Project "Home Built" '96 80

[guthriealexander]

You do "get what you pay for." if you plan on doing a lot of welding get a miller 211, 180, or similar. My brother just got a miller 211 with autoset and it works very well. The new 211 is also much smaller than the older one, making it even better for storing in our over crowded garages. I have a miller dvi2 mig, and a miller syncrowave 200 tig, and love them both. But if you want something a lot cheaper, I have been pleasantly surprised with the Lincoln 100 using flux core. They don't have the amps to use solid wire but if you take your time, you can do very well with the 110v lincolns. I found the Lincoln 100 for $100.00 on craigslist. If you chose to buy a used welder, insist on trying it out before you buy it.

I bought a Miller 211 essentially as a hobby welder and im glad I did. Its not cheap, but its a great machine and will probably pay for itself a few years down the road.

I have a little harbor freight backup that I use in the field and while it works, its not exactly pleasant to use.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Another thing that may help in regards to welders. Hobart is a low end Miller and ThermalArc is a low end Lincoln. Personally, I prefer to weld Miller but my ThermalArc works very well and I have been very happy with it.

 

[DiscoveredLC]

I have both brands and love them. Anyone looking to build their own parts should sign up on this forum. Its full of useful fab info and theres lots of experienced guys on there.

Offroad Fabrication Network

 

[ToddD]

I have both brands and love them. Anyone looking to build their own parts should sign up on this forum. Its full of useful fab info and theres lots of experienced guys on there.

Offroad Fabrication Network

Nice site, Thanks for the link!

 

[DiscoveredLC]

Installed some MAF adjustable upper control arms on the cruiser to make the driveshaft happy.

Also made some small plates to adjust the caster back to normal. Its set to 2.5* right now, and drives straight down the freeway. Braking is nice and straight too.

Taking the truck down to a driveline shop tomorrow so they can look at the front shaft. Probably going to have them turn it into a DC shaft since I have a vibration on the freeway. The angles arent even close to where they should be for a standard 2 joint shaft.

These MAF UCA's are beefy!!

 

[scrowley]

I think your thread made my mind up to escalate looking for a plasme cutter, and pipe bender. Great work. I really want to build my bumpers for my 80 but its a lot of work without all the right tools. Usually I make a bunch of templates/bumper out of cardboard, then I bring to a local machine shop. They put it on the plasma cut table and it cut out each piece tracing it. That is my dream tool.

 

[DiscoveredLC]

Had a custom DC driveshaft made for the front from a 2000 Tundra. Alsoperformed the Pin 7 Mod and added a OEM Diff Lock switch from Onur at American Toyota.

 

[Delancy]

Enjoyed the read, and looking forward to future updates.

 

[scrowley]

How much is a DC shaft like that. I put new u joints in my factory and it still makes some noise and bouncy feel. Did the DC shaft make a smoother feel to the drivetrain? Thanks

 

[10080]

Had a custom DC driveshaft made for the front from a 2000 Tundra. Alsoperformed the Pin 7 Mod and added a OEM Diff Lock switch from Onur at American Toyota.

Where is the cdl switch located in this application?

Sent from my MUDPad

 

[bowtiestang]

Love the set up of this Cruiser....nice work!

 

[DiscoveredLC]

How much is a DC shaft like that. I put new u joints in my factory and it still makes some noise and bouncy feel. Did the DC shaft make a smoother feel to the drivetrain? Thanks

Truck drives fantastic down the highway. No vibes at all. A shaft like that will run you 100-150 for the used shaft, and probably another 200 or so to re-tube it. The shop said it took a lot of work because the shaft in factory condition was a press fit, instead of a weld on tube. SO it was more work to re-tube.

Where is the cdl switch located in this application?

Sent from my MUDPad

On the left of the dash on the same row as the antenna switch. Factory plug and play.

Love the set up of this Cruiser....nice work!

thanks!

 

[DiscoveredLC]

Starting on a rear bumper now. Should be pretty tight to the vehicle and match the front well. Going to first cut out the rear cross member and weld in a new one further in to gain more clearance.

 

[scrowley]

Great Work! You are an inspiration for me right now. Damn I need a plasma cutter ASAP

 

[guthriealexander]

Woot ive been waiting for your rear build.

 

[calfj60]

Just read your whole thread, awesome build. Looking forward to your rear bumper build

 

[DiscoveredLC]

Slowly working on the rear bumper for the 80.

.250 plate for the mounts and .250 square tubing for the reciever. Going to support the wings to the frame with some square tubing also.

 

[DiscoveredLC]

......

 

[guthriealexander]

Looks good do your mounting holes bolt through the frame?

 

[DiscoveredLC]

Looks good do your mounting holes bolt through the frame?

yup. Its going to mount through the frame at the back end, and also 1.5' forward where the wings mount to the frame. all 1/2" bolts.