New guy build-The Family Truckster

[SByota]

Started working on the WJ swap parts since the front axle is getting closer. I opted to get stock WJ rotors and re-drill them. I was nervous about this after reading some horror stories. Spent a lot of time in laying out the new holes. Came out perfect! Done with a cordless drill and a step drill bit from good ol Harbor Freight.

I also drilled out the knuckles for 3/4" bolts for the steering. I'll post pictures when I build the double shear mounts.

 

[Duga324]

Rad skillz bro

 

[SByota]

Set the axle at what I hope to be full bump. Just tossed the shocks on real quick to get an idea of fitment and lower shock mounting points.

 

[SByota]

Started building the frame side control arm mounts. It's so nice working with fresh clean metal after fighting with the dirty galvanized unibody rails.

 

[trippled]

Some snazzy shocks there! Looking good so far

 

[SByota]

The family trickster isn't dead...I just got busy making my home shop a little better. I've made a few tools that I have been wanting forever.

A belt sander attachment for my $10 HF bench grinder. By far the best tool I have ever made. Si much better than using a hand held grinder to shape metal.





A vice mounted finger brake and a table top fixture table.





And a tubing bender in process. This bracket connects the bottle jack to the bending die.





Some updates on the actual truck soon too. The front suspension is all designed, I just have to build it now.

 

[twinhauler]

LooKing good,great fab skills. Looking forward to seeing more of this build.

 

[Evan03]

Amazing work, I'll be watching this build close

 

[SByota]

Homemade tubing never complete and it works!! Makes it to about 88 degrees without resetting the jack. Good enough for 95% of what I need. Total cost about $270.

I also have the front suspension on its way to being mocked up. A few more hours of work and I'll be able to cycle it and set the shocks.

 

[trippled]

I have a similar design bender, although yours is a bit better. One thing you might find tho (mine was) is it's a bit top heavy with a tube loaded in. I added some long runners at the bottom to keep it stable.

Like your control arm packaging too.

 

[SByota]

Soaked my WJ knuckles in apple cider vinegar for a few days to knock the rust off. Burned in the bearing spacers today. I started working on the double shear for the tie rod and drag link too. Not the most perfect welds, but I think they will hold.

 

[SByota]

 

[SByota]

 

[GordoSmasho]

None of your pics are working bud

 

[SByota]

None of your pics are working bud

Photobucket did me dirty. I'm on the search for a new hosting site. Any suggestions.

 

[SByota]

The welding of the knuckle spacers. Its a bummer about the old pictures. Ill try yo post the greatest hits.

 

[SByota]

Did some more work on the lower control arm mounts today.

 

[burntkat]

While the welds are beautiful on the lower mounts in that last post, I wonder if you wouldn't be better welding a fishmouth plate to the unibody, then welding to that?

 

[SByota]

While the welds are beautiful on the lower mounts in that last post, I wonder if you wouldn't be better welding a fishmouth plate to the unibody, then welding to that?

I agree 100%. It's hard to see in the pictures, but I installed full length frame reinforcement plates from ruff stuff before I built the lower control arm mounts. So no need for another fish mouth plate. Plenty of beef.

 

[burntkat]

Soaked my WJ knuckles in apple cider vinegar for a few days to knock the rust off. Burned in the bearing spacers today.

FYI, apple cider vinegar is not needed.

Plain old white distilled works just fine. I've used it many times.