Glucosamine treatment for an old warrior

[Cdaniel]

More....

 

[Cdaniel]

More.....

 

[Cdaniel]

With the box in place it was time to have a look at new fender well openings. Still a little more trim needed in front at this point.

And, now it's time to work out a shock mount. Not much space between the pitchman arm and steering arm, But I think there's enough
Time to invent an upper hoop.

 

[Cdaniel]

So far I'm liking the looks of the new approach angle

 

[Cdaniel]

Thinking out of the box for shock mounting. I was pondering making an upper hoop to straddle the PS box, but I still have these Ford towers I bought before I had the reality of the box location. Maybe I can still use them.

1st the lower mount with the stock pin out of the way. With just enough room between the steering arm and pitman arm at full left turn.

 

[Cdaniel]

Next I'm building a bracket to use the bolts on the PS box. Cutting and flattening the Ford tower to make it go vertical from the bracket. Some more fender well trimming will be required.

Anyone paying attention to this thread think I'm nuts?
Stop me before I get completely stupid.

 

[waiting for time]

Still watching, folowing and trying to figure out where you are going.
Looking goog so far, not really sure on the last part, think there is going to be a los of stress on that bracket you are making.
Maybe you can add a sort of bridge over the ps box and place the tower on that, you can place it more inwards that way.

 

[Cdaniel]

.........think there is going to be a los of stress on that bracket you are making.
Maybe you can add a sort of bridge over the ps box and place the tower on that, you can place it more inwards that way.

?I'm confused. In my mind that's what my bracket is, a "bridge". Are you suggesting that it shouldn't utilize the PS box bolts?

I'm wondering about the stress too. I'm thinking the plated and sleeved PS bolts should handle it though.

 

[waiting for time]

?I'm confused. In my mind that's what my bracket is, a "bridge". Are you suggesting that it shouldn't utilize the PS box bolts?

I'm wondering about the stress too. I'm thinking the plated and sleeved PS bolts should handle it though.

I mean over the top of the box. The way you made it now will give a lot of stress on brackets and bold and places the tower more outside the frame.
If you add a part going over the box and to the bolts of the front cross member the load will be more even spread and you can weld the tower more inwards.
The bracket can stil be removed to get to the steering box.
Hope this makes sence.

 

[Cdaniel]

Makes sense. That's pretty much my original thinking for an upper hoop. If I go that route, tying the tower tops together is probably necessary. Necessary in either case really. Neither solution gets the shock much inward lean as the sector shaft on the box is right in line with the axle tube. And there is no space between the steering arms to go off center.

Thanks for the mental grease, need to ponder more. Maybe work on something else and see if some other ideas come in.

 

[subzali]

I really like your shock solution, I think it's sweet. I doubt you'll have trouble unless you rally that thing. What's the plate thickness on that bridge plate?

 

[Cdaniel]

I really like your shock solution, I think it's sweet. I doubt you'll have trouble unless you rally that thing. What's the plate thickness on that bridge plate?

Rally runs, no. I have been known to drift a little dirt corner from time to time. A run to the sand once in a while too. Short wheelbase keeps me in hand there though.

The bridge piece is .25 thick. The angles are only .125 though, but in that situation it's strong. My concern is the strength of the bolts. I could add a 4th bolt through the frame too.

So one nay and one yay so far.......

 

[msahr]

Hey Cliff now I know who to go to for help when I SOA my rig... Thanks!

BTW nice work. Waiting to see the results. I like the approach angle as well.

 

[Cdaniel]

Hey Cliff now I know who to go to for help when I SOA my rig... Thanks!

BTW nice work. Waiting to see the results. I like the approach angle as well.

Thanks Mark, but I don't know if I'm much more than a copy cat with a few educated guesses on what needs to be done.

Without IH8mud, this project would never have started.
I'm trying to give back in pictures what I've got out of hours of trolling around here.

This Scout box with high steer and SOA has become a bit of a can of worms, but I'm chpping away at it

 

[zebrabeefj40]

On the shock tower: you might have issue with the top of the tire when the suspension is twisted up. I can see the tire possibly getting into the shock. Maybe put the tire on and lift with an engine hoist to check clearances?

Nick

 

[Wildman]

I think the shock mount is a little tight to the box for my liking. I would be more inclined to make up something like these. More room for mud cleanout, visual inspection etc.

I would NOT share steering box bolts with any other component, also out of personal preference and because I have seen steering box bolts back off... Iam not saying yours will, but there is a TON of stress on that area, why add more?

Universal Shock Hoop Kit | Toyota, Suzuki Samurai, and Jeep Off Road Parts

 

[Cdaniel]

Excellent point on the tire clearance check, will check that next.

Thanks for the link on the shock hoops. Looks like a fair deal. After further pondering on shock length required for my expected travel limits it's looking like a hoop is the necessary answer. Fortunately (for me) I've got a good barter arrangement with a neighbor that bends tube. He's recommended getting some 1.25 DOM.

We'll see what we come up with. The location is tight, but there's not many other options.

 

[Cdaniel]

Hoop! There it is.

Hoop! There it is.
Next stop, mounting points......

 

[Cdaniel]

Mounting points step one
And trial fit up on the frame...

 

[Cdaniel]

A few more steps in the right direction today.

Notched and tacked.........