ECORS Class A race rig build

[broncosbybart]

I drilled the 3rd member to 7/16" and tapped it with a 1/4" NPT tap for the fitting, as shown in the pics above. This ARB is a little older and uses the plastic air line to the locker itself. The newer ones use the standard copper air tube, in case you were wondering.

After that I rigged up a contraption to check for air leaks before I got too far in the install. Everything worked great. I had taken the ARB apart and checked it over and cleaned it, but I did want to do a final pressure test. These things are really easy to work on.

After that I installed the new carrier bearings and set it in place. Amazingly enough it fit without any grinding on the case or other modifications. That is a first...

Got the pattern and backlash set and then torqued it all down to spec. Kinda out of order I know, but it works and saves time if several trial runs need to be done to get the pattern right.

[broncosbybart]

The rear third member is back in the truck. Got that end all buttoned up.

[broncosbybart]

Onto the front. Got it all torn apart. One of the stub shafts had a bit of a twist in it...

I tore it all apart. Even took the pinion, shims, and bearings out. Some of the bolts on the OX locker decided to back out and contact the inside of the housing. Lots of metal shavings and bearing wear.

I had to drill and tap the top of the housing for the ARB air line fitting. Not much fun with the lack of room. I didn't feel like taking the axle out of the truck. Used a 90 degree close quarters drill that was my father's. Got it done.

[broncosbybart]

Front end is about all together. Kinda just slapped together for now. I've got to check pattern/backlash/bolt torques and all that stuff still.

I'm pressure testing it with my high dollar super fancy gizmo.

[snipes243]

The ox locker bolts backed out really? Guess you have been hard on it.

[ParadisePWoffrD]

U planning to head to the next race? Its coming up soon isn't it?

[broncosbybart]

Well, after a year or more of driving the ole rig around with some war scarred sheetmetal, I guess it is time for a change. Nick H and I rode around URE today and had a great time. Since my racing days seem to be over, probably no worse time than now to start another of my many ongoing projects. I'm telling myself this work will go quickly...

After I got home, I cut off the upper braces from the front bumper that attach to the front engine hoop. I had to do this so I could remove the grille. I'll probably not reattach those braces as I don't think the stinger will be used for any more 'rubbin's racin' action.

Next I removed the nose metal and began cutting some old but decent fenders to fit into place. Thinking of running fender flares now and perhaps a paint scheme change. Very undecided. So, here are a few pics of today's progress:

[broncosbybart]

Yesterday was a beautiful day for some fab work. Cool, overcast, and no big wind gusts. I prefer doing fab work outside to keep the dust and debris down in the garage. Got to work in the AM while it was still foggy and damp.

I started with the front fenders. The mounting lip along the top of both fenders were rotted. I cut them off of the damaged fenders I removed. Then I cut them off of the good fenders, set it all in place, and welded it it all together. Guess I forgot to take pics of it. With the front fenders mounted up, I marked them and then cut the wheel openings. After some debate, I think I'm going to put fender flares on it.

[broncosbybart]

Next, it was on to the rear quarters. After debating with myself as to what to do with them, I decided to cut them off and start over.

[broncosbybart]

You can't see it in that series of pics, but the rear bumper was bent pretty bad as well. So, I cut it off too.

A few years back I found a rusty tub for sale in SC. I bought it for parts and am putting the quarter panels to good use. The inner fenders and all 'interior' support for the quarters was cut off and added to the ever-growing scrap pile.