Project Mazzuki

[Loanranger]

Well y'all know how it is. Once you start building, you can't stop with just one. :icon_twisted:

The newest creation will be another Suzuki, this time it's an 83? Suzuki SJ410. I picked it up from a buddy who had been storing it at my house, and the longer I looked at it, the more plans I had for it. This is still pre-samurai, but post LJ20 (Fordzuki). It was an open top, but somebody previously had grafted the front half of a tintop roof, windshield pillars and cowl from a tintop. The back is still open, but that will all change, along with getting doors for it. This will be my enclosed wheeler, for the really nasty stuff, and snow wheeling.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0233.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0234.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0235.jpg

It was tucked away in a corner, so I pulled it out today.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0282.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0283.jpg

The axles are stock, they're a little smaller (and narrower) than samurai axles. The front is just an empty housing, and the rear is in backwards because I lent him my old LJ springs for the rear, and because we were limited for time and tools, it had to go in spoa. Gave it that hotrod look too. :icon_hornsup:

How's my pinion angle?:thefinger:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0284.jpg

Basically, it's gonna be the same as last time (Fordzuki) tub and frame, and everything else from whatever I can find. :icon_rofl:

I found this on craigslist, it's a 97 mazda b2300, 5 speed, 2wd, extended cab.... it had been rolled aparently, then he drove it till (he said) the clutch started slipping. The engine is pretty much immaculate, the five speed, I think is a M50d, but I'll have to make sure. I drove it on the trailer with no problems. :icon_confused:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0285.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0286.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0287.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0288.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0290.jpg
This was meant to be a pic of the trans, but if anybody was wondering where the fuel filter is on one of these, it's right there.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0293.jpg

Oil looked good
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/Mazzuki/100_0295.jpg

It's got right around 130,000 miles on it. First thing I did when I got it off the trailer was jump the little dip out in the field, then laid a nice set of 11's down the road in front of my house. This little injected 2.3 is gonna be a ripper with a couple transfercases behind it and the 5 speed. Couple steering D44s... :icon_thumby: That's all for now.

[BeaterMan]

sounds like it will be another bad ass rig when you done.

[Sunk]

Sweet, I'll be watching this thread.... :icon_thumby:

[dogboy]

I think Mazzuki sounds alot better than Fordzuki.
Just take a buffer to the Mazda and it'll look good as new... You weren't joking when you said it was beat.
I'm looking forward to wheeling with this one too!

Now you can say "it's Mazzuki, not Yozuki"! That was cheesy, lol.

You are going to keep both rigs, right? Is your dad going to drive one while you drive the other, or is he going to continue to wheel his Ranger? I think letting your dad drive either would end badly, seeing how hard he romps on his Ranger, :thefinger:.

[86ford]

I think Mazzuki sounds alot better than Fordzuki.
Just take a buffer to the Mazda and it'll look good as new... You weren't joking when you said it was beat.
I'm looking forward to wheeling with this one too!

Now you can say "it's Mazzuki, not Yozuki"! That was cheesy, lol.

You are going to keep both rigs, right? Is your dad going to drive one while you drive the other, or is he going to continue to wheel his Ranger? I think letting your dad drive either would end badly, seeing how hard he romp on his Ranger, :thefinger:.

I may of found were my dad ran off too.....

86

[Loanranger]

I wasn't quite sure about Mazzuki as a name for it, but it's growing on me.

The plan, as of right now, cause it changes daily.. Is to build this one for form and function. Since I have a wheeler already, I can spend more time on the details on this one. The basics will be twin sami cases (6.5:1 in the rear case eventually), linked front and rear, probably coils f&r, but I may do 1/4 lip in the rear again, and dual steering dana 44s, the front from a 70s ramcharger, and the rear from a 90s dodge 1500.

I will be keeping both, when the SJ is done, I'll wheel it, and the LJ will come in for a rebuild of the engine and trans, unless I find a sweet deal on a 2.3T between now and then. :icon_cheers:

My dad will continue to wheel the ranger untill it dies a miserable death, then maybe I'll finally convince him to get a zook. Ford powered of course. :icon_twisted:

[Jim Oaks]

Take lots of clear photos...........

