Builds Jodo 97 LX450 Coilover project (2 Viewers)

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Beautiful work, very nicely done.

You may want to consider widening the skid plate on either side of the t-case or wrapping it up and around it some. That has saved me several times when pounding through brush, and I've seen quite a few cruisers that have scrape marks up the side of their t-case from being off-camber and coming down on a rock. Several people have done trail removals of their speedo sensors....not fun.


I agree and can attest to the trail removal.
 
Front and rear wheel well.


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I would agree about the cross member. This is only a moch-up for now. My intention is to build full skid with modulare pieces.

Jodo
 
So how does it drive? Any way to make it work without the RHD arm? Could one use a PS steering arm rotated and the [now]back side chopped?


I switched sides thinking I was on to something but the geomitry was way off. Just off center the steering became out of aleinment quickly. One of the readers said his buddy did it but by heating and bending the arms upward to shorten arms. Not sure what that does to the stranth of the arm.

Jodo
 
So how does it drive? Any way to make it work without the RHD arm? Could one use a PS steering arm rotated and the [now]back side chopped?

It drives great so far. Waiting for my nitrogen kit so I can adjust the coilovers properly and stop alot of body lean. I would also like to build a passenger side high steer arm to lesson the angle of the drag link. That helps with handling also.

Jodo
 
final pics from this weekend. My wife, two sons and I are headed to Tahoe the August 9th. We're kayaking with a small group from South shore to Emerald Bay (about 7 mi.) to camp for one nightthen back to South Shore to a hotel.

Jodo

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My intention is to build full skid with modulare pieces.

If it helps I've not hit my tranny skid (in front of the cross member, they're all one piece but for the purpose of definition....) on anything but brush. I'm glad I have it, but 4 gauge is really incredibly insane overkill. Even something like 10 gauge would probably work just fine, all you're keeping out is the brush really. Even if it bends a bit it's only there to protect wiring and help brush slide under the truck rather than getting hung up.

That being said, an incredible amount of force can be applied when a pointed tree trunk is applied against a small area.....ask me how I know! :lol:


Now I've actually bent my 4 gauge t-case skid. Only very slightly, and only at the weakest corner that has the least support and the most exposed edging, but I've still managed to do it. I'm very happy with my t-case skid and would not go with something smaller.
 
If it helps I've not hit my tranny skid (in front of the cross member, they're all one piece but for the purpose of definition....) on anything but brush. I'm glad I have it, but 4 gauge is really incredibly insane overkill. Even something like 10 gauge would probably work just fine, all you're keeping out is the brush really. Even if it bends a bit it's only there to protect wiring and help brush slide under the truck rather than getting hung up.

That being said, an incredible amount of force can be applied when a pointed tree trunk is applied against a small area.....ask me how I know! :lol:


Now I've actually bent my 4 gauge t-case skid. Only very slightly, and only at the weakest corner that has the least support and the most exposed edging, but I've still managed to do it. I'm very happy with my t-case skid and would not go with something smaller.


I hear wwhat your saying for sure. Those rocks and stumps will find the weakest spots of all. Not to mention these 80's are freeky heavy. But I like it! Reminds me of my Bronco's in the past... Another life... Like this one better.

Jodo
 
Absolutely Stunning. I freak out with every update. Any Flexed shots?
 
I apologize if I missed it, but how much lift did you end up with? It looks like about 6". I am guessing the front coilovers are well balanced with the rears due to the weights you provided. How does it brake?

Very nice job. I would love to do that to mine someday. I would love to see some trail/flex picts next time you get out.
 
final pics from this weekend. My wife, two sons and I are headed to Tahoe the August 9th. [/ATTACH]

So you ARE married.

I was deeply impressed by this build, but to manage it and a family - wow lol.

Get those trail pics up next - what an amazing project.
 
Awesome build!!! If you dont mind I would like to see it up close. I live in Roseville too, lucky me.
 
I'm here front of my laptop shaking my head .. and thinking how tha hell you can do this kind of beautyfull job so fast and at home .. ! ( wife and family time/tasks included .. )

hat off ..
 
Amazing job!!! :flipoff2:SHOW OFF :flipoff2:
 
Most people could pull this off with a stick welder and a 4" grinder....



J/K Man, beeeautiful work. Can't wait to hear about the trail performance.

:beer: Ramon
 
Why did you decide to keep the front sway bar? Also impressed by pulling this off and having a family. Very nice work. You must be hung like a horse.:banana:
 
I apologize if I missed it, but how much lift did you end up with? It looks like about 6". I am guessing the front coilovers are well balanced with the rears due to the weights you provided. How does it brake?

I belive it's around 6" but my plans are to go to 37's and lower it 2". The rear Slee springs are awesome! The braking is great now with the ABS and rear load adjuster locked out.



Very nice job. I would love to do that to mine someday. I would love to see some trail/flex picts next time you get out.

I'll get some flexy shots soon. I've been busy with working in Vegas about half way through the build. Looking forward to getting out for a good run/test. I'll post the only one I have so far.



So you ARE married.

I was deeply impressed by this build, but to manage it and a family - wow lol.

Get those trail pics up next - what an amazing project.

Lol! I have built many rigs like this in the past and with a very sopporting family. I've been married for 23 plus years with two great boys. Believe it or not I still come in and cook dinner every night. Cooking is like building to me but better.



Awesome build!!! If you dont mind I would like to see it up close. I live in Roseville too, lucky me.

Come by anytime during the weekend. I work in Vegas during the week and try to get home every weekend. PM me for cell number..


I'm here front of my laptop shaking my head .. and thinking how tha hell you can do this kind of beautyfull job so fast and at home .. ! ( wife and family time/tasks included .. )

hat off ..

Thanks Tapage, I couldn't do it without a understanding wife. She knows how happy I get while in the garage brain storming. Trust me, she's well rewarded.




Most people could pull this off with a stick welder and a 4" grinder....



J/K Man, beeeautiful work. Can't wait to hear about the trail performance.


Its funny you say that! All I had in the mid 80's (just married) was a stick welder and a hack saw... Thats it!

Thanks,

:beer: Ramon

Why did you decide to keep the front sway bar? Also impressed by pulling this off and having a family. Very nice work. You must be hung like a horse.:banana:

LMAO! You guys are pretty funny

Jodo
 
These are the only flex shots I have so far. I've set up the the front suspension to fully stuff the tire deep into the wheel well with full steer. I look forward to more testing.

Jodo


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For more proof, here's a pic of the little woman and me. We toured the San Jaun Islands last year. looking forward to exploring in the LX.

Jodo


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I dig the BMW and the dog peeking out the rear slide window!

If you are anywhere between santa clarita and Cal city and see a dark green 80 with 4 king coil overs and 4 bypasses it means I finally got mine done.
 

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