Kermits Journey....

[Rocfrog]

Well I guess I can slowly migrate my build thread over here so you guys can enjoy the process as well. This build has been going on for some time now and is on another forum so other than current stuff I will just copy and past the high lights of it here to get you all caught up.....

Posted 4-13-09

Ok well this stage of the build up is complete! It took two weeks and alot of help from some great friends!


So what I'll use this thread for is to post pictures and some specs. as I get time to upload them because I took alot of pictures during this process!


But for now I'll just list some specs and show a before and after shot!


Ok I got a 1988.5 Samurai about 4 years ago bone stock for Fathers day. It didn't run and after two engines, 4 carberators, and a MY-FI system and it still not running. Catzuk (David) help me swap it out one more time for a good running motor and Swift FI. So frm there I decided to run it and wheel it stock for awhile. So several awesome wheeling trips later I was tired of beating on it! So I had been collecting parts the whole time to do a SPOA with YJ's all around and 5:12 kick gears in both pumpkins.


So two weeks ago I decided to have a BBQ/Build day with some local ZK members. Just to get it done and for everyone to be able to learn and have fun. Well I guess I asked for a little more than I barganed for! LOL! The tear down went great! The first day we got it completly tore down and started cleaning. So I spent the next few nights cutting an welding up all the misc. stuff on the axles.


Ok well I leave you with some pictures for now and continue later!


First two are me next to it in a before and after photo (I'm 5' 7" tall)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/IMG_8216.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/IMG_8379.jpg


Next is the one I took tonight just after wrapping it all up and then went on a test drive!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/IMG_8403.jpg


More build pictures later...


05-07-09

Ok so here is some of the shaved axel pictures....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/IMG_8248.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/IMG_8249.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Shaved%20Axels/IMG_8295.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Shaved%20Axels/IMG_8296.jpg





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Shaved%20Axels/IMG_8300.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Shaved%20Axels/IMG_8302.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Shaved%20Axels/IMG_8308.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Shaved%20Axels/IMG_8312.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Shaved%20Axels/IMG_8322.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

Here's what Mike (MSuits) came up with for the front mounting point for the YJ springs...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/IMG_8263.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/IMG_8264.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/IMG_8265.jpg

Then I decided to make my own DIY extended slip yolk....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/DIY%20extended%20Slip%20Yoke/IMG_8389.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/DIY%20extended%20Slip%20Yoke/IMG_8390.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/DIY%20extended%20Slip%20Yoke/IMG_8393.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/DIY%20extended%20Slip%20Yoke/IMG_8394.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/DIY%20extended%20Slip%20Yoke/IMG_8402.jpg


The best part is I don't think it vibrates much if any. I do have some sort of driveline vibe but I believe I had that with the spacers....

09-20-10

OK so it looks like it's been about a year or so since I've updated this thread. Not a whole lot has changed. I've added kick power steering, 33x12.50 BFG MT's, locked both front and rear. I also added some longer shocks with ZOR boobie hoops.


I didn't take pics of these but will during the next round of repairs. ;o)


But here is how it sat before last weeks roll....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/P9260051.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/P9260174.jpg


Here is a pic of the roll over....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/RollOver.jpg




oh and to date to include cost of the rig I'm only up to about $1700 in cost! I love it!


Nick


Nick

[Rocfrog]

09-21-10

Ok here are the pics from the day after...


Here it is on the trailer...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4365.jpg


Here is the hood and fender damage...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4367.jpg


Here's the windshield frame...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4369.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4377.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4378.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4376.jpg


Rear quarter pannel.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4372.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4370.jpg




And this is some of the stuff that broke after the roll....


Winch broke another foot and had to be strapped down....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4379.jpg


Rear axle had to strapped to prevent it from rotating on the perches....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4374.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4373.jpg


And the fuel pump/filter assembly fell off and had to be strapped up...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_4375.jpg


All the pics can be viewed here...


http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/


Nick

[Rocfrog]

09-26-10

Small update.....Targa bar and top spreaders are green again!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_20101003_114934.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Roll%20over%20on%209_16_10/IMG_20101003_114918.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

10-10-10

Ok so some simple little repairs some how turned into "lets 4-link the rear!"


So guess what I'm doing?


Well here's the pics of me testing out the compression of the Kick rear springs....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4580.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4583.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4584.jpg


To add to it I got Mike's (MSuits) old Kick rear so I'm gonna use that and I think I'm going to try and figure out how to use the Kick fuel cell....Stay tuned!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

10-10-10

Ok so today was clean up day....last night I went down to Mike's (MSuits) and got his old Kick axle as that's what the general consensus was to use. No nothing against Mike but I wanted a fresh start with this set up so I spent the afternoon cleaning everything off the axle....


Now for the pics....


Here is my "stock" sami axle
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4586.jpg


Here is Mike's (MSuits) axle
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4587.jpg


up and ready to be cleaned
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4588.jpg


one side cleaned
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4596.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4597.jpg


here is the center section cleaned up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4600.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4601.jpg


Here's the whole thing all shinny and clean
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4602.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4603.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4605.jpg


Here it is all back together and a fresh coat of paint (so it doesn't rust)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4606.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4607.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

And here it is with the tires back on and it under the truck for some ruff measurements
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4610.jpg


And here is the obligitory "scrap pile" Pic :dance:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4611.jpg




Well that is it for today, this took me 5hrs! I took a ruff measurement of the lower link and it looks like it's going to be somewhere around 30" long...


I'm using this "kit"/pic as inspiration/guide line.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/ZKkit4.jpg


and if anyone wants to see all the pics here's the link...
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/


Thats all for now!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

10-17-10

Ok so yesterday was build day! we didn't get anywhere near as much done as we thought we would but that's ok I'd much rather have it all done right than just throw it all together and have to fix it later! Any way on to the pics.....


