for TCC. I'll toss you a vote for sure, mainly for building your own rig instead of buying. And for being a newer s10 blazer. Just am finishing up a body swap to one myself.

nice build

Awesome, I've read your whole build and its really cool seeing you learn as you go. You are doing great, can't wait to see this phase done! Good luck buddy!

I hear you on the staying up till 2 or 3 AM, and working mainly by yourself. How do you find the time to post a good running thread too? Way to make the top 55 for TCC. I'll toss you a vote for sure, mainly for building your own rig instead of buying. And for being a newer s10 blazer. Just am finishing up a body swap to one myself.

Thanks guys, I like to keep the thread updated because I know if I do something stupid/unsafe that I would get called out on it so I must be doin something right :grinpimp:

Got some motivation in the mail today

2.5x18" SAW airshocks
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2180218.jpg

I was going to do coils to start out with but I figured by the time I buy buckets,springs, and new shocks it was only a couple hundred less than I found these used for. Might as well do it right the first time....

A question I had about the airshocks, do you ever have to put oil in these (like dirt bike shocks?) or are they happy with just nitrogen? They are deflated now I figured I should ask before I fubar them.

EDIT: Nevermind, I was playing with them and you can definately hear lube slosh around inside

dead sexy motivation!:eek:

Working by yerself definetly sucks. The other wheelers around me want me to help them, and I do, but when I need help they're always too 'busy' to come over.

Well, put in about a 12 hour day. It is now 3:30 am

Knocked a bunch of stuff out though, seems like the stuff that I thought would be really challenging was actually relatively easy and the stuff that should have been easy took forever

Built a winch mount
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200240.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200243.jpg

(is it a sin to put a warn sticker on a mile marker :laughing: haha, maybe somebody at warn will read this and send me a REAL winch to use at TTC '09 :angel: )
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200244.jpg

While I was out there my roomate was working on building a new smoker, and he helped me out on the blaze

Check out this engineering
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200235.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200236.jpg

Finally got the two A pillars bent for my cage, this is the part that I was worried about but they actually came out perfectly. Also I borrowed a tubing notcher (needs some parts and my holesaw was a different thread) So I am going to put that into service tomorrow.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200245.jpg

Going to intersect a tube between the slider and the new frame (not the strongest....I know but I will find some way to make it relatively beefy)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200246.jpg

Also tomorrow I have to figger out how to get the tubing from my engine cage tied into the interior cage, I have a couple of ideas but so far all of them are probably going to take forever.

There is no reason my inner cage won't be finished by tomorrow, I only have ~30 feet of tubing left though so I'm going to go pick up some HREW for the engine cage.

Wow oober, I used to cruise ZR2USA and saw when you first SAS'd it. Now I see it and WOW!
I'm pulling for ya!

I am slowly chipping away at progress, got the inner cage pretty much ready to burn in. I still have to put a spreader bar between the top 2 bends on the A pillar (the windshield spreader bars are going to have to wait b/c it is hard to find tube in Pitt)

So tomorrow I am on to the engine cage/shock hoops then hopefully I get my link ends early next week.....

Borrowed tubing notcher from mini baja (they use a mill now) made my life a LOT easier (thanks guys)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200254.jpg

Here is the cage/frame intersection. This is the only way I could do it without totally destroying my leg room. I plan on puttin some big 'ol gussets in there to help it out.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200255.jpg

The inner cage fought us all day, not to mention after going to bed at 4 I was not quite on my game today and we made a couple stupid mistakes that cost time.

I also had to do some rebuilding on the tube notcher (it has been heavily abused, needed some new bolts/threads and a tap ran through the hold down.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200256.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200257.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2200258.jpg

Not too bad for a couple of noobs that suck at math and had never bent tube before this project.


We quit a little early tonight, I have all weekend to work on it. Now I am going to finish my whiskey and pass out, I am tired.

