Build Project Gonzo

[IcutYourCruiser]

My ADD and 9+ years at Trollhole’s is getting the best of me. I’m having a really hard time convincing myself to tack this all together and sending it as is knowing that it’s not right. I may need to invest in some cleco’s and spend the time making it right. Yes it’s a crawler, but I’m dumping all my eggs into this basket because I want to build it once and make it right the first time. My forever rig. Also gonzo!

 

[BMThiker]

successful design/engineering is iterative

Send it, wheel it, fix it, make it better, repeat

 

[Bryanseye]

My ADD and 9+ years at Trollhole’s is getting the best of me. I’m having a really hard time convincing myself to tack this all together and sending it as is knowing that it’s not right. I may need to invest in some cleco’s and spend the time making it right. Yes it’s a crawler, but I’m dumping all my eggs into this basket because I want to build it once and make it right the first time. My forever rig. Also gonzo!
View attachment 3592967

Gonzo. You can’t stop here, it’s gap country.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I’ve been doing some things.

Adding the forward kick to the already bent main hoop was interesting to figure out. Hopefully it works out and I don’t have to make a new one

 

[Broski]

Great build, I will be following along

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I finally got around to test fitting the modified main hoop for the cage. It fits perfectly now with the 15 degree kick forward at the top, I’ll just have to shorten the A-pillar bars a bit. Also, visibility in the cab is awesome with the factory rear window. Way better than almost any pickup I’ve driven.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Unfortunately I only have 1 usable bay in my shop, and GSMTR is in 30 days, so I’ve got to take a short break from the build. The 1FZ in my daily is finally getting replaced after 3+ years of knocking.

 

[ceby]

Unfortunately I only have 1 usable bay in my shop, and GSMTR is in 30 days, so I’ve got to take a short break from the build. The 1FZ in my daily is finally getting replaced after 3+ years of knocking.View attachment 3631247
View attachment 3631248

el Burro de fuego back in action!

 

[chappysfj40]

Unfortunately I only have 1 usable bay in my shop, and GSMTR is in 30 days, so I’ve got to take a short break from the build. The 1FZ in my daily is finally getting replaced after 3+ years of knocking.View attachment 3631247
View attachment 3631248

funny story...... i just found out gsmtr is at wind rock. i am such a idiot. we are planning on making it next year in the 80 (bruce). not the buggy. because i think it would be bad ass

 

[dbenke]

No more "Rob knock"?

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

No more "Rob knock"?

No more!

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Yet again, it’s been a while with no updates. Life got busy, and gonzo got pushed to the back burner for a while. No work has happened, but I have been collecting parts. A few weeks ago I found a th400 core locally, and this week my off-road design magnum doubler showed up. Progress will resume soon!

 

[Trollhole]

That's a crapload of seals.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

That's a crapload of seals.

Includes everything needed from the transmission back and everything to completely reseal the ford np205. The T-case has to come apart to swap out the input for the off-road design beefy “fat shaft”

 

[HankyPanky]

PULSE CHECK! How is this project coming along?

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

I’ve been meaning to post an update. The project is on hold for now. I bought a new house last year and I’m working on getting a shop built. I should be back to making progress by fall. I’ve still been collecting parts. I finally got my hands on a ford np205.

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Getting closer to being able to get back to work. Slab is poured and I’ve already paid for 75% of the building, so it should be up before long.

As things sit right now, I’ve got most of the sheet metal work done on the cab with the exception of the cab corners and deciding between sheet metal or factory tailgate for the rear cab wall.

Parts already on hand…
6.0 LS with aftermarket harness and stock ECU
Th400
ORD magnum under drive
Ford NP205
PSC full hydraulic steering kit with weld-on double shear brackets for the knuckles
Axles and links are already under the truck but geometry and wheelbase won’t be finalized until the drive train goes in.
I also have a full sheet of 1/4” plate to build skids and brackets as well as a full sheet of 16ga for firewall/trans tunnel and anything else.

 

[Hank6760]

I tried sheet metal and I was not happy with how it turned out, so I cut it out and used the tailgate.much better in my opinion.