Here is the pile of links and tube we had laid out for the day...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4624.jpg


Here is the Sami set up after deciding to DROP it a little over 5 inches!!! Frame height should be right around 20" when were done.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4625.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4626.jpg


Then we got to making brackets and such while Dave (catzuk) figured out some of the math. Here is the top plates and retaining pieces for the top of the coils.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4627.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4628.jpg


Here are the plates for the upper link mount and then the tube for the upper link mount in the plates.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4629.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4632.jpg


Here's Dave (catzuk) working hard! :happy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4633.jpg


And here is where we pretty much stopped for the night, the lower link are mocked up and we have a real good idea on how were going to build everything....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4635.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4636.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4638.jpg


Here's a link to the complete album for more pics....
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/


BTW the lower link frame side mounts won't hang that low when done it will only be like a 1/2" lower which we'll trim once it's all in, the bungee cords were just a little stretchy.


Nick

[Rocfrog]

10-20-10

Ok so I figured I'd get started installing the gears yesterday, and it's kind of interesting doing this install with out a press but it can be done!


Ok I didn't take too many pictures because these instructions are all over the internet...


Here is where I started taking pics, the case in half....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4646_1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4647_1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4648_1.jpg


I decided to make a pattern for where the bolts went into the case just in case...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4649_1.jpg


Here's all the parts before I started taking the gears apart...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4656_1.jpg


And here's them all taken apart!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4657_1.jpg


Here they are next to the new parts
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4659_1.jpg


And here is where I stopped for the night...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4661_1.jpg




I hope to wrap it all up today and have the t-case done....


Nick

[Rocfrog]

10-20-10

I got creative with what I used to get it all apart to include a hammer and some tube, bench vise, gear puller, tube bender....but today I couldn't figure out how to get the bearings of the short shaft so I decided to visit my press (which is just up at my little brothers house) and wrapped up the install today.


Not many pics again today because I didn't realize how close to done I was...


Here is where I ground down the back case per the instructions...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4662.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4663.jpg


Here is all the new gears installed!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4664.jpg


Well then I tried turning the gears just to make sure everything was ok and NOTHING moved!!! And here is why...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4665.jpg


Here you can see where the gear is contacting the middle case housing! SO I had to grind it down too which was not mentioned in the instructions....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4669.jpg


And here is the last pic of the day, the gears fully installed and the case ready to be assembled!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/6_5_1%20gears/IMG_4670.jpg


And with that (well other than some oil) my gears are installed in the case! I can't wait to try them out!!! Oh and side note I left out the Detent Ball so in the future I could build my own twin stick.....


Nick

[Rocfrog]

10-24-10

Ok so we did a little work on it yesterday, but as with everything else that happens to my Sami the plans completely changed! We decided to changes the links from the rover links to Johnny Joints.....


I also made some reenforcement brackets for the t-case to the might kong, I only took a picture of the one because the second one isn't done yet because we're completely redesigning that side/mount.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4680.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4679.jpg


So here's some pics of the new set up....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4687.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4686.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4685.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4684.jpg


And here's Dave (Catzuk) doing some welding...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_4682.jpg


And that's about all for now.....still got a lot of work to do....


Nick

[Rocfrog]

10-30-10

Ok so small update, I spent yesterday afternoon swapping out the clutch and fly wheel went quick and easy....


Today I took some time and wrapped up some T-Case bucket mods.


First thing I did was cut off the passenger side back mounting point
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_134625.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_135148.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_135154.jpg


Then I made the new brace plate.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_162104.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_162116.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_162130.jpg





Here is a shot of the end that I filled and welded and nut inside so the new plate is removable.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_164648.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_164656.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_164706.jpg


Then I decided to make it look a little better, it might get trimmed more once I put it up in the truck.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_173032.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_173042.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_173059.jpg




Nick

[Rocfrog]

Here's a pic of the other bracket welded in place.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/IMG_20101030_170407.jpg


So that's it for now until I get some time to mock it up in the truck and make the new mount...


Nick

[Rocfrog]

01-20-11

Another small update, since the snow didn't move in like it was suppoused to.


I got the new-to-me hood on, banged out the dent in the new-to-me fender (no pics), got the front axle removed from the truck so I can swap out axles, put on the ZOR Crab. I also got the winch off the truck because I might have someone that thinks they might be able to fix it.


Here's the hood...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P1200282.jpg


New hood makes the fender damage look REALLY bad!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P1200280.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P1200281.jpg


Here's the broken winch mounts...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P1200274.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P1200275.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P1200276.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P1200277.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P1200278.jpg


That's all for now, hopefully more by tomorrow!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

01/25/11

Another small update....


Hey all the little things add up over time! :angry:


Got the ZOR Crab installed on the front, and got it back under the truck and sprung under this time! Need to finish bolting it all up but there isn't enough threads on the "U" bolts so I gotta figure that one out....


Any way here's some pics from today....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1250306.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1250307.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1250308.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1250309.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1250310.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1250311.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

01/26/11

Did some more work today, didn't get anywhere near as far as I would have liked but at least it progress!


Today I got the front axle all tightened up and in place, got the damaged fender off (HUGE PAIN IN THE A**!!!) and removed the leaky Kick box.


Any way on to the pictures...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260320.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260325.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260327.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260329.jpg


Bad Fender!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260330.jpg


Here is where I wrapped it up for the night....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260334.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260335.jpg


Oh and the shocker that I found since I had to remove the bumper to get to the bottom bolts.....


Guess all that yanking and pulling to get me out those few times did actually do something!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260321.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P1260322.jpg


If you look at the top bolt holes see how they've been ovaled!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02/12/11

Well I got some more work done today but I think I hit a speed bump....


Here's some pics of the new fender on, I think the fenders varied by years, this one only has one mount for the grill and it didn't even come close to the mounting hole in the grill. There were also a few other diffrences but I got it on there and it should work just thought it was kind of odd....





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120423.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120426.jpg


And that's where I thought I was done for the day because I had my son (12yrs old) working on the steering and getting the passanger side tire on the ground. Well once he did and we dropped it down, it was WAY too low!! I was stumped! So we took the tire back off and put it pack up on the Jack stands. Well after sitting and stewing about it some I decided to go back out and throw the front tires on and take some measurements so I can figure out a game plan....


Here's some measurment pics and pics of the front on the ground....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120430.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120431.jpg


Here's a few frame measurments I took...


