Builds The Short Rib (6 Viewers)

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Good times for sure! I was hoping to run the Tundra up 7-mile to Red Feather last fall only to find out it was closed, bummer. Also, an 80 series chassis would be incredible, I think I would want to save that for a full size 55 in the future though.

Cracking the code on this rear axle has been a chore, but I think I have it all figured out. I have an email into Moser to see what they say about that axle spacer and if I can get it changed to accept a Set 20 bearing and increase the offset. They are a couple hours away so if I have to I can take the axle there. The tapered bearing was destroyed because it was running dry, the fill plug on the differential cover is lower than the axle tubes! Looks like any of the D60 fancy aftermarket covers have a higher fill plug so that is an easy fix with money.

In the twenty minutes I had to spare today I removed the non-functional a/c compressor and added this slick Dorman delete pulley. It's now the nicest piece in the engine bay. I need to source a better overflow tank too.


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I will check my local beverage store and see if they have it, always game for trying something new.

Can someone tell me what this bracket is for?
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The early trucks had 1 horn there and 1 next to it on the inner fender on a similar bracket from what I've seen. The early trucks didn't have an overflow bottle either as far as I know
 
Great, I was going to mount an overflow tank there and wanted to make sure it wasn’t it wasn’t important before I cut it off.

Another question, what gauge sheet metal should I be using for pig body repairs, specifically roof for now. 18 gauge?
 
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Great, I was going to mount an overflow tank there and wanted to make sure it wasn’t it wasn’t important before I cut it off.

Another question, what gauge sheet metal should I be using for pig body repairs, specifically roof for now. 18 gauge?
Most new auto panels are like 20 or 22 gauge. 18 is good, I think that's similar to OEM
 
This rear axle is really obnoxious :worms: I thought I had things figured out and tried to prep the calipers today only to find out the pistons are both seized. No big deal right, just look up some Ford SVO calipers and go. Turns out these calipers are NLA, the only good thing is they are worth some bucks to the Ford collectors even as cores. Rebuilt calipers are $500+ lol. So new plan, Explorer rear brakes with integrated drum parking brakes that play with the 9" housing ends. The brake offsets are wrong with my current axles (they are wrong in general) so they would have to be machined by Moser to be correct. After a long talk on the phone with them I think the best bet is going to be ordering new axles with sealed ball bearings pre installed and made for the proper brake offset, those will be $500ish for the pair. Add the Explorer brake kit for another $600 and I should be in business with all new everything and I gain a parking brake (I would still need cables, a handle, etc). All in I am guessing I will be $1400ish.

Or.........

I buy some semi rusty locked 80 series axles for $1600 plus a days drive. Some cons are I will have to contend with a leaf spring conversion (or coil conversion from @TRAIL TAILOR ), the NP205 offset issue, extra wide axles, possibly having to redo the steering, losing the gears, source part time hubs, and finally having to do a refresh of all the axle and brake parts. My current front axle is definitely all mini-truck, it has the non-vented rotors. I don't know if it has Longfields, I am guessing not, but there is a chance.
 
This rear axle is really obnoxious :worms: I thought I had things figured out and tried to prep the calipers today only to find out the pistons are both seized. No big deal right, just look up some Ford SVO calipers and go. Turns out these calipers are NLA, the only good thing is they are worth some bucks to the Ford collectors even as cores. Rebuilt calipers are $500+ lol. So new plan, Explorer rear brakes with integrated drum parking brakes that play with the 9" housing ends. The brake offsets are wrong with my current axles (they are wrong in general) so they would have to be machined by Moser to be correct. After a long talk on the phone with them I think the best bet is going to be ordering new axles with sealed ball bearings pre installed and made for the proper brake offset, those will be $500ish for the pair. Add the Explorer brake kit for another $600 and I should be in business with all new everything and I gain a parking brake (I would still need cables, a handle, etc). All in I am guessing I will be $1400ish.

Or.........

I buy some semi rusty locked 80 series axles for $1600 plus a days drive. Some cons are I will have to contend with a leaf spring conversion (or coil conversion from @TRAIL TAILOR ), the NP205 offset issue, extra wide axles, possibly having to redo the steering, losing the gears, source part time hubs, and finally having to do a refresh of all the axle and brake parts. My current front axle is definitely all mini-truck, it has the non-vented rotors. I don't know if it has Longfields, I am guessing not, but there is a chance.
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I ordered an Explorer backing plate and caliper off Amazon to check fitment before I commit to new axles. The caliper might interfere with the leaf spring, and if it does I will be making some bigger decisions.
 

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