Builds Rutherford Clappy III and Associated Ramblings...

[ARJMN]

There are some kits on the (Australian) market to reinforce both ends of the PBCM and the steering box mount area; you could take a look at some of those and maybe get some ideas about what fails and what to do about it, if it's a concern for you. Especially with that extra 291.311 pounds on there...

I'll check it out. Any idea on the source?

 

[-Spike-]

I'll check it out. Any idea on the source?

Sorry, not offhand. I found them searching for steering box reinforcement, or maybe panhard mount reinforcement. Might even be some kits at US suppliers, but it seems like it was a couple of Aussie kits in particular that I saw that addressed the PBCM passenger-side mount. I don't know if you are aware of the semi-common issue of the frame cracking around the steering box and panhard mount on off-roaded 80's, but having dealt with it myself in situ it's something I will preemptively address if I have the engine out on any 80 I plan to wheel. Typically it's some plating to add around the mounts, and some bracing. @richardlillard1 has shown me some graphic pics of the passenger side failures, they aren't pretty. There's a lot of stress on those areas.

 

[-Spike-]

Something else to pack onto the snowball- with extended abuse, both frame rails can crack just in front of the transmission crossmember. I believe it to be a factor of the front suspension twisting the frame, and the crossmember fighting the twist. Here's my passenger side- look close, it's cracked all the way around, except for about a half-inch on the top that you can't see.

 

[-Spike-]

Here's a pic of the bottom and outside repair for a crack in the same area on @richardlillard1 's truck. (We are the definition of 80 abusers...)

 

[cruzer971]

Same deal here, closest to the actual weight. This is a dressed Cummins 6BT minus turbo, and an NV4500.

1153 lbs.

 

[ARJMN]

1153 lbs.

Added to the list.

 

[peacesells63]

I’m going 1260lbs

Awesome build!

 

[ARJMN]

I’m going 1260lbs

Awesome build!

Logged in the guess list.

 

[OffRoadScott]

1350lbs

 

[ARJMN]

1350lbs

Logged

 

[ARJMN]

Here's a pic of the bottom and outside repair for a crack in the same area on @richardlillard1 's truck. (We are the definition of 80 abusers...)
View attachment 3259471

Looking at the suspension mounts, I guessing it has been 4 barred?

 

[-Spike-]

Looking at the suspension mounts, I guessing it has been 4 barred?

If that means '3 linked', then yes. But mine hasn't. He still has the stock coil buckets, so the forces are similar.

 

[ARJMN]

If that means '3 linked', then yes. But mine hasn't. He still has the stock coil buckets, so the forces are similar.

HA! yeah, I meant 4 linked, but guess my brain was on a different page.

 

[ARJMN]

I had enough of work this afternoon and needed a break, so to the Bat Cave I went. I have been scatterbrained and random on my efforts here as of late, so there is a large pile of project barf all over the garage. Let's see...I ordered a 6.7 started to replace the 5.9 one. The swap requires the use of the long and skinny 6.7 starter in place of the short and stubby 5.9 starter. I didn't get the new one on yet but here is a few pics of how tight the 5.9 is with the LUK Repset spacer.

 

[ARJMN]

While I had the credit card out for the Rock Auto order, I went ahead and hit Partsouq and got a set of new OEM sensors on the way. Those arrived this week, so in they went.

Oil pressure sender:

AC Cutout Switch

I got the engine coolant temp sensor too, but I cant remember where that one goes at present. Squirrel!

 

[ARJMN]

I got the t-case shifter out and started working on loosening it up a bit too. When I first bought the rig, I noticed that the lever was super stiff, likely from years of never being used. I tried to disassemble it, but after driving out the roll pin and trying to work it back and forth, I came up goose egg. That thing is seriously stuck in there. I filled the cavity with penetrating oil and have left it sitting for a few days, working it back and forth whenever I walk past it. It has just barely started to free up. Open to ideas if you got some to spare.

 

[ARJMN]

I pretty much broke the bank on my recent shopping spree for the project. I fired off an order to ARB for a set of BP51s, some springs, and fit kits. After that was an order for a pile of DVS goodies to include their 3" Long radius arms, panhard bar bracket, and manual center console. Then, just for good measure, one to Slee for some needless Gucci drop blocks and brackets. I still need to source some SS extended brake lines, but otherwise I am set on suspension. Also of note, is that I purchased a complete set of OEM bushings for every motion joint on the chassis...and all new body mounts.... Money out FAR exceeded money in this month.

So, back to the current day and my OCD got the better of me. I decided, finally, that I was going to take the frame down to baseline. Everything must go! I got it all stripped down and will find some order in the garage to facilitate turning the frame up on its side to wire wheel all the specs of rust and metal, spray them with rust neutralizing primer, and then lay on a couple coats of satin chassis enamel. Needed? No, but it does satisfy my OCD and give me the satisfaction of knowing that nothing was left unchecked. This also gives me the chance to strip the axles and give them the same treatment, because they look like two terds hanging off the pretty frame. It all had to come apart anyway, so why not?

Wheelbase stretch?

Clean front end

Front turd out

Rear turd not quite out, yet. Fully disconnected, but the frame has to come up to clear the tires.

 

[ARJMN]

Anyone want a set of KYB shock for an 80?

SCRAPPED

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I’m running a real similar suspension setup, i think you’ll be happy

 

[ARJMN]

This has been open long enough, so let's announce a winner. Looks like @peacesells63 takes the win with a guess only 26.4lbs off of the correct weight.

Shoot me an IM and I will get your prize organized.

IH8MD ID	Guess	Diff.
1. @jkl72-40 969lbs 1345lbs	969​	317.4​
2. @-Spike- 500,000gr (1102.311lbs)	1102.311​	184.089​
3. @Somebodyelse5 1103lbs	1103​	183.4​
4. @el_diabolico 1240lbs	1240​	46.4​
5. @Funner $1 (not sure what that weighs)	1​	1285.4​
6. @cruzer971 1153lbs	1153​	133.4​
7. @peacesells63 1260lbs	1260​	26.4​
8. @OffRoadScott 1350lbs	1350​	63.6​

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