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Bronco Blitz. Desert Thrashers 1 ton build up thread.

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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jul 14, 2001
Messages
2,353
Finally starting on the rear. Got the bumper and tire carrier/cooler rack off. Then pulled tank and the axle and suspension out. Time to get to work again.
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Joined
Jul 14, 2001
Messages
2,353
Making some progress on the rear now. I cut off the old spring hangers and what was left of the original shock mounts with my plasma cutter. Then I used a cutoff wheel to finish off the leftovers and also to remove the WH extreme rear shock hoops. I had to take that out in 2 pieces. Then I used flap discs to grind the frame down and clean it all up. There are a few spots in need of repair but not too bad.
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Joined
Jul 14, 2001
Messages
2,353
So here is the beast of a rear axle. Ford 10.25 Sterling with Yukon Grizzly locker and 5.38 gears, and an Artec Truss. The Artec truss is a piece of art. Very well made and strong. I still need to add brackets for the 4 link but I need to mock up the axle first and determine where it will sit.
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jul 14, 2001
Messages
2,353
After wrestling the beast under the Bronco I had it roughly located at 102" wheelbase. Still need to square it up with plumb bobs, but I'm liking the 102" wheelbase idea. It will be 6.5" back from stock. I am going with an RCI 19gal fuel cell in the bed so I can move the axle back as far as I want within limits of the tail lights which I want to keep. Now it's time to do some geometry and use the calculator for the 4 link.
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68rockcrawler

Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2006
Messages
1,417
102" is going to be nice! I only got 98" since I'm still leaf sprung and had the stock tank which I moved back.
 
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Joined
Jul 14, 2001
Messages
2,353
I was planning on moving the tank back and moving the axle 3-4" but the more I thought about it I liked the fuel cell idea. It will be tight in the bed because I plan to keep my tj seat.
I just hope I don't have to cut too much into the tail lights, that's why I am staying at 102".
 
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Joined
Jul 14, 2001
Messages
2,353
Got some big progress done finally. The 4 link is built and just needs final welding. I spent some time playing on the 4 link calculator and came up with a good plan. I started by assembling and welding up some of the brackets I got from Ruff Stuff, the upper frame mounts and axle mount. Then I tacked the axle brackets in place.
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Jul 14, 2001
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2,353
Next I built the links and mocked up the lower links. I used the Artec lower link mounts to match the fronts. Then I mocked up the upper brackets. They landed right where the body mount bracket is, so I plated the frame with 3/16" plate to space it out the same thickness. Next I had to build a new rear crossmember since the axle is pushed back 6.5". I used a piece of 2x4 3/16" rectangular tube about 11" behind the old crossmember. I then cut out the old crossmember with my plasma cutter.
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Jul 14, 2001
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2,353
And finally the cool shots. I articulated the axle to test the 4 link. I'm very pleased with it. It will have a lot of travel, probably more than I can use. I think the tires will be the limiting factor for the up travel, by hitting the coilovers but I won't know for sure until I get the towers welded on and the shocks installed.
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Joined
Jul 14, 2001
Messages
2,353
So I decided to name my Bronco after my dog that just passed away on Thursday. His name was Blitz, a Dalmatian mix, he was 10 yrs old. He was my best buddy and I miss him greatly. A few weeks ago we found out he had cancer in his nasal cavity. I was hoping he would be able to survive awhile with it, but unfortunately I saw how much he was suffering and had to make the dreaded call to end it. I wanted to take him for at least one more Bronco ride, but sadly it wasnt able to happen. I hope I gave him a good last day, I bought him some hamburgers and we went to the park for lunch and a walk and a truck ride. I used a service called Paws into Grace that comes to your home to put them to sleep. Then I held him in my arms until he passed. It was a very emotional and sad day. I buried him at my parents property that evening. So in honor of my best friend I am naming my bronco, Bronco Blitz.
 

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Apogee

Contributor
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Joined
Nov 26, 2005
Messages
6,033
My heart goes out to you...been there and it never gets any easier, but I wouldn't give up the years I've gotten from my dogs for anything. You'll always have your EB to remind you of him, so I love the tribute name.
 

garberz

Bronco Influencer
Joined
Jun 24, 2007
Messages
6,856
Loc.
Conejo Valley, Ca.
Sorry Cory, It's never easy to deal with. I lost mine a while back to Cancer.

Mark
 

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68rockcrawler

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Sep 18, 2006
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1,417
I can't imagine. My 12 year old lab is getting old quick and not doing too good. I feel for you.
 
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Jul 14, 2001
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Thanks everyone, it's definitely a hard loss. I'm thankful I was able to give him a great life.
 
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Jul 14, 2001
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2,353
I took a break from the 4 link and built a double shear bracket for the passenger steering knuckle. Since the heims are stacked on top of the knuckle I thought it was a good idea to double shear them. It's all made from 1/4" plate. Came out great I think.
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broncoitis

Bronco Guru
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Jul 23, 2010
Messages
4,449
Thrasher, so sorry to hear about the loss of your best buddy Blitz. Awesome tribute to him naming the Bronco after him in his memory but have no doubt in your mind, he will always be riding shotgun with you. Hopefully you will find a new best friend and be able to give them the type of Love and wonderful home that you gave Blitz in the future. RIP Blitz!

Don't know how I missed this much so far but you have a great build going on keep the pics coming. I wanna 4 link mine in the rear and redo the front with coilovers. Lots to think about. If I only has the space to get started! LOL! My own garage space could be dangerous for me.

Keep it up gonna be pretty sweet! ;D
 
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Jul 14, 2001
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Thank you. I know I will get another dog, but for right now it's much too soon.
I understand about space, I'm building mine in my carport on the side of my house, barely enough room to fit the bronco inside. Once the tires are on, it will be difficult to even walk around it lol
 
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Desert Thrasher

Desert Thrasher

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Jul 14, 2001
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I got the rear coilover towers done. They are from TMR Customs like front except they weld to the outside of the frame instead of sitting on top. They are also the longest towers I could find. They sit a little farther inboard than I thought, but that will be better for the coilovers. I went ahead and cut out the wheel wells since I moved the axle back 6.5" they need to be longer. I ordered 2 new ones from Wild Horses, and I plan to extend them up to where the cage foot plate lands. I also cut out the old WH shock hoop covers and will patch it all back together. I think I will get the wheels and tires on before doing the wheel wells to make sure there will be enough clearance, otherwise I will have to make my own wheel wells. Coilovers are due in tomorrow, then I will be able to set my Bronco on its own suspension for the first time in almost 6 months.
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