Kicked ass today

notched out the area right above the top door hinge
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2210121.jpg

I would like a moment of silence for my trusty drill that died today.............(until I went to wal-mart and bought another one :P )
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2210131.jpg

I'm all about makin cheap tools work, I pretty much only buy ryobi, black & decker, and a few dewalts. That B&D drill that died I have been abusing for probably 4 years now and I think it was the hole sawing that finally killed it. The new B&D I just got has a hammer drill and 2 speeds :P If you can't tell, I am excited about it

My roomate made a kick ass dinner in the smoker. Smoked turkey breast, jalepenos, a block of cheese, and anaheim peppers
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2210115.jpg

Skip quite a few hours forward and here is what it looked like when we threw in the towel

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220139.jpg

The interior cage is completely done for now. I plan on doing windshield spreader bars eventually but I am running kinda low on tube and didn't find any in Pitt lately, I'll have to drive to Joplin next week.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220138.jpg

The tubing *should* clear the doors, I haven't put them on yet but there is always a hammer if they don't. Also had to make new low profile hood hinges.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220136.jpg

Everything is finish welded so far
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220135.jpg

on to extra crossmembers, airshock hoops, gussets, hood pins, fender mounts, radiator mounts, etc....tomorrow

I'm quittin way early today.

Ran out of tube and motivation for now till I go get some more of both :D


Got the lower radiator mount pretty much done with a tube to protect it from the winch
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220106.jpg

Here are some pics with the fender clamped on, if all goes well it should look the same. The tube will be almost completely hidden.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220113.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220116.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220119.jpg

the axle is at ~5-6" uptravel as it sits
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220120.jpg

I am still going to have to figure out an upper radiator mount/clamp thing

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2220121.jpg

Threw the axle back under to plan out crossmembers and links..... I still haven't recieved any of my brackets or ballistic fab joints that I ordered on the tenth. Lets hope they get here early next week.

Right now I am planning on doing 0* of caster, does anybody have any real good reasons on why it would be a bad idea on a 99% off road only rig?

I figured less effort to turn, better pinion angle and it's not like I have return to center anyways with the full hydro.

Thanks for the votes everybody, I finally got a hold of 2 copies so I can vote too! they are out in stores now.

looks great....nice idea for mounting the radiator. for the top, just use a piece of strap that will fit around it and use the stock rubber pieces to hold it?

Future before pic

Wait, is that possible? :flipoff2:

Rig is cool, good to see a young guy having fun with this crap.

And keep your hata blockers on LOL

Finally got my own copy of FOUR WHEELER, only found 2 in Pittsburg (KS)....small town :p


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/P2200105.jpg

I appreciate everybody's votes, so I can go kick some ass in Cali :flipoff2:

Nothin new on the truck, I worked on it all night last night and got some piddly stuff done. Going to pick up 80 feet of tubing and more welding gas today.

Did Jeff ever get your brackets out to you? Love the re-build. You'll be on my vote list. :D

I took that same picture...............:laughing:

I bought 7 copies allready, and you're on my list......:laughing:So guaranteed you've got at least 9 votes:flipoff2:

for your rear mount radiator... why dont you run a 1st gen s10-blazer gas tank?

Did Jeff ever get your brackets out to you? Love the re-build. You'll be on my vote list. :D

See next post


I took that same picture...............:laughing:

I bought 7 copies allready, and you're on my list......:laughing:So guaranteed you've got at least 9 votes:flipoff2:

Thanks man, you are on mine too thats at least 3 :D

for your rear mount radiator... why dont you run a 1st gen s10-blazer gas tank?

I nixed the rear radiator, I decided that it is against the KISS method and also too much work. The only time I would ever need a rear radiator is for the tank trap. Otherwise I'll just leave the fan shroud easy to take off so I can clean mud out of it. kinda dumb but I have an idea to keep it cool for the tank trap, we'll have to see if it works when I get there :laughing:

Well, good thing I didn't bust my butt too bad to make it for frostbite.

Got a text from my roomate while I was in class that I got my parts and I thought well maybe I could actually make it. So before I got too excited I came home and opened up my parts.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2270118.jpg

Here is why I'm glad I didn't bust my butt. they are shipping the other 4 tube adapters "at a later date" :(

Here is a pic of my page long list of stuff to do :eek:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2250115.jpg

Got the radiator mounted and the fans/coolers but I think I'm ganna rip it all back off and build a fan shroud since I have time now.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2250116.jpg

I got a kick out of this when I took my seats out the other day, this is the back outside seat mount. think the blazer has taken any hard landings??

