03-04-2012, 11:15 PM
Ok, here are some more pics. We've been busy...
I got the engine set back in place. With the new oil pan in place, it was time to take the front shocks and coil springs out. That way the suspension could be cycled to see what (if any) issues might occur.
The engine hoist and an axle strap hooked to the front hoop worked wonderfully for this. There is now 10 or 11 inches (can't recall at the moment) of suspension travel. At full bump the rear sump of the oil pan just begins to hit the front differential housing. Nothing major. Everything else looked great! A small tab for the hyro ram asssit did need some grinding as it wanted to bind at full extension.
Next the front shocks were mocked up. They started in front of the coil springs, to be attached to the radius arm caps. This would give them a mechanical advantage against the spring, since the mounting point would be further from the heim. The front tires were too close to them there. So after wasting about 4 hours in fabbing and fitting, that idea was scrapped. They are now behind the spring, as originally found. Another 4 or so hours, and the upper and lower mounts were welded into place. I used one of my dad's old drill bits. I didn't think I had a 5/8" bit, but found one in the drill drawer. Just had to say that. Bling Bling!!!
I got the engine set back in place. With the new oil pan in place, it was time to take the front shocks and coil springs out. That way the suspension could be cycled to see what (if any) issues might occur.
The engine hoist and an axle strap hooked to the front hoop worked wonderfully for this. There is now 10 or 11 inches (can't recall at the moment) of suspension travel. At full bump the rear sump of the oil pan just begins to hit the front differential housing. Nothing major. Everything else looked great! A small tab for the hyro ram asssit did need some grinding as it wanted to bind at full extension.
Next the front shocks were mocked up. They started in front of the coil springs, to be attached to the radius arm caps. This would give them a mechanical advantage against the spring, since the mounting point would be further from the heim. The front tires were too close to them there. So after wasting about 4 hours in fabbing and fitting, that idea was scrapped. They are now behind the spring, as originally found. Another 4 or so hours, and the upper and lower mounts were welded into place. I used one of my dad's old drill bits. I didn't think I had a 5/8" bit, but found one in the drill drawer. Just had to say that. Bling Bling!!!