Builds Sweet Brown 80 & Sweet Brown Buggy - Dual Build Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter NCTrey133
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NCTrey133
@Sweet_Brown_80
- Thread starter
- #163
Shoot guys, I haven't posted any updates:
Ok so from the last set of pics, the axle is finish welded in, bump stops were added, and I've gotten to take it out of the state on a big wheeling trip with the bros. I'll post a few updated pictures to bring us current.
Bumps courtesy of some cardboard aided design:
Once the bumps were in, my buddy @4LowandSlow and I took it out to Uwharrie
After Uwharrie, several of my joints turned to dust and the drive home was epic-ly sketchy
But got those fixed up thanks to Barnes 4wd and then took off for Windrock!
Ok so from the last set of pics, the axle is finish welded in, bump stops were added, and I've gotten to take it out of the state on a big wheeling trip with the bros. I'll post a few updated pictures to bring us current.
Bumps courtesy of some cardboard aided design:
Once the bumps were in, my buddy @4LowandSlow and I took it out to Uwharrie
After Uwharrie, several of my joints turned to dust and the drive home was epic-ly sketchy
But got those fixed up thanks to Barnes 4wd and then took off for Windrock!
Are you running the 1” shank JJ in the lower links??? I’ve run 1.25” jj’s in my lower rear links and 1” shank JJ’s in my uppers for five years with no problems. Last year I got new ones just because, and now carry a couple of the old ones in my spare kit. Greasing often in small amounts has worked for me. Great rig you’ve built there. 
NCTrey133
@Sweet_Brown_80
- Thread starter
- #165
OK, got to Windrock and hit the trails:
Attempted to go up Devils Elbow and failed
Made it to Caryville Flats and really enjoyed almost catching a sunset out there
Enjoyed mobbing up some of the blacks in the slicker than snot trails this weekend!
Didn't enjoy this though...
Attempted to go up Devils Elbow and failed
Made it to Caryville Flats and really enjoyed almost catching a sunset out there
Enjoyed mobbing up some of the blacks in the slicker than snot trails this weekend!
Didn't enjoy this though...
NCTrey133
@Sweet_Brown_80
- Thread starter
- #166
Are you running the 1” shank JJ in the lower links??? I’ve run 1.25” jj’s in my lower rear links and 1” shank JJ’s in my uppers for five years with no problems. Last year I got new ones just because, and now carry a couple of the old ones in my spare kit. Greasing often in small amounts has worked for me. Great rig you’ve built there.
Running the long shank new style enduros. Been speaking with a few folks here and there, we'll see how these hold up after being rebuilt. I had one blow out on me at Windrock but the rest held up. I've got 4 spares now in my tool kit. Hoping there was just a freak run of bushings and that it isn't the norm.
NCTrey133
@Sweet_Brown_80
- Thread starter
- #167
Had some fun this past weekend out at Uwharrie for the 4th of July. Woke up really early and hit the trails with my good buddy Will. Proudest moment was getting his FJ up this crack that you'll see in the pics. I don't think anyone has gotten their FJ Cruiser through that this year.
Going up front ledge of Daniel @ Uwharrie:
Almost falling in the crack at second ledge:
Ascending the 2nd ledge:
Sitting at the top with a lovely view at 7:41am
Going up front ledge of Daniel @ Uwharrie:
Almost falling in the crack at second ledge:
Ascending the 2nd ledge:
Sitting at the top with a lovely view at 7:41am
Went through 2 sets of enduro joints myself. First set had the snap rings walk out on me, then the 2nd set disintegrated similarly. Just do yourself a favor and buy real heims.
BTW based on what your rear axle geometry looks like, I don't think you have sufficient triangulation which means the lateral loading of the axle puts a TON of stress on the joints too.
NCTrey133
@Sweet_Brown_80
- Thread starter
- #169
first off, i feel like I’ve hit it big with Nukegoat in my thread! You’ve inspired a whole ton of us man!
i don’t claim to know s*** about link geometry and what’s good/acceptable/bad but my setup is 18* in the lowers and 36* in the uppers. not sure if the total of 40-45* traingulation holds true as good from the days of Pirate.
Last edited:
Hah oh you
So 18 degrees included angle for the lowers? Meaning the lowers are each angled 9 degrees in and the uppers are 18 each?
Again, it'll work, but lateral loads will apply much more force to the joints than if the triangulation was more significant. A high quality heim will last longer than an Enduro joint especially in that config.
Anyway, you may find it survives just fine with FK jmx series or something
Also, i might have missed it but where did you get the tube doors?? I want
NCTrey133
@Sweet_Brown_80
- Thread starter
- #172
picked em up from Cameron Wilson at Badlands Bumpers Mfg. I think he’s made them for pounder and brian eisman in this forum too. Tried to find you a website but i don’t think it’s working right now.
that is definitely a good note on the joints, i think in my future I’ll be taking that advice and move towards the nicer Heims. I had also talked to several folks who have had good experience with metalcloaks enduro joint solution. More of an all in one unit vs two bushing pieces compressed together
I've had the duroflex joints too. Better than Enduro joints but they self center so they are annoying to install unless your brackets are dead nuts aligned. Still a rebuildable cartridge though.
If you go duroflex that's not a big deal, just bolt that link's joint first, then misalign it into position for the other side (if that makes sense).
Nice. JM or JMX? I have both but think the JMX are worth it for lower links. Don't forget misalignment spacers. There's some eBay sellers that sell great stainless spacers
Nice!
NCTrey133
@Sweet_Brown_80
- Thread starter
- #180
Got some fun updates!
1. Potts Mountain Jeep Trail - had a blast with the dudes and hit up this iconic ridgeline trail. Had some cool photos that I had to share. If you haven't visited this trail and you're east coast, make sure to go do it. Great scenic trail & cool optional obstacles. I ran all but 2 lines and feel great about it.
1. Potts Mountain Jeep Trail - had a blast with the dudes and hit up this iconic ridgeline trail. Had some cool photos that I had to share. If you haven't visited this trail and you're east coast, make sure to go do it. Great scenic trail & cool optional obstacles. I ran all but 2 lines and feel great about it.
