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Messages - Armalite
151
« on: May 11, 2015, 12:36:04 PM »
I still think it would float,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
https://youtu.be/_7R0NsxiR8Y
Are the brakes legal on the driveline vs the wheels?
Nothing legal about this vehicle... Has to be towed if it is going anywhere besides my pasture... But, you could install disc brakes at all four corners, add a horn, and a few other things, maybe get it to pass inspection, then register it... But, too much trouble. It's simply a toy, nothing more... Nice video. It will take a lot of tire to make this thing float. Those 2.5 tons are not light!!
152
« on: May 08, 2015, 09:56:29 AM »
more pics....
153
« on: May 08, 2015, 09:15:35 AM »
more finished pics.....
154
« on: May 08, 2015, 08:58:33 AM »
20"X15" Wheels.....
155
« on: May 08, 2015, 08:50:43 AM »
Rockwells, nice!
Makes you wonder why the guy did all that (Nice) work, then turned around and sold it??
His loss, your gain. Gonna pull a Cat rubber track skid steer with that?
Well, here is what I was told, take it for what it's worth.... This jeep came from South Florida. It was built to be a beach cruiser, not a mudder. Well, over the two year period, the mud scene has exploded. This guy has a shop, and builds these toys for other people. This was his personal build. After doing a little at a time, between everyone else's projects, he finally got this jeep to where he wanted it. But, during that time, and after working and building big block trucks with huge tires, he decided he wants to build a mud truck. So, he decided to sale the beach cruiser to start building a crew cab big block mudder. More room, bigger tires, bigger motor, ect.... Sold the jeep to begin the funds for the next project.... Time will tell. I drove it around the pasture last night for a little while. Left it sitting at idle. Never ran hot. No leaks. Everything feels tight and strong...
156
« on: May 08, 2015, 08:45:10 AM »
Motor being swapped out....
157
« on: May 08, 2015, 08:38:42 AM »
and more....
158
« on: May 08, 2015, 08:34:53 AM »
Here is the build process.....
159
« on: May 08, 2015, 08:22:08 AM »
Per Don's request, I will keep a separate thread for this thing...
Here are the basics...
1987 Jeep Wrangler
351 Windsor stock motor / carbureted
C6 3 speed Shorty Transmission
2.5 ton Rockwell Axles with front locking hubs
Custom 4 link lift with straps and Nitrogen shocks
Cyclone Gear Box
Single pinion brake
I don't know a single thing about the motor or the transmission. If anyone does, I'm all ears to learn more about it.
The original owner spent two years building this jeep. He did a complete frame off job. It originally had a Dana 60 up front and 14 bolt rear with 39.5" Boggers. He upgraded to the top loaders about three weeks ago. It currently is running a set of 14.9x24 R1 BKT tractor tires. 14.9 " wide, roughly 51" tall. On a set of custom cut 16" wide x 24" diameter wheel. I grabbed a set of 20" wide by 15" diameter aluminum wheels with the same bolt pattern for these top loaders. Planning on picking up a set of 44" boggers to install on them. This way I will have different options, depending on where we are riding...
160
« on: May 08, 2015, 07:51:49 AM »
You should love it Duane. I have been running two of them in my fleet for about a year now. Maybe a little under a year. Both are averaging 23-25 mpg. One supervisor even hauled a 11,000lb CAT skid steer with his... :o Something I never would have allowed if I had known ahead of time, but, it happened, and he had no problems, and even better.... He got 17 mpg while towing it ;D
Like everyone else, I had to get the front end off the ground, so I had 4" lifts installed, with monotube shocks. Go monotube shocks when/if you lift it. Installed a set of 33" all terrains on them. It was perfect. Not too high, but just enough to clear speed bumps...
And yes, all those mileages I posted above, were while running the 4" lift and 33's.
Enjoy!! 8)
161
« on: May 06, 2015, 03:50:56 PM »
Well, after searching far and wide, and just sitting back and watching, I came across this jewel by accident. Investigated it, and could not pass it up...
So, should I continue on with it on this thread, or start a new one?
162
« on: April 20, 2015, 02:57:47 PM »
the SME has spoken!
Guess I'd better listen to him!
So a Cat?? A J-Deere?
Correct. In my 12 years now of running and owning and repairing heavy equipment in the oilfield, we owned ONE kobelco trackhoe. I put close to 2000 hours on that machine myself... It got us by, but not something you want after its been broke in... No power, a nightmare to get parts, and just plain ugly... Seriously, parts for that will be a nightmare. At least JD or CAT will have store local, and most local parts stores carry, stock, or can order whatever you need. Kobelco, not so much. A lot of people will give you that look that the sled dog does when you make sound he is not familiar with and turns his head sideways, perks up the ears, and looks at you like you have completely lost it... Ya, that look.... We still run two old JD 120 trackhoes. one has about 6k hours, other around 8k. Not the stoutest, but they still crank every time you turn the key and do the job.
163
« on: April 13, 2015, 03:25:42 PM »
Man, that looks like a blast Ashley, a real blast !!
...but if the Jeep is as nice as you say, I would have a hard time runnin' it through the mud. It might be better to get one that has been abused, and modify it for that task.
I know Ken, but then I'm looking at possibly another motor and trans at that point.... More $$$
164
« on: April 13, 2015, 03:23:29 PM »
Needin' one of these for the farm:
DO NOT buy that machine.....
165
« on: April 13, 2015, 03:03:56 PM »
Hey Don, just a far off thought, out of the box really... Ever debated having any of those parts galvanized? I know I just dealt with having to price out a bunch of miscellaneous parts for a big project down here and everything had to be galvanized. There is a large, country wide company that can galvanize anything. Would paint stick to the galvanized parts though?? Just a thought and figured I would pass it along...
Ash,
Duane and I have spoken of it. I am staying the course since the truck is now in a pretty advanced state, however the Duane plans to have the entire frame galvanized on his PW crew build!
Gud Thinkin'
Every blue moon or so, one random thought will acquire, and I pass it on... Other than that, it's just pretty much gibberish....
166
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:59:43 PM »
Me too
I really dig that beefy mega cab
Cummins with a solid front axle...semi old school
Lots of potential and pretty as well!
I'm simply passing along info... That is all.... 8)
Have you seen what they are doing out back Don? Coil springs and linked. No more leafs. Not on the 2500's anyway. Very nice concept, and it seems to be more stable when pulling. Doesn't have the roll that some trucks have.
Now Ash, you stop this right away!
I know what you're tryin' to do to me
I can't afford a new Dodge
(Man, I'd like to get a new Dodge)
Err, wait a minute, yea, Ash, you stop it!
Gotta build a farm and an old loader, and ...
167
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:57:23 PM »
So, basically everyone gets the concept I think....
Here is my dilemma though...
I keep hearing how rare these TJ Unlimited's are. And I just dropped a big chunk of money to have new gears and lockers and tires installed on this jeep I currently own.
I'm thinking I can keep the jeep. I own it free and clear. Remove axles and sale them as is. Sale off the tires and wheels as well. Recoup some of my money. Install the new Rockwells, lift, and tires under my Unlimited, and keep the factory inline 6 motor and trans.
If I did that, I would want to go out and buy another jeep, possibly 4 door, to keep stock for running around at the farm, errands, and hunting.
Or, keep the jeep just like it is, and buy another Jeep, with a solid motor and trans, and lift it. Only issue is, I know where my yellow jeep came from, and it has been babied. Never abused. Never even saw mud until I bought it. So, I know the motor and trans are solid.
I don't want to jump in investing $35k on more vehicles and add ons... I think I can get my current jeep project done for under $15k. And, if I don't cut the tires, and have Disc brakes installed at all four corners on the rockwells, instead of at just the pinion, I may could even keep it street legal. :o Then I could still run down to the farm or deer lease the handful of times a year that I go.
Just wanted to see if anyone has any other thoughts or opinions on the situation, or suggestions....
If this project takes off, I will keep pictures and progress posted here...
168
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:47:56 PM »
Jeep on 44" cut boggers....
169
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:47:01 PM »
Samurai with factory motor on 44" cut boggers and Toyota axles....
170
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:45:42 PM »
Ok, here is the new venture I'm looking at tackling...
I'm wanting to convert the jeep over to a capable mud monster. It's a big thing in this area. All the locals go to local rides every other weekend and play. No rocks here, so its all about the mud and swamps... Im thinking of getting involved...
I'm looking at going this route...
Built 2.5 ton Rockwell axles. Detroit Lockers. SCS transfer case. Custom 4 link lift ( for stability). 54" Boggers.
That should be plenty to get me down the trails with these other guys.
Here is what I would be riding with....
171
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:34:25 PM »
Jeep doesn't look so Barbie when it's covered in mud!
What area of Texas you in ?
East Texas.
172
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:33:45 PM »
Me too
I really dig that beefy mega cab
Cummins with a solid front axle...semi old school
Lots of potential and pretty as well!
Have you seen what they are doing out back Don? Coil springs and linked. No more leafs. Not on the 2500's anyway. Very nice concept, and it seems to be more stable when pulling. Doesn't have the roll that some trucks have.
173
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:32:22 PM »
Me too Bobby. First non-chevy product I've owned, as a daily driver, since I began driving 17 years ago... I don't regret it at all.
How's the EcoDiesel treating you? Or is it the wife's?
I remember you saying the Duramax was better in some ways, you still feeling like that? What's your mileage looking like? Yes, I'm obviously leaning towards a Ram, if anyone couldn't tell.
Eco Diesel is the wifes Bobby. Its is fine, other than a few electrical minor issues. Mainly like we can't figure out how to clear the oil change light, and the xm radio is working properly. Other than that, still getting 24-25 mpg. I have two of the 2015 Dodge half ton crew cab 4wd eco diesels in my fleet now at work. No trouble out of them. Both getting 19-23 mpg. The only thing I miss about the Duramax was the get up and go. When I put the pedal down, that duramax took off, even when it was still bone stock. The dodge just has no get up and get gone in it. It will get you there, but not quick and in a hurry. Of course, a tuner and exhaust would fix all those issues, but, not going down the road right now. I'm still averaging around 13 mpg in the Dodge mega cab.
174
« on: April 13, 2015, 02:28:29 PM »
I like the Jeep. The TJ unlimited with the longer wheelbase is nice and not very common. In future years it those will be as sought after as the CJ Scramblers are today.
Does yours have the D44 front axle or the D30?
D30 up front. D44 in rear.
175
« on: April 10, 2015, 04:20:09 PM »
Loving the Ram.
Me too Bobby. First non-chevy product I've owned, as a daily driver, since I began driving 17 years ago... I don't regret it at all.
176
« on: April 10, 2015, 04:18:28 PM »
Lol, the joys of owning heavy equipment... Welcome to my world friend! Glad they found the part. Glad to see it coming back to life!
177
« on: April 10, 2015, 04:02:10 PM »
So, that's about the most of the toys. I'll see what else I can dig up later on...
178
« on: April 10, 2015, 03:45:43 PM »
And then this happened.... >:(
I broke the dam on my pond, and drained it. Going to enlarge it. Well, I couldn't resist trying out the new gears and front locker, so.....
I actually went through here three times with success! I never slacked up and kept it wide open, lol... Well, the wife wanted to ride, and she spotted a fish jumping in the mud hole. She requested I "ease" down there and see what kind of fish it was... Well, I "eased" in, examined said fish, turned out to be a left over hybrid brim that didn't make it out. Well, there was no "easing" out of that hole... She dug till it hit bottom, and that's that. I stepped out on the passenger side, and it was 2" deep. Hard ground. Walked up to the house, grabbed the tractor, backed down there and yanked it right out... :)
El Tate, thanks for the gears and lockers! Absolutely love them, and worth every penny. 8)
179
« on: April 10, 2015, 03:41:33 PM »
Installation of my very own first set of boggers to ever purchase and have installed... Definitely a mile marker in a mans life... ;D
180
« on: April 10, 2015, 03:39:48 PM »
Next we have the Jeep. 2004 Jeep wrangler unlimited. Shawn refers to it as "Barbie Jeep", so, input your own claim to whatever you wish to call it. Doesn't matter to me. ;)
When I bought the jeep last year, it already had a 4" lift, wheels and 35" tires, all installed from the factory in 2004. It's the factory inline 6 motor, automatic transmission. I added a Warn front bumper, Warn winch, Rigid 50" light bar, Rigid Dually 2 lights, and the 33" boggers. Just last week I had Tate hook me up with a set of Yukon 4:56 gears, new front limited slip, rebuild kit for the rear limited slip, and a new front yolk. It was all installed last week, as well as new ball joints and new rear axle seals. There is a definite difference now. Pulls those boggers with ease.
181
« on: April 10, 2015, 02:50:19 PM »
Not many add-ons here. Running a 4.5" lift kit. Superlift. Monotube shocks. 35-12.50-20 Nitto Trail Grapplers. XD Wheels. Amp steps that fold in and out with the doors opening and closing. Fab Four front bumper color matched to the truck. Warn winch. Rigid 30" light bar. Fuel tank/ tool box combo in the bed piped in to the existing fuel tank on the truck.
182
« on: April 10, 2015, 02:37:47 PM »
Well, here is my 2015 Dodge Mega Cab 2500 4wd. It's the Laramie Longhorn edition. Absolutely love this truck!!
183
« on: April 10, 2015, 02:32:52 PM »
Well, the big Chief, Don, has been on me about posting up some stuff that I have going on over here in the Texas way....
Since I never know what I'm getting next or what Im doing next or what to keep or what to sale, I decided the appropriate title would work best for a "catch all" if you will...
