ECORS Class A race rig build

[blazinchuck]

looks like that should handle it better, i guess it was rolling off the axle tube?

[broncosbybart]

yeah, that is my thought. didn't think about it when i put it all together.

got that done and a bunch of other work. trying to get out to URE today and run it with the new front springs and trans cooler to see what happens. will update things soon. worked till about midnight last night. the temps/weather was beautiful after the evening storms passed through.

[broncosbybart]

Ok, so here are some more pics of the progress. I used 3/16 flat plate to make some plates for the bump stops to hit against, rather than the rounded axle tubes. Cut them out with the plasma, cleaned them up, and welded it all together and ground it smooth.

[broncosbybart]

While I was at it, I cleaned up the modified track bar mount. I swapped the rock crawler coils for the coils that are in Clay's Bronco. The track bar and drag link are still parallel, but the tie rod is now under the knuckle. This should work a lot better.

Next, I moved the driver's side headlight mount in, as the light wasn't centered in the opening. I cut it as best I could and re-welded it. Came out as it should.

IF you have EFI on your rig, don't forget to unplug the computer before welding on it. Don't know if it will hurt it, but have been told it COULD hurt it- one of those Murphy's law kind of things....

[broncosbybart]

Figured that it would be a good idea to have a real overflow bottle for the radiator as well, instead of the plastic Coke bottle zip tied to the front hoop. Welded some tabs on for the new bottle.

The front drive shaft that was in the Bronco didn't telescope very well. Took another one that was laying around into the guys here at Universal Service. They freshened it up like new again. Gonna have to take another rear one to them next week...

[broncosbybart]

Got pretty ambitious with the next project. With it being hot and all, it was time for a top. There are a couple of sheets of alum in the attic, so I cut out a nice square and set it in place. Then came sanding of the roll cage in about 20 spots and placing 20 trick tabs strategically around the cage bars. The aluminum is bolted to the tabs using 1/4" bolts and nuts, with the nuts welded to the tabs. Came out looking pretty nice, if I say so myself...

[broncosbybart]

Got the new trans cooler installed, and checked everything over. We took it out to URE to run a few hot laps today. Got there about 3pm and it was pretty hot out. The engine temp stayed right where it should. The trans temp took a while to get up to operating range, and when it did, it never went above 180!!!

The front end sits higher now- kind of like a pre-runner stance. The Bronco fared very well over the water bars- even the ones we managed to catch air over. It was very fun. The old rig felt right at home there. The only problem we encountered was a flat tire. We really need to get some good tires!!! They take some major abuse.

By the time we left, the air temp had cooled off nicely. The sky was blue and it was a beautiful day to be out there. We did run Dutch John. It is in good shape. Picked up a bunch of trash and had a good time! Can't wait to get back out there!!!

No pics of riding out there, but this is what she looks like now- spare tire on and all... This coming week I have a lot of little things to do, as well as to run through every bolt and nut, making sure nothing is loose or out of place. Gotta find some tires, too......

[SC74]

You got A LOT of work done! I look forward to seeing it in action in Spartanburg!

[Crawdad]

Charles, how much did it cost ya to have your drive shafts rebalanced/ re-done? I have several and I'm thinking of getting some as spares. Thx

[firefighter2134]

Charles, how much did it cost ya to have your drive shafts rebalanced/ re-done? I have several and I'm thinking of getting some as spares. Thx

its usually about 100. i bought my last one from carolina driveline outta spartanburg.