Builds Lynchburg Lemonade, matzell's STW

[Pacer]

I looked around on the Google search. (after making the second set) These look like the ones Mark sells @65swb45 I think they are stronger than the ones others are selling due to the fact the angles of the mounting points, both at about a 45 deg angle so they keep from bending back. Others are at a 90 deg down and allows the bottom skid to flex upwards without support. With the time I had wrapped up in them I would have been better off buying them. I will know better next time! I did add the shock mount in the proper position to optimize flex and less stress on the shock bushing.

Edit: you said shackle skids, I am not sure I answered your question????

So I did , you answered my question.
I especially like the low shock hanger, nice work!

 

[matzell]

Pass side frame rail finished. I welded a couple of nuts to the bottom side to mount the tow hook.

 

[matzell]

Sometimes you just have to see how all the picss to the puzzle fit..

Steering box is mounted along with the front bumper. I like the way the box is tucked up and back . It just barely clears the shackle but fits. Next up is pump and steering shaft. Then I will slip the pitman arm on and measure for the drag link.
Wheeling in two weeks?!?!?! I hope so!!!!!

 

[1MOA]

Tidy install job

 

[matzell]

So I got the green light to work on this all weekend. I sprayed a little paint last night. Color is not a perfect match but looks pretty good!

Rustoleum Maui Blue.

 

[matzell]

Steering column modified. I used a slick little bearing I picked up from my friends at Iron Pig Off Road. With some light sanding it slips right on and you tap it in the place in the tube. The outer piece insures it will not come out.

Now to mount the pump, cooler and hoses. Oh and the pitman arm, drag link too. All the little details!

I did have to grind a small spot on the motor mount to clear. I think because I set the box so far back.

 

[davidp14]

Very impressive work!

 

[matzell]

Very impressive work!

Thank you!

 

[matzell]

I ran into a delay when I broke my 21 mm tap today. I still need to finish the draglink.

 

[matzell]

I did get the pump and cooler mounted up. All the little things like hose clamps! I will get some in the am and get the steering bleed. The cooler should help keep the fluid cool and add about 1/2 quart of extra fluid. This is a 12" dual pass Derale unit.

 

[matzell]

I am using a 99-04 WJ pitman arm. It is much beefier than the TJ arm and a bit longer. I reamed the hole out for the mini truck tie rod. It is indexed different than the TJ so I had to cut out the key ways with a hack saw and use a triangle file to cut tapper the spline.

The WJ arm also has about the right drop for a stock or 2.5" lift.

 

[matzell]

As it sits at ride height.

 

[matzell]

Not much time in shop today. Brake lines are done. I somehow mis-placed the new master cylinder and the new engine belt!
If you do a lot of brake line work this is a great tool to have. Perfect flares everytime.

Btw I eluded to the color early on!

 

[matzell]

New 21mm tap came in today so I was able to get the drag link done. Now to center the box and get some paint on it.

 

[matzell]

What winch do you put on a FJ40? Warn 8274, of corse!

 

[matzell]

It said on the can you can spray over rust. I must have missed a step!

 

[MOTOV8R]

It said on the can you can spray over rust. I must have missed a step!

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Nah, just need a few more coats.

 

[matzell]

I had a blast wheeling this weekend! Had had to get a little tug on "V" trail but made all the other spots.

 

[matzell]

I was the smallest tire and had to lead some of these big boys around.

 

[matzell]

Thanks to CLCC for taking over Fall Cawl this year. They did a great job!