90's throw back.....Manche build

[upnover]

OK, don't be a slacker, it's been a week, we, the following crowd, need an update, and, PICTURES!

 

[mcutler]

I know, but not slacking. Two boys birthdays in last week and half and two pistons in a 6.4. Carson turned 16, and Mattix turned 4, and mothers day. Sold my dump truck bought a f450 v10 today. 6.4 getting bored with new coated pistons. Not enough hours in the day. Updates coming thru first of next week.

Matt

 

[shawn]

Is that the newish 6.4 that you put in the truck with the custom flatbed?

 

[mcutler]

Is that the newish 6.4 that you put in the truck with the custom flatbed?

Yes. (2 years, 40k miles) I did new everything on the top end, and fuel system to the tank. Bottom end had 70k on it. Unfortunately, and unknown at the time of my first research; the job-1 '08 trucks had a piston design that trapped heat. Therefore inducing cracks. When I got that short block I did a thorough inspection, but found nothing at the time. There was a redesign later with an international piston without the lip where the cracks start, and they have since been further improved with ceramic coating on top and on the skirts. It's a costly mistake, but I have too much invested in the top end to toss it now.

There was some damage on the two cylinder walls of the cracked pistons. So, at this time, we're boring the block .030, and installing the newest piston design.


Still will have less than 25k in this truck afterwards. And just yesterday brought home a 2000 f450 v10 2wd 4dr flatbed for $4500- and may have 6k in it when I get it to my standards for hauling, to replace the f550 I just sold Saturday.

Used trucks for the win!

Edit...posts are no good without pics...



Matt

 

[mcutler]

Finally some shop time today, been slammed with business.

Was able to get the rockers cut out today and get the cab sitting on the subframe. Amazingly, the outside of the rails was the exact measurement of the inside of the pinch weld on the rockers. You can also see how the interior side rests on top of the rail, 1.75" higher than the bottom of the door. Over-all, a very good fit.

Matt

 

[mcutler]

Bottom of door, 29.5. Drip rail, 71.5. Highest point of cab, 74.5. Belly 18, wb 115.

Matt

 

[95yjjeep]

This thing sure is a ton of AWESOME! That subframe assembly is super clean.

 

[mcutler]

Good progress today. Got the front axle and link locations finalized. Cycled the suspension and cleared/trimmed the cab sheet metal. Also got the rear link lengths nailed down, aligned and cycled.

The truck is now sitting at full bump. 8" up in front and 10" up in rear.

Managed to get 40 degrees of steering, with the lower links being the limiting factor.

Matt

 

[mcutler]

Also started assembly of the Goatbuilt ram mount for fabricated housing. The upper links will mount off the back corners of this. A very simple, yet effective design with a removable skid for ram service.

Matt

 

[upnover]

Looking good Matt!

 

[southern]

is the 18 inches at belly at ride height?

 

[mcutler]

is the 18 inches at belly at ride height?

Yep, 18-19. I know sounds low, but I like low. Buggy was 19 belly at 117 wheelbase, with 43 sx. Should be fine with this set up, I have the roughly the same differential clearance as before, roughly same belly, but shorter wheelbase at 115. If it drags, I picked the wrong line, so I'll drive faster....[emoji41]

Btw, low belly is a sacrifice for great fast or slow speed, and stable geometry.

Matt

 

[southern]

Thats what i like to hear. Skinny pedal always wins

 

[CasterTroy]

Btw, low belly is a sacrifice for great fast or slow speed, and stable geometry.

I remind my wife of this every time she suggest I hit the gym

 

[mcutler]

I remind my wife of this every time she suggest I hit the gym

Quoted for truth...

Matt

 

[UncleWillie]

I remind my wife of this every time she suggest I hit the gym

First time I read that I thought you said when she suggested she hit the gym. I was wonder how you were still able to type.

 

[loose cannon]

Bump to the top waiting on updates

 

[mcutler]

Here ya go cannon...

There's your side...





Shop time has been limited, hospice has came in with my father- in- law. Family has needed me around a bit more than normal.

Progress is still ensuing..

Matt

 

[ol'Jeeps]

Hey! You can check yer oil while yer wheelin!!

 

[mcutler]

That's right, that's the number one job in the trail bitch seating position. Just don't check it unless we're right side up....

Matt

 

[paradisePWoffrd]

Here ya go cannon...

There's your side...

Shop time has been limited, hospice has came in with my father- in- law. Family has needed me around a bit more than normal.

Progress is still ensuing..

Matt

But what does it look like with a sasquatch in the seat? Gonna be warm on the legs/feet.

 

[mcutler]

But what does it look like with a sasquatch in the seat? Gonna be warm on the legs/feet.

Actually I think it will be cooler than my buggy was, with the headers up and forward rather than down and back. My side firewalls in the buggy would scald you with shorts on. Fortunately, if your not 6'4" like myself, it's not nearly the problem anyway.

Matt

 

[mcutler]

Finally some noteworthy progress.

Seats finalized, front mounts anyway. Will get the rears in once I start the floor. 54" at widest point of seats. Leg room appears tight and awkward, but it's more comfortable than it looks. Definetly no less tighter than my buggy was. Can finally get this cage rolling.

And the obligatory weld close up...

More progress close by..

Matt

 

[BRUISER]

lots of heat shields in your future

 

[mcutler]

No more than the buggy had.

Matt