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2240104.jpg

Both sides were like that so it isn't just my fat butt that did it

well guys, have fun at frostbite. I'm ganna stay home and work on my junk. If I would have gotten my other 4 tube adapters I would totally try my hardest to be out there but now I'm just ganna take it easy and do it right.

(also I have a couple more ideas :flipoff2: )

On second thought I don't think I gave these joints enough credit. These things are PERFECT

though I wish I would have gotten all of them before this weekend, BUT it was well worth the wait :smokin:

Check out some closer pics
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2270105.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2270108.jpg

These things fit together like a jigsaw puzzle :smokin:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2270109.jpg

Props to ballistic fab for a great product

looks like they are some nice parts! too bad you couldnt get out there and wheel....
cant wait to see some more progress.
should be making some good progress on mine this weekend.

Brian

So I tried to notch a couple tubes by myself tonight and gave up after 10 minutes. Holding the tube in the air and trying to mark it at the same time just doesn't work. I'll have to wait till somebody is out in the shop to help me.

I got tired of looking at the stuff I had to do so I moved on to the stuff I wanted to do like set up my new 4 link parts :D

When you are workin by yourself sometimes you have to get creative :homer:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2270104.jpg
Yep, I welder'd it to the jack. Hope I don't have to use it for anything else anytime soon.... It sucks trying to move around a 400lb axle while keeping the caster correct and not killing yourself.

Design #1, no worky on the uppers. Lowers will work out fine.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2280109.jpg

too much exhaust interference, also really close to the oil filter and too much angle for the upper frame mounts.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2280110.jpg

Design #2, A lot better

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2280116.jpg

Has pretty much a straight shot to the frame upper link brackets. The passenger side is going to be a pain no matter how I do it b/c of the y-pipe though.....

Also I should be able to get at least another inch of uptravel without the bracket right in the middle
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P2280118.jpg
suprisingly when I retyped my new measurements in the 4 link calc it really didn't change the #'s all that much. Not that I know what they mean anyways.....

I am excited about the lowers being triangulated though b/c it will give me A LOT of driveshaft protection (for those of you that saw me land on it at the last kansas krawl) so once I beef the lowers they should be ready to slide over stuff

Now I will have to make a complete new lower frame link mount/skid plate/tranny mount

I do have 2 complaints about the ballistic fab tube adapters though, #1 why don't the threads go all the way to the end of the adapter?? they stop ~1/4" short. #2 there is no relief grooved in for the seam of the tubing (I just felt really bad taking a grinder to such a nice part and hacking at it for a while)

Worked on it 16 hours today and got a bunch of stuff knocked out. My buddy John was helping me out for the most part of it.

Everything we touched turned out SICK

My bending/notching/measuring skills are getting a lot better

Check out the progress:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3010105.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3010114.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3010110.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3010115.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3010120.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3010124.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3010127.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3020136.jpg

more....

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3020138.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3020147.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3020150.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3020154.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3020158.jpg

I decided to do straight spreader bars inside. I really wanted to do some triangulation but there was no way to have a tube go over my head. I'll probably gusset it some later
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3020162.jpg

close up of the finished truss, still have to make upper link tabs and a ram mount
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3020134.jpg

It still runs too :D I hooked the battery up and started it just to make sure I didn't cut too many wires/pull too many fuses

seriously awesome work. been watching this build forever.. great stuff.

Sent in my TTC votes today and you got my vote man. Keep up the good work buddy :beer: you've single handedly made me like this body style of blazer...

Thanks guys

I worked on it quite a while today and got almost nothing done.

I threw on my lower links and stared at how I was going to make a crossmember for at least an hour and didn't get anywhere

I can't figure out how to make a crossmember to hold the links that is solid mounted yet will still allow me to take out my t-case relatively easy. gotta do some more researching.

so I moved on to capping off the area where my tube came into the cab, turned out pretty well.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3050104.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3050106.jpg

not to mention I am a complete retard :shaking:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3050109.jpg
I knew I would break my windshield eventually but never figured I would be dumb enough to do it in the garage.... hammer + edge of windshield = big crack.......

