my full width axle build 5/23/07->10/28/07

[blazinchuck]

ok bucket...I will see you again!!!! I got your number,Chuck:thefinger:

[blazinchuck]

well, with the 1st trip under my belt...I find the propane to be awesome. What a super easy fix for about $400. I would like to hear some thoughts from yall. I will getting tons here soon. Hopefully the wheels and tires also.

So here are some ideas...

1.just install the axles/tires and run that?

2.drop the body lift, install the front axle w/cage arms,4 link the rear and build a custom cage for safety...run that?

3.yank the body,build a tube chassis w/ part of the frame, and hang sheet metal to look like a bronco?

the problem is...I dont own a bender yet.Would have to buy the tires,wheels,bender,tubing,link parts,etc. I'm worried this will put me out of the game for a long time. While I wait for $$ to build more. I usually build with over time funds and selling parts. Give me your thoughts please,Chuck

[johnpaulgolf]

Do what you can for now...I don't want to see you "down" for a long time...crawl before you walk...walk before you run...If you can't really do #3 don't go that way yet...enjoy your truck's evolution 10-4...do what you can and then regroup and do some more...If you jump in too deep you might end up with a 2yr rebuild and I don't want to see that!!!
blah blah blah blah

[SC74]

If you jump in too deep you might end up with a 2yr rebuild and I don't want to see that!!!
blah blah blah blah

I know that feeling :banghead:

I've always like how you have been able to keep your rig on and off of the trail as you continue building it. Mine hasn't moved in almost 2 years and I'm saving for seats, coilovers, gears, and lockers now - looks like I'll be saving for a while to come and still no rig to put on the trails.

[cuz1]

At some point you got to stop and think. Do I want bigger or am I satisfied with what I have for a while. I went through the same thing. I finally decided to stop where I am and ride for a few years. I actually went down in tire size because I wanted even the small obstacles to be a challenge since there is no real extreme stuff close by. I have had very good luck with my 44 front with chromos and yukon joints. Knock on wood!!!! It looks like your bronco does very well Chuck.:notworthy:

cw

[fdezone]

1. Just install the axles/tires and run that?

2. Drop the body lift, install the front axle w/cage arms,4 link the rear and build a custom cage for safety...run that?

3. Yank the body,build a tube chassis w/part of the frame, and hang sheet metal to look like a bronco?

Would have to buy the tires, wheels, bender, tubing, link parts, etc. I'm worried this will put me out of the game for a long time. While I wait for $$ to build more.

I say Option 1. You're already running extended radius arms aren't you? I'd install the 1-ton axles and splurge on some new wheels. That way you can keep your rig up and running.

Option 2 is going to set you back some coin and deadline your truck. I'd rather wheel over the summer, save some money and perform the work over the winter months.

Option 3 will require even more time and money (but sounds way cool).

My philosophy is build a solid drivetrain (or keep it modest) so you can wheel instead of repair, watch or ride-along. Wheel accordingly. Murphy's still going to get you eventually. The other mods will be dictated by necessity, i.e. trail carnage.

Your rig already looks great and should wheel to boot. What's the rush to keep up with the Joneses? Wheel your junk!

[jollygrngiant]

I say option #1. You've been wrenching and building and this and that to your bronco for a while it seems. All of it may not be big, huge , massive modifications, but still. Sit back and enjoy it for a little while!!!:beer:

[Bighorn]

well, with the 1st trip under my belt...I find the propane to be awesome. What a super easy fix for about $400. I would like to hear some thoughts from yall. I will getting tons here soon. Hopefully the wheels and tires also.

So here are some ideas...

1.just install the axles/tires and run that?

2.drop the body lift, install the front axle w/cage arms,4 link the rear and build a custom cage for safety...run that?

3.yank the body,build a tube chassis w/ part of the frame, and hang sheet metal to look like a bronco?

I vote for a combo. I say go with option #1 and Option #3. Go ahead an wheel what you got with new axles and take that frame sitting out back and start on Option #3 in the garage. You can take your time working out all the kinks and collecting parts while you're still beating Big Red. When you're ready you can swap over the drivetrain from the red one with a Big wrenching weekend party.....

[broncomatt]

Glad to hear the propane worked out for you, cant belive you broke another chromo?:rubeyes:
I would start with option 1. You sould be able to do that quickly and get it out on the trails to see what bugs show up as a result.
Later this winter I would start on option 3. But not on your frame, grab another one to start on, then when the frame and quick hang body is ready you can just swap drive train parts. That will help reduce down time.
You could then either sell the body/frame to off set the cost of building the other or keep it as a possible stock build.
Broncomatt

[johnpaulgolf]

Chuck if these replys are an option I will give you my parts truck and frame...hell you already have the front clip...I think the tribe has spoke...wheel what you got take your time and build your "Bruggy" and then swap drive train into the project Bruggy when ready!!!cratchhe::biggthumpup:

Glad to hear the propane worked out for you, cant belive you broke another chromo?:rubeyes:
I would start with option 1. You sould be able to do that quickly and get it out on the trails to see what bugs show up as a result.
Later this winter I would start on option 3. But not on your frame, grab another one to start on, then when the frame and quick hang body is ready you can just swap drive train parts. That will help reduce down time.
You could then either sell the body/frame to off set the cost of building the other or keep it as a possible stock build.
Broncomatt

I vote for a combo. I say go with option #1 and Option #3. Go ahead an wheel what you got with new axles and take that frame sitting out back and start on Option #3 in the garage. You can take your time working out all the kinks and collecting parts while you're still beating Big Red. When you're ready you can swap over the drivetrain from the red one with a Big wrenching weekend party.....