The Lumpskie Build - '96 5-speed

Thanks a bunch!! Ive only had it out on moderate trails so far, so I havent REALLY been able to push the truck to its limit with the 63s and 35s yet. That will soon change next week however. I honestly cant think of a single draw back yet, at least over my previous set up...which was just an aal, 5100s and 6" shackles. It rides better on and off road, of course flexes better, and the half ton leafs do hold weight pretty well. I couldnt be happier with how it turned out. I haven't owned any other types of leaf packs on the truck so i cant compare it to a set of expos or what not.

What exactly do you mean by compression? Like how soft is the 3 leaf? Hmm, because of the length, without shocks of course it can be a bit bouncy for the first bit of compression, but as soon as it hits the 2nd and third leaf it gets nice and stiff and rides better than expected. the shocks certainly take care a lot of the bounce though, the 5125s seem to be a good soft shock for the softish 63s.

 

^Man, everything you're saying is getting me kind of excited about the 63s! (other than the fact that I don't have any money to spend)

Do you have any pics of the rear stuffed?

 

No real updates to this thread because I've been working on the Wagoneer lately... I replaced the alternator and some wiring on it. After took it on a short (140 mile) road trip. It got 13 mpg, which is good for the AMC 360. Still, it really needs a diesel engine. So, the saving has begun.

 

4bt or 6bt? Or did you have another diesel in mind for it.

 

^Good question. Right now I'm leaning toward the 4bt or Isuzu 4BD1T, but I haven't ruled out the 6bt yet. I'm trying to keep it looking stock, though, so the 6bt would be hard to fit in there without any lift.

Do you have any experience with diesels? I'm a total diesel noob and can use any information I can get!

 

Two small updates: (neither of which relate to my taco)

1. I've got a lead on a 4BD1T for the Wagoneer. I'm still haggling on this guy, but it would be a sweet option if I can get it!

2. Starting Thursday, I've got 4 more interviews with Polaris... and an "assessment". (I'm not sure what that means) These guys really don't play around with hiring!

 

Not really but the 4BD1 is a good option as well for swaps. Good luck with the interviews.

 

^Thanks Chris. I'm kind of torn on the whole opportunity. The job sounds amazing, the company sounds good, but I really like living in CO and have no desire to move... especially to a state that has no wheeling opportunities. I guess I'll wait and see if they give me an offer.

In other news: I might actually work on the truck a bit this weekend. I'm planning on making some spring keepers to tie the main leaf and the 1st support leaf together. Hopefully, this will force my suspension to utilize my orbit eyes more...

 

Depending on your field of choice there are jobs out there. If you can find one where you don't have to move and just travel that'd be good. Where would they having you moving too?

What kind of spring keepers are you using. I used some I got at the parts store and they work but not all that great. Really need two per leaf with one on each side. My leafs still fan a little bit, they can only do it so much though.

 

^The job would be in the Polaris R&D facility, in Wyoming Minnesota. The job sounds awesome, but I'd really miss Colorado's mountains and wheeling. From what my cousin tells me, Minnesota's liberal establishment have basically closed off all public land from motorized vehicles so there isn't much out there. Beyond that, the trails are mostly mud and I'm a rock crawling guy. In the mean time, my boss at my current job is really supportive and is looking for growth opportunities for me... and I just got a promotion last month. So, either way, I'll be ok. I just want to be sure I'm making the right decision.

Now. I'm looking at making my spring keepers out of steel strips from a local steel recycler. Basically just get some strips, heat and bend using an oxyacetylene torch and attach to the support leaf. I'm thinking about just using tack welds there. (so I don't mess with the metallurgy of the leaf) Hopefully, a cheap, easy and fun project that will actually net me a little more flex!

 

Built up the spring keepers. Hopefully, this will force my joint to move a little bit more. It's hard to see, but I clearanced underneath to allow the lower spring to move.

 

Looks like I'll try this setup out on the 21st on Spring Creek!

 

Nice!

 

Thanks man! I can't wait to see if they make a difference.

 

Some friends and I hit Spring Creek trail today and it was an intense trail. I grabbed a few pics:

 

I'm thinking of doing this windshield washer reservoir mod. Has anyone done it or similar?

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/31898-Washer-reservoir-relocation

 

Monte just did. Can't remember who did it that showed me...

I've had all of the parts since January and still haven't gotten around to it...


*Edit*
I remember now, it was Jon. Here's the method I'm doing...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-builds/198660-45acp-s-divorced-build-4.html#post4786949

 

^Sweet, thanks for the link! Haha, I've got all the parts too, but haven't gotten around to it. Since I'm low on cash for mods, I thought it might be time to address this.

Monte, or anyone else, what do you guys think of the mod?

 

Love it. Simple and works

 

^Well, if you like yours, I'll have to copy you! Do you have any idea what the capacity is? How often do you have to fill it?