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3050112.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3050113.jpg

This thing is looking sick. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

Where did you find any copies of Four Wheeler here in pitt? I can't seem to find any April issues.

I bought all 2 that I could find in pitt :D All in all I have only found 4 beyond my subscription so far. I am in kc this weekend, I might look for a couple more.

Did you get my PSU Offroad email about the Big Meats run? If not you might PM me your email so I can put you on the list.

Nothin is gettin done till sunday when I get back then I should be ready to get crackin after a little break. My buddy John machined me some ~3/16" thick spacers with a 1/2" hole for the airshocks (Thanks John). I wanted to keep the ends from rubbing my shock mounts so they don't get bound up and scratched.

Still waiting on my threaded link bungs from ballistic, hope I get them soon so I don't have to bust ass to make it to Big Meats.......

Worked on it like 6 hours tonight and it fells like I didn't do anything

Started to move my transmission crossmember tabs on the frame, about 30 seconds into trying to cut it my torch ran out of oxygen.......so I cut them off with a cutoff wheel

but then I wasn't able to make new tabs b/c I was out of gas so that got postponed.

So I started getting the orbital ready to mount, got some decent progress on that untill I got to the point where I needed to cut out the bracket.....no oxygen
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3090108.jpg

Got the steering all taken apart and threw the ram on the axle so I could stare at it for a while. I gotta go get somebody to punch me a 1" hole in some plates again.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3090106.jpg

Here are some pictures of the spacers my buddy John made for me in the lathe at school. They came out really nice and will make it so I don't mess up the purdy aluminum 8)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3080105.jpg
The one with the step down is the factory misalignment spacer which isn't enough to keep the shock ends out off of the tabs

man the little things are killin me..... :( I feel like I never get anything done so I am losing motivation fast.



still waiting the rest of my tube adapters from ballistic, been over a month now.... :confused: I hope I get them before this weekend for Big Meats

wow. i just read this whole thread. its awesome how thing thing has come along. i love your press brake! im helping my brother build his toyota and i will deffanatly use that idea! but theres always parts of creating anything this elaborate where suddenly everything gets overwhealming, or you start running into issues or you get the feeling its not going as smoothly as it was a month ago. you just gotta regroup and keep your plan going and this thing is going to be sick. wether you make ttc or not

lol look at it! this thing used to have torsion bars!

Thanks man,

The vast majority of anything that goes on my truck is just reincarnations of ideas I got off here. I hope by posting so many pics of stuff you guys can get some ideas workin and only have to think 1/2 as hard as I did when you are ready to do any part that is similar :homer:

I actually had a pretty decent night of progress till it got cold and I lost motivation.

Got the orbital mounted
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3110118.jpg

Probably going to have some heat soak on this one, the manifold already has a heat shield on it in this area from the factory so I figured that would help but there isn't too much room between the two. We'll see if it works out, I couldn't think of anywhere else to put it without doing something elaborate.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3110116.jpg

Out with the old, in with the new (1/2 the weight too)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3100110.jpg

got mud?
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3100114.jpg
that doesn't include what fell on my head under the truck :flipoff2:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3110120.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3110121.jpg

What I'm workin with for the lower mounts, I am having trouble figuring out how to make something strong/removable that doesn't hang down too far. I have a couple ideas brewing but if any of you guys have a better idear let me know
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3110119.jpg

figured out today that I actually have 8 left hand ballistic fab joints so they are sending 4 right handed ones with my right handed tube adapters hopefully before this weekend

What's going on with this build, i've gotten hooked on it. I'm really lookin forward to seeing the finished product.

Are you worried about your orbital being so close to the exhaust manifold?

Awesome build !

no updates on the truck but



We were on spring break last week and went up to Detroit to visit some friends

Long story short I am now a very happy man :D

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/IMG_7933.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/IMG_7945.jpg
(she was still crying, had no idea it was coming)


We were by the Detroit river next to the GM building with Windsor Canada in the background

I'll get around to workin on the blaze sometime soon, finally have all of my joints now.

