45acp’s DIVORCED build!

The shop here doesn't charge labor to install a locker if they are regearing it. since they have to remove the spider gears to regear then it makes no difference to them if they put your spider gears or a locker in since 1 of the 2 have to go back in anyway.

 

So your saying the 8'' e-locker rear end is stronger than the 8.4?

 

yes the "8.4" is still an 8'' diff but it is still a stronger diff then the E locker.

put an ARB in it and its WAY stronger

 

I think trying to find an axle out here would be next to impossible. Tacos out here are few and far between unlike back west.

I've thought about getting the lock-right but between the snow, cornering, potential excessive wear on the tires and other issues (not to mention I prefer to do things right the first time) if I decided to go with a locker I might as well go the 'extra mile' and just get an ARB.
I figured the truck has done really well and done some crazy trails on open diffs so I thought it would be an option, especially if I want to be sure I have the cash on hand to make it to the WY meet. If that was the case, I'd still get lockers... just a little down the road but long before Moab next year. I think Blackdawg and Box Rocket convinced me to go the CO2 tank route for lockers/tire inflation.

Thanks bud!

Bed bob probably won't be happening for several months. I want to try and get the majority of this done myself so I want to buy a halfway decent welder and tools for fabricating a new bumper, relocating the shocks, and creeper joints for the shackle hangers. All of which will probably happen at the same time.

For the non-critical stuff like tubbing the firewall, I really want to do the welding myself so I was thinking about getting this from Amazon. Seems inexpensive and had decent ratings/reviews. Figured it wouldn't break the bank and be a good way to start. Your thoughts guys?

$80 C.M.T Pitbull Ultra-Portable 100-Amp Electric Arc Welder - 110V

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V663G8/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d0_g60_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=116BYJEF5H3DDEC2F3Z7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

 

Nice build... I read all 10 page and enjoyed it....

 

Stay away. If you are going to tub firewalls yourself and bob the bed. you want a MIG welder. so you can do tack after tack after tack without having to clean off slag every time. With welders you get what you pay for in every sense of the saying. Cheap is shit. Lincoln, miller and hobart are the best brands out there.

You can always go with a cheapy harbor freight 110 but everyone I know who has gotten a cheap welder has hated it from the get go and ended up getting a good welder as soon as they could afford it.

If i was you I would look into a 140. very versatile. With flux core you can weld 1/4" no problem and then hook up your tank when needed, like with body work. But it is going to cost you around $500 new. If you're trying to stay cheap at least look for a decent condition used welder that is from a reputable manufacturer.

If you like doing things right the first time don't get that welder. A cheap tool is like a blocked up negative arch rear springs compared to a brand new sexy flexy leaf pack. Sure it's cheaper but it isn't doing you any good.

That's my .02

 

It has been my experience with welders to get a well known brand. When you need parts then you can actually get them, I would also recommend a mig welder. I have used Hobarts, Lincolns, and Millers. The little 110 Hobart was a great little machine and I think is cheaper than the Millers and Lincolns...

Flux core isn't as pretty but it works pretty good. Built a go cart from scratch parts with one

 

Ehh that's what I was afraid of. Hmmm...

 

Craigslist? for a good used one?

 

Why not? I see good ones on there every once in a while. I would want to plug it in a try it out before buying but I see no reason not to consider craigslist. I got my truck off of it

 

Haha so did I

 

I got my truck off craigslist too.
Problem with the craigslist/try before you buy thing is I've never welded before so I wouldn't know what the hell I'm doing or looking for. I've read the TW welding threads off and on and watched youtube videos... but I never feel like I really learn anything unless I get my hands dirty.

 

Got any friends that weld? I'm usually happy to tag along for random things like checking out cars for friends when they give me a 6 pack

 

Hell I thought I did. Only one that I know of that may be available is about an hour and a half drive away. I just moved back to the area after being gone for several years so getting a hold of people that know how to weld has been a little difficult.


This the one you guys are referring to?

http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500500-Handler-115-Volt-Single-Phase/dp/B0002PS7SA/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

I'm tempted to say F it and just buy one now...

 

Yea get a good MIG man. Im using an EastWood 175 and its great!

and CO2 FTMFW!!

and you had BETTER be able to make it to the WY meet..ill hurt you if you don't come lol

Its actually MUCH easier then you would thing man.

Get an auto dimming helmet too, get some scrape metal and do a few practice welds, then go to town. I think ill end up tubing my wells this year before i even have 35s just cause i have a welder i can use now

to bad you don't live in WY anymore!

id do it for ya

 

Thats the welder I have used before. Learned on it.
I second the autodimming helmet, they kick ass.

Gas is sooo very nice and clean (easier too), but flux core does work.

 

Thanks for the help guys, I'm pretty sold on that Hobart.

Soooo when I massaged the pinch welds yesterday with the sledge hammer, I think I may have knocked the side mirror loose on the passenger side. Noticed it moving around today while driving when it obviously shouldn't. I'm assuming these things are glued in? I didn't completely remove it to find out. Is there some magical special glue they use or will anything work?

My mini-me this evening.

 

god your truck must be so tall! lol

 

That or he's just really short. Like me.

 

yea you need a running start now to get in the damn thing and clear the sliders?