SMKYTXN's Build

Dang that thing is huge.

 

It's definitely bigger than I need, but I couldn't pass up a $300 engel 60.

 

I know where i am keeping my beer on the off road runs

 

Needs a fridge or two back there.

 

Have to add a few more pieces before it's ready for a fridge.

 

nice that you're able to keep the sub.

 

Can't get rid of my tunes!

Here's the main framing. I'll have two lift out covers to access the under seat storage bins.

 

You're all about that bass.

 

Not treble!

 

So I got frustrated with the rear shelf and decided I needed to put my shocks on. My good buddy Jesse came over the shop today to help. I definitely needed another pair of hands and a second brain to help me get this done.

I used a Ruffstuff lower shock mount. We had a few issues with the mount though. It should have been a little longer on the sides to allow the supplied bolt to fit. You can see here that it hits the frame.

I also did a little machining since I didn't have spacers on hand. I turned down, and bored, a piece of sch 160 1/2" pipe for bushings. Each one is 1/4" thick. That also helped with spacing out the tabs since the shock eyes are 1-1/4" wide.



The point of no return. No more stock shock mounts.







Tacked on the upper shock mounts to the flatbed. Quickly realized they needed to be angled to get the lower shock mount to line up.



First shock mocked up.





Cut down the outside upper tab for the correct orientation.



With 4.1" backspacing on the wheels and a 1.25" spacer it looks like there will be plenty of room for the shocks.





All welded up.

 

^^^^ a lot of badass fab work getting done

 

Sweet!!!

 

I'll get the bumpstops knocked out tomorrow. I'm still not happy with the skyjacker leafs. I either sit too low and have frowny leafs or I sit to high. I've been adding and subtracting leafs to try and find the best setup. I may head out tomorrow and pick up a set of stock 3/4 ton chevy leafs just to see how they work with my setup.

For now, this is how she's sitting. The rake is pronounced, but it's not quite as drastic as the picture makes it look.

 

I added 2" to my bumpstops to keep the leafs from going negative and the shocks from bottoming out. Everything looks good to go. I clear the tires at full flex, but I may move up to a 1.5" wheel spacer to gain a little wiggle room.

 

Looks great! I think when you air down you'll be rubbing on them though, definitely will be getting mud on them at jambo this year

 

Yup, I'm afraid you're right. I'm going to call 4wp tomorrow and see if they have a set of 1.5" spacers in stock. That will give me a little more breathing room.

 

I've had the parts to change out my lockers to full pneumatic for a while now, but I was stuck on the placement of the air valves. They're not the smallest of things to find a spot for. So today I found a use for the 3D printer at the shop. I made an insert that fits in one of the many cup holders we have. The insert will hold the two valves. Take a look.

 

Fancy! Skies the limit with a 3D printer huh. I see many little custom items like that in your future.

 

It certainly makes prototyping easier. I messed up the first one due to a modeling error. If I had sent this off to someone to make for me I would have been out of a good chunk of change due to that mistake.