Nothing specific here because I can change like the wind.... ;)
184
« on: April 10, 2015, 02:09:15 PM »
Hey Don, just a far off thought, out of the box really... Ever debated having any of those parts galvanized? I know I just dealt with having to price out a bunch of miscellaneous parts for a big project down here and everything had to be galvanized. There is a large, country wide company that can galvanize anything. Would paint stick to the galvanized parts though?? Just a thought and figured I would pass it along...
185
« on: April 10, 2015, 02:06:16 PM »
Another opinion question:
Stock grill or a home made one like this one on War wagon:
absolutely love this grille. Custom built, by you, just like every other piece of this truck. Throw you a nice shine, then have it chrome dipped!!!! :o Ok, maybe not chrome dipped. Blitz black would sure shine that nice piece up though!
186
« on: April 10, 2015, 02:03:27 PM »
Black Black Black...... Paint that thing black...
I vote raptor liner the lower panels. You know as well as I that those sections see the most rock dings and scratches from lower brush and limbs. That raptor liner wont show the scratches dents or dings like paint will.
187
« on: April 06, 2015, 05:20:08 PM »
A whole lotta talk happening... Not alotta work....
Wash off that mower after every use, then when you get ready to mow again, it's already cleaned up and agile. No down time getting ready to mow...
188
« on: April 01, 2015, 03:34:51 PM »
No major modifications to the Dodge Don. Just the lift and front bumper, with of course, LED light bar....
Now the jeep, it is undergoing new gears, new front locker, rebuild on rear locker, new ball joints, new axle seals, and a fueling issue that needs dealt with. Hope to get it back in the next day or two...
But nothing that's as interesting as what you have going on here... ;)
189
« on: March 25, 2015, 06:17:28 PM »
Man, I go away for a little while and come back to a novel!!
And better yet, a lot of progress. Kudos on the wiring... Don't miss that at all... ;)
190
« on: March 02, 2015, 04:15:35 PM »
Definitely getting closer!!!
191
« on: February 24, 2015, 04:21:00 PM »
Sounds like a plan... May have a different brown truck driver on the next delivery...
192
« on: February 20, 2015, 11:17:30 AM »
A lot of great progress. Keep it up when you thaw out a bit! ;D
193
« on: January 26, 2015, 03:05:03 PM »
Glad to see more progress being made over here... Seems things were collecting a little dust, lol.... Nice work Don. :)
194
« on: January 02, 2015, 10:50:19 AM »
Sorry about the Air Dog Don. I haven't heard any complaints on this end from anyone, yet. I installed the FASS on my lml, and ran it for about 90k miles. Highway roads to lots of off road and mud. Never did anything but change the filters every 10k miles...
Wise choice on replacing the HID lights. Was having a lot of issues out of mine after 50k miles, so I pulled them all out and went back with factory bulbs...
I know the LED headlights on my new dodge do not get very hot, at all. Doubt they would melt any snow or ice away if I ever ran in to the white stuff...
195
« on: December 24, 2014, 09:17:55 AM »
Gonna throw in my input as well...
Bought my wife the new Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 liter eco diesel. Bought it in July. Still getting 25 mpg. She drives 15 miles one way to take kids to school everyday, and then the same to go pick them up. Add in her other running around town, and well, Im saying that the mileage is not hwy miles. Its a lot of stop and go, and she still is staying at 25 mpg. 700 miles on one fuel up. Get this, we traded in our Yukon XL on this vehicle. The Jeep has MORE leg room in the back seats than the Yukon XL !!! You do sacrifice on storage area, but, she has not complained. Basically, take a look at them before you rule them out Don. We absolutely love ours, and its cheaper than the Yukons... Plus you can get the summit, has the all wheel drive for those nasty winters you guys have up north. Just a thought.
196
« on: December 18, 2014, 05:12:12 PM »
Nice progress. Get that front axle in before Christmas! Be a nice present to yourself...
197
« on: December 03, 2014, 01:24:39 PM »
You wont always be young and have a set of fresh eyes...
That low light option might benefit you as well one of these days...
Or if you take shrapnel to one eye, or both, and only have partial vision. Will the NVGs still be effective? Seems like a low light option would be better suited for down the road...
Just my humble, not having a clue, opinion...
Every thing else looks good. Wish that trans would have come together as easily as the transfer case!!! :P
198
« on: November 24, 2014, 12:52:36 PM »
So, note to self.....
Never touch a transmission... Check...
Everything else looks great. Keep pushing forward. :)
199
« on: November 19, 2014, 12:34:22 PM »
Looking good...
200
« on: November 19, 2014, 12:32:45 PM »
Wow, a lot to read, but I finally got caught up! Not much input other than I love the way the truck is looking and the progress you've made so far. Keep it up Chief... ;D
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