Rear of Driver side frame
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120440.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120441.jpg


Front of Driver side frame
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120442.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120443.jpg


Rear of passenger side frame
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120444.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120445.jpg


Front of passanger side frame
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120447.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2120448.jpg


Here's a link to all the pictures...
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/?start=all


Now just got to figure out what to do......


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-21-11

Ok so I fixed the Silverado so I took advantage of the nice weather and got some work done on the Zuk!


First off I got the frame to the height I wanted it at....


Here is the truck sitting with the frame at 20" off the ground...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210481.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210485.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210486.jpg


Then I decided to see how RUF SPOA would sit...
Here is how it sits mocked up...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210490.jpg


I REALLY like this set up/height! But I noticed that the front tire was a little to close to the back of the fender. So I decided to move the front axel forward. I was at 79.5" wheelbase and moved it to 81.5"...


Here's how I moved it forward.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210509.jpg


Here is it sitting under it's own weight...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210497.jpg


Just gotta make shackel mounts and then wrap up the front end!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210498.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210499.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2210500.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-23-11

Ok so I got a little bit of work done today...


I set out to get the front shackle mounts done. First I set it up with the Stock Sami shackles and the frame sat right around 18" so I though might as well try the YJ shackles, well they set the frame right at 20"!!! WHOO HOO!!! So I tore it all back apart and got to welding and grinding....


Ok so here is a shot of the YJ shackles mocked up...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2230482.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2230478.jpg


Once I was happy with the shackle placement and layout I went to town with the plasma, welder, and grinder...


Passanger side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2230484.jpg


Driver side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2230486.jpg


and here they are all painted up and shackles bolted in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2230490.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2230493.jpg


And here is how it sat as I wrapped it up for the day, frame is at exactly 20"!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2230494.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/P2230489.jpg


Since I have had quite a few people ask when it should be done and ready for a shake down run I thought I'd sit under it and come up with a "to-do" list. So here is what I have to do that I can remember starting at the front of the truck working my way back...


Fix/replace winch
get bumper back on
figure out how to mount power steering resivor
Leaf spring plates
rear leaf spring mounts
exhaust
figure out third mounting point for T-case bucket
Move/relocate Brake proportioning valve
finish/locate rear upper link mount, to include tabs to mate it
figure out where and how rear coils are going to mount to the frame
weld in fuel pump bracket
figure out upper link mount on axle
reinstall fuel tank
Figure out shocks for all 4 corners
figure out an ebrake
rear brake lines
and finish weld all the link stuff


I think that's about it that I can think off. Now I have limited time to work on this, most of the time is when my wife is home and we have nothing else that needs to be done and then all this has to align with good weather due to the fact that it's out side. :angry: But hopefully it'll be sooner than later.


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-26-11

Ok so today I tried to figure out how to get the T-Case bucket back up in the truck....


So here it is back up where it belongs and this is where I went "Crap!"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P2260478.jpg


you can see the rear passanger mount (that I modifyed before) is exactly where the rear link mount is. So I did some thinking...


here you can see the extra bracing was hitting the body and had to be trimmed
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P2260483.jpg


trimmed
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P2260502.jpg


Here is what I've come up with for the mounting point on the Kong...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P2260504.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P2260505.jpg


Here you can see how far it hangs down, but when done I'll add a "skid plate" to it
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P2260506.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P2260507.jpg




That's about it for now, we had horriable winds today so I didn't get much done but hopefully I get time tomorrow to wrap this part up...


Here's a link to all the pics I took today with a bunch of diffrent angles and such...
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/?start=all


Nick

[Rocfrog]

03-06-11

Well I ended up getting a little work done...


I finished modding the Mighty Kong and now I call it the Mighty Super Kong! smokin


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060499.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060500.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060501.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060502.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060503.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060504.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060506.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060507.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060509.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060510.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

03-06-11

Here's the Frame side


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060511.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060514.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060515.jpg


My helper decided to hang out again. :happy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060517.jpg


Here it is mounted up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060519.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060520.jpg


And the other thing I started today was the upper link frame side mounts
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/T-Case%20Mods/P3060523.jpg


Oh I also did some of the "finish" welding but didn't take any pics.....


Nick

[Rocfrog]

03-13-11

Ok not much progress this weekend because I only worked on it today, yesterday I was cleaning/reorganizing my garage for my "new-to-me" work bench!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130004.jpg


Ok now on to the Sami! I had a goal toady and I made it!!!! Upper link is IN!!!!!!


On to the pics...


Here I have it all mocked up in the garage to make sure it was all straight and level.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130005.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130003.jpg


Here I have it mocked up on the truck
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130006.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130007.jpg


Here you can see where I needed to notch the frame cross member because the link was right against it and had zero up travel!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130008.jpg


And here it is in!!!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130013.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130015.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130019.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130027.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3130024.jpg


Of course it all still needs to be finish welded and the axle side needs some bracing, but once I'm done I'm gonna take it all apart and do that.


In case anyone is wondering the measurement from the ground to center hole (mounting point) is 24"


Oh and as always I took way more pics than posted so here's the link!
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/?start=all


Nick

[Rocfrog]

03-28-11

Ok so another small update, haven't done much because I've been really sick!


Anyway here is where I'm at....


last weekend I got the truck sitting on it's own weight! and with the springs under the frame it's sits perfectly at 20"!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3200049.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3200050.jpg


So I made these upper bucket mounts...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3200051.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3200053.jpg


Today I put on the tiny tires so I could get the axle out from under the truck for final welding.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3280057.jpg


and it just looks funny! LOL!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3280059.jpg


and here is the axle out and set up for final welding and adding some bracing....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3280060.jpg


And that's where I'm at for now....


Nick

[Rocfrog]

03-29-11

Another small update, I spent tonight in the garage finish welding the rear end....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3290054.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3290055.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3290057.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3290051.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P3290052.jpg


Weather pending hopefully tomorrow after work I'll get under the truck and do the finish welding under there and then it's on to the details!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

04-03-11


He added some straps to the kick coil bucks to retain the coils.


