Nashville TJ's Build - Continued

Did you fab up the same pin/lock protection for the receiver on you truck?

No, but that's not a bad idea. The reason I haven't is because to make it work I would need to weld a similar sleeve to both sides of the receiver on the truck, making it so I could only ever use the Bolt lock. Thinking about it, that could work fine for what I use if for, as currently all of my receiver stuff uses a Bolt lock to secure.

As I said, I've used that Bolt lock approach on a few things. Here is a bolt which threads into my bike racks. Note it is a 5/8" Grade 8 bolt with a Bolt Lock "connector" welded to the top, which tightens the rack to the receiver securing it, stabilizing it, and making it rattle free.

IMG_2865.JPG


You can't see it in this picture, but the collar has a bottom, so the bolt tightens it, and the insert, to the receiver. You install and tighten the bolt with a deep socket, and the Bolt lock eliminates access to the bolt when it is in place. I always thought this was pretty slick.

There is an extra measure of security to this approach. Even if you cut the bolt flush with the outside of the receiver, since it is threaded you can't easily remove the bolt, and what remains still keeps the insert from being removed from the receiver.

Here is another example. When I put a bike rack on the back of the Jeep, I need to use a receiver extender to clear the spare tire. Similar approach to the Bike rack example above. The extender is solid, and is threaded to accept a 5/8" bolt, making it secure, absolutely stable and rattle free. Again, the collar guards against access to the bolt when it is in place.


IMG_0094.JPG


IMG_2864.JPG


Extra points to anyone who can identify what was used to make this collar. :)
 
No, but that's not a bad idea. The reason I haven't is because to make it work I would need to weld a similar sleeve to both sides of the receiver on the truck, making it so I could only ever use the Bolt lock. Thinking about it, that could work fine for what I use if for, as currently all of my receiver stuff uses a Bolt lock to secure.

As I said, I've used that Bolt lock approach on a few things. Here is a bolt which threads into my bike racks. Note it is a 5/8" Grade 8 bolt with a Bolt Lock "connector" welded to the top, which tightens the rack to the receiver securing it, stabilizing it, and making it rattle free.

View attachment 374248

You can't see it in this picture, but the collar has a bottom, so the bolt tightens it, and the insert, to the receiver. You install and tighten the bolt with a deep socket, and the Bolt lock eliminates access to the bolt when it is in place. I always thought this was pretty slick.

There is an extra measure of security to this approach. Even if you cut the bolt flush with the outside of the receiver, since it is threaded you can't easily remove the bolt, and what remains still keeps the insert from being removed from the receiver.

Here is another example. When I put a bike rack on the back of the Jeep, I need to use a receiver extender to clear the spare tire. Similar approach to the Bike rack example above. The extender is solid, and is threaded to accept a 5/8" bolt, making it secure, absolutely stable and rattle free. Again, the collar guards against access to the bolt when it is in place.


View attachment 374260

View attachment 374257

Extra points to anyone who can identify what was used to make this collar. :)

Crush sleeve
 
No, but that's not a bad idea. The reason I haven't is because to make it work I would need to weld a similar sleeve to both sides of the receiver on the truck, making it so I could only ever use the Bolt lock. Thinking about it, that could work fine for what I use if for, as currently all of my receiver stuff uses a Bolt lock to secure.

...
OK, so now you've got me thinking.

Here is what I meant about making the mod to the truck's receiver. It's pretty tight in there, and adding a sleeve would block access to the safety chain holes. Here it is:

IMG_2910.JPG


IMG_2911.JPG


But what I could do is weld a piece of 2 1/2" square tube to the sides, basically sitting on top of the safety chain slots, and fab a new mount for the safety chain - maybe directly to the square tube. Thinking about it, I could make it as deep as the Bolt Lock on that side, eliminating the possibility of cutting the bolt lock to defeat it.

Hmmmmmmm........


Like all my close friends tell me, I've got too much fucking time on my hands.... :)
 
Wow did that one go over backwards? Who’s rig?

My buddy Chris Johnson from over on Jeep Forum. It’s a stretched YJ with a Magnum. Tons, full hydro on 42’s. One bad ass rig.

He didn’t flip, but after another 3 or 4 shots he broke a rear axle shaft and the front output shaft on his tcase. Instant one wheel drive. Ryan and I winched him the rest of the way out of Pritchett, and then I towed him about 30 miles back to Moab.
 
My buddy Chris Johnson from over on Jeep Forum. It’s a stretched YJ with a Magnum. Tons, full hydro on 42’s. One bad ass rig.

He didn’t flip, but after another 3 or 4 shots he broke a rear axle shaft and the front output shaft on his tcase. Instant one wheel drive. Ryan and I winched him the rest of the way out of Pritchett, and then I towed him about 30 miles back to Moab.

One of you posted a video of it I believe... 🤔
 
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My buddy Chris Johnson from over on Jeep Forum. It’s a stretched YJ with a Magnum. Tons, full hydro on 42’s. One bad ass rig.

He didn’t flip, but after another 3 or 4 shots he broke a rear axle shaft and the front output shaft on his tcase. Instant one wheel drive. Ryan and I winched him the rest of the way out of Pritchett, and then I towed him about 30 miles back to Moab.

Yep, Love his rig and disappointed I won't get to wheel with him for at least 3 years... Damn Navy. He's going to HI and is putting the Jeep up on blocks.
 
The final step in my tongue lock project was to get a 2 5/16" ball to use as an insert for the coupler when not connected to the truck. I picked up a cheap ($15) ball from Amazon:

IMG_2919.JPG


First thing - hack off the bottom of the ball. As easily as this thing cut with a death wheel, I know why it only cost $15...

IMG_2920.JPG


I gave some thought to welding a plate on the bottom of the ball, but after looking at it that would just have created a real good place to stick a crowbar and lever the ball out of the coupler. That's also why I cut it where I did - this way there is no place to lever it out. Also, the design of my heavy coupler does not allow you to get anything up there either to lever the ball out, or to lever the locking plate off, so no real need for a plate to block access. Given all that, I thought this approach would work.

So instead of a welded-on plate, just a little paint to protect the cut.

IMG_2923.JPG


After that, a little paint for the rest of the lock, and on it went.

IMG_2927.JPG


IMG_2929.JPG


Now I'll give some thought to how to better secure the chains. Overall? A fun and challenging little fab project.
 
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The final step in my tongue lock project was to get a 2 5/16" ball to use as an insert for the coupler when not connected to the truck. I picked up a cheap ($15) ball from Amazon:

View attachment 375579

First thing - hack off the bottom of the ball. As easily as this thing cut with a death wheel, I know why it only cost $15...

View attachment 375572

I gave some thought to welding a plate on the bottom of the ball, but after looking at it that would just have created a real good place to stick a crowbar and lever the ball out of the coupler. That's also why I cut it where I did - this way there is no place to lever it out. Also, the design of my heavy coupler does not allow you to get anything up there either to lever the ball out, or to lever the locking plate off, so no real need for a plate to block access. Given all that, I thought this approach would work.

So instead of a welded-on plate, just a little paint to protect the cut.

View attachment 375573

After that, a little paint for the rest of the lock, and on it went.

View attachment 375574

View attachment 375576

Now I'll give some thought to how to better secure the chains. Overall? A fun and challenging little fab project.

Just get rid of the chains. Put couplers on both ends and install them when its time to tow the trailer