Build 1983’ mini-crawler RN48 “Clementine” Build

[mesa man]

I made some progress on rebuilding the 2nd reduction box for the Clementine Crawler!
I welded the small tab onto shift fork to keep the shifter in place.

Pressed the Nachi bearings into the AA adapter plate.

Final ultimate crawler dual transfer case.

 

[mesa man]

Question of curiosity? There is 2 types of reduction box cases, the ones with bearing retainer tab and ones without, I’m thinking I should have used the 1 with retainer, but it was greasy as heck. I used the retainer in the 4.7 gear box,

and 1 without bearing retainer in the 2.28 box that inputs the w56.

Anyone with info about pros and cons as to the benefit of retainer?

 

[gnob]

no real major difference. the retainer tab is absolutely unnecessary.
the low range gears get an extra metal flange thing described as "quiet run" gears.
ive not in experienced any noticeable differences

 

[aztoyman]

My "guess" is that it's there to keep the shaft assemblies from slipping out while in the assembly process at the factory.

 

[gnob]

sorry for the terrible pic. i stole it from mc because the fsm doesn't show it.
the difference is that little steel plate in front of the gear, also there on the input shaft.
i think this is 86+(or efi+)


edit : also visible in your picture here

 

[gnob]

also that tab WILL NOT fit if you're adapting to an r150.
it hits the adapter plate(at least it hit my mc plate in the 85)

 

[mesa man]

Cool man! Thanks for the input guys! I’ll keep rolling forward then. I really appreciate the info from your combined experience.

This “guy” I know always says:

 

[mesa man]

Hey Gearheads!
I got some time and motivation to cleanup, drain oil, and replace input and output seals,
Painted the seal retainer on the W56 transmission going into Clementine ! I scored this plus t/c from a neighbor for 100$!

This is the complete W56, 2.28:1 box, AA plate,4.70:1 box twin sticks and transfer.

I’m gonna have to install the transmission first,
Then the dual cases, it’s just too heavy to move together!

 

[mesa man]

I painted the new front range t/c crossmember.

Prepped Clementine and removed the G58
And chain drive t/c, wasted time cause I didn’t find the 17mm bolt by back of the the starter covered in dirt and grease until I yanked on it too much and realized I missed it! Ugh!

My work pillow for underneath rigs that was a very thoughtful gift from our friends Maureen and John who used old Levi’s from
@John McVicker was put to good use! Thanks Maureen!!! and John!

 

[mesa man]

Anyone know of the performance/reliability of this clutch brand LUK?

 

[gnob]

good parts

 

[John McVicker]

@mesa man I just let Maureen know that you like your headrest. She’s glad you re using it. I might be a bit biased, but when I’m going to be under the vehicle for any length of time, always reach for it.

 

[aztoyman]

You won't be burning your clutch with the low range gears you have now.

 

[mesa man]

@mesa man I just let Maureen know that you like your headrest. She’s glad you re using it. I might be a bit biased, but when I’m going to be under the vehicle for any length of time, always reach for it.

View attachment 4113914

Thanks John, you guys rock! See you both at SAS10!

 

[Mesa Woman]

@mesa man I just let Maureen know that you like your headrest. She’s glad you re using it. I might be a bit biased, but when I’m going to be under the vehicle for any length of time, always reach for it.

View attachment 4113914

He’s always reaching for his pillow or asking do me to get it. It’s one of the best tools he’s got for under there!
It is a great idea of Maureen’s!

 

[mesa man]

The weather has been really windy in NM so it’s been hard to focus but I wrestled the tranny onto my jack and Mesa Woman gave me a hand jacking it up while I balanced and stabbed the shaft into the clutch assembly.

Dual T/c was temporarily bolted up for measurements to cut shifter holes in floor and mark where crossmember mount needs to be welded. Used a 4.5” hole saw and cut 2 holes in the floorboard.

Got the brake cable and lines out of the way.
No modifications needed, removed a heat shield to-get more room. I raised the box up as much as possible until there was about an inch of space for drivetrain flex.

I then removed the crossmember and duals
To grind the paint off where the mounts will be welded. I’m really impressed with this crossmember and skid system!

I’ll weld when the weather is calmer! Hopefully tomorrow!

 

[aztoyman]

Nice work. You're going to be amazed at the crawl capability you have now.

 

[Mudder]

Any particular reason for the twin sticks over triple sticks? I like the FROR T-case mount skid plate!

 

[mesa man]

good morning mudders!
Yesterday I finished installing the dual cases!
Weather was good and I prepped everything to weld, we are off grid so I use a 6500 watt
Portable Generator to power my little titanium
Flux core 175 mig.

I set the controls, started the genny, geared up and crawled under Clementine. I had welded the gussets to the mounts and now had em clamped in place where I had made marks from the mock up. I then burned em in!

Sprayed some cheap paint I had on hand,

Cracked a cold one then raised the cases back up , threw on a gasket and inserted the shaft into the w56.
Bolted and torqued everything to 29 ft lbs
Including crossmember with longer bolts.
I then stuffed the bushings into the small space and Mesa woman’s small hands threaded the nylock nuts on the bolt while I used a lever to flex the floor board up half inch or so. I massaged it with a hammer but not quite enough, just barely touches.

I wanted the drive train as hi as possible and with the stock crossmember gone little Clementine gained at least 4” of clearance!* in spots, t/c is back and up about 1” or so.

I really stoked to finally after years to get this set up together, I’ve been collecting parts and eager to get the front axle built next!

I hooked up the clutch cylinder , connected e brake cable up and it rubs on the poly bushing
But it should be fine. I painted the hidden bolt head red!

And the beefy skid plate as well!

Very productive last few days! Now if it wasn’t so windy OR I got my act together and built a small shop s*** wouldn’t take so long to build !!!

 

[mesa man]

Any particular reason for the twin sticks over triple sticks? I like the FROR T-case mount skid plate!

My initial reason was less linkage, thus more reliable. There are issues with many setups such as loose slop or leaks or just ugly, so after much patience and research I went with these FROR twin sticks. I also thought I had room with the seat I have but it’s like an inch to far back so I have another nice bench seat but no headrests on it. I like the skid plate too, it’s purdy with red makeup also!!!