Builds 86 Xtra Cab Build (4Wheelunderground 3 link front, 4 link rear and 3.4 swap) (10 Viewers)

[ntsqd]

Apparently I can't attach a .dwg file. I guess if I had a dropbox or something I could link it. Or send it via email.

Anyway, I made the file, but had to guess at the ID and OD. Easy enough to tune that up. With the file uploaded to sendcutsend you can simple select the material that you want it made from (plywood for all they care) and then the thickness closest to your desired.

 

[aztoyman]

I'm still working on fish plating the frame where I had cut it off. I need to lift the cab up for some room to weld and I needed to get all the "stuff" out of it. Including the shocks so I mounted them up for a couple flex pics. A LOT better than leaf springs.

 

[aztoyman]

@ntsqd, I'll have to see how thick of a spacer would be needed when I get back on the front brakes. @gnob sent me a nice pair of caliper mounting brackets that are 1/2" thick. I still need to mill the ears on the bracket to center the caliper but it will NOT need the 3mm spacer at the spindle any more.

 

[gnob]

@ntsqd, I'll have to see how thick of a spacer would be needed when I get back on the front brakes. @gnob sent me a nice pair of caliper mounting brackets that are 3/8" thick. I still need to mill the ears on the bracket to center the caliper but it will NOT need the 3mm spacer at the spindle any more.

those are 1/2"

 

[aztoyman]

Yep they are 1/2". Thanks for catching that gnob. Fixed it.

 

[aztoyman]

I sold my wheels and 35's and ordered a couple more tires. The beads are so thick on the new tires that I need to run double the spacers to keep the rings from coning in. Actually I ran two sets of the 1/8" spacers and there is still a small gap.

The only spacers available are the 1/8" ones that I bought with the beadlocks. They are just under $20 per set (one wheel) Add taxes and $20+ for shipping is about $100 for 5 wheels. So I would have to order double that since they are only 1/8".

I decided to just make a set of 1/4" thick spacers. I ordered some U.S. made ABS online for under $50 and made them. I've mentioned before that I have more time than money and I enjoy doing stuff like this.

I just made a steel pattern from a piece of 1/4 scrap. Wasn't that difficult and didn't take that long. Took longer to figure out the best way to do it than to get them done once I did.

Anyway, I wasn't spending $200 to put twelve 1/8" ABS spacers in each wheel.

 

[aztoyman]

Done.

 

[aztoyman]

It's been kinda hard to get time on this lately. I at least managed to finish the front two bed mounts.

 

[aztoyman]

I got a couple more tires today. It's starting to look like a truck again.

My next priority is to get the cab sheet metal done so I can get it off to the media blaster. I need to make the passenger wheel well and the trans tunnel.

Once the cab is off I can get some welding done.

 

[aztoyman]

I stuck the bed on it mainly to make some room in the garage but it's starting to look like a truck again.

I'll get back to the bed later. I'll pick up some steel this coming week and try to get the cab mods done.

Before it starts getting too hot, I have some work to do around the house and on my Ram 2500 so might be a week or so before I get back on this.

It's still sitting on the stands (only 3 tires Lol) The bottom of the frame below the cab is 31 inches off the floor. So about 5 inches up from my tentative ride height.

 

[Broski]

Looking good !!

 

[ntsqd]

Now I'm nostalgic for Patch.

Maybe I need to sell the 4rnnr and find a Xcab to build?

 

[aztoyman]

Or have BOTH!

 

[ntsqd]

Can't, at my limit now. By contractual agreement with SWMBO I'm limited to 5 vehicles. The 4rnnr would be, currently, the first to go so that I can move into some other vehicle. I had hoped that the 4rnnr would become as much a part of the family as Patch was, but it just isn't happening.

 

[zidaro]

Damn!! she's coming along amazing, lookin good

 

[aztoyman]

I finally got an afternoon to do some work on this. I got another tire last week and got it mounted up. First time it's had it's weight on tires on the ground in almost two years.

 

[aztoyman]

I bent up the passenger side inner fender and got it tacked in. I need to cut off the excess I left this time. I didn't want to end up with any gaps like I did on the driver side.

I had to bend two flanges opposite directions and use a shrinker on one and a stretcher on the other. Then the English wheel. I'm totally winging it so I'm glad it fit. I made a cut to clear the shock. It may need more removed later.

This is just sitting on the driver side tire so you can see the shape.

 

[aztoyman]

I curved it too much and had to shrink and stretch it the opposite way. It finally fit and I'm good with it. I'm not entering it in a car show.

 

[gnob]

nice work.

 

[RAUL H]

excelente trabajo lo felicito