Skidplate,lower link mounts, trans mount all in one.

[RockRanger]

This is buried in my build thread but figured others might get some use out of. I am running a 3 link front suspension with a doubler setup. When you add the doubler it causes the stock trans cross member to no longer work. I had a hodgepodge of link mounts, trans mount, and skid plate that was tossed together and in general just ugly.

Here is the idea I came up with.

tcase and link skidplate and mounts 3d by dresselhausfc, on Flickr

This was the start of one side.

Untitled by dresselhausfc, on Flickr

Here it is mocked up off the truck.

Untitled by dresselhausfc, on Flickr

Here it is installed

Untitled by dresselhausfc, on Flickr

Untitled by dresselhausfc, on Flickr

Untitled by dresselhausfc, on Flickr

 

[bobbywalter]

no way i would even consider such a thing.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

no way i would even consider such a thing.

You need to do better.....why?

Richard

 

[bobbywalter]

i learned a long time ago to keep the trans mount separate. and its best to have several sections of easily removable skid plating.


while technically this is the case that the trans mount is removable, lining all that shit up when the truck is twisted up off road will be a train wreck.


that and i nut and bolt my rig all of the time after hard runs to make sure the t case is not loosening up and the d shaft bolts etc are good.


this setup is heavy and not overly friendly to the goals i have.


i dont like to trailer, and i generally fix shit in situ. so that setup is not for me.


BUT, it is well executed and bomb proof. so maybe all of the maint i do is just not needed as often with something that stout.

 

[4x4junkie]

If I'm looking at it right, it looks like the center skid/trans mount portion of it is separate from the side rails bolted to the frame that have the suspension mounts... Meaning the front suspension doesn't have to be dicked with just to do, say, a clutch job.

Nice work regardless though. 3/16" I assume?

 

[bmerr98]

Either way, if it would work for this or that person or not, I gotta say that's a right fine piece of fabrication. Way outta my league.

 

[bobbywalter]

If I'm looking at it right, it looks like the center skid/trans mount portion of it is separate from the side rails bolted to the frame that have the suspension mounts... Meaning the front suspension doesn't have to be dicked with just to do, say, a clutch job.

Nice work regardless though. 3/16" I assume?

that is why i would think lining it up with it twisted up would suk, it is removable for sure without messing with the arms, but removing that giant bastard in less then ideal conditions...btdt....too old for that now...

and i am sure its cake on a flat surface. as stout as it is, it likely does not let the drivetrain move with wild rail cycle like mine...so like i said, maybe checkin stuff all the time would be unnecessary.

 

[RockRanger]

If I'm looking at it right, it looks like the center skid/trans mount portion of it is separate from the side rails bolted to the frame that have the suspension mounts... Meaning the front suspension doesn't have to be dicked with just to do, say, a clutch job.

Nice work regardless though. 3/16" I assume?

Yes the center can be dropped without having to undo the lower links. however you have to support the trans mission before you remove it. I tried to come up with a way to mount the transmission on a separate cross member but settled on this. Yes it is all 3/16 plate. Both drive shafts can be removed or installed with the skid plate installed. I have never had to dropped a transmission or tcase on the trail so I never considered that.

When I installed the doubler setup I started ripping the factory trans mount apart. Here is the mount I built in 2008. Reused it again on this one.

Either way, if it would work for this or that person or not, I gotta say that's a right fine piece of fabrication. Way outta my league.

Thanks. A CNC plasma table sure is nice.

 

[bobbywalter]

that mount is awesome.





the skid assembly is pimp, there is no looking down at it or anything. very well executed to say the least.


i have destroyed many transmissions and transfer cases over the years, and depending on where i go, i usually have a spare t case, drive shafts, and steering linkages in addition to my normal gear.