Wildman
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Wildman's TJ is getting a face lift
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Wildman
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I'd changed where I was mounting the tie rod so it was too long. Hated doing it but I cut 3/4" off each end of the tie rod. Guess it's better to be too long than short.
I'd had the tie rod mounted to the knuckles and moved it up to the bottom of the high steer arms. Really gets it up out of the rocks.
It's a discontinued steering kit from Artec. It ties the knuckles into the high steer arms.
While I had the aluminum cutting blade mounted I cut the spacers for the fuel tank also.
They are 1"x 1.5" sticks that I'd ordered to make rub rails similar to what @starkey480 made.
I'd had the tie rod mounted to the knuckles and moved it up to the bottom of the high steer arms. Really gets it up out of the rocks.
It's a discontinued steering kit from Artec. It ties the knuckles into the high steer arms.
While I had the aluminum cutting blade mounted I cut the spacers for the fuel tank also.
They are 1"x 1.5" sticks that I'd ordered to make rub rails similar to what @starkey480 made.
Wildman
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I got a new creeper today. I had one of the big wheeled creepers and really disliked it so my daughter got me a new creeper for Christmas.
Wildman
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I'd been messing with the steering when I'd go out at night for a cigar. I decided to ditch the GR pitman arm and go to the flat pitman.
I forgot to take pictures but I ended up moving the heim onto the top of the pitman arm. Which of course changed my angles again. But by moving the trackbar up to the next hole it brought me to being CLOSE.
Drag link
Trackbar
But as ALWAYS you change things and nothing works the way it should. I had to change the lower misalignment to a low height one instead of a standard height one for clearance under the steering box. I had to raise the axle end trackbar location. Angles are still close. I'll check them again tomorrow.
I forgot to take pictures but I ended up moving the heim onto the top of the pitman arm. Which of course changed my angles again. But by moving the trackbar up to the next hole it brought me to being CLOSE.
Drag link
Trackbar
But as ALWAYS you change things and nothing works the way it should. I had to change the lower misalignment to a low height one instead of a standard height one for clearance under the steering box. I had to raise the axle end trackbar location. Angles are still close. I'll check them again tomorrow.
Wildman
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If anyone was interested here is the filler plate/flag that I'd posted about earlier.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099ZMMPB4/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099ZMMPB4/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I have the same one my only complaint is that I run over my shirt with the middle wheels.
Wildman
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It looks like the ones I used in the Army so we'll see how I like it.
Wildman
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To continue with the steering by moving the heim to the top of the pitman arm it's created another issue.
Here's the difference between a standard misalignment and the short one.
But I have a fix for that problem thanks to @someguysjeep I've got this 3" channel that will work great.
At full droop the heim still has movement.
And my steering and trackbar angles match.
Drag link
Trackbar
So I think I've got this part figured out.
Here's the difference between a standard misalignment and the short one.
But I have a fix for that problem thanks to @someguysjeep I've got this 3" channel that will work great.
At full droop the heim still has movement.
And my steering and trackbar angles match.
Drag link
Trackbar
So I think I've got this part figured out.
Wildman
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And since I was already messing with the steering I figured I'd fix the steering shaft angles also. I needed to drop the one heim bracket a little bit.
It's close but it all clears.
And the angle going into the tub improved also.
It's close but it all clears.
And the angle going into the tub improved also.
It's not a project until you have to channel the frame! Good work Rick - I like how the steering is turning out.
Wildman
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Thank Jeff. I had really hoped I wasn't gunna have to channel the frame but it isn't a big deal. I cut the frame in half so this should be a piece of cake right? The steering is actually turning out better than I'd hoped.
And now that I've got the steering shaft figured out I'm really happy with it. It turns so smooth and easy.
Wildman
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Nothing like just diving in..... Frame is notched and I'll cut the channel tomorrow and weld it in.
Guess what???? It fits too..
Yes I cut a little too much but I can fix that.
I HATE trying to weld upside down but I'll get it. It just might not be real pretty.
Guess what???? It fits too..
Yes I cut a little too much but I can fix that.
I HATE trying to weld upside down but I'll get it. It just might not be real pretty.
Wildman
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No idea but I’d lean towards what’s readily available until proven one is better than the other.
Wildman
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I can get either so it comes down to which is better if one is better than the other. If not I'll just get everything in one type of thread so it all matches. Right now I have a mixture of both.
I’m no welding expert but I usually just crank the wire speed up a bit when welding upside down to fight the burn back and the welds look normal again. I’m sure @someguysjeep can provide better advice though.
no different than any other weld you just gotta commit, hesitate or get squirrelly and it'll fall out on ya. just get in there get that arc start to bite and go......i will usually weave a bit back n forth across the gap as i move along to ensure penetration into both parts.
you don't want the welder real hot and you don't want it slingin to much wire.
here we are back to this wish we were closer crap you'd be a welder by now and i got the driveshaft JMT needs.
Fine thread bolts are stronger than coarse for the same diameter bolt. The thread depth cuts into the true diameter, so fine is stronger in shear and tension.
On the trencher project we had to re-pitch the cutters to narrow the trench. Recommended that you use all new bolts. 210 bolts 9/16 grade 8 fine and lock nuts. Interesting to see the hodge-podge of bolts that came off of it. Grade 5's, some coarse, some regular nuts, some nylock nuts. We ran it a little and noticed some cutters were loose. By the way Redding Fastener was the most reasonable with 2 day shipping to Midwest. 71¢ bolt vs $1.55 Mcmaster, $2.55 at Fastenal.
As @DrDmoney said the root diameter is smaller on a fine thread preserving more bolt strength.