Quadrotrac

[krl81]

Of course you can't. Didn't think of that... Brain fart.

 

[98dango]

The best way is a rod or tubing threw the middle to keep it true. Then weld just make sure the tubing is exactly the size of an axle.

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

Put a lot of time in it today and didn`t get much done. Wanted to set the engine position and figure out a driveline configuration. First i removed the not needed rear driveshaft output:

And started playing around with the engine:

Machined the front frame crossmember:

Then i started cutting driveshafts:

Something like this could work:

Basicly a driveshaft that connects both axles and a chain drive transfer case that drives this driveshaft... Not sure how to mate all those cv joints and ujoints together, not sure if thex hold up when welded...

 

[mcneil]

IUnfortunately i missed a spot while welding so i wanted to weld it up after it was turned down and turn it down again. Looks like i bent it in the other direction while welding up that small spot. So it wasn`t sucessfull and i need to redo it. Anyone have a better idea? If i weld it again it`s quite possible that i miss a spot again and the same stuff happens again. So i`m really hoping someone can give me a hint.

Were you able to measure how out of round it is? I have to admit, this is the first time I've seen an axle on a lathe.
It may not be a problem for you, a housing bent ~1mm off center will just wear bearings faster. Can you check the alignment of the bearing races? Basically, find a rod that's longer than the axle and straight within a few thousandths, then make two aluminum pieces that hold the rod centered on the outer axle bearing races. Put the rod through, and measure how far off the carrier bearing races are from the rod.

Basically, you'd be making a home-brew version of this

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

I didn't measure it, but i guess it's about 7-10mm out at the housing.

The axle came out of a running car and did it's job great. I've seen axles bent as much that you could see it with your bare eye running several thousands of kilometers without any issues.
I think most of the axles are bent but no one notices it because they don't chuck it in a lathe.

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

Decided to ditch the chain drive, and welded shaft and go with a LJ80 trandfer case instead. Also clocked the engine and going to install it sideways, using the rear axle output to power the transfer case. In order to do this i put the rear axle output back on that i removed yesterday :

But i don`t need the vacuum 4WD actuator, because it will always be engaged, so i cut of the unnecessary stuff:

That`s the transfer case:

This gives me a nice and clean drivetrain, lots of room in the rear car and a lot better speed range. Really happy about that...

 

[chnlisle]

I was stationed in Boeblingen in 1968 before going to Vietnam. Panzer kaserne. I'm sure it doesn't
Look anything like I remember it. Keep up you great fabricating, we all enjoy your
Posts.

 

[getlost4x4]

you do know that axles are going to have a slight bend in them from the factory so when they have weight on them, they are straight. so you can' chuck one in a lathe.

looks like you are going over board again and its going to weigh more then the other one

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

Looked like this when i came home from work today:

There was my Suzuki transfercase in one of those packages. I thought it`s way to big judging by the size of the package, but it was just packed really good. Unfortunately the oil was left in it and now it was everywhere in the package. So i first cleaned it:

Then i started machining the driveshaft between the transmission and the transfer case:

And set the engine position:

Would like to put the transfercase further back, but i`m not sure how to connect it to the rear axle yet. I`m thinking either a single u-joint or a Hardy disc.

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

Started by turning down the weld on a Samurai u-joint:

Then i started machining a flange for the transfer case:

While the saw was working i started cutting the first two pieces of steel für the bodywork. Planning just a rectangular box, but i`d like to see some better designs...

Then i machined the flange:

Tacked it on:

Everything where it`s supposed to. I like how far i could put the transfercase back. Can probably even use the brake drum :

 

[java]

Looking good!

 

[chilliwak]

I love the way you start your thread by saying `I dont know if I will do this´ and then by the end of your post you have allready fabricated something that works. I believe you think to fast Steinez! Wicked work!

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

Thanks.

Did some shopping today:

I decided to go with a receiver tube on the back end. So i milled a window in the rear crossmember:

Drilled the receiver tube:

And welded it in:

Also made the engine crossmember and lower engine mount:

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

Started with the rear body frame uprights:

Mounted the engine mount to it:

Transmission mount:

Started building the other shaft:

Need to clock the transfercase to get a better angle on the shaft.

This is a mockup for the body. Also ordered an exhaust and radiator:

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

Started with the transfercase mounts today:

Set the position:

First side mocked up: