ntsqd
technerd
I think either method will work and allow adjustment as needed. Been my experience that a quality hose clamp has a pretty amazing holding power. Well beyond what is needed to hold this tab or your current support in place.
Builds 86 Xtra Cab Build (4Wheelunderground 3 link front, 4 link rear and 3.4 swap) (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter aztoyman
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Thread starter
- #1,002
Had little time in the garage today but I feel I made progress. I fabricated a couple limit strap mounts like the ones 4WU offers. Very cool design that clamps on the lower links. I just used my press to form some 1/8" x 4" strip around a scrap piece of 2" DOM from my lower links. Once the paint dries I'll put them on and measure for straps.
My brake fittings and hose was delivered today so I can get going on that too.
My brake fittings and hose was delivered today so I can get going on that too.
- Thread starter
- #1,003
I decided to go with bulkhead fittings on the upper links as suggested by ntsqd. So I grabbed some scrap 1/8" flat steel and fab'd up enough for front and rear.
- Thread starter
- #1,004
I can tuck the hard lines closer to the links. I'll probably add a couple more hose clamps for more security. I saw on another build thread where the guy said no more NiCopp brake lines after his were getting torn off. He lives where he goes through a lot of brush. I like the NiCopp and I already have it so I'm going to make an effort to protect it. I just stuck a hose clamp on the lower links to secure the brake cable.
This is at max droop. My limit straps are on the way.
The forward flex hose (on this upper link) will end up attaching on the other side of the cross member. The battery box will be in the way otherwise.
This is at max droop. My limit straps are on the way.
The forward flex hose (on this upper link) will end up attaching on the other side of the cross member. The battery box will be in the way otherwise.
ntsqd
technerd
Looks good to me!
I ran Ni-Cop on my current FSB project. I am surprised that steel will live where the Ni-Cop is failing whomever.
I ran Ni-Cop on my current FSB project. I am surprised that steel will live where the Ni-Cop is failing whomever.
ntsqd
technerd
If you dig you can find it at Summit, or you can call Orme Bros. and they'll likely have it on the shelf.
- Thread starter
- #1,008
@gnob The only metric adapters I need...so far is #3 to 10MM X 1.0 Male fitting. I used Russell 641431 which is a 2 pack. I just looked for the best prices with shipping. I got stuff at Amazon, eBay and most of the -3AN stuff from Pegasus Racing Supplies.
So everything except those Russell fittings are just -3AN fittings and 3/16" brake line.
I see there are places selling stuff as NiCopp that is NOT. Its coated or something. The good stuff has specs listed.
So everything except those Russell fittings are just -3AN fittings and 3/16" brake line.
I see there are places selling stuff as NiCopp that is NOT. Its coated or something. The good stuff has specs listed.
- Thread starter
- #1,009
I need to get some hose for the diff breathers. 1/4" fuel hose maybe? The low pressure stuff for carburetors?
Thinking about running the rear up to the gas fill door. Or maybe just up between the bed and cab.
Thinking about running the rear up to the gas fill door. Or maybe just up between the bed and cab.
ntsqd
technerd
I'd go larger, 5/16-8mm at least, 3/8 if you want to make a really long run. Long garden hose analogy.
Could use Poke-N-Hope fittings and related polymer tubing as a different option.
Could use Poke-N-Hope fittings and related polymer tubing as a different option.
- Thread starter
- #1,011
I was even thinking about DOT air line connected to the hose barbs with a piece of fuel hose as a connector. 
ntsqd
technerd
DOT air line used in the DOT "Push-to-Connect" type fittings would be a very robust option. Might be a little overkill, but not bad.
On one now long gone vehicle I used one of the old school cheap plastic fuel filters (Fram G3 I think it was) as the vent filter.
On one now long gone vehicle I used one of the old school cheap plastic fuel filters (Fram G3 I think it was) as the vent filter.
- Thread starter
- #1,013
Problem solved. I just found a 25' roll of 3/8" Continental, Made in U.S.A. fuel, PVC, Evap hose in my stash. AND some brass hose barbs. Must be left over from my boat project. It's paid for so I'm using it. 
On my 88 I just ran it up to the crossover bar above the axle, right below the bed. It didn't droop as much as this so I'll route it a bit differently.
On my 88 I just ran it up to the crossover bar above the axle, right below the bed. It didn't droop as much as this so I'll route it a bit differently.
- Thread starter
- #1,014
My limit straps showed up so I mounted them up. I tried a couple different mounting points for the top before I decided on this location.
Originally I planned on more inboard and parallel to the shock. After cycling the suspension I didn't like it. It was tight and doing it's job with straight down on both sides but loose when fully articulated.
This final location is almost exactly the same either way.
I know it's "supposed" to have a spring and two washers below the mount and double nuts on top. I didn't like that either so this is the way I set it up.
Originally I planned on more inboard and parallel to the shock. After cycling the suspension I didn't like it. It was tight and doing it's job with straight down on both sides but loose when fully articulated.
This final location is almost exactly the same either way.
I know it's "supposed" to have a spring and two washers below the mount and double nuts on top. I didn't like that either so this is the way I set it up.
- Thread starter
- #1,015
I'm wondering if I should weld gussets in the corners of the shock hoops at the frame. There's actually room to put a small one underneath too.
Any opinions on this?
Any opinions on this?
- Thread starter
- #1,016
I'm back on the front brakes again. I'm using the 1/2" thick brackets I got from @gnob. I never finished machining them so got that done. I had to take .125" off the ears where the calipers mount to center them over the calipers.
That 3/8" that's left is all you have for caliper mounting bolts on the brackets available from a couple vendors but I'm going to weld a nut or some plate on the backside for peace of mind.
Here's a pic with and without a nut.
EDIT: Today I kicked around a couple ideas for more thread engagement for the caliper mounting bolts. I decided not to weld anything on. The grade 10.9 flanged nuts are a simple and effective upgrade.
That 3/8" that's left is all you have for caliper mounting bolts on the brackets available from a couple vendors but I'm going to weld a nut or some plate on the backside for peace of mind.
Here's a pic with and without a nut.
EDIT: Today I kicked around a couple ideas for more thread engagement for the caliper mounting bolts. I decided not to weld anything on. The grade 10.9 flanged nuts are a simple and effective upgrade.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #1,017
The spindle bolts that came with Sky's 3/8" plates are 35 mm long. 40 mm would be better with the thicker plates I think. I'm actually thinking of studs for ease of assembly. I'm going to see what I can find.
EDIT: I just ordered high strength JIS 10.9 Flanged hex head bolts from Mc Master- Carr. M10 x 1.25 x 40mm long.
EDIT: I just ordered high strength JIS 10.9 Flanged hex head bolts from Mc Master- Carr. M10 x 1.25 x 40mm long.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #1,018
Today I cycled the front suspension to see what I have to work with for routing brake lines. I found out I really have to thread the needle. Dang it's tight. I'm ordering a couple brake hose fittings tonight. Pegasus Racing Supply has standard 2 day shipping so I should get them the same day my spindle bolts arrive.
I also found out my front drive shaft can't handle the angles at full droop. I need to set my limit straps up two inches shorter minimum. The front straps I got from 4WU are too long so I'll have to order a couple more limit straps. I don't really have a way to put one limit strap in the center.
I hooked up the same hydro assist hoses I had on the 88 and it looks like they'll work. I might have a clearance issue at the body mount for one connection at the steering box. I won't know for sure until I set the cab back on.
The upper link is super close to the slave cylinder at full stuff. So close I had to swap the hex head mounting bolts to pan heads. I decided I'm going to cut the 1 3/4" outer tube back a few inches. The axle end of the link has a smaller rod end so there is a section of 1.5" tube inserted at that end of the upper link. That will give me a bit more of a safety margin from busting my slave cylinder off on a hard hit.
So a lot of time today putting together a plan and no pics of anything to show you guys.
I also found out my front drive shaft can't handle the angles at full droop. I need to set my limit straps up two inches shorter minimum. The front straps I got from 4WU are too long so I'll have to order a couple more limit straps. I don't really have a way to put one limit strap in the center.
I hooked up the same hydro assist hoses I had on the 88 and it looks like they'll work. I might have a clearance issue at the body mount for one connection at the steering box. I won't know for sure until I set the cab back on.
The upper link is super close to the slave cylinder at full stuff. So close I had to swap the hex head mounting bolts to pan heads. I decided I'm going to cut the 1 3/4" outer tube back a few inches. The axle end of the link has a smaller rod end so there is a section of 1.5" tube inserted at that end of the upper link. That will give me a bit more of a safety margin from busting my slave cylinder off on a hard hit.
So a lot of time today putting together a plan and no pics of anything to show you guys.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #1,019
My spindle bolts and my brake fittings got delivered today..........and stolen by the guy delivering my wife's meds. 
Got it all on our Ring doorbell. The UPS guy put two boxes on the ground by the front door, took a pic (which I have) and the medical company delivery guy grabs them in the same video as the UPS guy is walking back to his truck.
The dumbass heard my wife talking to him on the speaker and set only one of the two packages back down. We were driving home about a minute away. The other package ($28.70 in bolts) got carried back to his car by him with his box of meds where he waited at the street by his car as we drove up. I had to sign for the refrigerated antibiotics. Then he left. I didn't realize the UPS delivery was right before we pulled up. Started piecing it all together after.
I saw the ONE package by the door and went to check tracking to see where the other was. I knew they were both shipped UPS. Tracking showed delivered at 2:02 WITH a pic of BOTH packages on my doorstep. The ring video shows it all. The med delivery is at 2:04 I think but it's all in the same activation time of the ring video by the UPS driver. There is video of me picking up the ONE package he didn't steal, putting it on top of the meds I just signed for while he pulls away in the background. So he can't deny this. The home care company is getting a call in the morning.
Got it all on our Ring doorbell. The UPS guy put two boxes on the ground by the front door, took a pic (which I have) and the medical company delivery guy grabs them in the same video as the UPS guy is walking back to his truck.The dumbass heard my wife talking to him on the speaker and set only one of the two packages back down. We were driving home about a minute away. The other package ($28.70 in bolts) got carried back to his car by him with his box of meds where he waited at the street by his car as we drove up. I had to sign for the refrigerated antibiotics. Then he left. I didn't realize the UPS delivery was right before we pulled up. Started piecing it all together after.
I saw the ONE package by the door and went to check tracking to see where the other was. I knew they were both shipped UPS. Tracking showed delivered at 2:02 WITH a pic of BOTH packages on my doorstep. The ring video shows it all. The med delivery is at 2:04 I think but it's all in the same activation time of the ring video by the UPS driver. There is video of me picking up the ONE package he didn't steal, putting it on top of the meds I just signed for while he pulls away in the background. So he can't deny this. The home care company is getting a call in the morning.
