UJOR Build Thread

[350outrage]

Why Cute and Thrifty don't always cut it!

Just one more example of why those little Transit and Sprinter Vans are just not going to cut it for me, no matter how cute and thrifty they are to run! Old VANZILLA popped the boat out of the shed like it was nothing, so I could pull both calipers off the trailer for rebuild. . .and, oh yeah, the calipers were frozen with the BRAKES ON so hard I had to pry them off the disks with a pry bar! Those 4.10's Chris put in for me sure didn't hurt anything either ! Congrats on your expansion Chris!:sombrero:

 

[ujoint]

I've been working off n on the front spring hangers for 3 days now, and I've got a whopping 3 holes completed. I'm either the worlds worst hole driller, the frame is made out of tool steel up there, or dewault makes the crappiest steel drilling bits on the planet. Probably should have just welded the damn things on.

If I had it to do again, I am sooo frackin frustrated at the moment, I'd have just driven down to UJor and paid them to drill the stupid things. I think probably the first mistake was opting to source bits local, instead of just buying what Chris uses. Shouldnt have messed with success.

Anyway, whiney ***** mode over. I just need to find someplace around here that has 1/2 & 3/4 bits that are worth a crap. The 3/16 & 3/8 seem to be gettin it done for some reason, but the 1/2s suck great big goats. The first 3/4 lasted 1 hole I think. The last one was doing ok, till it fetched up in the hole and bent the shank. How I managed to do that without breaking a wrist is beyond me, but bend she did. Like a banana.

Anyway, to finish making a short story long, dont buy your bits from Lowes or the like. Suck it up and buy the package from Chris, or find someplace that supplies machine shops and go that route. Otherwise these holes can beat you to death.

Yes, good bits help! And some lube. My record is 30 minutes for one hanger. Start to finish. Nobody likes doing them here either, its a workout you feel the next day.

 

[ujoint]

Just one more example of why those little Transit and Sprinter Vans are just not going to cut it for me, no matter how cute and thrifty they are to run! Old VANZILLA popped the boat out of the shed like it was nothing, so I could pull both calipers off the trailer for rebuild. . .and, oh yeah, the calipers were frozen with the BRAKES ON so hard I had to pry them off the disks with a pry bar! Those 4.10's Chris put in for me sure didn't hurt anything either ! Congrats on your expansion Chris!:sombrero:

Love it!

 

[guidolyons]

I've been working off n on the front spring hancgers for 3 days now, and I've got a whopping 3 holes completed. I'm either the worlds worst hole driller, the frame is made out of tool steel up there, or dewault makes the crappiest steel drilling bits on the planet. Probably should have just welded the damn things on.

For cheap chicom junk, I've had excellent results with Harbor Freight step drill bits. They don't tend to grab like larger twist drills can, and I've abused the **** out of mine. They aren't just for sheet metal you can drill easily drill up to 1/4"thick or if the largest step is your final size, even thicker.

 

[ujoint]

New video

 

[fmboss429]

New video

Awesome Job!

 

[ert01]

Yes, good bits help! And some lube. My record is 30 minutes for one hanger. Start to finish. Nobody likes doing them here either, its a workout you feel the next day.

Just curious why you guys don't weld them on?

 

[ujoint]

Just curious why you guys don't weld them on?

Several reasons.

1: You can't get good access to the inside of the frame rail unless the body is removed.

2: A lot of guys think they're great welders when they're not.

3: Water can get in and corrode the hangers.

4: If the hanger every becomes damaged due to a collision, its much harder to replace a hanger that has been welded on.

5: When welding the hanger on, nothing is done to strengthen the accordion frame section. Our hanger bolts are also sleeved to make it all stronger and spread the load over the entire section.

 

[tgreening]

Several reasons.



2: A lot of guys think they're great welders when they're not.

I'd be willing to bet that on the last big welding job I did I personaly burned up more welding rod than everybody on this forum will, put together, for life.... . Probably a couple forums.

It involved a couple chunks of steel, about 250 tons a pc, that were cracked in half and needed to be one solid piece again.


But your reasoning is sound regardless. I just had to toss that out there and see who bites. Hehe.

 

[350outrage]

Hey Greening, I found that the heat is what kills bits when drilling steel. I've had a lot better luck by keeping a little can of water near while drilling, and dipping the bit to cool it every time it gets even a little hot. Cool bits cut faster and last a lot longer. I've also had some luck with the Harbor Freight multi bits.

 

[ujoint]

Ha. I'll be the 1st to admit I'm no picasso with a welder but I've seen some scary stuff! We all have.

 

[ert01]

Several reasons.

1: You can't get good access to the inside of the frame rail unless the body is removed.

2: A lot of guys think they're great welders when they're not.

3: Water can get in and corrode the hangers.

4: If the hanger every becomes damaged due to a collision, its much harder to replace a hanger that has been welded on.

5: When welding the hanger on, nothing is done to strengthen the accordion frame section. Our hanger bolts are also sleeved to make it all stronger and spread the load over the entire section.

Makes sense. Thanks!

 

[ujoint]

On the wheels/tires!

 

[devo 1]

I like those wheels!
I backed mine out the shop for a bit. Just have to bleed the brakes one more time before a test drive.

 

[ujoint]

Nice!