The Chronicle's of Wade (2 Viewers)

[Zukrider]

What is you plan for sheet metal? Are you going to enclose some of the cage or leave it open?

The lower portion of the cage, about where the normal top of tub is, will be sheeted somehow. Not certain if I’m doing weld in permanent, or removable. The top will get some aluminum permanent removable. Hopefully a street sign of some kind. Upper section and above half doors will be permanent open. Though, I have considered adding expanded metal or some Raingler netting for road debris. That decision will be made when the bed section is done.

As far as staying warm, I’m 300 pounds, and don’t really get all that cold. Though I’m less resistant as I once was, at 42 and having had my medical issue a couple years ago.

 

[Zukrider]

Knocked out the grab handle gussets. They oppose the bent tube, and weld to all 3 tubes in the node.

 

[Zukrider]

Tedious details.

 

[Zukrider]

A theory to chew on.

 

[Zukrider]

I can’t believe I’m typing this, but I might cut the frame in half again! ****.

So current dilemma is the rear winch is being mounted in the cab so I can reach the handle. Also allows to run as a rear winch or suck down. Also adds trailer tie down options. Hell, I could use it to save Timmy from the well!

But…. This current mounting point is just above the fuel tank in it currently position, with me lowering it 1”. So it will clear. And run just under my “bed” design I have in mind.

Or….. I cut the frame rails off, delete the rear as it is completely, move the tank to behind the cab, but low as possible, and run the winch to just above my driveshaft high point.

Then fab up new rear rails based on the 4 link it’s inevitably getting.

Damn it.

 

[Zukrider]

False alarm! Should have kept measuring! Hahaha. Carry on with your Chic-fil-A free day.

 

[Ditcherman]

I can’t believe I’m typing this, but I might cut the frame in half again! ****.

View attachment 3803178

So current dilemma is the rear winch is being mounted in the cab so I can reach the handle. Also allows to run as a rear winch or suck down. Also adds trailer tie down options. Hell, I could use it to save Timmy from the well!

But…. This current mounting point is just above the fuel tank in it currently position, with me lowering it 1”. So it will clear. And run just under my “bed” design I have in mind.

Or….. I cut the frame rails off, delete the rear as it is completely, move the tank to behind the cab, but low as possible, and run the winch to just above my driveshaft high point.

Then fab up new rear rails based on the 4 link it’s inevitably getting.

Damn it.

We have a disease.

False alarm! Should have kept measuring! Hahaha. Carry on with your Chic-fil-A free day.

I love it when a plan comes together!

 

[Mike Shull]

This is looking awesome! Don’t turn back. You will be ready for SAS if you keep at this pace. Nice.

 

[Zukrider]

Thanx Fellas. It’s an arduous process changing as you see things. I really should cut and back half. But, I want to use it this year dang it.

Anyway. I got the in cab rear floor supports figured to locate the winch mount. The helps dictate the rear of cab sheet metal. Also the rear floor shape. I have an idea of how the winch plate mounting will go. But that’s for another set of days off.

I also ended the day with putting in the passenger seat mounts, to match the driver side. Still not certain if this seat will slide, or just pivot. Forgot to take a pic though.

 

[Zukrider]

Small bit of work today. I slept in. Tough week at work.

But, I can have a passenger now!

 

[Mike Shull]

How is the project going, Joe?

 

[Zukrider]

How is the project going, Joe?

Funny you should ask! I was just getting on here for a small update!

 

[Zukrider]

Got out to the garage today to watch the KOH Everyman challenge and tear down my rusty $200 Dana 70. Turns out it is a 76/77 F350, 1 piece open diff, 4.10, 35 spline, dual rear wheel. Assuming it still has the original hubs on it, they come in at 64-5/8” WMS. This thing was almost completely seized, and still is at the side and spider gears. But to my shock, the wheel bearings are fine. Win. It’ll be getting new gears and different, so I’m in real good shape there.

Doing some soul searching, mainly that of wanting to use it this year, I’ve decided to remain leaf springs for the time being. Perches, u bolts, spring plates, and brake caliper brackets were ordered today with the KOH 15% off sale at Ruffstuff specialties. As well as hub and shaft flange seals from rockauto. Also found a great deal on a D70 master regear kit with KOYO bearings. $175 shipped. I’ll just need gears, the diff, a yoke, and calipers to be done with the rear axle.


Also picked up a half dead set of 37’s today as well.

Moving forward, I am on a timeline again. I’ve committed to going to the Winter 4x4 Jamboree in Sand Hollow, January 2026. Much better timeline than before.

Oh yeah, have an LS donor lined up for free as well.

 

[Zukrider]

Does anyone reading this have any connections on buying Eaton E Lockers? Get at me if you do. In search of 14033-010.

 

[LC200TX]

I think you can buy them directly from Eaton and definitely Summit Racing

 

[Zukrider]

Ok. Been lazing with updates, mostly cause they’re lame or nonexistent. I now have all but the rear calipers in possession to have a complete rear Dana 70. The Eaton Elocker, 4.88 gears, Toyota input yoke, master kit, caliper mounts, and spring under stuff is here. I’ve also started cleaning all the rust out of the axle housing. Slow progress.

Also, progress on this will slow down a bit for a little while, as I get my new rig back to fighting weight.

I made a trade for my old companies

Shop Rig that the business was built upon. It’s in need of some maintenance stuff and some cleanup and touch up, but she’ll wheel with the best of ‘em.

 

[Mike Shull]

You traded your Cruiser for this? How do I unfollow this thread. Haha. The Nissan looks cool. I’ve never heard of Nisstec. Is there any relation to Toytec?

 

[Zukrider]

You traded your Cruiser for this? How do I unfollow this thread. Haha. The Nissan looks cool. I’ve never heard of Nisstec. Is there any relation to Toytec?

No Sir. Traded my Truck for it. Cruiser is still a go.

Nisstec was created within Toytec many years ago, and then left to flourish independently. This Xterra was the original first purchase and what all Nisstec products were built upon. I worked there for a few years as the lead install technician before I got hurt, and they closed while I was out.

I love this rig. So when I knew he was letting it go, I couldn’t stand the thought of someone random simp getting it, hurting it, and then throwing it away. It’s quite special. I mean, it has a 1 of 8 Currie Dana 60 with Nissan Titan outers. Plus, this gets me out wheeling soon, which will make the cruiser work more bearable. And also help me to not cut corners for the new deadline. As this can take its place if need be.

I really need to start my YouTube channel.

 

[Mike Shull]

How is the Cruiser coming along?

 

[Zukrider]

Zero progress lately. Been getting the Xterra sorted out and helping some friends with stuff. I’m back on nights now, so once we get some 40 degree nights, I’ll be out there putting the rear axle together, and then mounted.