Project Trail Authority (Official Build Thread)

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Looks like fun!

So far it's been a blast. I just wish I had more money.. ha ha

 

[Sunk]

I've found that socket at like every parts store I went to up there, though many people don't know what it is.

Concerning your front drive shaft, you may not need to trim it as much or at all with a 6" lift, so keep that in mind.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Thanks Sunk. With that in mind, I'll wait till it's all mounted up to decide if, or how much needs cut. It's a simple enough job. Anyone know what size tubing fits the inner diameter of the drive shaft?

While I'm at it, I think I'm going to drill, and tap a hole on the bottom, for a drain plug. I don't like just having the center plug. That bothers the crap out of me.

 

[NJRanger94]

you dont need to sleeve it if you grind around the yoke weld just enough to get it off it already sticks in the d shaft tube about a inch or so just make sure you clock it right so the u joints are inline and make sure you cut the tube square i have 6" of lift i still had to cut it but you might get lucky

 

[NJRanger94]

this how i did it

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

this how i did it

Thanks man, that looks great

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Armor is done!

Just got done with the armor for the D35. All I had to work with, was 3x1/4" hot roll, but I think it turned out pretty good.

I ran out of wire, so I wasn't able to weld the spiders, but I did come up with a plan for some added strength. It's 1x1x3/16" angle iron, cut at 1-1/2" long. The leg fits perfectly inbetween the gears! That combined with some extra strong beads, should hold up pretty good.

 

[ozziemo27]

Just got done with the armor for the D35. All I had to work with, was 3x1/4" hot roll, but I think it turned out pretty good.

I ran out of wire, so I wasn't able to weld the spiders, but I did come up with a plan for some added strength. It's 1x1x3/16" angle iron, cut at 1-1/2" long. The leg fits perfectly inbetween the gears! That combined with some extra strong beads, should hold up pretty good.

are those axle shafts close enough to get hit with the weld puddle?

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I don't think so. I'll be careful, and watch that when I weld it up though.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

I came across a great deal today, from Matt, the guy I bought the D35 from "wakingtowinter"... He has a Detroit locker that he doesn't want, so I'm going to remove it, replace it with my open carrier, then help him put the new D35 that he bought in his rig. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.

So at this point, all I'm waiting on is, gears (front and back) and the lift. At that point, it will be trail worthy. Of course, I have WAY more work ahead of me after that, like: a tube bed, and bumpers have to be fabbed, a winch is a must, E fan to come, snorkle, CB, tool box, rock sliders, lights..... The list goes on.

I have to say... This build has become an addiction. I can't stop thinking about it, reading build threads for ideas, and spending money. Ha ha. Thanks Ford

 

[RacinNdrummin]

Killer deal...

 

[r1hatman]

Where did you get a front axle that clean, looks brand new! Good build!

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Killer deal...

Thanks! My thoughts exactly. I figure the Detroit locker, will be much more reliable then welding the spidies. That in combonation with the L/S rear end.... I think it should be good for trail wheeln'.

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Where did you get a front axle that clean, looks brand new! Good build!

Thanks

I got it from a TRS member actually. Funny though... I met him off Craigslist. He had a '94 Ranger that he was parting out, and mentioned the D35, so I jumped on it. There was some damage to the bottom of the drivers side beam (which is now shrouded in armor), and some normal wear and tare. All and all it's in good shape though. It'll look much better next weekend after I paint it.

 

[RacinNdrummin]

You ever been out to Redneck Station in ravensdale???