Congrats! now get to work since you got my vote!

Congrats on the proposal i just got married in dec. to my long time girlfriend and it has been the best feeling i wish alot of luck and support and you have my vote good luck.:D

Awesome build man I am building a 95 what master cylinder do you use. Also what powersteering pump are you running.

Master cylinder is stock, works great as long as you have disks front and rear.

Power steering is an AGR pump, the rest are all tractor parts.

Thanks for the comments guys, I am workin on getting back out in the garage but life keeps gettin in the way :rasta:

Anybody want to buy a house in Pittsburg, KS??

Awesome did you change the proportioning valve because I have disc on the 60 and 14 and I have no back brake's. Also on the powersteering pump would it just not push enough fluid or did you just upgrade to stay safe thanks. I was looking for ya up there at big meat run to bad ya didnt get it together by then.

Dude congrats on the wife to be and also the blazer both look very nice.

wish you both the best

Worked on it last night till about 3ish almost got the 4 link pretty much done just not fully braced. All but the uppers on the frame

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3300262.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3300264.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3300267.jpg

The exhaust lost the battle with the 4 link
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P3300268.jpg

WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4010272.jpg

Had to modify the ballistic fab brackets to fit the frame
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4010274.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4010280.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4010283.jpg

No binding, no driveshaft interference
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4010288.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4010291.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4010292.jpg

Going to have to limit strap the last 2" or so to keep the driveshaft from binding, BUT it won't be dynamic anymore like it was on the leaf springs. I can set the max droop and it will end up in the same exact position every time :smokin:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4010295.jpg

I might have to modify my shock hoops/ over engine bar though, the shocks are so long I won't be able to get full compression

awesome man! Been watching this build for a long time, good work! Congrats on getting enguaged as well..

The rig is looking good dude!

Worked on it quite a bit this weekend and got the adjustable bumpstops done

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4040262.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4050280.jpg

Here they are holding the truck up off the jackstands
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4050284.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4050285.jpg

Next up is airshock mounts now that I know where full bump is, then on to an endless list of other stuff.

I'm going on a trip for the rest of the week, then it is easter so there won't be any progress for a while....

oober check ur PM's, and sweet build up.

It's been a little while but I have been working quite a bit.

I am to the take 1 step forward and 3 steps back part....... :beatingadeadhorse:


So I got the lower shock mounts made and flexed it out with the tire and when I measured for hypothetically bigger tires they would hit the shocks at full articulation

You can kinda see the angle of the tire pointed at the shock, and the shock is pretty much straight up and down
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4060263.jpg

And I don't want to do this again later when I get bigger tires, so I went ahead and cut it all off :mad3: I also cut off the orbital mount that was right next to my manifold. I'll have to redo that later.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4130271.jpg

So I made some new shock hoops that have a 90* bend instead of whatever the other ones were. By doing this I could mount them higher and further in solving both clearance and travel problems. But now the passenger shock hoop is about a finger width from the manifold (it better not rattle or I'm ganna burn the whole thing to the ground ;) )

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4140262.jpg

Now the shocks have a nice inward lean at the top and I won't have any fears of going bigger in the future
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4140263.jpg

I also got both steering mounts done, here is a pic of the one on the axle.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4130272.jpg

Lesson of the day.... Don't final weld anything that has moving parts attached to it until all of the moving parts are mocked up and good :shaking:

nice work on the front end bro well done

you got some nice tube work skill. its looking good

Worked on it for most of the day today and just slowly got some progress

Hand torched out some upper air shock mounts
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4150262.jpg

What they looked like after 45 minutes of grinding/drilling
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4150266.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4150265.jpg

Also got the brake lines run/calipers on
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4160271.jpg

Started mocking up steering, I still haven't figured out the new orbital mount yet.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4160274.jpg

Got the serpentine belt back on
Attempted to lengthen the front driveshaft but I ended up screwing it up so I gotta fix that tomorrow

Doesn't seem like I got a lot done but I sure as hell spent all day doing it :confused:


Plan on putting it in our Pittsburg State University car show next weekend the 25th so it will definately be at least driveable by then. Then I have a wheeling trip to Disney planned for the weekend after that on the 2nd.

awesome get it done!!

