Loki's 416 build (finally)

[loki646]

Ok so a little back story as I try to catch everyone up. About a month ago I was thumbing through CL as I always do and came across an ad for simply "A used 4x6 trailer for $300"....click....and to my surprise its a M416, a very worn out M416, but still a M416. So with a bit of doubt on its availability I call the number anyway. Surprise, its still available he says and after about 5 minutes I realize that this guy has no clue as to what he has in his possession...

So we make a time to meet up and to shorten the story a bit....I inform him that even a decent M416 will usually only fetch $600-$900 and that's being generous so I'll give ya $150 cash right here, right now!....SOLD!...:victory:

And here is what my $150 got me....

The Good Side!

The Not-so-good Side

The Ugly Truth

The Tail Gate (ish thingy)

So to be honest with ya, if it wasn't for the fact that the $150 wasn't that big of a deal to me, I could have just built from scratch at this point. But hey, I consider it a light weight base to start from.

Build pics to follow.....Oh and if there are any diehards out there that are convinced they can do something with this old tub, let me know, I still have it at my buddy's shop.

 

[loki646]

Here you can see the full extent of the numerous holes in the bottom as well as the whole passenger front corner. With no working landing the trailer was obviously left with the tongue lowered allowing water to pool.

At least the fenders are still good, just need to cut them and extend them once I get the new tires. Speaking of tires, these had a ton of tread left, too bad the sidewalls are all cracked from dry rot. Some people just don't know how to take care of a trailer when storing it.

I wanted to save the tongue, but it had been to hacked on and triple welded that I finally had to say F-it and build a whole new one. Oh and including the original Mil-spec green, I counted no less than 7 different colors having been used on this poor thing. I'd almost swear the paint job on this alone weighs more than most...

 

[loki646]

The axle was good, but still 5 on 5.5 with all the brake components either cut or rusted up and seized. The spring packs were just one good flex short of popping their rusted bindings. So I have a set of Rancho front springs for a CJ3 on order and I'm pricing out a re-fab of this axle to 5 on 5 or possibly just a whole axle replacement since I don't need a braking system at all on this.

I have more pics but if you don't want to wait for me to post them, I've started storing them on Photobucket, just click the link in my sig. Oh did I mention this is my first welding job....ever and I'm only using flux wire...(too lazy to get a tank)!

 

[telwyn]

Looks like quite a project - thanks for posting all of the photos along the way!

As you are doing Rancho springs, are you also planning on Rancho shocks? I swapped out the original shocks for Rancho RS5000 shocks during my build.

 

[loki646]

I'm either going to use Rancho's adjustables or OME's. Once I get it all back together and see exactly what length I need (just in case the ride height changed) I'll see which will work better for me. I would love to have AT do their arm system, but there is a small travel issue with Florida to CA to have them do the install...

 

[telwyn]

I'm either going to use Rancho's adjustables or OME's. Once I get it all back together and see exactly what length I need (just in case the ride height changed) I'll see which will work better for me. I would love to have AT do their arm system, but there is a small travel issue with Florida to CA to have them do the install...

Good idea - makes sense to wait and see what length you need.

Another FL guy, huh? :victory: We seem to be gaining better representation in FL on ExPo than in the past.

Check out this FL thread so as not to hijack your build. Would be fun to get a number of us together (I'm in St. Pete).

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25767

 

[loki646]

Just checked my UPS tracking numbers for my replacement springs:

Status:
In Transit - On Time
Scheduled Delivery Date:
02/11/2010
Shipped To:
APOPKA, FL, US


:victory::victory::victory:



Ok , taking in a bit of reader opinion!

Does anyone else think as bad as the old tub is that I should go ahead and scrap it by trying to cut off and recycle the tie down hooks and the corner handles?

 

[sgv209]

Does anyone else think as bad as the old tub is that I should go ahead and scrap it by trying to cut off and recycle the tie down hooks and the corner handles?

I was able to cut the corner handles off of my junk tub fairly easily using an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. I just cut along the welds and used a chisel to break it free. I would like to cut the hooks off as well, but the ones along the slant are definitely a PITA.

I say definitely go for the handles, but if you plan on adding a lid soon, the hooks wouldn't really be worth it except for keeping the original appearance.

 

[loki646]

I was able to cut the corner handles off of my junk tub fairly easily using an angle grinder with a cutoff wheel. I just cut along the welds and used a chisel to break it free. I would like to cut the hooks off as well, but the ones along the slant are definitely a PITA.

I say definitely go for the handles, but if you plan on adding a lid soon, the hooks wouldn't really be worth it except for keeping the original appearance.

That's what I was thinking to, but I'm also not sure how soon I'm going to get to a lid with the other expences still to come before my July deadline (fridge, RTT, etc.). The other thought was to attach them upside down and use them as anchors for attaching camp shelves, towel racks, lantern holder, etc.

 

[outdoorsaddict]

Jeep Panels sells the replacement hooks if you can't remove yours.....
1-207-743-7671 was their phone # the last time I ordered from them......

 

[loki646]

Ok hopefully my "Uncle Sam's Bag of Breadcrumbs" will be deposited in the bank today so I should be ordering my replacement springs, shackles, and other necessary hardware for the suspension. Will be getting a quote for the axle this week as well as settle on a final decision for the tailgate (swing or drop).

More pic to come, just need new batteries for the camera.

 

[loki646]

Great news...getting a 3500# axle with JK (5 on 5) hubs for right around $200 complete and bolt in ready, but doubtful on it being ready by the time the rest of the suspension gets here this weekend.

I took Saturday off from working on the trailer to go spend the day wheelin up at one of the local ORV parks here in Florida...Hardrock ORV in Ocala. Sunday was spent mainly just doing some odds and end items on the trailer as I wasn't really in the mood to tear out a bunch of tools and spend a day of it like I did the weekend before. Maybe once the new parts arrive I'll be newly refreshed and motivated to spend another 12-14 hrs in the garage welding and grinding steel....:victory:

The framed in tailgate area:

The freshly painted spring plates & bump stops.

 

[loki646]

Ok got the correct springs in today:
Front Leaf Spring for 10-Layer for Jeep
Products Model: 18201.02
Manufacturer: Omix-Ada
Fits Vehicle: 1941-53 Jeep MB Jeep CJ

Spent about 3 hours seeing if I truly could polish a turd...What do ya think?..

The stock shackles and pivot sleeves should arrive tomorrow and hopefully by Monday or Tuesday I'll have the new axle. From there if it will mount without a spacer I'll use my Jeep's spare as a guide tire for mounting the fender flares and deciding how much to extend them.

 

[xcmountain80]

Loki I was going to stop by and see what progress you have made. Mine is at Dave the Painters getting matched to the 4Runner and the rear wall replaced and made into a fold down tail gate. I don't know if I'll get around to getting a new axle or not but time will tell. Then a black canvas top will be made and perhaps then I will need you help fabbing up some bolt on mounts for a roof tent support structure. And as far as polishing a turd my friend you may be a turd polishing millionaire.

Aaron

 

[Tight_wad]

So, did you find an axle that you don't have to use spacers to mount the JK wheels, or are you using different wheels that will fit over the trailer axle hub?