Snowy's 3-Linked 98 Xtra Cab

Option 3 learn how to drive that limo.....

Here is AZrockbums build that i was telling you about. Looks like he moved the axle forward by just moving the mounts and chopping the rear frame. Really neat build, and its a 3link that sits lower than an IFS truck on 33's. If i had a bunch of money burning a hole, and wasn't a complete idiot when it comes to link suspensions in my pocket i would copy that build.
http://www.rocksolidtoys.com/forum/showthread.php?t=285

Should be sweet when its done! Now im really going to have to keep the bed un bobbed so it doesn't look like I'm copying you and Tony.

 

Started working on the redo of the back end of the truck this week.

Went with an f150 tank mounted behind the cab with the Ford pump and sender. Decided to redo all my bushings and shackles while I was there too.

I cut the bedsides off for reuse later



The bed was too heavy for me to move by myself so I cut it in half and hucked it in two different dumpsters around my complex.



Now the fuel tank is out, axle is out and it's time to start building...

 

Finally found your build

 

Been plugging away every day before work on this thing and making some progress...

The bad news is that I found a rust spot on the frame. The good news is that it was easy to cut out and plate while I had everything apart





I got it sitting on all fours and checked my shackle angle. Trying to keep this thing light so I should be close.



I stole some ideas from a friend and some other builds to mount my f150 tank.



Just some 3" 3/16 stock across the top of the frame behind the cab and another section bolted inside the frame where the stock crossmember mounted. Going to use the stock bed mounts for the upper strap as well. It sits just above them but I should be able to space up a deck over the frame without looking too gay.

 

Finally got it out of the garage today...



Drove beautifully to run and get materials for the bed. Time to do some bending tonight...

 

Hurry up slacker!

 

Locked myself out of my garage unit all week but I did get to here today...





Still need to finish the rear deck and de-gay the rear window. I broke my OG one welding over it and had to get a new one. The upside of living in central Indiana is that I found a new one local for $50, the downside is that it's complete with confederate flag trucker girl.

 

Plumbing in the f-150 tank was really easy. Just cut and splice on the wires, flip the float arm 180 degrees so the gauge doesn't read backwards, and then hook up the lines. I just used 3/8 and some clamps over the threaded part on the truck side. Seems to be working fine. I added a vent line and the second evap fitting to make everything play nice. It spits some fuel when you are filling up and the tank is full. Not sure why the pump doesn't shut off correctly yet..

 

Trucker girl stays.

 

I wish... But being management at work and people being sensitive means it must go. I put a TG sticker on it just to piss people off in its place.

I got the deck finished today. Used the shock hoop as a center high mounting point, then slope down to the front bed mounts and the rear bumper. Mounted the ARB tank under the deck just like I did the bed originally. Hopefully I can still get all my camping gear on it...

 

Lmao that's funny considering where you work! I figured that sticker would be mandatory lol!!!

 

There is a distinct contingent of drivers who would approve of it or have their own at work.....

In other news, the head came off the truck this week for a freshening up. My miss at startup is much better but isn't totally gone after reshimming the valves. 8 new exhaust valves and $350 at a head shop and it'll be like new again

 

Got bad news from the shop Friday. The head had a few cracks between the exhaust valve seats. The good news is that it is an experienced shop in head repair so they will be welding it up and putting new seats in it for $475. I figured that was a safer bet than a new (Chinese) or remanned head of unknown orgin.

 

Got my fresh head installed today and it fired right up without any misses. Goal is to DD it this week and then head out wheeling next weekend. First trip out since I've gone through everything so it'll be awesome to get out and wheel.

The next goal will be a repaint in flag blue Interlux boat paint...

 

Made an oops and forgot to tighten the timing gear on the cam after I installed the head. Died pulling out of the garage for its test drive when the gear fell off. Necessitated pulling the head and front timing cover to replace the timing chain and guides. Fortunately the 3rz is not interference and the valves were fine.

Since going through it a second time I've been DDing the truck for the past two weeks and it's been flawless. Placing an order next week for a hundred feet or so of DOM after it gets fresh paint this week.

Had to take a shameless "truck in the city" picture

 

Just remembered that I have pictures from thia past summer as I was planning next summer.

These are from a week long vacation wheeling trip to Flat Nasty in MO. Can't imagine any better way to spend my week of than wheeling with friends in the Ozarks.

 

My liver still hurts from when I went on that trip 3yrs ago!

Can't wait for the week long SD trip!!

 

Jealous.

You doing PYS this year? Harlan over Easter?

 

No pys and Harlan in the fall