Rangebe...version 2.0

[-Nathan-]

Well had an hour to tinker with the compressor tonight. The drain valve on the bottom of the tank snapped off during the move, i.e. the coupler in the bottom of the tank snapped in half. Had to finesse that out of there and cleaned up the threads. Piped in a new drain valve, and temporarily wired the compressor to the panel. Flipped the switch and it purrs like a kitten, its actually amazing how quiet it is. Built pressure to 150 psi in hardly no time at all, and there were no major leaks (other than a tiny leak from the solenoid air line). The compressor itself is MASSIVE and is a two stage pump, rated at 300 psi, so it hardly has to work to fill that tank at 150.

Pic for reference of size

and proof it works

hope to have it mounted and bolted down in its permanent location, wired permanently, oil changed, and filter/regulator/hose reel hooked up this weekend.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Nice! Yours looks like the baby version of mine!

 

[-Nathan-]

nice, how big is yours? also, looks like the same compressor pump as mine, is it a 44643?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Don't think they are the same. Mine has a very large intercooler on it. I'd have to go out and look at it again...it's been a long time since I had to order parts for it. Finding parts was fun, but I did find a Canadian company in ontario that can get all parts for obsolete Devilbiss products. http://www.centrair.ca/index.html

 

[-Nathan-]

Don't think they are the same. Mine has a very large intercooler on it. I'd have to go out and look at it again...it's been a long time since I had to order parts for it. Finding parts was fun, but I did find a Canadian company in ontario that can get all parts for obsolete Devilbiss products. http://www.centrair.ca/index.html

I bet it is the same, the 44643 came with an optional intercooler on the bigger tanks. Yea I found them as well, they sell complete rebuild kits should I ever need one.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Just looked it is a Model ABP-460 which is an old Pro Air model, 22.8 CFM on an 80 gallon tank. The pumps were made in Italy for a short period of time and were aluminum with steel lined cylinders.

 

[-Nathan-]

Got the compressor all wired/mounted/plumbed and changed out the oil. It works great, is super quiet and builds pressure fast. I still need to get a dessicant air dryer. My buddy got my MIG gas tank swapped out, so now I can finally start back on the beams again.

 

[SAY789]

Your getting quite the setup, i like it. Cant wait to see more on the ttb metamorphasis

 

[-Nathan-]

Finally got a chance to do some more work, first started by finish welding the rest of the C, and grinding it flush.

So, first mocked up the diff again, and put the axleshaft in place. Then drew a line that was directly over the axleshaft. This is needed, so that when the beam is extended, the position of the knuckle relative to the diff does not change. I also punched two points at the diff and knuckle ends for reference, and so that I could confirm square after.

After drawing my lines and transfering them to the other side, cut it up.

Then moved it to the new position, measured for square and flush, and tacked it in place.

Everything fit perfect.

And here it is turned to lock, the u joint is now along the ball joint axis, and does not bind at all. You can spin the axleshaft and turn the knuckle side to side with no interference.

Then tore it apart again and welded the overlap joint on both sides

And called it a night.

 

[-Nathan-]

Finished welding the drivers beam. Will leave the grinding for another time.

Getting anxious to get this under the truck, so tearing the front end off the truck tomorrow, and mocking up the new axle. I need to install the axle shafts and cycle the beams, see where Im at for bind/clearance issues. Also will determine if I need to extend the passenger beam as well, and if Ill need to relocate my lower BJ's for camber correction.

Also...have an order coming from Ruff Stuff with items to start on my radius arms, as well as disc brackets and leaf swap stuff for the Sterling 10.25.

 

[-Nathan-]

Had some homework to do, but got some done. Stripped the old axle out from underneath the truck, and started removing the coil buckets and beam brackets. Why did Ford use rivets in some holes and bolts in others? makes no sense.

goodbye little TTB.

Also, I have manual D35 lockouts and washers/clips/spindle nuts for sale if anyone wants spares, or wants to convert to manual lockouts.

 

[pwrranger88]

what gears do you plan on running? i have a dana 50 pig with 4.30s and matching ring and pinion for a dana 60 and a rebuilt l/s i recently took out of my f250

 

[-Nathan-]

the diffs already have 4.10's in them. Going to leave them for now and see how the 302/351 does with them and a 37" tire. When I do regear, it will be to 5.13's or so.

 

[-Nathan-]

Progress report...

Copykat's 1.5" lift brackets for D44 under an RBV....so much beef compared to stock.

Beams mocked up...

There is a metric TON of travel...

Measuring from the center of the hub, there is 24" of travel. This will be limited some by radius arms, but even if I end up with 20" or so, that is still way more than enough.

Hopefully get my ruffstuff order soon, and get the radius arms fabbed up.

I took a video of the passenger beam articulating, Ill post it in a bit.

 

[SAY789]

Nice progress, cannot wait to see this thing out on the trails. So whats next? some hybrid sterling rear stuffed with deuce axles?? lol