Cooker's Expedition M-416 Build

[tgreening]

Exiled. Good suggestion. Ill look into it. Ive been doing some measurements but havent gotten much done in the past week (work) and think that if I put the axle back under the springs, it will be almost perfectly in line with my hitch. Im going to try this, and if it doesnt work, Ill probably go with your suggestion.

thanks

Not sure if it helps but just for your reference, I have an 83 CJ that is SOA with 2 1/2" lift springs riding on 37" MTRs and my 416 rides just right behind it on its factory tires and spring set up. I can't imagine how far out of whack I would be if I made it SOA and put larger tires on it. There is no reasonable way to stuff 37" tires on the trailer so the whole "matching tires/1 spare" scenario isn't a factor for me either. Not to mention how much you change your center of gravity unless you widen your trailers track width to offset it.

Something else to think about is for every inch you raise your trailer that's 1 inch higher you have to hoist a cooler full of chow and your favorite beverages to get it in and out. You get the idea.

I went through all of this when I was building mine and I am soo glad I didn't raise it any higher.

 

[Cookeab]

Been real busy with work and baby, and I can only cut and grind before 7 because of the little one, so not much done lately. I started mocking up the fender frames and steps. Here are some pics

 

[fjcruzn]

Great looking build!

Keep the pics coming! Can't wait to see the finished product.

cheers,

dale

 

[EbenStrydom]

Great Build.

Can U maybe tell me the thickness of the material of the tub please.

Thanks
Eben

 

[Cookeab]

Panels are 18 gauge. I used some 16 on the rear for extra support.

 

[Cookeab]

I also thought I posted this previously, but it is not showing up on the site. I got one fender skinned but still have to cut and grind excess.

 

[Cookeab]

Also, decided the rust on the bed was getting bad, so it was time to paint. So far, just rust removal with the wire wheel. Hopefully will prime this weekend, then body work.

 

[Cookeab]

So finally got the primer down on the tubs outside and bottom. I always tell myself, this time Im not going to spill paint and get it all over the place. Never happens. Paint and I dont get along. Anyways, here is a few pics.

My jerry rigged paint booth.

my gun

painted tub

 

[dawsonc61]

Sweet build man, looking forward to seeing the finished product! Good to see a fellow jeeper here too!

Here's mine

 

[Box Rocket]

How bout an update?