Builds 97 on 40s Expo Build

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They're good. (I am the helper dad) The part your'e seeing on the front ended up a little rougher than we wanted. It's all burned in really well, we just didn't see the need to grind away on it. Sometimes it just takes a bit to get that thick metal hot enough to melt in really well. The OEM welds look kinda sketchy on first glance but they are good too.
The factory welds are spray transfered. Im guessing youre short circuit migging or stick welding and I doubt theyre done right. Are you using a 110v machine?
 
The factory welds are spray transfered. Im guessing youre short circuit migging or stick welding and I doubt theyre done right. Are you using a 110v machine?
Mig + Argon mix gas, its good.
 
Now I am working on getting the gears broken in. However I did do a run up Pikes Peak. The gears make quite a big difference being at altitude. Also seen to be getting considerably better gas mileage. Has improved from about 11mpg highway to 14mpg.
Im really having a hard time wrapping my head around you getting 14 mpg. Im not saying you aren't, but I just can't see it especially at your altitude. Is this corrected numbers? If it is true, then you give me great hope for my future... I'm running 37s & 4:10s getting 11mpg on open roads. My rpm mostly is 2500rpm.
 
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Man, i just realized you're in the springs! I'll keep an eye out for you since you'd be hard to miss!
 
Mig + Argon mix gas, its good.
Maybe for Ray Charles with Parkinson's. You didnt weld anything else on your poor son's rig did you?
 
I run from 2200' to sea level everyday on hilly country roads with 4:88s and 37s. I average 12 mpg in a well maintained rig. On the freeway I do get 14-15mpg. But rarely does the rig make it to the open road.

Im really having a hard time wrapping my head around you getting 14 mpg. Im not saying you arn't, but I just can't see it especially at your altitude. Is this corrected numbers? If it is true, then you give me great hope for my future... I'm running 37s & 4:10s getting 11mpg on open roads. My rpm mostly is 2500rpm.
 
You don't conform to my standards! says the uppity expo type?

Go back to your cookie cutter 80 and ex officio undies.
If you're responding to my post I meant it in a tongue and cheek manner, no need to get offended. I actually like where this is going.

And ex officio makes good undies I don't care what they say :flipoff2:
 
Im really having a hard time wrapping my head around you getting 14 mpg. Im not saying you arn't, but I just can't see it especially at your altitude. Is this corrected numbers? If it is true, then you give me great hope for my future... I'm running 37s & 4:10s getting 11mpg on open roads. My rpm mostly is 2500rpm.

I'm currently in Moab right now, and my average for the 415 miles from CO springs to Moab I averaged 13.7. What seems to kill me, and probably all of us is accelerating. But once I'm up to speed I just set cruise control and go.
 
Welds look fine to me.... There's Always someone:doh:
Google about truss welding. Its very difficult to do correctly without warping axle tubes. Im guessing you used a 110v mig. Those welds are cold. You can do what you want but I don't think in any objective sense those are good welds.
 
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First Wheeling Trip with Rebuilt Axles and new gears!! No pics, but also welded up all the old flare holes and threw on some black Monstaliner. Got a TG front winch plate too.

Went up and did Wheeler lake 4x4 trail on my way to a few days in Vail. Was a lot of fun and got to have a good time on a few hard obstacles . Noticed coming back down the mountain my front 3rd seal had blown out and I was leaking diff fluid. Luckily it wasn't leaking bad enough not to make the drive home. But really sucks having to rebuild the front again after like 1000 miles. And after searching the forum I now know I should of used some silicone diff seal instead of the factory paper one. Seems a lot of people have problems with them.

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Wheeler Lake is a fun time with a small group. I am planning a camping trip near Divide to run Hackett Gulch and Longwater Gulch this weekend (Saturday/Sunday) if you are interested.
 
Interior Build time! So the goals were:
  • Sink with 12v running water
  • 10gallon water tank
  • Sleeping platform
  • Storage for fluids, tools, recovery, clothes, etc.
  • Able to sit up and not hit head while on bed
  • Custom memory foam mattress
  • Bed must be at least as long as a twin
 
Unfortunately I don't have any in progress pics, but you all can enjoy the finished product. I completed this mostly when my truck was in the garage with the front axle apart, and I finished it up during the gear break in period. Without further ado

Interior Build:

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I took all four back seats out so I could have the space and use the mounting holes for other stuff. My bed platform comes right out with 3 bolts if I ever want to put the seats back in.

The bed platform is 24"x74" with the option to move the front seat forward if I want more leg room. I ordered a custom 3" foam mattress to go on top, and had some custom covers made. Underneath the bed there is storage for a high lift, spare axle shafts, axe, shovel.

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In the middle of the bed platform I put a hatch in to store the rest of my recovery equipment. Just painted everything with black enamel, then did the inside with white paint.
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The sink is made out of a mixing bowl I picked up at Walmart. Then underneath the countertop a 12v RV water pump is mounted. That is being fed by a 10gal RV tank also underneath the counter. For draining the sink I ran flexible pvc tube out where the sunroof drains on the quarter panel. The sunroof drain is just plumed into that with a "T" fitting. The water tank sits on the wheel well, so I ended up with a good amount of storage for pots, pans, food under that. For filling the tank up I cut a hole in the counter and put a boat water fill in and plumbed it into the water tank. I simply open one of my side windows and fill it up. Lastly stained it all and called it good. It is also bolted down using two seat bolts.

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For the attic rack I just found an extra steel shelf you would buy at Home depot or something and mounted it up. However I didn't like how low it sat, so I cut all 4 corners and re welded them the way I wanted. Now it sits as high as possible. You can't even see it in the rear view mirror.
 
Since I had the truck I wanted a cool way to store all the extra fluid you may need. And especially after blowing my diff seal on wheeler lake, I really wanted this before any other trips. You can buy this wooden crate I used for like $10, and I seems to fit everything really well. I stained it, then cut a hole to bolt it to the floor. I also run a strap through all the bottles. Forgot to also mention on the side of my bed platform I mounted a fire extinguisher, and under that is a co2 monitor.

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What it looks like ready for a trip.

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