Builds 93 80 Beater.

[darwink1]

Nice man, thanks for the pic.

I was thinking along the same lines but am tossing around a couple of ideas. I really would like to support the front portion of the slider the best I can but at the same time Id like to keep the cat area accessible.

The plan so far is to bolt an "L" bracket behind the front radius arm mount so it basically cups the side and bottom of the frame. To bolt this on I would use existing holes on the side of the frame and add a small plate w a couple holes in it to the bottom lip of the inside frame rail. The "L" would distribute the torquing forces to the frame pretty good I figure. I would then make a corresponding "L" bracket that bolts to the main slider tube and join the 2 brackets together with more tube.

I have lots of ideas but have to do some brake work today before proceeding w the slider build. I really hope my bleeder screws arent seized man. Gonna run out and spray them, especially the LSPV one, right now.....

D

 

[darwink1]

Brakes done!

Back to the sliders tomorrow...

D

 

[darwink1]

I managed to put in the tube between the main sliders and kickouts yesterday and today I cut out/welded on the gussets on the ps side outriggers.

Unlike the ds side I laminated both sides of the middle ps outrigger just to make it a little more stout. The rear one got laminated on one side with a regular gusset on the other.

Next I have to pull the van into the garage to figure out the outrigger under the cats.......

D

 

[snatchfj80]

Darwink1
looking to build a rear bumper very similar, was your htch receiver a stock Toyota model or after market? And did you try fliping the whole receiver upside down? Just wondering if it would fit like that, thanks great job on your lc

 

[darwink1]

As far as I know mine has the oe toy hitch...

If you look at how it mounts flipping it doesnt really work. Its mounted under the frame and if you were to flip it the mounting flanges wouldnt work to your advantage by sitting nicely on top of the frame.

To make mine I took off the hitch and sat it on top of the frame to check fit. I then cut off the rearmost cross member along with about 3 inches of frame. The hitch fits between the frame rails but has a bit of side to side play. To get it to fit nice I made some recovery points/shims and ran them about 6" down the frame. The open ends of the frame are capped with 1/4" plate and the hitch is welded in place.

D

 

[snatchfj80]

very cool, sorry, but i did not put my effort into good terms, i should have said mount the oe hitch receiver upside down in the stock position with the rear cross member removed, just wondering if you tried that orientation? just a thought i might try to play with that idea if i can get around to it on my days off
blake

 

[darwink1]

Nope, didnt even try that. The way the brackets are on the hitch made sitting it on top of the rails the most logical thing to do at the time.

If you flip it I do think it will work and there shouldnt be any clearance issues w the tail gate. Give it a go man. You would raise the receiver so it doesnt hang down but the hitch itself would be lower than mine so its a toss up.

I was able to taper and plate the frame ends the way I did it so take that into consideration.





On another note, I broke down and brought the van to a shop to get the suspension bushings done. Theyre working on it as I type. I really wanted to do the job myself but could not find a big enough press to borrow. Oh well.

The bushings were getting really bad and thats another reason I didnt want to wait any longer. The rear ps link was touching the link mounts at the front and rear and basically sitting "kitty corner". The front ps link was rubbing up against the frame mount bracket and the ds was getting close.

It looks like the rubber bushings cracked and seperated from the outer steel sleeves allowing the links to slide sideways.

I cant wait to drive it w the new bushings especially since the mud members that have replaced theirs have reported a huge improvement.

D

 

[darwink1]

Holy crap! It drives like a new van now!

What a difference, 2 different clunks have disappeared and it feels more solid overall.

D

 

[julstirn]

Did you use all oem bushings?

 

[Gavlad]

Looking at the bench load of 'yota bags on page 6 of the thread, I'd say yes to that!!!

I've got a few Ironman ones to fit on mine yet - hoping for a similar transformation...

 

[julstirn]

Well im thinkn maybe some slee not sure about difference and if rubber will be better than polyester

 

[PurpleFJ62]

very nice beater. you outta see mine, 92 buick stationwagon, with the fake woodgrain. looks silly without an old lady behind the wheel.

keep the pics coming man!
cheers

 

[darwink1]

I used toyota oe bushings.

I talked to slee about his and was advised that they would not flex all that well in cold climates (it was -40 here with the windchill last night). I was told to stick with the toyota bushings. I believe the short bus also had stock bushings so that should say something.

If youre holding off on doing yours crawl under your van and take a look. Mine got progressively worse over a 2 month period and as stated before my links were touching the link mounts.

The ride will be night and day, believe me.




Ill get some more work done on the sliders soon. The drivers side needs a little clean up and it will be ready for paint. I still have to make the last outrigger to finish up the PS side and Ive been putting it off.

D

 

[julstirn]

Well I figure as one of those things to do as pm issues and while I will be putting on my lift. Love the front bumper also.

 

[darwink1]

Messed around with the sliders a little today.

Made a bracket that will be welded to the inside of the frame rail and a corresponding bracket that will bolt to the first bracket and wrap around the outside of the frame. I used some 1/4" angle iron I had laying around and it should make a solid mount.

I also made another set of brackets, one has nuts welded to the back and is in turn welded to the main slider tube. I cut a couple holes in the slider to accept the nuts so the bracket would sit flush.

I mocked the whole setup up on the work bench for the hell of it.

All thats left is to pull the van into the garage, weld the small bracket to the inside of the frame, and connect the 2 brackets with tube or something..

D

 

[darwink1]

Cleaned up and painted the ds slider today. 3 coats primer, 4 coats paint, 3 coats clear.

It looks shiny.

Still have to finish the damn outrigger/skid under the cats.....

D

 

[PKP80]

I like your rendition of a "heat" spray booth

 

[darwink1]

Haha,

Its frickin cold out man and the garage isnt exactly heated really well. I slid the heater under there to help out a bit.

The plastic stapled to the ceiling is there to keep all the grinding dust off of my tv/stereo/fridge. Does the trick. Guess it kept paint away as well.

In the summer I usually spray stuff in the loft above the garage. Its not insulated so it gets to 4o deg during the day.

D

 

[PKP80]

I just happen to notice your location...I would have several heaters if I was you. Cheers

 

[80t0ylc]

Just noticed this thread today and was looking at your sweet sliders. If I might make a suggestion to you on the frame legs. Yours are similar to the ones I have, except mine have a gusset on each leg. When I think of sliding an 80, as heavy as they are, over a rock or some obstacle, you might want some more support out there on the main rail-to-leg joints. Just a suggestion. Pic of mine before install: