scooter421
Adventurer
Yeah yeah.....rub it in!
1994 International 4700 Conversion Begins
- Thread starter scooter421
- Start date
Yeah yeah.....rub it in!
scooter421
Adventurer
Okay, the new brake caliper is on, new supply line, tested for leaks, bled and ready for a test run.....after the bumper is on of course. After getting the truck back on all 6's I had a little time to work on the bumper bracket.
Each piece of angle will bolt on with 6 bolts to the frame. The plate across the top will be welded on each end all 4 sides for the top support. To tie into the bottom of the bumper I am going to follow the shape of the bumper and bring plates over the outer edge of the angle and bolt together. The lower section will also bolt into the bumper.
Each piece of angle will bolt on with 6 bolts to the frame. The plate across the top will be welded on each end all 4 sides for the top support. To tie into the bottom of the bumper I am going to follow the shape of the bumper and bring plates over the outer edge of the angle and bolt together. The lower section will also bolt into the bumper.
rossvtaylor
Adventurer
Looking good and sturdy, Scooter! Nice cuts, too... do you have a bandsaw for those?
BTW, on my rig and Oz's our bumper brackets are bolted on with two 5/8-inch grade 8 bolts, about 8 inches apart. Mine, since it sticks out farther, offers a greater moment and more resulting potential force on the bolts in a jacking situation. But, the shear strength of these bolts is a bit over 20,000 pounds. Those two center 1/2-inch bolts, for the hood hinge mount, I'm not counting in the strength calculations.
I look forward to seeing the pics as you progress with this! I'm also glad your wife is happy with the purchase.
BTW, on my rig and Oz's our bumper brackets are bolted on with two 5/8-inch grade 8 bolts, about 8 inches apart. Mine, since it sticks out farther, offers a greater moment and more resulting potential force on the bolts in a jacking situation. But, the shear strength of these bolts is a bit over 20,000 pounds. Those two center 1/2-inch bolts, for the hood hinge mount, I'm not counting in the strength calculations.
I look forward to seeing the pics as you progress with this! I'm also glad your wife is happy with the purchase.
scooter421
Adventurer
Hi Ross; No, I wish I had a band saw. I have Industrial Metal Supply within driving distance. They have all sorts of stuff and a "scrap" area they keep left overs. I only had to cut the angle in half and cut the 60ish degree angle cut for Condenser relief. For that I use my Sawz-all. The bar stock just happened to be the right length. Grade 8 all the way! Going to run some numbers today to see what theoretical strength I should get out of it, get holes in there tonight and start bolting things down. Fun stuff!
scooter421
Adventurer
Not done but it's close.
I filed the holes to fit the carriage bolts. Six bolts through the frame on either side utilizing mostly original bolts. I will need four more for the other side. I was fortunate to have enough space to keep my tow hooks in case I want to cut out the bumper for access later.
I filed the holes to fit the carriage bolts. Six bolts through the frame on either side utilizing mostly original bolts. I will need four more for the other side. I was fortunate to have enough space to keep my tow hooks in case I want to cut out the bumper for access later.
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scooter421
Adventurer
The part that's not "done" I know....it's a bad word. The way it sit's now would be better for winch space but it looks better sitting higher. So, I plan on raising the bumper an inch using spacers and making two sets of holes in the angle underneath to accommodate two positions. One with winch and one without. Need more metal!
scooter421
Adventurer
Took it for a ride to check the brakes. The good news is: the brakes work and they do not appear to be dragging.....much. I stopped multiple times to check temps and all is good. I was able to wiggle the rear brakes as well, so the rear are free. However, the front brakes are a bit snug. Nothing like the rear was but they are "touching". Considering how much better the new one is working, they probably should all be replaced. This old truck has more problems from sitting than it does running!
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scooter421
Adventurer
Oh yeah! my 0-50 time dropped by 10 seconds, I made it in a speedy 21 seconds! New gears and brakes not being applied helped a lot!
rossvtaylor
Adventurer
That's a nice looking bumper! And a nice mounting job... that's not going anywhere.
scooter421
Adventurer
Thanks Ross, I just hope my guess work on the space needed for a winch pays off in the event I decide to put one on! I will finish up tying the lower part of the bumper into the frame this week and I should be all set until I decide to install a winch. It's certainly stronger than the original set up. I ordered my bumper lights too. I went with I believe the same brand but slightly different style. I think they are a bit smaller; hopefully, they will work out as well as yours did!
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scooter421
Adventurer
I've stuck close to my original plan but went a little lighter on the metal for the lower connection to the bumper considering; for now anyway, I don't plan on putting in a winch. I may purchase a hitch mounted vise instead of a winch, I think I would use it a lot more. So, this is where I'm at so far. My lights came in too.
I'm going to use the metal for a connection from the angle iron to the lower part of the bumper. I figure it will help the bumper bolts with any vibration from bouncing down dirt roads and I will end up with 16 bolts holding it on rather than the current 4. I just have to clean up the edges and file the holes to accommodate the carriage bolts and give it some paint.
Lights fit well, I can use the existing holes for mounting which is cool.
I'm going to use the metal for a connection from the angle iron to the lower part of the bumper. I figure it will help the bumper bolts with any vibration from bouncing down dirt roads and I will end up with 16 bolts holding it on rather than the current 4. I just have to clean up the edges and file the holes to accommodate the carriage bolts and give it some paint.
Lights fit well, I can use the existing holes for mounting which is cool.
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rossvtaylor
Adventurer
Damn, those lights are a great fit! Have you powered them up yet? I'm anxious to see what mine look like, but I'm flying out early in the morning to New Jersey. Unfortunately I'll be gone all week.
scooter421
Adventurer
Yeah, I checked them out quick as I was trying to get the metal bent up to fit inside the bumper. I pulled them out of the package, made sure the bolt holes would line up, connected them to my lawn mower battery and made sure they worked. They seem pretty bright but I had the lights on in the shop and I only pointed them at the ground. If I can get them mounted and wired up I'll check them out in the dark to see how they actually do. I'll post an action shot when I get them installed. I am pretty sure yours are brighter though.
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scooter421
Adventurer
Okay, it's painted and on. Unfortunately, when I was bending one of the inner supports the bend ended up a half in the wrong direction which did not allow me to move the bumper up one inch. Not exactly sure how I managed to screw it up but I did. I decided it was not a big deal, I can re-bend another piece of steel after I make another run to the metal store.
This is how it's sitting on the truck now. The inner brackets made a world of difference in keeping any movement under control.
This is how it's sitting on the truck now. The inner brackets made a world of difference in keeping any movement under control.
scooter421
Adventurer
Well, camping was good and the new gears helped a lot. We certainly did not fly up the hills but we managed better than previous trips. I have yet to check the fuel mileage. After the caliper change the other three calipers are running about 20-40 degrees warmer than the new one. Going down one of the hills coming into a town called Pine we had the left front stick a little and we could smell it. I hate to do it but I am just going to have to change the other 3 too.
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