84' build. "The Bruise" (1 Viewer)

[Scotty]

So, everything went together smoothly today. Still only had a couple hours to work on it, but got the axle hung and it sitting on its own weight. Ride height is going to be perfect IMO for 33s or 35s.

Shackle angle is around 30 degrees back, but that will change with a lighter V8 going in at the end of summer. Ideally I want it around 20 degrees. Tomorrow will be a big day since I will reassemble the axle, and hopefully finish the steering. Then it all comes back apart for new bushings, paint, etc. I also need to wire wheel the frame and clean it up.

 

[Scotty]

I spent a couple more hours on it after closing. I really got a good idea on ride height and am pleased with what I have right now. I think it will work out really well.

On a side note, I realized that I will need to make new shock hoops. The ones I have will interfere with the steering box on the driver's side. So, I will bend up something custom to work.

 

[Trapper50cal]

Good shackle angle, I also like the overall height. Nice setup. Not too tall but taller than my SUA 5" lift (4.75 now prob.)

 

[weak-link]

whats it messure out to at the front of the frame to ground?

 

[Scotty]

whats it messure out to at the front of the frame to ground?

I'll get that measurement today after I assemble the other side of the axle today and get it off the jack stands.

 

[Bomar]

That is nice looking. I would like to do this to my truck and get rid of the OME springs.

 

[Scotty]

That is nice looking. I would like to do this to my truck and get rid of the OME springs.

If you have the tools go for it. Its not that hard.

 

[Scotty]

Finished rebuilding the axle today and got it sitting on the tires. Also finished the steering. I used poly performance FJ80 bungs and 555 rod ends. The tubing is 1.25" .120 wall sleeved with 1.5" .120 wall. So, its basically just your typical 1.5" .250 wall tubing.

I also managed to get a measurement on the frame height. I am currently at 21.5" under the doors.

Here are a few other rigs at the shop as well. The FJ80 is one of the cleanest I have ever seen. Its a damn nice ride.

 

[Scotty]

Built the new shock hoops.

 

[Trapper50cal]

This is shaping up to be a great rig

 

[ElliottB]

Nice work Scotty. You sure work fast!

 

[Scotty]

Nice work Scotty. You sure work fast!

Not on this project! LOL

Actually if I would have had three solid days to work on it, I would have had it done a month ago.

But, I did want to take my time to make sure all of my measurements and stuff were good on it.

At this point, the rear is still stock for the most part. I haven't frenched anything at this point, and I am not sure I will for a little while. I would like to add a leaf and then french everything, but I will likely wait until I do the V8 swap before doing that. The front will sit higher at that point, I can make the rear match with the extra leaf, and still be able to french the shackle into the frame and run a shorter spring hanger.

 

[Scotty]

Well, at this point the SOA is done and driving. I may change some things a little bit when the motor swap takes place, but for now its done. I must say that it drives way better than it did with the new shackle reversal. Its just nice knowing that everything under the rig is new. Overall, I am very pleased with the ride height, and other than a slight lean to the DS, its good to go. I will try to swap the rear springs side to side to see if it levels it out, but its only noticeable a little bit.

At this point, the motor and tranny are for sale. I want to have a buyer before pulling them so I can let them hear it run.

 

[Bomar]

damn that is the perfect height.

if you where closer. I would hire you do to mine.

awesome work.

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

X2 on ride height. I would love to do the same to mine someday.

Butt

 

[Scotty]

I may finally go ahead and play with the 3rd row seat install next week too. We'll see how things go, but I would love to get that squared away. I also decided that since my rear section doesn't have the threaded certs for the 3rd row seats like some other do, that I am going to build a roll bar like a 1st gen 4runner roll bar to mount the shoulder harnesses to.

I've only played with it in my head, but I think its doable, and would also make it easier to mount the pieces to allow the seats to fold up out of the way like in the 80 series.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Damn that looks good.

 

[kling-on]

I may finally go ahead and play with the 3rd row seat install next week too. We'll see how things go, but I would love to get that squared away. I also decided that since my rear section doesn't have the threaded certs for the 3rd row seats like some other do, that I am going to build a roll bar like a 1st gen 4runner roll bar to mount the shoulder harnesses to.

I've only played with it in my head, but I think its doable, and would also make it easier to mount the pieces to allow the seats to fold up out of the way like in the 80 series.

MAKE 2 WHILE YOUR AT IT i HAVE ONE OF THOSE FOR MY 60

 

[Scotty]

So, I started the 3rd row install today. After looking at things for about 30minutes, I figured out the easiest way to mount them. Basically I cut off the rear bracket just in back of where it rotates. Then I built a riser that will allow it to just mount perpendicular to the how it rotates. It made it very easy.

The front was just a simple bracket that will allow it to bolt to the fender. I am hitting the pick and pull on Monday to grab some door strikers to use for the inner floor mounts. Here is what I have so far:

 

[Bomar]

Scotty

You do great fab work. Glad to have your innovations in the 60 section.

Keep you the great work!!!