03-04-2012, 11:19 PM
The coil springs were then re-installed and everything on the front tightened up. Next I worked on the engine. Everything is reconnected except for the upper intake stuff and all the electrical and front dress.
Then came the winch and winch bumper. The center section is tacked in place. Believe it or not, the winch actually bolted up without any modification of the mounting holes. That might be a first for me! The winch is mounted vertically so that the upper section doesn't protrude upward into the airflow for the radiator.
Clay started working on the tubed ends for each side of the main body. While he was doing that today, I started on ripping the rear suspension apart in hopes for more travel and a better ride. The existing leaves were at least 2" shorter in arch than some new 3.5" WH springs I have. So, the WH springs are going in.
Easier said than done though. The front spring bolts were siezed on both springs. The cutting disc, some grinding, a lot of hammering, and a big air gun were employed here. My dad's old MAC tools air gun was truly a blessing. That thing is a beast of a gun.
The rear shackles were cut off and will be flipped to stock configuration. I guess I did too much thinking the first go-round and listened to too many 'web wheelers'. It seems that real racers prefer the stock configuration. After working on a couple rigs and trying the reversal, I concur that stock is best! That is about all for tonight.
Oh, forgot- got the 33" MT Baja Claws bolted up to the 15" Beadlocks as well. MRW makes an awesome wheel for sure!
Then came the winch and winch bumper. The center section is tacked in place. Believe it or not, the winch actually bolted up without any modification of the mounting holes. That might be a first for me! The winch is mounted vertically so that the upper section doesn't protrude upward into the airflow for the radiator.
Clay started working on the tubed ends for each side of the main body. While he was doing that today, I started on ripping the rear suspension apart in hopes for more travel and a better ride. The existing leaves were at least 2" shorter in arch than some new 3.5" WH springs I have. So, the WH springs are going in.
Easier said than done though. The front spring bolts were siezed on both springs. The cutting disc, some grinding, a lot of hammering, and a big air gun were employed here. My dad's old MAC tools air gun was truly a blessing. That thing is a beast of a gun.
The rear shackles were cut off and will be flipped to stock configuration. I guess I did too much thinking the first go-round and listened to too many 'web wheelers'. It seems that real racers prefer the stock configuration. After working on a couple rigs and trying the reversal, I concur that stock is best! That is about all for tonight.
Oh, forgot- got the 33" MT Baja Claws bolted up to the 15" Beadlocks as well. MRW makes an awesome wheel for sure!