fordh8r's 84 Xtra-bad Daily Driver

[fordh8r]

So with the lack of shock clearance it lead me to this...


1)   First, what I started with. 

2)   Then, I did this.

[fordh8r]

1)   Then I plated the notch in the shock tower

2)   After shortening and raising the shock tabs and welding it all on.

3)   Here it is ready for action....'cept now I have to do the other side....

[fordh8r]

I gained a total of 2 inches in the static mounting length of the shocks and now to retest the front end and make the bump stop brackets on the frame. 

[fordh8r]

Ok, so I got some  rather y pics of me forkflexing my truck tonight.    I really need to do this during the day more often...

[fordh8r]

the last of the only good pics that came out. 


As you can see I also have to do some work to my brake lines as well....it just never ends....   At least I'm getting closer. 

[THK Matt]

that thing flexes pretty swell!

[fordh8r]

that thing flexes pretty swell!

Thanks! 

That's bad 

Looks like your truck is missing some hair on top (baldie) 

I got the solution  ...I'll use that Hair-osol in a can....Ronco spray on hair for men...now it's bald and then it's not! 

[tom w.]

That's nice right there 

[fordh8r]

Ok, finally some daytime shots!   



1)   First, you can see the steering has ample clearance now. 

2)   Showing my Marlin sticker on my X-member. 

3)   How high?  I'll let you make the call since people have varied opinions on where to measure this.  Not too bad for
      something that isn't commited to a trailer, I think. 

[fordh8r]

As for tire clearance...well...


1)   Here's what I have at the back of the front tire to the fender.

2)   and here's what I have to the inside of the rear tires.

[fordh8r]

So here it is...

[THK Matt]

[LAGEN WAGON]

How are your shock hooops atatched to the the frame?..The last pic looks like they are just resting peacfully on the frame with no welds?

1)   Then I plated the notch in the shock tower

2)   After shortening and raising the shock tabs and welding it all on.

3)   Here it is ready for action....'cept now I have to do the other side....

[fordh8r]

Bob that bed!

Looks good!

Have pondered the idea but I can't help the thought of losing the cargo space since I do carry stuff often in my truck and as it is it's already just a wee bit small when I got my Motorcycle in the back and all my other sh...stuff in the bed too.



Oh, and thanks! 

I like this truck a lot, its very cool.

Thanks! KDXSR5 

How are your shock hooops atatched to the the frame?..The last pic looks like they are just resting peacfully on the frame with no welds?

Lagen Wagon...to answer yer question the hoops are, in fact, welded to the frame and braced as well. The design of the hoop mounts (my own) kinda give it that floating look (intended by design). I'll take a closer pic of it for ya if you'd like. 

[fordh8r]

I went ahead and got some pics of the shock tower.

1)   pic of the tower to frame bracket

2)   better view of the strut brace for the tower (usually blocked by the shock)

[fordh8r]

I've been away from my build thread for a while...been doing lots of work for my mom at her house and just plain...   Thus I've been away from my build. But I'm done there now for a while and I've been back here working on my rig as usual preparing for MCR in about 8 weeks!  So on with the build! 




Since I last left off....I was finishing my bumpstops...I think...

Well, anyway I finished the bumpstop brackets on the frame so the bumpstops will contact them squarely when the axle is articulated. I still need to paint them. 

[fordh8r]

I also relocated the front brakeline frame brackets to fix this problem. Plus I rerouted the brakeline so it wouldn't contact or rub on the shock as well. 

[fordh8r]

I even started with a rear bumper install and it fits! What do ya think? 

[fordh8r]

I had considered it and reluctantly I tried it...I put an AAL in the rear springs. Come to find out I gained the Inch I wanted in the rear to level off the truck and surprisingly (and gladly) it rides quite good!  The ride is firmed up and I have now nearly eliminated all the sway I had from the soft suspension for everyday driving conditions. I'll guess that the well 'seasoned' rear springs and the longer wheel base have contributed some to the unexpectedly pleasant feel of having the AAL.  It also had the added benefit of reducing axle wrap at take off and during shifts which is nice. 


Here's what it looks like now.

[fordh8r]

The next two projects I'll be tackling will be my 1/2 doors and my OBA!    I'll be working on these over the next couple of weeks, starting.....mmmm..... ......tomorrow! 

[fordh8r]

Looking real good. Ive always liked the 2nd gen Extra cabs. Keep up the good work!

What OBA are you going with York? Stock AC compressor?

Thanks JD!    I have a Yorky for under the hood. I have to make it fit with the factory A/C bracket from another truck (being that mine is A/C-less  ) and then I also have to relocate the smog pump for emissions purposes.  Those details will come as I build. 

[Yota87Truck]

you do some nice work

[Wermz84]

Holy Crap man.  This thing is starting to come together!!  Looking good!   


I really like youre rear bumper.  That is along the lines of what I want.  Part bumper, part skid plate. 

[fordh8r]

you do some nice work

Thanks Bro! 

Holy Crap man.  This thing is starting to come together!!  Looking good!  


I really like youre rear bumper.  That is along the lines of what I want.  Part bumper, part skid plate. 

After you get the engine done maybe you can build one...   Let me know if you need any help.

[fordh8r]

Ok, as promised I got to work on my 1/2 doors today. This was a project long since started and not finished for a while now. *cough* 2years*cough* *cough*    Hey, I been busy...

Well here's what I started with from where I last left off...then here's what I ended up with after some  and some  and some  ...

Still need to work on the inside realease handles. Just not sure how I want to do it yet. Any pics of what you've done for an idea to use or build on?

[Tallchevy]

Oh yeah, Thanks for the bumper...   

No problem 

Those doors are coming along. I like the latch release we saw the other day.

Put the "TRD" into high gear & surprise us 

[fordh8r]

Those doors are coming along.

I like the latch release we saw the other day.

Refresh my memory...

Put the "TRD" into high gear & surprise us 

you mean "Tommy R****** Designs".......?

[Tallchevy]

Refresh my memory...

Had a lift or pull tab in the window track

you mean "Tommy R****** Designs".......?

[fordh8r]

    I think I have my solution.  Here's what I came up with.


Something to this affect is what I was looking for. 

[fordh8r]

Gave it a trial fit for location and ease of use and here is what felt good! Plus I used the factory rod with some slight tweaking (of the rod, that is... )  So I welded up some tabs for the factory door handle to bolt to and VIOLA!  They work great from inside or out.