Pre-expedition build (1 Viewer)

[Mickldo]

That steering box looks a wee bit beefier than the previous one in girth too not just the size of the splined end. Is that so? is that really a more heavy duty box? When did they start installing that one?

Inquiring minds want to know!

G'day Proven

It does look a bit beefier in the photos doesn't it. I honestly didn't see any difference until I tried installing the pitman arm and the bloody thing wouldn't go on

As far as I know I must be one of the first in Australia to get the new box. My Toyota parts guy had to ring Toyota Australia to find out what the difference was and he was told that they hadn't brought any pitman arms into the country yet.

 

[bhaines]

I have twisted the sector shaft in my steering box a few times. I ended up replacign the box with a 1997 model which I havent twisted yet. I was under the impression that a drop pitman arm will solve the problem of twisting the sector shafts? Dont you guys in the US have this problem, as most australian 80's with larger tyres go through this?

 

[Mickldo]

Mickldo, what necessitated the replacement of the sector shaft other than the twisted splines? My sector shaft has a slight twist in it from an accident. I adjusted the draglink to account for that, and it's been fine for ~2.5 years now.

Just curious.

Thanks,

Ary

Hey Ary,

Back when I had deep offset rims I used to twist it just about every trip. I replaced it and two weeks later I had twisted it again. After many twists and draglink adjustments I changed back to OEM steelies and I haven't twisted it again yet. The box has been leaking heaps and I wanted it fixed properly before I went away into the desert. It was only a couple of hundred more to go for the complete box rather than rebuild a shagged one. Now that I know it has a stronger shaft I am over the moon and I'm glad I did even if I do have to wait a bit.

 

[Mickldo]

Good stuff there Mick.Make me jelous.
Bloody neat wiring job to.
Maybe you could pop up to Darwin and rewire mine to mate.

Thanks Topend

One day in the future I plan on starting a expedition fitout business. I do this type of stuff at work but I want to specialise in it. 4wds, caravans, camper trailers, boats, motorbikes, etc.

 

[Mickldo]

I have twisted the sector shaft in my steering box a few times. I ended up replacign the box with a 1997 model which I havent twisted yet. I was under the impression that a drop pitman arm will solve the problem of twisting the sector shafts? Dont you guys in the US have this problem, as most australian 80's with larger tyres go through this?

G'day bhaines

Back when I was twisting it all the time I only had a 2" lift and 33/12.5R15 on deep offset rims. When I changed it all I went to a 4" lift with 285/75R16 on OEM rims.

Having a heap of weight up the front of mine (steel ARB B/Bar, dual batts, winch etc) had the 2" sagging a fair bit and it was about the standard steering geometry and it still twisted. I reckon it was more to do with the rim offset rather than steering geometry.

 

[Mickldo]

Update time

Yesterday I purchased a heap of stuff to remake my rear sliding drawer system. Plywood, screws, s/s piano hinge, etc.

My old drawers are pretty basic and they are very heavy. I wanted something a bit more refined and with a couple of other features.

Today I ordered a water tank from http://www.oppositelock.com/home.asp

from this page http://www.oppositelock.com/detail.asp?dxdeptid=6&cxcatid=49&ixkey=7074

When it turns up next week (it's gotta come from West Aust) I'll mount it in between the cargo barrier and the sliding drawers.

Because my current drawers take up all the room I need to shorten them. Rather than going to all the effort of shortening the old ones I'm going to make a completely new set of drawers.

I'll try and draw some pics and post them to see what you guys think of the idea.

 

[Mickldo]

Instead of one big drawer beside the fridge I'm thinking two smaller drawers with a shallow tray above that is accessed via a hinged lid. The fridge will stay where it is but with the full false floor over the top of it the access to it will be hampered. I'm thinking of putting a hinged lid above the fridge too. The side pockets will be deep ones with hinged lids also.

The shallow tray will hold my recovery gear. I'll be able to access it even if the rear doors are wedged shut.

I was stuck in this wallum coutry for a while until I could dig (using a stick) enough to open the spare tyre carrier and open the tailgate to get the recovery gear.

By having a top opening lid I'll be able to get into it via the side sliding windows if necessary.

 

[matt 105]

What lights did you end up getting, Mick?


Matt

 

[Mickldo]

What lights did you end up getting, Mick?


Matt

Hey Matt

I haven't got any yet. I really need to replace them. Those little IPFs are just about stuffed. The bodies are all rusted. I think the chrome is the only thing holding them together.

I'm starting to sway towards the Hella 4000s. My TA at work just got a set for his girlfriends GQ and they are a good light.

 

[Mickldo]

Hey Matt

I haven't got any yet. I really need to replace them. Those little IPFs are just about stuffed. The bodies are all rusted. I think the chrome is the only thing holding them together.

I'm starting to sway towards the Hella 4000s. My TA at work just got a set for his girlfriends GQ and they are a good light.

I probably should replace them before the trip. Even though I don't plan on doing any night driving while we are away I am sure we will need good lights while we are spectating at the OBC.

I'm sure if I leave them on they'll fall off on the corrugations and I'll run over them and get a flat tyre

 

[Mickldo]

BTW for those of you that don't know what the OBC is here is a link. http://www.outback4x4challenge.com/

This comp is the main reason we are going away on this trip. We will be spectating the comp and then we are going to go through the Simpson Desert on the way home.

 

[Mickldo]

Working on the sliding drawers today. I'll post up some progress photos later this afternoon. After getting some prices on heavy duty drawer slides I have decided to look at other slide methods. I have the catches for the slides now. We had some good ones in stock on the shelf at work

I have also picked up the roof rack that I'm borrowing off a mate for the trip. He has given me permission to mildy modify it if I need to. I'm thinking a couple of "wanker lights" brackets, a second spare tyre mount and to bolt my lock up galv box down. I have also seen a cool mod on the old lcool site IIRC of a shower screen bracket attached to the roof rack. They just used a couple of telescopic tent poles.

 

[shanegtr]

How much did oppy lock slug you for the water tank and how much does it hold?

 

[SOCALFJ]

Keep the updates coming.. i appreciate watching other expedition rig build threads. Always cool ideas to pick up from others.

 

[topend yobbo]

More pics Mick.
I'm dying here.

 

[RV80]

Got the pitman arm and steering box part numbers yet, im due for a new one as well...

Thanks Grant

 

[Mickldo]

How much did oppy lock slug you for the water tank and how much does it hold?

The water tank hasn't turned up yet. I rang them today and they reckon it'll turn up (from WA) on Monday. I am buying the tank through work for trade price plus freight so hopefully it'll turn out cheaper than retail.

I'll let you know how much when I get the bill on Monday.

The tank is a 40L

 

[Mickldo]

Keep the updates coming.. i appreciate watching other expedition rig build threads. Always cool ideas to pick up from others.

There will be a few updates in the next couple of days. A heap of parts that I have been waiting on have arrived, so tomorrow morning I am right into it again.

While I have been waiting on parts I have been working on it each night but nothing interesting enough for a serious post. this weekend should be different though.

 

[Mickldo]

More pics Mick.
I'm dying here.

Hopefully I'll have some stuff finished tomorrow that I can take some pics of in the daylight.

 

[Mickldo]

Got the pitman arm and steering box part numbers yet, im due for a new one as well...

Thanks Grant

The part no.s are -

Power steering box (RHD) - 44110-60202

Pitman Arm - 45411-60390



I got the pitman arm Wednesday and fitted it last night.