Help with 3-link on '99 4-Runner (1 Viewer)

[JLHEEPETR]

On Saturday I started on the skid plate for the belly. This crossmember is 1.75 x .25 DOM and will tie in between the two front lower control arm mounts.

Here it is burned in.

For the plate I started with 25" x 26" of .25 plate. I wanted to use regular grade 8 bolts so I cut four holes with a hole saw to countersink the heads.

 

[JLHEEPETR]

On the back of the holes I welded .25 squares drilled out for a 1/2" bolt. The plate was bent up by cutting, bending, and re-welding and then sanding the welds down.


After some corner trimming and finish work it got primer.

 

[JLHEEPETR]

I drilled and tapped the new crossmember and the rear lower link crossmember for mounts. The plate got a coat of "saftey red" gloss to match the highlift and hubs etc. In all I lost 2.5" of belly clearance but am happy with how it turned out.

From the front.

I painted the bolts with flat black to make them stand out. The Marlin guys are bringing me a locker guard to Moab that should compliment the plate.

 

[JLHEEPETR]

I was using my front bumper to push open a chain link gate yesterday and doing so tore the flimsy molded pad off of my ARB bumper. No the gate was not locked or latched. I was very disapointed with the strength of these bumpers so off they came.

I decided to rebuild my own from the same expasion joint material I used for the front bump stops. Here they go from block to bump with cutting and sanding.

I used a spade bit and a punch to recess 5/16" bolts into the face to bolt back into the original holes.

 

[dragr1]

Very nice!

 

[JLHEEPETR]

Here they are mounted up. I ran STR around the edges to keep water and dust from getting behind the bumps.

 

[JLHEEPETR]

Thanks dragr1! Moab in 4 days!

 

[dragr1]

Thanks dragr1! Moab in 4 days!

We will expect plenty of pics!

 

[uglyoinker]

if I see you down there I will probably wave. I'm from Montana. I was born and raised 80 miles northwest of Missoula. I've been working on my 55 to get it ready for Moab. So when a dude waves at you from a black and white 55 on 38's don't think I'm crazy! I've been watching your build by the way and you do good work sir.

 

[JLHEEPETR]

I'll be on the lookout for you ugly! You from the Flathead or T. Falls maybe? We might have to have a .

 

[uglyoinker]

T-falls guess was very close! I'm from plains. Lived there for 18 years. You can bring me a moose drool from big sky brewery! I just buttoned up the 63 inch chevy springs on the back of my 55 today. See you down there.

 

[JLHEEPETR]

I'll bring a six pack of drool along. Worst case senerio I'll have to drink it without you. I'll keep an eye out for you. See ya in Moab!

 

[VCCruzr]

Gawd!!! Nice rig, I'm jealous. Awesome job!

 

[mmml4]

Power steering plumbing questions,

What did you use for fittings and hose?
How did you route the hoses?
Do you have any pics?

The rig looks awsome I must say, cant wait to get my junk running.

 

[JLHEEPETR]

Thanks VCCruzr! Mmml4, I used Goodyear hose, I can't remember which kind but you can find chemical resistance info online. The fittings were all from PSC and Eaton. I think there are a few pics in the build. Let me know what you want a picture of and I'll post them up. I won't get any up untill after May 2nd however. Leaving for Moab in the morning.

 

[JLHEEPETR]

All loaded up and ready to hit the road. I 90 E. 05:00am ETA Moab: 17:00pm

Yes, we're bringing wood.

 

[mmml4]

All I can say is YOU SUCK, have a great time and can't wait to see the pics.

 

[buffethat@comcast.ne]

See ya tomorrow, oh and is that all the wood you're bringing?? JK, can't wait to see it in person and do some wheeling in BFE. Just about packed up, should be leaving around 10 am and in Moab around 3-4 pm. see ya then.

 

[lenross1]

Yes, we're bringing wood.


Did you build your own cabin or something ??!

Post up some pics of your trip to Moab!

 

[Isotel]

I had a Pleasure helping Burn all that wood! Thanks for the Budwieser too!