Builds Project Gonzo (6 Viewers)

[IcutYourCruiser]

I’ve decided to have a HAMOM/chop party the weekend of Nov 3-5. I should have the rig sitting on the axles by then and collect supplies. The plan is to start on body mods and cage building.

 

[White Sheep]

It's on my calendar

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I started mocking up the front links, then I started mocking up the rear, then I cut off the front and completely changed my plan. Rears are now “done” for the first time. I might want to bring it forward an inch or 2, but I’ll have a better idea when I get some tires on. It feels good to finally have 1 of the axles connected to the frame. Things are being figured out, and progress is being made, slowly but surely.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I played a bit cycling the rear suspension (as much as I could with the frame on jack stands) as it’s mocked up. Everything seems alright. The rear will be moved forward about 2”, and the upper links will most likely be shortened to help with pinion angle throughout the travel. The wheelbase should fall somewhere around 118” at ride height.

This at least gives me a starting point to start plugging numbers into 4 link calculator. Then I can see how different changes will effect it, and figure out where everything will live permanently.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Plans have changed completely for the front. After trying to mock things up, I was running into steering angle issues with the lower links. Solution…. Abort the plan for 3 link front, and build a lower triangulated 4 link. Lowers are mocked up with a temporary crossmember, and I’m working on figuring out the uppers. When I get the engine mounted, I may see if there’s room to also triangulate the upper links. Unfortunately right now I only have parts for 1 upper link and a panhard. The panhard brackets are being modified, and I’ll use it as a temporary upper link until I can get some matching parts from ruffstuff.

I have to admit, this view is getting me excited.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Status update, cutting things back off and changing them again. Trying double triangulated rear…

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Could make a pretty sweet belly plate that captures all the lower links if you do double-triangulated front and rear.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Could make a pretty sweet belly plate that captures all the lower links if you do double-triangulated front and rear.

I’ve already got a bunch of 1/4” plate. I’m excited to bounce some ideas off you guys when you can finally see it in person.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I finally have things mocked up enough to start figuring out this link geometry. Plumb bob, chalk line, and tape measure have come in handy. I’ve only done this kind of stuff once since college .

I still don’t have a transmission or transfer case, but I’m leaning heavily towards a th400. I really had my heart set on an atlas 4 speed case, but I may just go with a 205 for now because it’s a lot friendlier on the budget. I’m going to pull the LS out of the corner soon and see how it fits with the links at my proposed ride height. Trans and t-case would be helpful to have right about now, but I’m working with what I’ve got.

 

[cruisermatt]

Need a custom centered set of my motor mounts?

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Need a custom centered set of my motor mounts?

I originally bought bolt in mounts from the Land Cruiser shop. Then I changed my mind and decided I wanted to push the drivetrain back and up. I cut the original mounts off the frame and bought some universal weld in LS mounts.

 

[cruisermatt]

let me make you a set. You'll like them more with the GM bushing then the poly bushing and they will last a lot longer. they aren't indexed so you can put them wherever you want

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

let me make you a set. You'll like them more with the GM bushing then the poly bushing and they will last a lot longer. they aren't indexed so you can put them wherever you want

After all the leaf spring bushings I’ve seen crumbled, I’ve grown less fond of the poly stuff. I do also like the fact that I can buy replacement parts at the parts store. DM me and we’ll work out payment and shipping

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

40s, tons, and links are all attached to the truck.

I’m not going to make anything permanent until I have all the drivetrain parts, but if the lowers can stay pretty much where they are, I think I’ll be really happy with my numbers.

I’ve been dreaming up all kinds of crazy ideas for belly plates, boat sides, and rock sliders

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

It’s not quite ready for the motor, but I had to size things up.

If I just cut enough to get it pushed back into the relief meant for an in-line 6, I might be ok. The trans tunnel is a different story. I also see I may be able to bring it up a touch more, still clear a hood, and clear link ends/brackets if I triangulate the front uppers. I will be switching to a rear sump Holley oil pan.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I got supplies!

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

It’s official, we’ve gone gonzo!

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I REALLY like where this is going. Worlds first chopped/bobbed/doved 80 series. @GLTHFJ60 wanted to try tucking the cage into the A pillars, so that’s what we did, and it’s turning out amazing!

 

[White Sheep]

 

[White Sheep]