Mid day update.....

Been bustin my butt

Got the upper shock mounts clearanced
driveshaft lengthened
all joints locktighted and tight
spraybombed from the links down
ground the cup from my jack off the bottom of my axle

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4160262.jpg

Still gotta mount the orbital and limit straps then it is on to non suspension stuff
Exhaust
Bleed brakes
Fluids
fuse box mount
pcm mount
battery mount
etc........

End of night update. I didn't really work till 3 in the morning, my roomates convinced me to quit at 9 and went to the bar :p

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4160266.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4160264.jpg

Painted pretty much everything
Bled the brakes
did some other misc stuff...

I am still thinking about the orbital mount, something will come to me here soon

still left:
Wires
Fluids
Steering
and exhaust

Very nice bro great progress man you want to get her going again eh

Hell ya! :smokin:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4200265.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4200267.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4200270.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4200271.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4200273.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4200276.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4200277.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4200278.jpg

Long night.....

Ran out of solid core wire about 10pm so I had to brush up on my flux core welding a little bit



http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4220263.jpg
Over engine crossmember

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4230267.jpg
Cuttin table

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4230268.jpg
Limit strap mounts

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4230272.jpg
Suckdown winch loop

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4230276.jpg
mmmmmm.....flux core.......dirrrty

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P4230277.jpg

I also added a tube and skid plate to the lower frame link mount but I forgot to take pics of it

My roomates helped zip tie some of the random wires out of the way to make it a little cleaner in the cab.

Still gotta:
Fill airshocks
Battery mount
Install intake
Gusset,Gusset,Gusset
install exhaust
and a bunch of other stuff

It works :smokin:

Entered it in the PSU car show, they had a car for us to crush


This is what it looked like when I put the shocks on with 500psi before I let some out
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/2009%20PSU%20Car%20show/P4240261.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/2009%20PSU%20Car%20show/DSCN0327.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/2009%20PSU%20Car%20show/DSCN0330.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/2009%20PSU%20Car%20show/P4250267.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/2009%20PSU%20Car%20show/P4250272.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/2009%20PSU%20Car%20show/P4250288.jpg
oops
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/2009%20PSU%20Car%20show/P4250294.jpg

The rest of the pics are here:
http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/2009%20PSU%20Car%20show/

i freakin love that blazer!!!! keep up the awesome work.. are you planning on putting the fenders and hood back on?

crush that ford:flipoff2:.truck looks good

Very cool project, great job so far man.:grinpimp:
I liked the picture of you crushing the Ford.:flipoff2:

Thanks guys

Not done by any means, I have A LOT of work left to do to it.

It will definitely look somewhat like the good old crazyblaze when I am done.

Plan on doing a good shakedown trip this weekend at Disney to find some weak links :evil:

Did a little shakedown run at snowball

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020304.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020312.jpg

Tweaked my bumpstops a little and broke the mounting tabs off my efans on the landing. 2 pieces of bailing wire and we were back in business
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/th_P5020287.jpg (http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/?action=view&current=P5020287.flv)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020261.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020262.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020264.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020267.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020270.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020291.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020294.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Snowball/P5020324.jpg

Everything worked awesome on the blaze, flexes like crazy and I love the links. Only problem now is the body kinda follows the rear axle but that should get fixed whenever I get the suckdown winch on there.


need to:
Fix the e-fans
Fix the bumpstops
and finish the rest of my list

AWESOME man I'm so glad to see it running!!

That's some sick flex. Any issues with the front driveshaft binding at full droop? Is it a cv shaft?

Also, where's snowball?

Looks badass Paul! I definitely miss afternoon runs to snowball. You'll have to get ready for TTC 2010 :D

That's some sick flex. Any issues with the front driveshaft binding at full droop? Is it a cv shaft?

Also, where's snowball?

I haven't checked for rubbage yet but I set the limit straps to just before the u-joints bind. It has tom woods high angle 1310's on both ends.


