The Plan...

[taco chaser]

This is going to be a cool build...

[dieselcruiserhead]

Thanks Dave, couldn't agree more. This break was largely due to attempting to use the skinny pedal from attempting to get up with an open truck and piss poor gearing, so totally agreed. It was me and Kurt and Dan (I always forget his last name) the lawyer from Denver who is just awesome (in his OME 80 series on 33s) which also as we know just wheels so well...

Anywhoo, thanks guys...

[ntsqd]

Is it done yet?

[cruiseroutfit]

Thanks Dave, couldn't agree more. This break was largely due to attempting to use the skinny pedal from attempting to get up with an open truck and piss poor gearing, so totally agreed. It was me and Kurt and Dan (I always forget his last name) the lawyer from Denver who is just awesome (in his OME 80 series on 33s) which also as we know just wheels so well...

Anywhoo, thanks guys...

The biggest issue is the amount of lift you have, and the limited travel of those joints. I'd bet there is a company out there that has derived a solution, either high travel joints or a modified spindle. Your front end was bouncing up and down, the only thing realistically limiting your droop was the tie rod ends, finally one gave up You could get really trick and ream out the mating holes for 80 Series stuff (if it offers more travel) or 1 ton. Though I think the solid axle plan is pretty cool

[DaveInDenver]

I'd bet there is a company out there that has derived a solution, either high travel joints or a modified spindle.

[drift]
Total Chaos, for $490, will sell you a pair of high travel heim joint tie rods. If they are anything like their idler arm, last tie rod you'll ever buy due to bending. I would expect the heim joints not to like sand much, though.



[/drift]

[Bogo]

[drift]
Total Chaos, for $490, will sell you a pair of high travel heim joint tie rods. If they are anything like their idler arm, last tie rod you'll ever buy due to bending. I would expect the heim joints not to like sand much, though.



[/drift]

You should be able to find boots that will cover the ends.

[dieselcruiserhead]

I think I'm going to head down Thurs morning (my b-day) and go and yank the axle. Kurt not sure if you are doing anything... Also, can I please please please borrow your new plasma cutter?

I priced out almost everything I need on the steel/fab/coil buckets front and it already comes out a little more than I expect at about $400 shipped (but such is life). I have a set of stock 4cyl TJ springs lying around but am going to see if I can dig up some 6cyl as I figure the weight between the Merc and the 6 cyl are probably closer (maybe). I'm not planning to order yet until I get the axle under there and everything mocked up. I bought the tires already so costs are already:

• $550 for tires (5 BFG AT 33x10.5). 4 almost brand new, 1 brand new, pretty good deal
• $60 for 4 good used rims. I have a somewhat matching 5th that should work I think...

Total: $610

I missed the guy with the LC arms this weekend so I hope I can hopefully meet up with him on Thurs as well. If there are two of us maybe with a little breakfast/lunch bribery and if we have time, maybe even pull the trans and various other required standard trans bits... I am still hoping there are a few FJ62s in an off-the-beaten-path u-pull yard where I found a few late this summer...

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I can't wait to see this come together.

[cruiseroutfit]

I think I'm going to head down Thurs morning (my b-day) and go and yank the axle. Kurt not sure if you are doing anything... Also, can I please please please borrow your new plasma cutter? ...

I could probably sneak away Thursday morning to help you grab the axle. Ring me in the next day or two and we'll confirm. As for the plasma cutter, your welcome to use it here whenever you need

[ntsqd]

[drift]
Total Chaos, for $490, will sell you a pair of high travel heim joint tie rods. If they are anything like their idler arm, last tie rod you'll ever buy due to bending. I would expect the heim joints not to like sand much, though.



[/drift]

[Total Hijack]Had an interesting conversation last weekend with a friend of mine and this seems like a place to mention it. One of his friends from Church is a CHP Officer who just spent a week in training to do truck inspections. They are now also teaching those officers how to spot parts that may not be DOT or EPA/CARB legal. Like "cold air kits" that move a sensor or spherical rod ends in steering or suspension. Kids in the OC with their 'Trust Fund Trucks' are going to be starting to complain soon. [/Total Hijack]