GTX's low rider TJ build - Page 29

gtxracer · 06-10-2012, 10:06 AM

My bad, they're good to go now!

gtxracer · 06-11-2012, 07:02 PM

It runs and drives, drove it around the neighborhood in 4lo. Couple things-

destroyed one of the cables on the D300 from the leverage of the twin sticks

definitely going to flat tow it for now, it's LOUD
no reverse, shift fork must not be lined up, easy fix
clutch safety switch bypassed with a closed circuit (some say a fuse is a fix)
starter works intermittently because of above
corners are nearly done, came out well and will use stock flares for now
steering hits the passenger side spring mount, need to trim it
front locker seems to be engaged permanently, like a spool
need to final weld the shock mounts
finish front 2 piece driveshaft
tidy up the welds, flap disc any remaining edges and paint them

Sorry for my lack of pics and tech, I'll add more later. I spent most of the time in the shop from the past three days fixing little issues, tracking down wires, and finally driving around the block.

Carrier bearing mount finished, ready to put in place. The plan for this came together well, the opening I drew happens to be in just the right spot for the bolt to pass through

stubby short shaft of the 2 piece driveshaft

corners, my fantastic girlfriend drilled the holes, what a sweetheart!

The clutch safety bypass, took out the connector and made the circuit complete. Starter works most of the time, feels like the computer or solenoid is fighting the wiring for control over the starter.

I'll be back Friday and will be kicking *** all weekend to get the TJ and Silverado ready for the trip next Tuesday.

**Louie4** · 06-11-2012, 08:14 PM

I'll be waiting for the pics. Sounds like you got a lot done.

BTW, thanks for the idea of the pitman arm. I got one as well to help with my hi-steer setup. Works great. Now I just need trim some brackets off the frame.

gtxracer · 06-11-2012, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louie4

I'll be waiting for the pics. Sounds like you got a lot done.

BTW, thanks for the idea of the pitman arm. I got one as well to help with my hi-steer setup. Works great. Now I just need trim some brackets off the frame.

No problem! I like them, they give the steering more of a bling look.

**Louie4** · 06-12-2012, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtxracer

No problem! I like them, they give the steering more of a bling look.

Mos def.

The pic is deceiving because the scratches on the tie rod were there with the old arm and actually the drag link clears the tie rod when I turn the wheel to the left.

**MisfitSeven** · 06-14-2012, 07:29 AM

So, here's the million dollar question: How much of your turning radius did you guys lose after installing that pitman arm compared to stock?

gtxracer · 06-14-2012, 08:45 AM

I haven't noticed anything so far, but I'll keep it in mind and report back. It's not much shorter than stock.

**Louie4** · 06-14-2012, 05:27 PM

I noticed some but it's not a deal breaker. I have about 1/4"-3/8" gap between my steering stops and my C. Of course I can't hold the wheel at full lock and check so I had to rely on the wheel lock. I did try to make a right hand turn at a small intersection and I didn't start turning soon enough and went into the other lane. I'm glad no one was coming the other way.

**MisfitSeven** · 06-15-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louie4

Mos def.

The pic is deceiving because the scratches on the tie rod were there with the old arm and actually the drag link clears the tie rod when I turn the wheel to the left.

What knuckle do you have on your passenger side? Pic?

**Louie4** · 06-15-2012, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisfitSeven

What knuckle do you have on your passenger side? Pic?

Teraflex. I got it from a buddy in PA. He sent it to me as well as a drag link and beefy tie rod.

gtxracer · 06-22-2012, 07:34 PM

Alright here's the update...

I picked up a HF tow bar and magnetic light kit then made my own mounts that bolt to the factory bumper mounts. It's all 3/8".

Here's the total pain in the *** 2 piece shaft

The couple days before the wheeling trip are a blur. I was in the shop no less than 14 hours each day, throwing things together, drilling, welding, etc. I got most of it finished to go to the shake down run but didn't get to test the front shaft. Then the front locker wouldn't disengage :shaking: So I had to pull the shaft from one side in order to flat tow.

Filled up and heading out

Had to take the pass in order to get to the trail

After settling in I tore apart the front end to see why the lockwrong was acting up

I had the damn thing apart for 5 hours and rebuilt the diff but it still won't unlock. Springs are pretty fresh, I replaced them a few runs before the rebuild.

gtxracer · 06-22-2012, 07:53 PM

Side shot, the wheelbase felt great

Onto the wheeling...

Couple things to note - I didn't have FWD. Front driveshaft wouldn't stop moving, more specifically, the carrier bearing wouldn't stop moving inside it's mount. I couldn't get the damn thing to stay in one spot and the angle was too much. I wish I would have had more time to test it but the front locker put me out of the game anyway. It's hard as **** to drive a spooled front end - unless you have twin sticks. Wanna guess which cable shifter broke the other day? Yeah, the front stick. haha

So, screw it, I'll wheel in RWD. Air'ed down to 6psi and hit the trails. Only ONE hill denied me and I almost made it! I got it on video, I need to do some editing though. I also got a GoPro Hero 2 from my fantastic girlfriend so I got footage there too.

I'll get the vids uploaded as soon as I can. Overall the Jeep kicked ***! The suspension felt MUCH better than the stock junk. I didn't get a chance to really test flex but I need longer shocks up front for sure. I knew this already since they're only 9" travel but I'll need to have a lot more seat time to know if it's really needed. The np435 was great, low gear is great to have. The D300 is actually a good case despite it's inability to hold fluid.

I'll be redesigning a few things and hopefully have a regular CV shaft up front instead of the time consuming 2 piece and the heavy mount. I'm also ditching the cables and converting to a regular linkage shift for the D300.

Tylerzap · 06-22-2012, 08:36 PM

Damn that thing is beautiful!!!

gtxracer · 06-23-2012, 10:48 AM

Thank you!

video - don't mind the rambling, might be a couple bad words in there so if you're sensitive don't watch it

YouTube

gtxracer · 09-26-2012, 09:24 PM

Ordered a stak D300 replace-a-case last week, I've been told it will ship tomorrow. I'm STOKED.