[doorgunner]

:icon_idea: If you're thinking about going national with this:icon_welder:, offer a set of street tires as an incentive & keep the MSRP below $5000:icon_rofl:---you'll be rich in a week:headbang:

[AlwysBusted96]

:icon_idea: If you're thinking about going national with this:icon_welder:, offer a set of street tires as an incentive & keep the MSRP below $5000:icon_rofl:---you'll be rich in a week:headbang:

:icon_rofl::icon_rofl::icon_rofl::icon_rofl::icon_ rofl:


Your builds always rock. Seeing how the first turned out I can't wait to see this one. Round two is always better than round one and round three (maybe... I dunno) is always better than round two.

[Loanranger]

:icon_rofl::icon_rofl::icon_rofl::icon_rofl::icon_ rofl:


Your builds always rock. Seeing how the first turned out I can't wait to see this one. Round two is always better than round one and round three (maybe... I dunno) is always better than round two.

Thanks, I try to build rigs that are different than all the cookie cutter jobs out there. The LJ was my first ground up build, so I was learning while building. Finding solutions and making parts work with eachother is something I enjoy. There's nothing like driving a creation you've put together out of parts that were never engineered to work together. That's why I build them, self satisfaction.

I agree that the SJ should turn out better than the last, this time I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

As for now, I'm still in the parts collecting phase, and I've got a few things to finish up on the LJ, but I should be dragging it in soon to pull the body off the frame, I'll post up pics and progress as it happens.

And doorgunner, if I did that, mine wouldn't be unique anymore. :icon_thumby:

[doorgunner]

Relax:cool:--It'll be Unique until you sell 999,999 vehikels:D--after That, it won't be unique:icon_rofl:

[Loanranger]

I finally got a chance to pull the SJ in and get tearing into it. Having the stinger on the front of the LJ sure makes these things easy. I had to move the trailer to get the SJ out, so I picked it up with the stinger, pulled it out of the way, then went back for the SJ, picked up the front end, and dragged it out and around, and backed it into the garage.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0539.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0540.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0541.jpg

I got to work pulling the body off, kindof weird, it had body bolts towards the inside, right by the seatbelt bolts. :icon_confused:

Hooked up the engine leveler to the seatbelt bolts, and the front inner seat bolts, just like the LJ.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0544.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0543.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0542.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0545.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0546.jpg

Just some random pics of the SJ, before I pulled the body.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0527.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0528.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0529.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0530.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0531.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0536.jpg

Moving the body back out to the lot with the LJ. I put an unmounted tire around the stinger to cushion the rocker.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0547.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0549.jpg

Look, it's levitating.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0548.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0550.jpg

Ready for some cuttin' :icon_welder:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0551.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0552.jpg

We'll see what kind of goodies I can come up with tomorrow at the swapmeet. :yahoo:

[Loanranger]

Well, I didn't get much, but the stuff I did get was stuff I needed, so that's always good.

I ended up finding a box of samurai transfercase parts, enough to put the two together I got sitting here. :yahoo: I also picked up another shifter, even though I'm gonna try and make my own twin stick here soon. And I found a 2" socket, 3/4 drive for $5. :icon_thumby:


So after the swapmeet, I came home and started dissasembling the front axle. I scored two good locking hubs, two sami front shafts with good birfs, and all the knuckle and spindle parts, including two more caliper brackets for a buddies rear disc conversion. I got all the parts torn down and on the shelf, and started trimming all the misc brackets off the frame with the plasma. I also pulled the fuel tank, front bumper, fuel and brake lines, and well, everything else.. :icon_twisted: I left the rear axle in for now, bolts are loose, just need to pull them, I also left the old motor mounts. We'll see if they're in the right place before I go cutting them off. If they are, they'll get reinforced, and the motor mounts will essentially bolt up like stock at the frame side. :icon_thumby:

So here's some pics of tonights progress, I got the front ground down, the back is still just plasma slag that needs to be ground flat. I'll get the whole topside cleaned up, then flip the frame and do the bottom side.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0554.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0553.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0556.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0557.jpg

100 lbs of brackets laying on the floor..
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0559.jpg

The half built homebrew bumper, front axle housing and springs, and the stock tires that I'm gonna slow roast off the LJ... :icon_rofl:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0558.jpg

The pile of 3 transfer cases that will become 2.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0564.jpg

One of the parts that needed replacing, the high/low fork
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0562.jpg
I'm sure that sounded good as the rig lurched to a stop.. :shok: A not so gentle reminder that your should have checked you fluid MANY miles ago..

