Building my Bucket"O"Bolts

[bucketobolts]

Guess it is time I started a build thread. So here it goes. My goals are to use my '72 frame as a base. Build it long and low with 1 ton drivetrain. Got to have big tires and big HP. I plan on using as much of the exterior sheet metal as possible, but going to fab the interior panels all with Zeus fasteners for easy access.

I started stripping off the front sheet metal. I have the front axle mocked at about where it will reside and close to ride height. Next I will need to pull the motor/tranny/transfercase and remove the tub. Also on the list is to clean the spring buckets and the shock towers from frame. Got to pick up a couple of sticks of tubing to rebuild the front X member and build a tranny mount/lower link mount.

[johnpaulgolf]

Can't wait Aaron !!! mokin: :notworthy: mokin:

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[SC74]

This is going to be good ... I'm subscribed :xyxthumbs:

[snipes243]

Looks good got any bendtech files of what its going to look like ?

[broncomania]

sweet !!!!!

[bucketobolts]

Got a little more tear down done today. Pulled the tub which was quite a job by myself. Just needed a little engineering to get it balanced. Hope to get over to Stock Car Steel and pick up a piece or two of tubing tomorrow.

I'm seriously rethinking my axles. The drivers front is going to get really busy with heim joints and coilovers mounts.

[broncomania]

now a sticky .

[bucketobolts]

Made it to Stock Car Steel today. Bought 10ft 2"x.250 DOM for lower link material and 40ft 1.75"x.120 DOM.

I mocked up one lower at 60" oal like I had designed in the 4 link calculator from Pirate4x4. I just used a piece of the 1.75" DOM to sub for an upper at 42" oal. As you can see from the pics, I'm either going to push the front out a couple more inches or shorten the lowers to get the mount at the center of the chassis. Also you can see the cab mount is going to go by-by.

A little bit of early Bronco trivia, over all frame length is +/- 151". The center of the chassis happens to line up with the rear yoke with a V8/C4/D20.

Another note, the mid '80's king pin axle has a shorter drivers side axle. Doesn't leave a lot of room for a shock. I may be able to squeeze one in at the spring pad. If not I may look into mounting it to the upper arms. That will require some stout tubing. Thus why I subbed the .120 wall for mock up.

On another good note, I finished a few details on my bending machine. I even bent my first piece of tube to calibrate the Bend Pro software. Now to go to work putting the front X-member on a diet.

[blazinchuck]

looks like you on the right track Aaron!!!!

[bucketobolts]

Got to keep up with the GDI boys...