: FrankenRover update - heading to Dallas this weekend


FrankenRover
10-03-2002, 06:47 PM
Here is an update,

Worked on putting on the RoverTym 5" lift springs today (thanks John). Got the fronts on and also put the front shocks on for the first time. Had to cut the ears off of Doug's sweet front shock mounts and drill a 1/2" hole for a bolt to reorient the shock body so the external reserv. hose would not get chewed up by the inside of the tire. Not sure how well the 1/2" bolt will hold up like this (as it required a few washers to get the shock body off of the mount arm), but it looks okay.

Had to fab up some spring retainers for the rear springs. I used Expedition Exchanges up front (which are pretty beefy), and copyed them somewhat for the rear. I think the key to strength in that area is to bolster the top side of the spring retainer strap (talking about the bottom of the spring for now) with another strap that fits inside the inner diameter of the spring. Keeps these things from bending right at the bolts holding them on.

Anyway, here are some picts of the finished product in the front. Still have to "cement in" the front shock mount stuff (to weld or not to weld the 1/2" bolt, that is the question?) and paint the parts.

Sitting on the driveway there is about 4-5" of up travel left on the shocks (if I use that to limit up travel). Cranking the wheel left and right through the range of motion it appears all is well for the remaining body work in the front. It will be close, but I think it will clear everything.

Before the new springs and tires (old - 764's with 1" spacer in front, and 35" SSR's) there was about 10.5" front tire to top of wheel well (with no flare). With the 38" tire and old springs there was about 9" with the same measurement. With the new springs with no spacer and the 38"ers there is about 10.5" or so. This has turned out pretty good, as I wanted to get some added lift without having to use the spacers anymore.

Now on to putting the doors, truck cab, and other bits on before I haul the rig up to NeverSummerOffroad in Dallas for all that custom sheit KC is good at.

Later,

Billster

FrankenRover
10-03-2002, 06:48 PM
here is another

FrankenRover
10-03-2002, 06:51 PM
And the last one:

CTA586
10-03-2002, 07:12 PM
Looking very sweet... well done.

Jtisdale
10-03-2002, 07:22 PM
Yeah man! Enjoying the progress!!

Johnathan

RockRover
10-03-2002, 08:37 PM
Very nice....But I'm very quietly waiting the the unveiling of the "supper secret" surprise that's waiting for us at the end....


Waiting....







































Waiting...










































Waiting....


































:)




--D

FrankenRover
10-05-2002, 07:56 PM
Not going to spill quite yet on the special super secret stuff, but here is the truck with all 4 38" tires on it, and the RT 5" lift springs. Damn, it is going to be hard to get up in this thing! Anyway, finished up the rear springs and shock tonite and heading out to KC's in the morn. once I get everything loaded up in the tow rig.

Here is a side shot:

Billster

FrankenRover
10-05-2002, 07:58 PM
And rear shocks and such. Not sure if I am going to stick with this setup with the DR mounts. They seem kinda flismy side to side unless braced across the middle of the truck. So we shall see.

Thanks for the springs John!! I will let you know how the length and rate work out when we load it up and throw it on the ramp (hopefully this week).

Billster

RockRover
10-05-2002, 08:04 PM
Billy,

Do me a favor and let me know what your frame rail hight is to the ground. I'm sitting right at 28-29"....And for giggles, let me know what your diff to ground clearance is too!

Looking bitchen man!

--D

FrankenRover
10-05-2002, 08:12 PM
24" from frame rail to ground, and 13" under the lowest portion of the diff.

Holy sheit, your are way up there man. Gonna have to get steps to get up in that thing.

Billster

RockRover
10-05-2002, 08:36 PM
Tell me about it brotha! The first time I sat in the thing I was like...."No fawking way I can drive this thing!!!"

I plan on droping it an inch or two...Maybe. I'm gonna' wait a while and see how stable she is first...I'm diggin' the belly clearance!

I've got one inch over you on diff clearance....But I'm sittin' on 42's! Good job man! (I did shave (smoothed) the bottom of the diff though....That bought me about .75" there. If I run into hang up problems (doubtfull) I'll do a full blown shave job....Too much to do still to worry about that right now....Right now I just want to f'in' get out of the shop...To finally breath some freash air rather than metal dust!!!

Somebody call the Waaabulance! I need some cheeze with that whine!

Btw, what is that you used to locate your resivours (sp?...Damn I'm tired)...

--D