That's it for tonight folks, I'll get more done tomorrow night and update y'all.

As a teaser, there may be axles involved. :D

[Loanranger]

Well any progress is good progress. I got the frame finished up tonight, other than a couple brackets that may or may not stay, and a couple crossmembers that will be replaced only after lengthening the frame in front, and welding the new crossmembers in.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0565.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0566.jpg

This will be cut out after the frame is extended, and a new front crossmember welded in, to keep the frame square.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0578.jpg

This is one side of the old trans crossmember, it will probably just get cut flush and capped, to keep from getting into that body pedestal.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0577.jpg

This is the back corners, it will get cut flush with the frame.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0576.jpg

Also hammered out a couple spots like this, they will get reinforced later on..
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0568.jpg




And now for the good stuff.
103" wheelbase, which is just a start, I'd like to keep it under 100", but we'll see.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0569.jpg

It's sitting a little low at 18"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0575.jpg
The LJ sits right about 19" to 20" depending on tire pressure, with the extra width and wheelbase, I would like to get at least 22"-24" belly height out of it, cause this things gonna see some rocks. :headbang:
The tires sitting there are the 35s too, so I'll be getting another inch or so with the 37-38s.

Front
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0571.jpg

Rear
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0572.jpg

I'm getting to where I need to make up my mind on what axles I'm gonna run. That and hurry up and jump the mazda through the trailer, so I can pull the motor and trans for mock up.

[organic]

Loanranger, looks like another awesome build. I gotta be honest, I wish the mazda had the 3.0 in it. But, I good running fi2.3 with a M50d and like you said a couple of transfers behind, this thing is definately gonna be wicked! Can't wait to see what axles your gonna use.

[dogboy]

I still wanna see the steering D44's front and rear!! 4 wheel steer would be awesome! You know you want to do it!! :headbang:

[Loanranger]

Loanranger, looks like another awesome build. I gotta be honest, I wish the mazda had the 3.0 in it. But, I good running fi2.3 with a M50d and like you said a couple of transfers behind, this thing is definately gonna be wicked! Can't wait to see what axles your gonna use.
I had thought about dumping a smallblock in my ranger and using the 2.9 out of it, but I think the 2.3 is a perfect balance of lightweight and power in these things.

I still wanna see the steering D44's front and rear!! 4 wheel steer would be awesome! You know you want to do it!! :headbang:
Oh I know I want to, it's just whether it's feasable at this time. If I came across a ford D44 for the rear, there would be no question, but trying to make the best of the turd of a CAD axle is going to be a pain. I'm sure I'd never have a problem with it, even if I left the CAD in, and just perma locked it. Or cable lock it, so I would essentially have a cable locker if I welded the spiders. It would be the same idea as unlocking a hub, but without having to get out to do so.
I'll probably end up mocking it up with the dodge axle, and keep an eye out for a ford axle to replace it with. :icon_thumby:

I've got to get up to my buddies place to get the older 44, I have a ten bolt here I can use untill then though.

Tonight, I had to work on the Burb, which ended up in disaster, so I decided to do a little measuring to see where things will end up in the frame. The engine and trans, from crank pulley to the u-joint on the slip is 53". The overall dual transfercase setup, from u-joint on the slip to rear output on the rear case is 25.5". I was able to clock the first case at 90* and kept the offset between the input from trans to final outputs at 7", which is the offset of a single case. :headbang:

The three issues I will run into, the vent. The vent will be near the bottom now, but I can redrill the case for a new vent, and either weld up the old hole, or seal it with some sort of compression plug. The second issue is the shifter for the first case will be pointing straight out to the drivers side, parallel to the ground. :annoyed: Not a biggy, The first case will be a range box only, so really all I need is a hi-low shift. Either by linkage or just a 90* shifter, this one is fairly simple too. The third, and most serious problem is in bearing oiling. I won't have a drain, but I will have a fill hole at approximately halfway. The shift forks will still be submerged, but instead of the mainshaft (outputs) being submerged, the input will be. Whether the gears will sling enough oil to keep everything lubricated?:icon_confused:
One thought was to use the old vent hole as an inlet to an electric pump which circulates the oil to the top? :icon_confused:

Ah, well, the main concern right now is being able to tow the LJ to Tahuya this sunday, after that is getting more of an idea of what axles to use.

