My Jeep FC170 (Forward Control) "Patina Rod" project

[Boost Creep]

nice project. i've been kinda wanting a fc ever since i saw roam autos build with theirs. not sure if you saw it or not but they used a 4.0 set up too.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ion-Forward-Control?highlight=forward+control

i'm not too far south of ya too. 20 minutes south of gr

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

wow, that's like a mini mother lode of FC's right there! I just came across a relatively ok M677 (4 door FC) here in AK. Working on acquisition now... will be watching this build for sure!

Cool! Thanks, b dash rian.

nice project. i've been kinda wanting a fc ever since i saw roam autos build with theirs. not sure if you saw it or not but they used a 4.0 set up too.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ion-Forward-Control?highlight=forward+control

i'm not too far south of ya too. 20 minutes south of gr

Wow, that is close. Shoot me a PM if you get up this way and want to ********-chat Jeep stuff. Yes, I'm familiar with Roam's FC170 build. I hope to connect with those guys to see if they'll "spill the beans" a bit regarding what they did for wiring (I plan on modifying/using a stock XJ harness). That's a sweet build!

 

[Boost Creep]

sounds good. if you're interested in getting rid of one of those fc's you're bringing home later this year give me a shout

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Little progress has happened on my project, as I have been busy hauling this FC170 (and several other FCs & FC parts) home. I still have one load to get, and can't wait to sort through all the parts.

 

[zjrog]

Wow.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

The end (of running down more FC vehicles/parts) is in sight, as I'm picking up the balance of the parts I bought on June 28th. I took a vacation day the day prior to work on my truck, as I'm fidgety to do so!

It has been great sorting through these other parts/vehicles, though, as I have started piecing together more small items I'll need for mine, and I've also learned about some of the subtle differences between the FC150 & FC170 cabs, the "early" vs. "late" cabs, etc.

I also need to finish sanding/painting the other front coil spring, as well as the front axle. All in time...

Craig

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

While I have been working on getting the 2005 F350 Dana 60 front axle (3.73) cleaned up & painted, I found this relatively low-mileage (74K-mile) 2008 F350 Dana 80 (3.73) for the rear. It makes a front re-gear unnecessary, but now I'm on the hunt for 2005+ F350 wheels & tires and front dually adapters. The rear axle & springs will be painted satin black once I'm done with the front axle.

I'm using my fair share of Eastwood paint on this project, with a LOT more to come.

 

[ober27]

Good to hear you're still at it. Those axles look unbreakable.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Good to hear you're still at it. Those axles look unbreakable.

Thanks, ober27. Slow, but sure.



First, I want to thank Greg5OH on Pirate4x4 for the set of 2005+ F350 front dually adapters, and my friend Kim for picking them up for me (he lives very close to Greg).

My project also gets a jump-start with this 74K-mile 2008 F350 165"-wheelbase Cab & Chassis frame that's still 98% black paint. No messy sandblasting...just some minor clean-up, and I'll top-coat it with Eastwood Extreme Chassis Black. Of course, as with the previous frame (2005) I was going to use, I'll have to rework the front of the frame to work with the FC cab.

Big thanks to my wonderful father-in-law, Phil, for letting me use his nice (and big) trailer to haul it home.

 

[Oman4x4]

I just want to say congratulations on getting married and THEN being able to bring home a whole hoard of project cars

Keep up the good work - looking forward to the results!

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I just want to say congratulations on getting married and THEN being able to bring home a whole hoard of project cars

Keep up the good work - looking forward to the results!

Thanks! :sombrero: Yes, I'm lucky to have her be very supportive. Balance is the key.





My original post has been updated with new pics/info for those "Cliffs Notes" kind of folks.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I have made some big progress (in my little world). First, my new DRW spacers are en route thanks to a couple local Jeep buddies, and will be in my hands this weekend or next week.

I don't have a pic, but I finished the final coat of Eastwood Extreme Chassis Black on the front coil springs. I also finish-coated some of the small suspension/steering brackets.

My friend BJ at RockSolid Performance replaced the bad pinion sale in my front Dana 60 last week, and from there, the axle went straight to TJ PowderSkinz for sandblasting.

I just finished the 2nd coat of Eastwood primer (this pic is after the first). I hope to get the finish coat on the center section this weekend, with some follow-up clean-up on the knuckles shortly thereafter.

 

[stephencheung]

Nice build you have going

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Nice build you have going

Thanks man. Much appreciated.


More painting progress, slow but sure.

Coil springs and axle/suspension brackets

First top-coat is also on the Dana 60 front axle.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Today, I scuffed and finish-coated (minus knuckles) my Dana 60 front axle. Damned pretty, I must say. I also painted the new U-bolts for the rear axle (no pic).

I got the 2WD spring seats removed, as well. 12 factory rivets = LOTS of grinding and hammering with a punch. I did find that I'll have to get new 4WD spring seats. The ones I bought previously were for a 2005 frame, and I realized that they are almost compatible with a 2008 frame, but the front lower edge of the 2008 frame starts dipping down at the front of the spring seat, while the 2005 frame is straight. Since there's a straight, horizontal lower flange on the spring seat, it doesn't seat up to the bottom of the 2008 frame correctly. I'll head back to the dealership on Monday to get it figured out.

Tomorrow, I'll prime & paint the areas that I sanded down today.