ECORS Class A race rig build

[broncosbybart]

Thanks for the compliments. I plan to start checking over all the bolts/race prepping tomorrow!

Got 1 more sticker to add, and also want to add some roll bar padding to it and touch up a few areas w/some paint really quick like.

Hard to believe the next race is in a matter of days now!!!

[broncosbybart]

Well, after race #3 I have been working on it a little. We lost PS during the race. Put some fluid in the reservoir to see where the leak was. Ended up being a seal in the steering box. Fluid shot out the top seal for the sector shaft, spraying right into the fan, which slung it everywhere!

I opened the box up (it is a 4x4x2 box that I converted from a 78-79 Bronco). Upon inspecting it, the sector shaft was severely cracked at the splines where the pitman arm attaches to it! Fortunately there is a spare box in the garage, but it is my last parts box

This racing stuff is starting to get expensive. Still looking for that tire sponsor

[broncosbybart]

Here are some pics. There was 'blood' from the PS pump all over the place...

Got the PS box fixed and ready to go. The sector shaft was cracked all the way around the pitman arm surface area. Not good at all!!

Here she is all cleaned up and ready to go for the URE work day/trail run.

[broncosbybart]

Got some new (to me) Mickey Thompson Baja Claws today in the midst of the monsoon we had here. Size is 33x12.5x15. Hopefully these tires will help with our flat problems that have plagued us in the past!

[broncosbybart]

Here are some pics of the updates I have been working on. Got some Superior shafts and some CTM joints. Got those all put together and installed.

While it was apart, I noticed that the WH extreme duty spindle bushings were melted. They were greased and the shafts were in good shape on the bearing surface, but they don't seem to like how they are being used here. They might have 60 miles on them. Granted that has mostly been in 4wd, but still... Ended up using some standard needle bearings, like originally used.

[broncosbybart]

Next thing to work on was a skid plate. The race coming up beat a lot of rigs up last year. I wanted to protect some of the undercarriage, mainly the exhaust and transfer case and drive shafts.

I started by cutting and welding together some 2x2 inch square tube and cutting 4 holes in each long section and sleeving them for some through bolts.

Next I cut some 1.75" DOM tube and put one of those pieces in the bender. The transfer case sat low for that one, and a straight piece would not have worked. I then welded some flanges to each of the ends.

Then I cut some more DOM tube to connect it all, and used some 1.5" DOM to make a front hoop. I had less room up front, and 1.75 wasn't going to fit.

Then I bought some 3/16" flat plate and welded it to the tubes and painted it all black. Took a while to get it all done. I don't have any pics of it finished right now, but will try and get some posted soon. Came out pretty well. I would like it to be stronger than it is, but hopefully it will work.

Got it all bolted up and am now checking everything over for the upcoming race. Check back soon for some more updates.

[broncosbybart]

Here are some more random pics of it on the lift.

[blazinchuck]

that sure is a nice lift!! sad to see those WH bushings worn already. Good job on the under carriage...think you will skin it? thanks for the updates Charles

[broncosbybart]

Thanks Chuck. I am very blessed to have the garage and tools. The tube work was plated. Here are a couple of pics I just snapped while everything was still nice and shiny.

[blazinchuck]

gotcha...that looks stout! good job