[Loanranger]

I got a little time last night to slide some axles under it. :D

The front is a GM 10 bolt, similar enough for now to it's final replacement of a 76 Dodge D44.
The rear is a 9? Dodge half ton d44 with unitbearings, and the CAD system. I think my cheapest (not neccessarily easiest) option is going to be to use the center chunk from the newer dodge, with the tubes and outers of the older dodge axle.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0623.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0626.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0627.jpg

I also made a stand for the frame, the bottom is a cart a buddy of mine used to use for pulling engine/trans/ft suspension assemblies from front wheel drive cars. :icon_thumby: The stands were made up by another buddy for use with the truck hold down system on Chief frame racks.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0624.jpg

I also started mocking up the clocking of the two transfer cases, and I think I found something that will work. :icon_hornsup:

From the front
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0630.jpg
passenger side
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0632.jpg
drivers side
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0633.jpg
rear
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0635.jpg
over
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0636.jpg
8.5" seperation between input and final outputs, this is 1.5 inches more than a single case, but the wider diffs line up perfectly with it at 8.5"
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0639.jpg
Front output and front pinion
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0642.jpg
Rear output and rear pinion
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0643.jpg

The way they are clocked now, the shifter holes are basically at a 45 degree angle, which also keeps the outputs on both cases submerged in lube. :icon_thumby: Only the rear case will need to be redrilled to put the vent on the top instead of down low on the side.

[spaz1879]

that is a crazy way to put the transfer cases together looks cool!

[Loanranger]

The dual cases will happen some day, but I think I'm going to take this build in an entirely different direction. Same idea of a stretched out crawler, but it's gonna be built for brute power.

The Ramdatsun I previously built is going to get a new home. The 318 v8, np435, and probably a 203/205 running to the D60 rear and 8 lug D44 front, will get set into a highly reinforced sj410 frame, and I'll put what I can of the body back on it. :icon_twisted:

I just got some old ford rims today that will fit on the ramdatsun, which will hopefully allow it to fit on the trailer. The rims and tires that are on it are way too wide/too little BS.

[Loanranger]

:yahoo: I got a trailer lined up for tomorrow, to bring the ramdatsun down here. SO hopefully soon I'll be able to continue in on this thing.
*If, since this is no longer a rbv metamorphasis build, a mod wants to move it, just let me know where you moved it. :icon_twisted:

I'll try and get some pics up of the ramdatsun tomorrow, not sure when I'll get around to tearing into it.

[Loanranger]

The ramdatsun is here, and after it not cooperating for awhile, I got it running.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0701.jpg

yup, that's a he-man shield on the front. :icon_rofl:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0706.jpg


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0703.jpg

:headbang:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0704.jpg

[Bronco_Chuck]

Just a question, if you go with a front axle in the rear what do you plan on doing about the gears? Since they would be running on the cost side of the gears, hence making the gears weaker.

[Loanranger]

Just a question, if you go with a front axle in the rear what do you plan on doing about the gears? Since they would be running on the cost side of the gears, hence making the gears weaker.

Although the plan has changed (for now), even the coast side of D44 gears are WAY stronger than the drive side of samurai gears. :icon_thumby:
In other words, I don't forsee any strength issues, though by the time this things see's rearsteer now, it'll likely just get D60s. :icon_hornsup:

[Bronco_Chuck]

all im saying is that even tho its stronger than the samurai gears its still going to be turning 37's or 38's a you said erlyer. and if i remember correctly the bigest tire size the d44 is rated at safely is around a 35 and thats going forward.

but if i might make a sugestion why not use the center section of a rear and cut the axle tubes to the lengths you want and use the outers and shafts off a front axle?
not trying to say your wrong or anything just my .02

[Bronco_Chuck]

just so you have an idea of what im talking about, heres a pic of a D60 rear steer.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb111/Charles_Lee08/MY_Bronco_II/d60rearsteer.jpg

[Loanranger]

I fully understand what you're saying, and I actually have a rear D44 that's offset and narrowed to sami width, with 5.38s in it that I could stuff some front outers on. IF I had some spare front 5.38s laying around, you bet your ass I'd be using that. But I work with what I have, and never take anybody's word for anything. Sure "they" say that you can't run 37s on a D44, but who the hell are "they"? "They" said I couldn't do alot of things on the LJ, and some were right, but most weren't. People hear things and spout them off like it's the bible, when there's way too many variables to discount any theory untill proven otherwise.