Snowball is in Joplin, mo



KStacoma Looks badass Paul! I definitely miss afternoon runs to snowball. You'll have to get ready for TTC 2010

The blaze is always gettin ready for TTC, I'm at the destructive testing part now :grinpimp:


I have some longer shocks for the rear, and maybe some bumpstops
Need to put more skidplates under it
Beef the hell out of the front bumpstops
etc............


I was amazed at how much stuff the new suspension soaks up, when I was messing around with the little jump I did it like 10 times before the one in the vid and it really handled well. The airshocks are awesome.

The only real problem is the front flexes easier than the rear so whenever the rear is off camber the body follows. I am sure at least 60% of that will be fixed with my suckdown but it doesn't bother me too much.

Even higher speed stuff is way better with the front end rebuild. We drove it to lunch maybe 4-5 miles away and it drove awesome. The body roll is kinda excessive but it has a new rag joint in the steering and is much tighter. Drove really nice.....considering.

fantastic build, i think the wifes blazer is gonna go under the knife now shes due for new wheels anyway:D

Little update

Graduated, moved back in with the parentals for a little while, and sold my house with my shop that I finally had setup exactly the way I wanted it.

So this is the status of the blazer now.....:bawling:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/IMAG0049.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/IMAG0050.jpg


I am bound and determined to make it to SMORR this weekend. She still has some stuff to fix from last time I took her out but I'll have to go over to the storage unit and fix 'er up.

Better to have it chillin in a storage unit though than to have sold it though.

Sad indeed! Congrats on the graduation though :) Storage is way better than selling...

Is anything going on with this build or is it done? That thing is crazy, mine aspires to be like that when it grows up.

yeah it's bad ass, I hope its not just sitting there..

damn, thats sweet!! I grew up just south of PSU, in columbus. Great work on it and good luck with future mods!

Yep, it has been sitting in the storage unit for the last 3 months or so but I have plans on picking it up to this weekend and bringing it back to my parents house. They just left for an RV trip to Alaska for a month, little do they know both of their cars are getting booted out of the garage in favor of the CrAzYbLaZe.


Next week I'm ganna start working on it again :smokin:

Hey oober get me those measurements of the rear leaf brackets since your going to be bringing ur baby home. Also I really could use some close up pics of rear fenders. Thanks Bro....

I am kind of planning on heading in a new direction with the crazyblaze.

Now that it is very capable and pretty dependable offroad, I am want to make it more people friendly.

I work 50+ hours a week now and won't always have the energy to get to an offroad park every weekend so I would at least like to be able to cruise around town in relative comfort.

Here is a rough to do list

1. Make it look like a truck again
2. get the doors to fit (never checked alignment when I put the tubes through the door frames and rewelded, DOH)
3. get the winch on
4. Get a dash put in with radio/cb/gauges
5. fix the bump stops, make them stronger
6. put new slip in rear driveshaft so it doesn't vibrate when I let off the gas anymore
7. New exhaust that runs all the way to the back so it doesn't drone so much
8. maybe new seats/harnesses?
9. Finish plexi windows on back of cage
10. wheel the piss out of it! :D

That is all I can think of for now but I am stoked to get to work on it again, it is nice to escape to the garage every once in a while!

Well, I have been feeling a lot better lately. I bought a new bike and started working out again.

It has helped me a lot in the energy/motivation area, and as a bonus it is easier to wake up at 4:30 in the morning :shaking:

The new ride:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/P8200362.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/P8200366.jpg


Also my new daily driver, meet Ruth:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/P8200357.jpg

My cash for clunkers program, I paid cash and got a clunker!


(actually though she is donk daddy looking it is a really nice car, gramma driven less than 100k, 500bux)
Put 5,000 miles on in just over 2 months, already paid for itself in gas savings.





So after riding 14 miles tonight I felt really good when I got back and ended up working on the blazer for 2ish hours and I actually didn't get mad for once!


Started cutting off the bumpstops so I can rebuild some beefier ones.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P8200351.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P8200353.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P8200355.jpg

Also cut part of the front engine cage off so the hood sat closer to the right level, I will end up cutting off more here soon then refinishing it.



A little note for those that ever plan on building a frame in the future DO NOT use tube all the way up, if I was to do it again I would 100x rather do a frame like extreme4x4 did on the green s10 with 2x3 square tubing. There is nothing wrong with doing round tubing but everything you attach to it has to be coped and just makes everything 2x as hard.