Actually, you added those. :happy


But it is now 98% complete!!! Worked on it for about 12hrs yesterday and only have a few details left!!! Hopefully it'll run and move tomorrow!!!


Here some pics!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P4030054.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P4030056.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P4030058.jpg


Here was the biggest hurddle area...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P4030059.jpg


look ma no jack stands!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P4030061.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P4030062.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Rear%204%20Link/P4030065.jpg




Ok and if I remember right here is all I have left....
put in both shifters, gear and t-case
put fluid in tcase
figure out rear brake lines/ebrake
put in drive shafts
put in fuel tank
put front bumper and winch on
figure out exhaust


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-05-12

Well I figure it's time to bump my own thread.....


last time I had Kermit out he thru his rear drive-shaft while I was driving home from work. So I have been trying to just get my Toyota DC shaft in, well after a lot of chaos (to include moving) I finally moved Kermit and gave him a bath and since I have changed so much thru the 4link build I figure it was a good time to take some new measurements. Until I get some power added to the new garage that's about all I can do....


wheel base is exactly at 80"


Frame height....
Driver rear = 19.25"
Driver front = 19"
Passenger rear = 19.25"
Passenger front = 19.25"


lower links.... 27.5" long
driver frame side = 19"
driver axle side = 14.75"
passenger frame side = 19.25"
passenger axle side = 14.5"


upper link.... 28" long (center to middle) 27.5" (center to mount)
frame side = 23.25"
axle side = 23"


Then I took some measurements of the rear springs....


both springs at ride height = 9"
used high lift on rear bumper until tire on that side left the ground
driver side = 13.75"
passenger side = 14"

Guess I forgot a few measurements....

here is the spacing between the link mounts...

Lower links...
Frame side = 20.5" apart center to center
Axle side = 32" apart center to center

upper link...
frame side = 18" apart center to center
axle side = center of axle


Nick

[Rocfrog]

05-20-12

Small bump.....


I built a panhard bar to help the steering that was getting soaked up by the body/suspension.....not sure it helped, but its in there....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture008.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture011.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture012.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture016.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture018.jpg


And now time to figure out how to get this HUGE Toyota DC shaft in there.....the upper link mount and the rear brake proportioning valve are in the way.....so hopefully I'll figure out how to stuff more stuff in this tight cluttered area...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture019-1.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

05-28-12

Another small update....


I've been working to try and get the rear toyota DC driveshaft.


1st off I had to cut out the crossmember for the upper three link because it was in the way of the DC...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture033.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture034.jpg


Then I made a new crossbrace that when behind so it would clear the drave shaft
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture037.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture038.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture039.jpg


at the same time I had to relocate the rear proporting valve, so I moved it to the outside of the frame...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture036.jpg


While I was waiting for the paint to dry on the new cross brace I decided to fix the "suspension" seat on the passanger side....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture041.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture042.jpg


and after about a 100 spot welds the passanger side seat is no longer a suspension seat.


Nick

[Rocfrog]

Here's the new brace all welded in and painted up...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture044.jpg


So then I moved onto the actual driveshaft...


Here are both pieces of the shaft in place
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture049.jpg


Then I cut it down to size to fit in there
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture051.jpg


Then that's when I found out I have the wrong Toy DC shaft.....


I read awhile back that there are two diffrent "degree" driveshafts...one with a lesser angle and one with a greater. Aperently I have the lesser angle as you can see here...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture053.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Picture054.jpg


This is all the closer I can get it to the rear axel. I found an article awhile back that explains how to take it all apart and grind it down to make it the great degree version but I tried that awhile back and couldn't get the ujoints apart.....so I guess I need to figure this out or go find another drive shaft and start over....


Nick

[Rocfrog]

01-21-13

Not much of an update.....


But I took Kermit out yesterday gave him a bath and ran him down to the store and back. Had to have him jump started at the store, I think I buy more batteries for this rig than drive it! LOL!!


Anyway while he was out I decided to "install" the door panels I got from Jim over at Outdoor Logic. I think they look pretty sweet, just need to find out a neat clean way to fully install them so they are removable, right now just the door hardware is holding them on.


Passenger side
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/3298E6B7-FDCE-4B37-B263-80177EAAB3F4-8979-00000D4FDDA3E14C.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/CAB6AC92-A230-450D-8CF6-98EF905B54E5-8979-00000D4FE3C3B570.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/B43E1899-F4F8-47C2-A8C5-23997D63FEDE-8979-00000D4FE963BCF7.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/666CF4A0-C186-4F0F-881D-14040BD615C9-8979-00000D4FED44514A.jpg


Driver side


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/03D540ED-5C8D-49A3-A712-1342D734D579-8979-00000D4FF138C7E9.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/3E181583-E1DD-4170-8BD8-9E3A992D8763-8979-00000D4FF57D3417.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/BA7D978E-84A2-43D4-A9CC-F0A549F8FF5C-8979-00000D4FF95EA495.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/5D366BB6-9F08-469E-A784-E160C778A6C9-8979-00000D4FFE0AA6A2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/FF856577-E2D8-479B-AF19-BB142554C880-8979-00000D5003251C58.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-11-13

Ok so finally a REAL update!!!


It's official, Kermit has been back on the trail!!!!! I went out and did a "test run" out on Chinamans Gulch in Beuna Vista CO. It was a GREAT day and despite the few issues he had Kermit did GREAT!!! I ended up busting the DIY extended slip yolk I made, then i sheered off the "mounting" bolts for the driver side hub, then the rear slip yolk ujoint started to go. But it drove the whole trail under it's own power, never had to pull cable (other than to pull a Heep off a rock) and despite all the snow and ice he went almost every where I pointed him! I definitely need to get use to those low gears, 1st gear 4lo is almost useless! LOL!!


Anyway we all love pics so here are a few of my favorites. not too many from me because I have gotten any from the others that went so these are just mine.