I'm all about trying things that "they" say can't be done for free, rather than running out and buying all the bling, cause "they" said I needed it. :icon_idea:

[crawlin91]

I get sick of these simple aftermarket part bolt on builds.

[dogboy]

What is with the oil bottle? Does it go through that much oil or something? I was thinking maybe it was fuel and you have a gravity system, but it would go through that qrt. or fuel like NOTHING.


all im saying is that even tho its stronger than the samurai gears its still going to be turning 37's or 38's a you said erlyer. and if i remember correctly the bigest tire size the d44 is rated at safely is around a 35 and thats going forward.

but if i might make a sugestion why not use the center section of a rear and cut the axle tubes to the lengths you want and use the outers and shafts off a front axle?
not trying to say your wrong or anything just my .02


You also have to look at the weight of the rig. A samurai weighs almost nothing, and this one will probably weigh even less. I bet you could put an early 80's cly. Ranger tranny behind a 351, and if the rig was light enough, you wouldn't have any problems at all with it. That "safety rating" is probably with a big V8 under a fullsize truck.

[Loanranger]

What is with the oil bottle? Does it go through that much oil or something? I was thinking maybe it was fuel and you have a gravity system, but it would go through that qrt. or fuel like NOTHING.

No, that IS the fuel. :icon_rofl: It's just got a holley 2 barrel on it, so it just sips the fuel. It took the whole quart to get out to the ditch and into the side lot though.



I'm working on the exhaust on Fordzuki, I've got it rerouted, I just need to get a couple more bends in it, and weld a muffler on it. Then I can get back to this project. :icon_thumby: Well, after I clean the garage.....again.

[Jim Oaks]

Do you take pics with a phone or camera? They always seem a bit fuzzy.

Looks like another interesting project to watch.

[Will]

That stinger is cool. I'm going to make one. I use my Bobcat for that type of thing most of the time but it's hard on the asphault and can only pick up 800# and can't go up the hill. That big rock I moved--I could have picked it up, driven it right up the hill and set it where I wanted it.

Full marks for the stinger/gin pole thing.

[Loanranger]

Do you take pics with a phone or camera? They always seem a bit fuzzy.

Looks like another interesting project to watch.

Most of the Fordzuki build was shot with my phone, but everything since christmas has been with a Kodak 8.1 MP digital. So any fuzzy pictures now are just me shaking. It seems the harder I try to steady the camera, the worse it turns out. :icon_confused: :icon_rofl:

That stinger is cool. I'm going to make one. I use my Bobcat for that type of thing most of the time but it's hard on the asphault and can only pick up 800# and can't go up the hill. That big rock I moved--I could have picked it up, driven it right up the hill and set it where I wanted it.

Full marks for the stinger/gin pole thing.

Thanks. That means alot coming from you, Will. It was something I had dreamt of, and just got a wild hair one saturday and started welding scrap together. I'd like to make another one someday that lifts a little higher, and make it a little stouter too. :icon_thumby:

[Loanranger]

Finally got a chance to work on this thing again.

I got a couple plates made and welded on to reinforce around the motor mounts. We all know it's gonna need it. :icon_rofl:

Had to cut off the old motor mounts and the bumpstop perches, and got the frame all cleaned up.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0819.jpg
Made some 1/4" plates to reinforce.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0820.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0821.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0822.jpg

3/4" "strap" on the top?
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0832.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0833.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0834.jpg
I'm gonna plate the outside and underside too, just need to round up some more steel.
That's all for tonight, I'm gonna try and get the ramdatsun pulled up to the shop tomorrow, get the cab off, pull the motor/trans/tcase and get them set in the zuk frame so I can start making mounts. :icon_bounceblue:

[Loanranger]

Progress! :icon_hornsup: IT FITS! :icon_hornsup:

Started this morning by rigging up a different fuel tank, so I could drive it over to the shop.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0835.jpg

Got the front clip cut off, and went to town yarding the body off.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0838.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0839.jpg

Forgot all about this. :D
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0841.jpg

Making the ranger work for it's parking place.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0842.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0843.jpg

Motor/trans/tcase out.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0844.jpg

And it fits.....mostly....
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0846.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0847.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0848.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0849.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0851.jpg

Need to notch the starter a little....:icon_twisted:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0853.jpg

And grind an 1/8th inch or so off the end of the clutch fork.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0854.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0855.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0856.jpg

I'm hoping to be able to drop the front down about 3-4 inches, to keep the COG low, but keep a decent belly height too.