A little note for those that ever plan on building a frame in the future DO NOT use tube all the way up, if I was to do it again I would 100x rather do a frame like extreme4x4 did on the green s10 with 2x3 square tubing. There is nothing wrong with doing round tubing but everything you attach to it has to be coped and just makes everything 2x as hard.

I was thinking the same thing. 2x3 or 2x4 would be tits. I've thought many times about building a frame from scratch, but it would be sooo much work. S-10 frames suck donkey balls!

I was thinking the same thing. 2x3 or 2x4 would be tits. I've thought many times about building a frame from scratch, but it would be sooo much work. S-10 frames suck donkey balls!

I concur...

Did a 25 mile bike ride called Tour De Shawnee on Sunday and got on the news for 1/4 of a second when we all left the parking lot!! :P I'm famous


Worked on the blaze the last couple nights and got some good progress


Check the new to me 4D's

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P9010357.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P9010358.jpg

Aaron with the green truggy is still on toy axles and got tired of breaking parts (3 ring and pinions in the last couple months among a bunch of other stuff). So we traded straight across, mine had more tread but these things are UGE! They don't look too much bigger but I am going to have to start airing down to get in and out of the garage.

Here is the progress, pretty much got the new bumpstops put on. I am still not 100% happy with the design but they should be a hell of a lot stronger than the last ones I built and destroyed.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P9020371.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P9020372.jpg

Once I get these finished I am back to kinda cosmetic things like cutting/finishing the front tubework, checking clearances with the new tires, building a dashboard, mounting the winch, etc......

Planning on having her out wheeling on late Sept. either at Zrocks '09 (at grayrock and morris mountain) or at Kansas Krawl 7. There is a significant price difference between the two trips, one being 13 hours away and requiring minimum 3 days off work and the other being 2 hours away. Still deciding if I think I will be able to take that much time off work.....

looking good man! you need to meet up with us in Sept.!!!

I'm glad to see something happening with this thing again, I really like it! Keep up the good work bud. Hey Sirg, whats going on with your build?

dude where are you from?

Dude that is the baddest bike ever! your bike has OBA!!!:eek:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Random%20Pictures/P8200362.jpg

Doesn't that hurt performance?

haha, new option. pretty sweet huh?

Actually I just got back from a 20 mile bike ride, and I had my first spill on the bike.

I took a corner way too fast and slid out on some gravel scraped my chest, both elbows, some knuckles, my wrist, and there was a significant amount of blood running down my leg on the way home.....oops :rasta: Oh well, I was wearing my helmet. It had to happen sooner or later.

put about 150 miles on it in about 3 weeks.

how do you like the atlas? I was thinking about getting one for the lower gear option. Was it a pain to install and set up?

The atlas is the best part i have ever put on my truck.

It really wasn't that hard to put in. I would say the hardest part was installing the shifters.

Little more progress, cut the engine cage back to the shock mounts so the hood would sit at the factory angle to make the gaps at the back of the fenders somewhat acceptable.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P9070351.jpg

I am going to sleeve the tubing then make the new engine cage slope lower and lower the radiator a couple of inches. This time I will finish the tubing all the way out and give support to the stinger.
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P9070349.jpg


Ran out of energy tonight and bolted on the tires/clamped on the fenders just for some self motivation
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P9090352.jpg

I think I might have to do a lil' trimming :grinpimp:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j162/coffeedrnkr15/Front%20Half/P9090353.jpg

Now I am on the hunt for the middle grill part of a newer GMC sonoma grill since they don't go all the way across. If anybody has a decent one that they want to get rid of send me a PM. Not 100% on the idea yet though.

Looking good oober. I didn't like the look of the front before but it's coming back together.

I hated the front. I had planned on finishing it like this the whole time I'm just a little slower than I used to be.

I also hate the interior missing, I am really itching to get the dashboard back in it to make it look somewhat like a truck on the inside again.

bitchen blaze, i think i need to make a list of the 10 thousand things i need to do to mine to get it even in the shadow of your truck.