Project: Recycle

[SCOTI]

Not much progress as I'm trying to source parts which ultimately effect planning direction....

I picked up the aluminum material that will be used for re-positioning the rear axles center-line back approx 1.5". My plan was to utilize a solid piece of alum but the limited size & amount I needed rendered a significant jump in price. I decided to go w/what was readily available & used some 'drop' material from my local steel yard. One local metal supplier wanted $70+ for what I needed (which I had a few choice words for), so my steel yard let me scour through their alum scrap stack & these 2pcs (.500" x 3" x 21" total) cost me < $7. I'll have to stack them but it really won't impact their function....

[SCOTI]

While @ the steel yard, I also picked up some 4.5" OD steel pipe needed to complete some new rear bag mounting 'hats'.

The rear suspension was originally set up w/OE truck arms & shop built 2" lowering blocks which put the bag @ the exact installed height needed. I've since swapped some Porterbuilt 3" drop TA's which altered my height requirements. My c-notch is the limiting factor on ride height so even w/the 3" dropped TA's vs. the OE TA's w/2" block, I don't get any more drop. The PB TA's do allow me to use the 'hats' for mounting the bag which means no drilling a bunch of holes in the frame. I can also adjust the exact height of the hat so the bag travel & compression is optimal (which I did ).

Instead of the upper stud being centered in the mounting plate/hat, it will be off-set which allows me to use the existing OE coil-spring mounting holes even though the rear is not @ the OE dimensions. In the last pic, the OE upper hole location is just inside of the leading edge of the round tube....

[SCOTI]

I've still been searching for a smooth, flat, square fuel-fill 'door' but haven't been able to hit the local wrecking yards. I've been walking through my local parking lots documenting vehicle types that might be possible donors.

If I can't find what I want, I went ahead & sourced the part needed for 'Plan-B'. It's stainless steel, 1.5" OD fill tube (1.25" ID), & relatively small. I've seen them used & like their simplicity but I'll need to do something to eliminate the 'shiny' appearance. The last pic is an example of a similar set-up installed....

[n2billet]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

If I can't find what I want, I went ahead & sourced the part needed for 'Plan-B'. It's stainless steel, 1.5" OD fill tube (1.25" ID), & relatively small. I've seen them used & like their simplicity but I'll need to do something to eliminate the 'shiny' appearance. The last pic is an example of a similar set-up installed....

What about bead blasting it and then flat clear it?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by n2billet

What about bead blasting it and then flat clear it?

I'm thinking more along the Darth Vader look & make it disappear w/the bed liner. You still in town?

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Not much progress as I'm trying to source parts which ultimately effect planning direction....

I picked up the aluminum material that will be used for re-positioning the rear axles center-line back approx 1.5". My plan was to utilize a solid piece of alum but the limited size & amount I needed rendered a significant jump in price. I decided to go w/what was readily available & used some 'drop' material from my local steel yard. One local metal supplier wanted $70+ for what I needed (which I had a few choice words for), so my steel yard let me scour through their alum scrap stack & these 2pcs (.500" x 3" x 21" total) cost me < $7. I'll have to stack them but it really won't impact their function....

Scoti - I thought that the Porterbuilt TA's moved the center line of the rear axle back that 1.5"? or am I missing something?? What about just moving the cross member back the required 1.5"?

On another note, can you get a measurement for me? I no longer have a stock rear end houseing. I need to know how far part the mounting pads on the axle are? A measurement from the center of the rear hole (for the u-bolt) to the center of the other rear hole and the same for the front holes would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Scoti - I thought that the Porterbuilt TA's moved the center line of the rear axle back that 1.5"? or am I missing something?? What about just moving the cross member back the required 1.5"?

On another note, can you get a measurement for me? I no longer have a stock rear end houseing. I need to know how far part the mounting pads on the axle are? A measurement from the center of the rear hole (for the u-bolt) to the center of the other rear hole and the same for the front holes would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

The PB arms are the same length (and adjustable). The PB TA c.member has the option to shift the rear axle back (different set of holes from what I remember). I'm using an ECE c.member that I already had so I didn't get the PB unit.

As for moving the c.member back, that's one method among several options. I figured by using the alum spacers, I can fine tune the exact dimension I want vs. drilling more holes & limiting the placement options (what if I need more/less that I thought??).

I'll try & get you those housing pad dimensions tonight.

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I'll try & get you those housing pad dimensions tonight.

Thanks Scoti!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Thanks Scoti!

The recent weather plus my work schedule kept me from the shop from Wednesday on. I should get back out there tonight or tomorrow.

[MacAttack]

Great score on the material!

[aggie91]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

The recent weather plus my work schedule kept me from the shop from Wednesday on. I should get back out there tonight or tomorrow.

I fully understand. No worries, whenever you get it, I am still a ways from that part of my build. Thanks again.

[SCOTI]

I worked late but managed to source the necessary hardware for completing the truck-arm spacers. Maybe tomorrow I'll get some 'quality time' @ the shop & finish welding the rear bag hats (and take a couple measurements )....