[Loanranger]

It's final home. :icon_thumby:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0860.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/th_100_0840.jpg (http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/?action=view&current=100_0840.flv)

[Loanranger]

Ok, so I've been working on motor mounts, I was torn between hard mounting it, or rubber mounting it, and decided on rubber bushings.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0866.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0868.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0869.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0870.jpg

Now I just need to copy that for the drivers side, and make some tabs and gussets for the frame, and we'll have some motor mounts. I've been looking at ideas for the bellypan/crossmember, as well as a couple bolt in crossmembers around the engine/trans.

I ended up having to cut a window in the drivers side framerail, for starter clearance. The starter was resting against the framerail, and the positive cable at the solinoid was a little too close for comfort. I'll end up making a dished piece to fit in the hole, and plating the top, bottom, and outside anyways, so it should be plenty strong.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0865.jpg

[Loanranger]

Finished up the passenger motormount, and got a good start on the drivers side.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0871.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0873.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0875.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0876.jpg

Drivers side.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0878.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0880.jpg

[Loanranger]

Ok. So it's been a while since I updated this, so here goes. I finished up the motor mounts. I don't seem to have a picture of just the drivers side, but if you look in the following pictures, you'll see both sides complete.

I started in on the cradle for the tranny and transfercase, wanting it to be a skidplate as well as a trans crossmember, also with the ability to add another mount in the future when I hang another case back there.

I had to start by reinforcing the frame, I used 1/8th inch steel, and plated the outside and underside. 1/2" rosette welds every 6 inches or so on both the outers and unders.

Using a template i made, I cut it out with the plasma.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0981.jpg

Drilled the holes, and made a bend in the plate where the frame bends, and clamped it up.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0982.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0984.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0985.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0988.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0991.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0993.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0999.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1000.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1001.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1003.jpg
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_0982.jpg

[Loanranger]

more...

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1005.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1006.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1007.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1008.jpg

[Loanranger]

Well, no pictures tonight, just a bunch of welding. :icon_welder: I got the cradle and plating all welded up, and the start of the frame patch by the starter. I made a template out of cardboard, cut the piece out of 1/8th inch plate, and set it up in the press, with a 3" chunk of round billet steel as the top die, and chunk of steel on either side on the bottom, to give the piece the inward roll I needed. I got this piece welded in, I just need to cut a couple cat eyes and give them a little roll, and weld them in. :icon_thumby:

[Loanranger]

The starter recess is done. Well, I still need to add some plating around it, but the recess itself is done.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1009.jpg
Made the roll with this in the press.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1012.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1011.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1010.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1014.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1015.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1019.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1020.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1023.jpg

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/Dcdatsuns/100_1026.jpg

[Chance]

I love your builds man, good work as always :icon_thumby:

[doorgunner]

Great..........just plain great!

[jonx4x4]

LOVING the build man! Wish there were more builds like this out there.

If you can find a 90's model Nippondenso starter, its much smaller. You might actually be able to remove it without lifting one side of the engine up above the frame rail.:D

Its what I had to do to stuff the 318 off in my 69 Nissan Patrol.

[Loanranger]

Thanks for the tip. :icon_thumby:

Got a build thread anywhere on your patrol? I was into datsuns before the zooks. Always wanted a patrol.

[jonx4x4]

Just a Cardomain page. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/394451

Need to update a few things, but keep running into little snags here and there. Gotta change one thing, and change other things to accomodate that one thing... its a never-ending cycle.

[Loanranger]

Well, I got bad news for you guys. :sad:

The Mazzuki project has found itself a new home. The funds just weren't there to make this project work the way I wanted it to, and after the recent puking of the transmission on the suburban (the second one:annoyed:), I decided to get an 86 sami, which is going to be a street legal, daily driven mild build. The goal is to make it as functional as possible offroad, but keep it completely street legal. I think this one will be a tougher build, as I will still be building nearly all the parts, but have the restraints of keeping it street legal to work around, and push to the very limits. :D Unfortunately, I won't be using any RBV parts in this build, so anyone wanting to keep up with it will have to go to http://nw-wheelers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=646947#post646947

As for the 410, I'm not sure if the new owner will start a build thread on it.

[doorgunner]

I was wondering how you kept all those projects going.....especially with all the fabrication involved!!!!!!