Shortened the Wheel Base today...

[j20brett]

Its Short!

Ended up moving the hangers 18 inches forward. A total of 24 inches of frame removed behind the hangers. That bed was way heavy. Flatbed and new driveshafts next. Took 2 of us 12 hours to get it done!

[Dmntxn77]

Looks good...

Why didnt you go ahead and mount those springs under the frame while you were at it?

[j20brett]

Would have been too much lift for now. Need to be SOA in the front to inboard the springs. Dont have the $$ for highsteer yet

[Dmntxn77]

How much lift you running in the front?

If those are 4" springs, I am sure that you could inboard the springs, ditch the blocks, and add a longer shackle to the front to make up some of the difference. That would only leave you an inch or so higher in the rear which I wouldnt think would be a big deal. The advantages of an under frame mounted, shackle flipped rear would make it worth it...

[j20brett]

Its only 2 inch springs in the front. Rancho 44044's. And i do plan on getting rid of the blocks back there now. Had to have them with these worn out waggy springs. Should set it close to just right w/o the blocks in.

[Dmntxn77]

Ahhh, I see...

The rear would possibly end up quite a bit higher with only 2" springs up front.

Still though, I bet that if you added a longer shackle to the front, and designed the rear spring mounts to be as close to the frame as possible and make the new rear perches to sit as close to the tube as possible, you could make it work out well...


BTW, Im not trying to cut down your work, because it looks like you are doing a great job... Im just throwing out ideas...

Also, I dont know how well they would work with 2" springs, but I have a set of 4 AAL's that I will be selling soon if you need a touch more spring lift...

[glady8r]

nice whats the wheelbase now I was thinking of doing this to my gladiator

[j20brett]

I appreciate the advince. But its set for now. Been working on it for 12 hours today. I think itll settle in fine once i add the flat bed and back half cage eventually. Heck i need to take a few leaves out of the front springs to get them to flex a bit more. Thanks for the offer

[j20brett]

nice whats the wheelbase now I was thinking of doing this to my gladiator

131-18=113"

[Dmntxn77]

I appreciate the advince. But its set for now. Been working on it for 12 hours today. I think itll settle in fine once i add the flat bed and back half cage eventually. Heck i need to take a few leaves out of the front springs to get them to flex a bit more. Thanks for the offer

[Lindel]

Nice work Brett!

[fulsizjeep]

Nice transformation! Giterdun!

[Gambler68]

I think it looks badass and I hear ya, do what ya can when ya can. Least you're gitternherdun

ps you suck for having a HOIST and that SHOP to work in. Suck.

[j20brett]

Haha thanks for the comments. Just got home from school where ive been working on this. Got the rear crossmember/bumper dont and the gas tank relocated behind the axle. Built the tank skid/support out of 1/4" plate and weighs about 80#s! But should support the weight of the truck if it lands on a rock. Only hangs 2 in below the frame rails. Forgot my camera so pics at soe point this week.

[4x4fEvEr]

Heck i need to take a few leaves out of the front springs to get them to flex a bit more.

I seriously wouldn't do that. Three rides on my ranchos and they were bent and broken in half. If you search the 4404s'4 there's a lot of em breaking. Be sure to put something on the frame behind the shackle so they won't fould up the shackle