Lifting my 97

[BII302]

You really don't need a big impact to get the bottom bolts out, just a propane touch inside to heat up the lock-tite.

 

[compleckz]

That's sweet! I'd be worried about dragging the plugs across any rocks though.

yea, he said thats just what he could find on short notice, preferable he'd like to have recessed plugs.. he doesn't like a few things about this first one he made--and hes gonna be fixing the 'mistakes' on the next one he makes... i heard thru the grapevine he might be posting some more pics soon

 

[metalmacguyver]

Thanks for all the comments!


I may add something to protect the drain plug. I will work on that tomorrow.


Here are the pics.

Laying out the triangles to fill in the rest of the cover.

Tacked together.

Started on welding it together.

Cast iron welds funny...

I cleaned it up with the sand blaster.

And a magnet to top it off.

The almost finished product.

 

[compleckz]

p i m p

 

[traildevil67]

Very nice work on the diff cover!!

 

[danger88ranger]

Lookin good

 

[KELLY88]

Wow that thing is sweet. Could I put in an order and buy one just like it from you for my 8.8?

 

[84projectFORD]

yeah when you taking orders?? lol

 

[BlackBII]

Bitchin....

Welds are purty too

 

[Ranger44]

Hmm.....nice.....

 

[metalmacguyver]

Thanks for all the compliments!


I am working on a second one. I am refining it a little bit and fixing my little mistakes.

I may make a few of them. Time will tell. I will need to find another way to cut the curves cause using the angle grinder is a bitch. I may trade a cover to a friend in exchange for being able to borrow his plasma cutter.

We will see. Having now made this, I can see why fab shops charge 100-120 for these covers. A quarter of the cost is material.

 

[martin]

Very nice. when I made mine I couldn't believe how much work and time was involved. It was also a challenge installing it on the truck due to its weight.

 

[Hahnsb2]

I should use the water jet at work to cut out all the pieces...

Nice work.

 

[metalmacguyver]

I should use the water jet at work to cut out all the pieces...

Nice work.

Hmmmmm, weld your own diff cover kits?

Wonder how much one of those water jets cost........

 

[metalmacguyver]

I was talking to my powder coating guy and I found out that those machines start at $23,000........