How the day started
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_8961_zps399e40bb.jpg


1st little rock pile
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_8966_zps855c1ab9.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_8968_zps40988c67.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_8971_zpsf1e38c25.jpg


The "Rock Garden"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_8986_zps523a67bb.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_8987_zps3ff3c383.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_9015_zps5425b03b.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_9016_zps0acbdf35.jpg


One of my favorite pics of the day!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_9013_zpse2e992ed.jpg


The "Whale Tail"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_8995_zps0ba1a0e1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_8998_zpsa510fa45.jpg


The next rock pile
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_9002_zps95600743.jpg


Coming back down the back side.



and then finally back at the parking lot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13/IMG_9012_zps3cd58dfd.jpg


Here's a link to the whole album, I cant wait to see the pics from the others on the trip!


http://smg.beta.photobucket.com/user/Rocfrog/library/4wheelin/Chainmans%20Gulch%2002_09_13


Nick

[Rocfrog]

03-04-13

Got some more work done on Kermit on Saturday.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/F2C17F9A-AD58-49FD-88E5-CEC1D7CE556A-9266-00000DE508F9601A_zps8585d6c5.jpg


We ended up getting the bump stops in and modifyed the fuel pump braket so the shock wasn't hitting it any more, then we flexed it out to check everything....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/32E9B870-6488-4231-BF72-6CED54F64941-9266-00000DE50F733CAF_zps3fc29084.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/5AA1E104-5AB0-4E4E-8D95-F8FD2BD75129-9266-00000DE516B48C1B_zpsb2059621.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/7D3E2482-FDC2-4EC6-8B29-A484BAF327D2-9266-00000DE51C6BE973_zps7d65ae5f.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/20177310-1416-495A-A7F1-DEF159810BC6-9266-00000DE522C87ED2_zps7a7a8cc6.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/0E4422B2-6208-46DF-BF1D-3F36D302FAC9-9266-00000DE54115831A_zpsb1a4f048.jpg


The bump stops at full compression (and then some because the bump stop kind of got squashed) keep the tire out of the wheel well!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/36D5C2E2-D906-47D6-9483-35EB23EA5B8C-9266-00000DE52E7CB546_zpsf14085a4.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/DF693FBC-69D1-4142-AEDF-294B1175F3F3-9266-00000DE5338A8B69_zps7369bd30.jpg


Here's a shot of my wheel well clearance (which I think I might reduce some so I can fit in the Tracker Split rear seats!).


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/3C41F8F0-F164-4189-BB62-F0A7D1239F2B-9266-00000DE53C8DFFD7_zps3fd75efd.jpg


And here is a shot of the other side at full droop.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/E32E2DA6-D9E8-439B-96EC-1BE6BCD9926B-9266-00000DE538716C88_zpsc495b250.jpg


Few other small things that got done were....




fixed the front hubs, installed new bolts and torqued and loctited them in
Got the rear Flares re mounted
re-installed the windshield washer bottle
wrapped the header (so my clutch cable would stop heating up and stretching)
got the Toyota CV drive shaft apart....finally!! Just need to figure out what the ujoints are so I can get new ones....
came up with a game plan for the power steering
figured out a new plan for the rocksliders




Hopefully next weekend we will be able to wrap up a few more things on the list and I'll be back out on the trail before you know it!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

03-11-13

So I was able to get a little work done this weekend, not much but it's progress...


worked on the rock sliders, we were going to completely rebuild them but instead we just added some reinforcements and then got to work on the passenger side sheet metal.


Drilled some bigger holes for the "slugs" to fit in...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/2D7C4F49-B465-4202-AC0C-6B7169D129D2-455-000000C906582C8C_zps2642e156.jpg


said "slug"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/1E9003F1-8C60-4BA2-A749-EB7A4B50D946-455-000000C8DB39C30D_zpsb522014d.jpg


made some backing plates...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/3A482BC5-DECC-460C-AB65-2D86CF33E142-455-000000C8E20B636B_zpsc45ca3a9.jpg


here it is ready to go on...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/9247D01B-CF3B-4E31-9035-5152A6944BD7-455-000000C8D5B7AB71_zps3a59a849.jpg


Then it was time to work on the passenger side! Here is a shot of the damage..





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/P2270490.jpg


so I cut a giant hole to access the back....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/CEF8EB9A-80D9-47A1-9313-3DFDACAA38B3-455-000000C8C74E9E7A_zps8de6c03b.jpg


the the hole got bigger...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/35A9AF9A-68F0-46E7-BC34-4D1930333BEF-455-000000C8A9FD3D73_zpsbf94f25b.jpg


but it was slowly getting better!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/06B85203-C131-4018-96CB-E634780E196A-455-000000C887D39D02_zpsbb15bd8b.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/13BFD5D8-61D8-4047-BE82-0F2D4CC28308-455-000000C88E846B21_zps3df3818c.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/32BC2787-3784-4B10-86A0-0A8E1BC8786C-455-000000C864D97B33_zps1dc14ddd.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/086E3A47-70B8-4874-B415-D2C0B52237FC-455-000000C85E8F5F16_zpsdf163668.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Build%20up/Rock%20Sliders/2AEE8CC6-00E2-4BFF-9DF6-2EEA21AF350D-455-000000C850DF4AF0_zpse94331af.jpg


And that's where I stopped for the weekend....


Next time I can get up there I hope to work on the rear driveshaft and the power steering!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

03-25-13

OK so I got back at it again this weekend and I think I made some good progress! Almost time for another test run!


So I got the rocker panel completed and back together, I ended up using a port-a-pull and sliding it down the rocker to push most it all back out.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/E9970495-33D5-4DC4-B551-C5A155BEDBF9-11423-00000F623F8575B5_zps41857a4a.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/B03D6BE8-A9B5-4BCC-B4B8-A9CED671DBC4-11423-00000F6239D33BB6_zps40d7bb7e.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/97E45A65-702B-41DC-ACEC-FA3F1C534054-11423-00000F6233E35BDF_zps35657a99.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/8E6BD0D3-901D-419E-A4BA-4355CA7EF673-11423-00000F6223EE758F_zps0223cc24.jpg


Not bad but not 100% but good enough for not taking it to a body shop.


