My first project vehicle

[That One Guy]

Reading numbes and letters, not so much. But if it says "the red wire goes here" I know where to put it.

I understand what they do, just not what mine specifically control.

 

[That One Guy]

Okay, bad pic and its actually finished and flush now, but here's my new stereo faceplate I made.

Finished my cb antenna mount on my rack, made some tie down points and added some expanded steel I didn't have to pay for.

And another sweet Dodge I saw.

On another note, There's an old F-250 That I could probably get pretty cheap that has front and rear full floaters. The front axle looks like my step dads F-250... I don't know if this is what they call it on the fullsize pickups, but it looks like TTB to me. I don't really want it, but would that be an alright setup to install on my van if I absolutely had to?

 

[the boogie van]

i would steer clear of the TTB for your application. your van is setup for control arms, and you would pretty much end up fabricating and entirely new front frame or hacking in the front of the f250 frame.

 

[That One Guy]

I figured. That whole setup looks ridiculous.

 

[the boogie van]

I figured. That whole setup looks ridiculous.

they actually aren't that ridiculous. its pretty easy to get 18-20" of reliable, controlled 4wd wheel travel out of them with coil overs and good radius arms. the D50 TTB uses the same outers, hubs, rotors and spindles as a Dana 60 and is a very stout front setup. it would just be a large amount of work to get into your van

 

[That One Guy]

they actually aren't that ridiculous. its pretty easy to get 18-20" of reliable, controlled 4wd wheel travel out of them with coil overs and good radius arms. the D50 TTB uses the same outers, hubs, rotors and spindles as a Dana 60 and is a very stout front setup. it would just be a large amount of work to get into your van

That's a lot of travel... It does look like a ton of work though.

 

[That One Guy]

Got my stereo plate finished and in... for the most part. And got a lot of work done on the roof rack. Made a door I can open to crawl from the inside of the van to the rack through the sunroof (glass comes out). Used these cool little weld on hinges I got from my shop teacher.

And here's a pic of my rails to mount it on. Still pondering a mounting system. Any suggestions?

 

[That One Guy]

And also, I have been thinking about designs for my bumpers. I have decided on tube bumpers for weight reduction, cost and ease to make. I have a few ideas, but would love more. My van has a very square front end when looking from the top down. So I've been trying to look at 80's chevy truck tube bumpers for ideas. I need to have enough room for a winch, which is why, for the main part I like the first bumper and how the top tilts out. I want the sides to angle up like the first one and wrap around about that much, because the body work will allow it. I want the stinger to be about the same size, if not a bit smaller as the one on the Taco.

Also have no idea where to even start in the rear bumper. I don't want a swingout or any place to store anything like jerry cans. All I really care about is increased protection and a hitch. Maybe those cool, really bright LED reverse lights later on.

 

[Lopracer]

I am really digging the sunroof escape hatch to the rack deal. I love the idea. I wish I had the time and reasources to built a nice rack. Looks great.

 

[Funrover]

Great project!

 

[That One Guy]

Thanks a lot guys! It's nice to have a shop class available to you for all fabrication needs. It won't last long!

 

[chasespeed]

For the rear bumper... light, strong, and a hitch mount...

I would go with DOM, 3 tubes across the back. Mount them in a triangle, to the top has 2 tubes, and there is one across the bottom. Have a receiver built in between the upper and lower tube, and gusset the hole thing, and add plates at the end. the gap between upper and lower, could be filled with expanded metal, and still allow you to mount some reverse lights in there. Cover the gap at the top with diamond plate, sheet, or expanded metal.

Sorry, dont know how to make a picture for ya....

And as far as the TTB... yes and no. D44 outta a Bronco/F150 is ideal... the D50 mess is just that....

Chase

 

[That One Guy]

I'm kinda confused about what you're trying to describe.

 

[the boogie van]

the D50 mess is just that....

Chase

no way. equal length beams, 1350 series center joint, and they are basically Dana 60's from the spindles out. significantly stronger and much higher GVWR than a D44 TTB.

but leaf springs on i beams is just about the worst idea ever...

 

[That One Guy]

Since my grille was kinda destroyed and I'm always looking for an excuse to upgrade... I decided to make my own... Out of 1/8" steel. Not really that heavy. Tomorrow I'm cutting out the ovals for these sweet sequential signals with a not so sweet price(at 65 dollars each). Wanted to keep it looking kind of stock and keep the signals at the stock location, but add a personal touch. Just need to make mounting tabs and paint it now. Oh and I designed these sweet badges.