SoCal wrenching help requested! Can anyone assist?

[SoCalMonty]

Hello gang,

I could really use some help, possibly as soon as this weekend! I need to get the front half of the frame chopped out of my 95 SR and I need some extra hands! This basically entails disconnecting the engine mounts, brake lines, torsion bars, and forward 4 body mounts...supporting the engine...then cutting the frame off behind the front suspension with the control arms still attached (I can strip the frame after we drop it).

I will be working on it in the Fullerton/ LA Habra area most likely. If you have any free time (or the FSM!), please let me know. Thanks in advance!

 

[off-roader]

Hello gang,

I could really use some help, possibly as soon as this weekend! I need to get the front half of the frame chopped out of my 95 SR and I need some extra hands! This basically entails disconnecting the engine mounts, brake lines, torsion bars, and forward 4 body mounts...supporting the engine...then cutting the frame off behind the front suspension with the control arms still attached (I can strip the frame after we drop it).

I will be working on it in the Fullerton/ LA Habra area most likely. If you have any free time (or the FSM!), please let me know. Thanks in advance!

the fsm is available on mitsubishilinks.com

you should download and print a copy for yourself.

 

[SoCalMonty]

I've got it on a spare laptop, but I prefer paper copies. Unfortunately, I don't have the means to print out the ~1200 or so pages. I can always saran-wrap the laptop, but I'm kinda old school and like flipping through pages.

 

[Mudrunner]

Kinkos...

 

[SoCalMonty]

So...update...

I've been reallllly busy with all sorts of things. Work schedule should be slowing down. The logistics didn't work out with the frame splice - I can't find a place to do the welding that also has the space for me to disassemble the car and let it sit for a week or so start to finish. At this point, I will be cruising the local junkyards all weekend in hopes of finding another Montero...and I'm going to pull a complete frame instead of cutting it. Then it won't require any welding. It will be more cumbersome and more labor intensive, but logistically, it eliminates the need for outside help with the welding.

If anyone near Westminster or Wilmington wants to help out at one of the local junkyards this coming (Thanksgiving) weekend, please let me know. I could definitely use another set of hands! Assuming I find a frame, I should be able to pull it in two 4-hour days. Then it's getting it home, and starting on the actual swap. Still not sure where this is going to take place, but most likely in Fullerton.

If you are able to help with this, again, I could use extra hands/jacks/jack stands! Food and beverages will be provided (and I'll probably be bringing a cooler to the junkyard, too. ).

As of now, Death Valley trip is still on...I just can't waste any more time - time to do work!

 

[SoCalMonty]

Well, was lucky enough to find one person from here (Hey Richard!) and a few good guys over at Pirate 4x4 who were willing got help...but scheduling and logistics were a problem. I could still use a hand - I will be ready to start the frame swap by this weekend.

Over the past 2 days (4 hours Tuesday, 1 hour today), this is what I've been up to...













...the frame swap will commence shortly!

If anyone is local to Fullerton, CA, and wants to drop by to lend a hand, let me know! I will post pics when I can.

 

[mike5]

Wow, awesome pix!

Any chance there will be an extra gas tank and shield? If not which parts place did you go to?

 

[Adventure IQ]

Man...wish you were in Idaho....always looking for learning oportunities.

 

[SoCalMonty]

Wow, awesome pix!

Any chance there will be an extra gas tank and shield? If not which parts place did you go to?

Sorry, I haven't had time to get on here much. Nope, no extras unfortunately. I only bought a frame.

We started the swap today...got the old frame just about removed. It's resting on the ground under my truck, and we just have to remove the rear brake lines and then drag it out. After that, it's 1-2 days of swapping axles and suspension over to the replacement frame, and then 1-2 days of bolting the replacement frame back on to my truck body. Those 2-4 days of work will likely take another month though, as it's tough to find the time to get over to the truck and even tougher to find someone to come with me to assist - lots of this work is too big/heavy/cumbersome for just one person.

But...we were off to a good start today. Pics to come soon. ETA to completion, first week/end of March.

 

[SoCalMonty]

Ohhhh man, what a disappointing day. I spoke too soon.

Long story short...I've got the WRONG FRAME. It looks like I can make it work now, as I've double checked a few things over on 4x4wire (if you aren't on there too, you need to be). I've got some answers to my big questions and while it's gonna be a bit more work and time, it should still work.

The complete frame we pulled was from a 1993 SR (pictured above, silver). If I would have researched more, I may have put 2 and 2 together - but as it turns out, the 1993 SR frame is NOT THE SAME as the 1994-1996 SR frame. It seems that the early Gen 2's (1992-1993), including the SR trim level, are "transitional" model years...they aren't 100% Gen 2. Or, they are "early Gen 2" compared to "late Gen 2".

PROBLEM 1: The 1993 SR does not have the "OEM body lift" of the 1994-1996 SR's. The body mounts on the 1993 SR frame are welded 1" lower compared to my 1995. The rubbers appear to be the same. This confirms the "extra 1 inch lift" is from the mounts on the frame, and not the rubbers between the body and frame. Also, the 1993 SR did not have the extra lift of the 1994+ SR.

SOLUTION 1: I'm going to install my 2" lift and accept the fact it will only net me a 1" lift, because the mounts on the frame are offsetting 1" of the blocks.

PROBLEM 2: The torsion bars on the 1993 SR are apparently Gen 1 torsion bars...they appear to be nearly 2" shorter than the t-bars on my 1995. While I don't actually have the 1993 bars, I measured both frames, from the trailing edge of the bracket where the LCA attaches (where the front of the t-bar would attach), to the center of the torsion bar adjuster on the crossmember. It appears the crossmember itself is welded in a different location compared to my 1995 frame, which accounts for the shorter torsion bar on the 1993 compared to the 1994-1996.

SOLUTION 2: I need to find 1992-1993 torsion bars, as I can't afford aftermarket units.

PROBLEM 3: Different engine = different exhaust hangers. Thankfully, the engine mount bosses on the frame measure out to be the same!

SOLUTION 3: Cut off the old hangers and have my muffler guy tack them on to the 1993 frame after it's together. Seems like the simplest issue I have...not really worried here.







So...there you have it guys. Lots of roadblocks and headaches, but still creeping forward ever so slowly! I have a thread going on 4x4wire as well... http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=1275263&page=0&vc=1&PHPSESSID=#Post1275263