Here is the cut out piece going back in and you can see how far off it is from original!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/0C7D1AF9-B6EE-4392-823E-ECBE7519A23B-11423-00000F6217693F93_zps5db597c2.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/4F7EE387-FD87-49F2-A71E-79A1A782BB3F-11423-00000F6211A3CF36_zpsacf74592.jpg


we all know welding sami sheet metal SUCKS!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/0A4DFB70-AB79-4E08-AD11-4425D0481EF4-11423-00000F61F9FCEF88_zpsdbb3db31.jpg


But here it is all cleaned up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/93077754-ABEE-4E8F-8D1A-67AE4158487D-11423-00000F61EFBEE76F_zps7da4e3d1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/8B1BF7F8-1F45-4183-ACA3-44FD556CD388-11423-00000F61E9EC9645_zps27f6fc8d.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/96DA271A-1DBE-4FC2-A9BB-A2D974696AE1-11423-00000F61E3DE1E91_zpsa031fc9a.jpg


Here it is with the slider bolted back up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/5C2E5195-BEEE-4300-BB92-66A2223F6851-11423-00000F61C3D98E2B_zps0d18a217.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/7519F586-989C-4238-A151-FEE73D051D62-11423-00000F61AE932966_zpsecfb4efb.jpg




Nick

[Rocfrog]

Then I moved onto the power steering which I only got mocked up due to it being so late but all I have left is the lines for the pump and then reassembling the Toy drive shaft and I'm ready for a test run.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/D49889F1-F12B-417E-B47F-A5CF0ADC62E8-11423-00000F61A921FF14_zps94a1612f.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/4B277E2D-2BFC-4D2F-B5EE-07615CFEB4A9-11423-00000F61A3285170_zpsf1788241.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/1B367F8C-D3CE-47DE-8811-C707B18F9628-11423-00000F619D9FAC01_zps646203d3.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

04-08-13

OK so I finally got back up there and did a little bit of work, ended up fighting the rear drive shaft all day but I did get the power-steering in and working! We might see about getiing a shorter belt for the steering so the resivior is more straight up and down vs the angle that it is at....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/C0EBDDEF-A9BF-4C58-A69B-7D3C2B89A1F7-10279-00000DC8CE2A37D3_zpsf8b3c2fc.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/4A4AA627-5DE9-4567-B940-55E09353C06D-10279-00000DC8D37DC5AF_zps0f115f87.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/67F23DD6-49E7-491A-B26A-2E52E9965CE4-10279-00000DC8D962C058_zps3c632f89.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/106C614E-B16C-4930-B5C5-B12946240E71-10279-00000DC8E46EBA9B_zps8296785d.jpg


Here are some pictures of the modified Toyota drive shaft.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/04FC5E40-14B5-4511-9700-0139F6DDF89B-10279-00000DC8EA04E3C7_zps21692775.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/D71AA4F4-2905-48B6-A085-9AC2A5C33E98-10279-00000DC8F3CD1DD3_zps449cc53d.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/05FF26CC-0CE2-4D23-AB45-A58FA7CD51CC-10279-00000DC8F9D54683_zps68e967e3.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/45524BCB-AB1D-4009-BDD6-6C6011DB0C24-10279-00000DC90378348A_zps946a8e37.jpg


and this was something unexpected....I had to grind down the pinion nut and shaft to get the toyota shaft to sit flat on the flange....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/E09BA114-F450-4A7E-8D2A-FE6C459AD66C-10279-00000DC9092EA1DC_zpsc3ba8c66.jpg


So this is where I ended up for the day. I need to see if I can get the parts store to replace a ujoint under warranty because one of the caps went flying and I lost some needle bearings, if not I'll have to buy another and hold onto that one as a spare.


Nick

[Rocfrog]

Ok so I have been messing with getting the driveshaft problem figured out and it has been a nightmare!! I have probably assembled and disassembled and installed and uninstalled this thing at least a dozen times or more!


So here's some pics of what I have been dealing with....


Here is a shot of it apart to show the modifications made by following the how-to I found on-line.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/image2_zpse3550fa2.jpeg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/image4_zps72cee0ba.jpeg


here's the link to the how-to
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/cvmod/


Now onto the problem. I can finally bolt the drive shaft into place because of the above mod and it spins freely at ride height but when I jack up the body and let the suspension drop out as if the truck is "flexing" it can only rotate about 1/2 a revolution and then binds up.


Here is a pic of where is makes contact...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/dshaft_zpsc43b6334.jpg


The two yellow circles show where the modified "rounded" side hits when the suspension drops out.


So I'm not too sure how to fix this other than to keep grinding metal away until it freely turns....


Nick

[Rocfrog]

06-06-13

ok so I finally decided to go back out in the garage and see if I could figure this thing out.....


Well I decided to just take some more material off of the inner "H" piece and see what it does. Well after doing that it seemed to spin freely and have some clearance when I lifted up the body and let the tire hang....


Here you can see there is space between the two.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpsdd9c203f.jpg


Well after that I needed to clearance the "H" itself so I could get all the C clips on so I took it all back apart and decided to take a little more off the inner "H" piece just to make sure and then I worked on the C clip spots. I put it all back together (still need to work the C clip areas) and reinstalled it in the truck and checked it at ride height, spins freely with tons of clearance. Then jacked up the body again and checked it and still had tons of clearance on the inner "H" as can be seen here....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpsc18df7d3.jpg


But when I went to spin the tires I got just under 360* and it locks up! Checked the inner H" and it still had tons of clearance and I couldnt see anything else binding.....so now I'm lost....


Here's some pics and videos....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpsa85d05cb.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpse0f22fdf.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zps3f256b97.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpsf91389d5.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zps06ab7fbb.jpg


Here's it at drop
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Rocfrog/media/Sami/395F3E2E-FA54-4A14-8B6B-EF02AFDEBFB4-4772-00000432709F8366_zps8e38aaeb.mp4.html


and here is at ride height
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Rocfrog/media/Sami/1F4F45F9-D603-4A91-AB0A-D6937CB82A99-4772-000004339382EEBF_zps8a8a2f1a.mp4.html


Nick

[Rocfrog]

06-10-13

Thanks, Earl. The rear drive shaft has been the biggest hurdle since the beginning and I hope I finally figured it out. I have wanted to throw in the towel so many times now that it's not even funny! But I am staying true to my build and figuring out ways to make it work!


