Wheelin62s HJ31 build (formerly known as project 6x6)

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The plan this time is 4 link both rear axles and use air bags. Air bags will be plumbed left together and right together to act as a sort of "air bag walking beam". The air from the collapsing bag during Up travel forced into the other bag forcing that axle to go down. In theory of course, lol.

Have ordered most of the tube, heim joints, brackets and bags. Now it cleanup up the axles for bracket placement.
 
:popcorn:
 
I could spend forever thinking about it and drawing it out, but I'm more of a figure it out as you go. It may be a lazy rear axle for a bit after this until I find what I want to do for the "drive" portion. Just taking once step at a time.
 
Parts have come in. Spent the day cutting leaf spring parts of the axles and frame, and getting things in position.
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Going to work rear axle first then move forward. This way I'll know I'll have the room needed for everything in the rear. Hoping by the end of next weekend both axles will be "linked" up.
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Have both axles linked up. 18" upper and lower links. Left about 7" between tires for eventual larger tires.
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Started airbag axle mounts. Had to get creative with the passenger side due to offset pumpkin. Have one mocked up in cardboard, will work more on that tomorrow.
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Looking about 6" up travel; not the best, but will do. I have no doubt that things will get tweaked about, but have to start some where.
 
Little more progress today. 3 out of 4 lower bag mounts in place. 4th one the fuel tank is in the way some. Will have to move the tank forward a couple inches. No biggy, will just have to adjust the underbed fitment later.
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Tomorrow will work on upper bag mounts. Want to start cycling the suspension some here soon. Track bars hope to have next week, then try and fit shocks in there somewhere, lol.

Goal is to have her mobile by end of the month. Still a lot of little things before road worthy.
 
Small step, but large leap! Tested the rear airbags. Just wanted to see it raise the frame off the jack stands. Way cool! It's the small things in life, lol.
 
I am changing the front links. Didn't like the lack of lateral support with the longer drop down and did not like the look of it. After mocking up different mounts from cardboard, ended up keeping it simple. 36" lower link and 25 7/8" upper.
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Also split the axle link bracket in two and off set the upper inside. This allowed for greater upper link clearance from frame and allows for more up travel.
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Also one of the track bar parts came in, will fit that somewhere...lol. Tomorrow hope to make a lot of progress.
 
Progress. Front links better setup. Also got the rear track bar setup. Once the track bar installed, was able to fully cycle the airbags without the jack stands in place.
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When I first set up my airbags I had them connected by a T connector. I thought that way they can both have the same PSI. However, when offroading and you're off camber the weight will be heavier on one end vs the other. What this did was force the air out of the heavier side into the bag on the lighter side making it want to tip even more.
 
The idea for this is teeing the left side together and teeing the right side together. Should act as an "air beam" between the axles. Axle A goes up forcing air into axle B pushing it down.
 
All 4 bags in and working. Plumped left and right side as said before. Everything clears and moves easily so far. Made up the front track bar and mounts, awaiting heim joints coming Tues.
Below pics are resting on bump stop position. Front axle can go up 2 more inches.
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Getting ever so closer, still lots of small work to be done, but man...I'm stoked it's made it this far!
 
Looks absolutely awesome.

Only critique is I am not a fan of the pan hard bar mount being welded to the cast of the third member. I would be leary that you didn't get enough penetration and the cast being too brittle, resulting in the mount being ripped of. Maybe try and make some creative bracketry to tie it into the mounting studs of the third member?

Besides that, please keep making this thing more awesome.
 
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