I'll test it out tonight once I get home and see if it spins freely and if it does then I just need to pick up another new ujoint ( I have lost more needle bearings during this whole process than I care to count!) and then weld the "tube" part back together, throw some paint on it and then out for a test run!!


Here is some pics of the work I did on Saturday....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpsc197af42.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zps9e9b021d.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpsab6e5f52.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpscf221d71.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpsefc92856.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zps5c6abad8.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zps1bb57c5a.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

06-17-13

Ok so on thursday, I decided to tac the toy shaft together so I could test it out in the truck. So on Friday I needed to pull the Sami out of the garage anyway so I put in the drive shaft and took it on a short run around the block. There was quite a bit more "chatter" than what I expected but part of that could be from the one ujoint cap that is missing about 6 needle bearings. I also decided that since there are absolutely no rocks nearby that the front porch would work for a small test flex and see if there was any binding. Which fortunately there didn't seem to be any! But in that little drive I believe my clutch cable is bad because by the end I was jamming it in and out of gear with the clutch pedal on the floor, I thought it was just overheating and stretching from the header which is why I wrapped it but I think the truck was only running for maybe a total of a half an hour. So it's either the cable or the clutch itself.


anyway here's some pics.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zps1bbad350.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zps8e27d90d.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/null_zpsba79973c.jpg




Nick

[Rocfrog]

06-24-13

So I took Kermit out on a small test run on Saturday with Jay (caboose), Mike (MSuits), and David (not sure if he's on here). We went up to China Wall up by Terryal which is a fairly "easy" trail with some spots to play on. I think over all Kermit did very well, had no real major issues but the rear drive shaft was still "growling" off and on and I think there is something "hitting" in the rear but I only heard that a few times.


Oh and I let my 14yr old drive and crawl for the first time and he almost rolled it, it was pretty funny but I think he had fun doing it once he as done freaking out! LOL!


Anyway here is some of the pics.....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_0981_zps10308519.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_0984_zps63846315.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_0989_zpsd47cabe5.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_0992_zpscff54d1f.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_1026_zps0ea46b3f.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_1020_zps5f672e4c.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_1007_zps1b0ae69f.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_1010_zps23c0d3ad.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_1009_zps79eab157.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_1034_zps473b86a9.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_1038_zps7d669519.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13/IMG_1035_zps9d50f622.jpg


Here is the link to the complete album
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Rocfrog/library/4wheelin/China%20Wall%2006_22_13?sort=3&page=1


Nick

[Rocfrog]

07-08-13

So I decided to take some time yesterday and start installing the rock lights from Williams Offroad Lights aka airmanwilliams. I figured out how and where I wanted all the lights mounted and got started on the fender/wheel well lights, I decided to drill holes for the LED's to "poke" thru the fenders from inside the vehicle to the wheel well, figured this was the "cleanest" way to install these.


Anyway on to the pics....


Here is the first one I did, the first row I messed up badly so I need to fix that but then I figured out a system and went to town.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/IMG_1653_zpsf9882f50.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/IMG_1659_zps0e78668a.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/IMG_1661_zps429e2631.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/IMG_1660_zpsf32ba1f3.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/IMG_1663_zps60c9e8b0.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/IMG_1665_zpsa960ecc3.jpg


The inside row is the white set (aligned just to the inside of the tire) and then the outer row is the green set.


Here is some pics of the white with a real camera (didn't get the green because I didn't figure out the camera until I had already disconnected them)


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P7070623_zps60316c86.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P7070626_zpsd4711e41.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P7070625_zps2bc0bef8.jpg


and here some of the green with my iPhone...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/IMG_1677_zps4cb12f46.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/IMG_1681_zps2546f5f8.jpg


and just an FYI this is still not fully installed, this is just one green strip and one white strip (24 LED's in each strip) in each wheel well, I still have a lot more lights to get installed and then permanently wire them all up.


Here's a link to all the pictures I took yesterday. http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Rocfrog/library/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights?sort=3&page=1


Nick

[Rocfrog]

09-15-13

Finally got all the white lights installed and wired up.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P9140643_zps088c8b63.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P9140645_zps6b2282bf.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P9140647_zps6042c8c3.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P9140650_zps82764a94.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P9140653_zps9a982f52.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/Williams%20Offroad%20Rock%20Lights/P9140654_zps92621671.jpg


Now onto the green lights!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-16-14

Kermit got a new set of wheels yesterday thanks to Zukirider (Joe). Can't wait to get them mounted up to see how they look!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/image_zps58436a94.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-18-14

Well several hours and lots of fighting later I have one wheel swapped over.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/839F2237-1B25-46C6-94B3-B6F579402E7A_zpseujc35l5.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/EDB2F03B-FE85-4651-A006-4293036D3802_zpsn5egri03.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/AA11F834-FB9D-4F64-9E86-10701028F933_zpsrtt7lb2h.jpg


Just gotta get the bead to set and then repeat the process three more times and I'll be set!


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-20-14

Took a couple of pics of the new wheels while I was turning the Zuk around to get to the other two wheels.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/5F3B75C5-F8DC-4011-A5FF-5BA6F060D549_zpsqyin4vgj.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/D6A71DE6-D5AA-4A76-8C0E-BEA0B423CA3D_zpshs5ihynh.jpg


Here is a split shot showing the width difference...left side is new wheels and the right side is old wheels.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/AC806458-1551-4B65-82CE-FAB07F244666_zpsdvihwwrg.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

02-24-14

So I finally got Kermit back out on the trail this weekend.


Went out and ran Chinaman's Gulch in Buena Vista. Not many pics but the Zuk worked great but unfortunately when I loaded it on the trailer at the end of the day the back wheel was too close to the trailer tire and wore a giant hole in the side wall of the BFG!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/63987E99-38EA-44DF-8D62-CF528485CA6B_zpswvdqqaec.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/1955A4DD-3077-4826-A35C-A7AB31A53C67_zpsgznxnzh7.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/08652623-B5FA-4CAE-8B85-2DE264F87782_zpsa8fkdc1y.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/E1856926-28EF-4CBD-B9F1-C9843D4442DE_zpsc5uwydep.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/C73AA991-6CED-4221-BA8E-3C8F93A5C7C4_zpskux4qa1p.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/278FF58F-3AA0-4FE7-B086-B6A94E37191C_zpsvr8kg3j3.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/72BDB0E8-CBBD-4BA2-BB66-C4E324F8F8DF_zpsfs3thqnt.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/A4F1D8DB-A01E-4744-B4F1-C0F03F20ACB7_zpsg6sb5nhn.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14/D1A4EA6D-9488-4016-8CC5-21F8F2877252_zpsnmrbfulg.jpg




All the pics can be found here..... http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Rocfrog/library/4wheelin/Chinamans%20Gulch%2002_22_14?sort=3&page=1
Nick

[Rocfrog]

07-17-14

Well figured I'd update this since its been awhile.


I went out and ran Liberty (down in Penrose) against my better judgement and surprisingly the Zuk did really well all things considered. It was supposed to be a quick trip but after I ripped my upper there link mounts off the two other rigs that went broke too, but we were able to all get out. I was extremely impressed that the Zuk (while broke) was able to crawl all that and still make it out unassisted!


So while I'm repairing the damage I need to address the fact that the front tires digg into the back of the front fenders, not 100% sure what I'm gonna do yet but I've got a few ideas.


Here's some pics of the damage...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/D5BCF1C6-72A2-4969-B64E-52A4828E39BC_zpswslgammg.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/B41BDC76-55FB-424F-911C-A9A9330D85B8_zpstxte8ren.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/81CDB678-FEC5-4822-B591-9F54253C66DD_zpsysk3akj2.jpg


Also not sure how this happened or exactly how to fix this but I now can't get the passenger door back on and closed.....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/E056AA76-3BFB-4496-8C75-0DBE2D1E55DE_zpsfwj7us8f.jpg


here it is with it sitting on the hinges....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/P7080787_zps479e630e.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

09-14-14

been a little while since an update but not really much has changed other than finally repaired the suspension, jerry rigged the door and added some new front lights. I haven't been back out on the trail yet timing and money just haven't meet up for that and besides have been super busy with a new venture that I'm perusing!


Any way I know we all like pics....or at least I do! So here are some from the past couple of weekends....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6022_zpsa9d3622e.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6024_zpsd5111c2d.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6047_zpsd80d644b.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6177_zps1dad0129.jpg


Stuffing the rear....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6183_zpsbdb71a6f.jpg


Not touching the bump stops....gonna have to revisit that.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6181_zps3d897650.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6176_zps698c3df8.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6186_zpse094af93.jpg


I did make it to a local Heep event....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6196_zpsde86d2af.jpg





http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6194_zps75f0d8a6.jpg


"Rock lights" work GREAT for loading the trailer in the dark!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6192_zps58c9f7a1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_6193_zpse5e63578.jpg


Nick

[Rocfrog]

10-19-14

So I started this last weekend.....


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/F88D336D-F554-46D7-8CF6-3B79A73032F8_zpsj2ckgvnj.jpg


Gonna try and make this super clean so I can get a little more clearance and stop slicing my tires.


Nick

[The StRanger]

Nice fab work !!

[Rocfrog]

01/12/15

So another update.


I finally got back to this project after being stuck in the hospital most of the holidays! Started working on it this weekend. Didn't get to far as I want to make this look good and it's way harder than I thought! And on Saturday we took the Jeep up into the mountains to play in the snow.


I ended up cutting at the top of the "divit" that the flair covered and then was going to do the whole "pie slicing" and bend it up to it but that looked like it was gonna take a TON of welding so I grabbed the plasma and just cut it all out!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/DB990654-9CF5-4649-AD5C-06D749F91610_zps3kybpbxk.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/813F6037-15BB-4D4C-8236-240B982F5286_zpsx4ca0abn.jpg


and here is where I stopped last night. Got a small section spot welded in and covered, just gotta figure out the rest of the holes and then redo 3 more times for the other wheel wells


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/25217396-15AB-4515-B071-B57A94698B0A_zpswijmdzlt.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/9E31F689-ABD5-4320-A3E1-494F22FC9E70_zpsbnzayg5x.jpg


After seeing this I think it's going to give me a TON of room so I'm kind of excited about that. Once it's all done I'll go back in with some black undercoating and spray the whole wheel wells so they blend in nicely.


Nick

[Rocfrog]

Whew! that was a lot of copying and pasting!! If there is any gaps in the info posted just let me know and I'll try and fill it in, but this gets us to current day!

Nick

[Rocfrog]

And just because here is a pic of it pretty much the way I got it....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v620/Rocfrog/Sami/IMG_1033.jpg

Nick

[Rocfrog]

Nice fab work !!

Thank you sir! It's been a labor of love!

Nick

[Brucker]

Thanks for sharing your build! I enjoyed it, though you had me from the word Samurai. I have had a secret love affair with them since Tom and Eddie moved Spidertrax to town from Jersey years ago.

[Atl-atl]

Nice thread. Not a vehicle I would ever think to build but I can see the reason people love them. Its the size of an R/C car but you get to sit it in while you drive it!

[Stu]

Thanks for sharing, looks like a very fun trail rig!

[Rocfrog]

Nice thread. Not a vehicle I would ever think to build but I can see the reason people love them. Its the size of an R/C car but you get to sit it in while you drive it!

Thanks is wasn't my first choice of wheelin rig but after a few years of following one around on the trails I wanted one BAD!!! It a ton of fun and goes pretty much any where I point it!


Thanks for sharing, looks like a very fun trail rig!

Thanks it is a lot of fun! I wanted to keep it a street/trail rig but currently due to the plates and my concern that the driveshsaft still I choose not to. But I will address those as I get time and hopefully get back to driving it to work and what not again.

Nick