A.J.'s Runner - "Please Stand-by"...Product Review

[CTENG in KS]

Where's the BEEF?

[CTENG in KS]

You can see from the two pics that even though I only have a single case, the crossmember will clear the driveshafts just fine.

[CTENG in KS]

I was debating whether I should let you in on how I am gonna do the sway-bar, or save it for a whole one-time write-up.  I've decided I don't care about sectrets so here is a little preview:
First I started by cutting off the splined end of one of the frame mounts fromt he IFS truck:

[CTENG in KS]

Then I trimmed the lip off the end of the opposite end attachment:

[CTENG in KS]

Then I got the two cleaned up and welded them together, so not I have the same attachment on each side on the torsion bar..see what I'm doin yet?

[CTENG in KS]

Sundays mission:  Stupid traction bar
Yes, I know that it is not a true traction bar, but I didn't want to clutter up the axle with brackets I was just gonna cut off...this will end up getting beefed up a bit to be part of a three link soon.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

[CTENG in KS]

 

[CTENG in KS]

And before you start to worry, no, it does not interfere with the driveshaft...I mocked it up to make sure.

[CTENG in KS]

Forgot my last pic of the day, little painting action:

[DTB]

 

[CTENG in KS]

I figured it was only a matter of time, I like that you have lots of different painter though!

[CTENG in KS]

Picked up a couple of these...I am 95% sure that the housing of this thing is cast steel.  Anybody know for sure?  They are nice and beefy. 

[CTENG in KS]

I spent a good hour with the torsion bar and pillow blocks to figure out positioning.  Due to the fact that I am working with a set length of the bar that was not of my choosing, it makes positioning tricky.  I would have had a better time if I was willing to run to sway bar on the rear axle, however, that was not an option I was interested in.  Sooo......I found the one place that it will clear the springs, the steering, the tire during articulation, etc.  No room for extra brackets and such, so the pillow blocks are gonna be welded directly to the frame.

[CTENG in KS]

Got a little bling to make the arms out of...

[6.72:1]

Yeah!

[CTENG in KS]

You know what is annoying...running out of welding wire in the middle of a project.  So, I decided to shorten the torsion bar.  I'm not showing the prototype until it has been through testing, not sure how it will hold up.  Here is a little preview of the arms...now I have to go to the store for wire.

[CTENG in KS]

Here is one of the arm assembly complete (top) and its twin on the way.

[CTENG in KS]

Couldn't find the perfect tubing at the Yard so I found the right size for the hardware, and a little larger to sleeve it with.  My cheap taps work perfectly!

[CTENG in KS]

...but my brain, not so much...no left hand tap.  I am too lazy to search out left handed taps so I decided to ghetto fab a little and tack the jam nut to the tube...it works, but not a cool and clean as the tap.

[6.72:1]

Interesting, very interesting!

[CTENG in KS]

CTENG_Rig left the garage today!  We made a lap around the parking lot...and she overheated. 
That is for another topic though...here is what I found out:
1. Marlins regular 1600lb HD clutch + resurfaced flywheel is the shizzle!  Soooo nice!
2. Sway bar works!  Truck handles like a race car!  Maybe it works too good?  I will spend some time playing witht he lengths and angles to tune it a bit.  Here it is:

[CTENG in KS]

Made my own "bushings" to isolate vibrations:

[6.72:1]

Those arms are HUGE!

[CTENG in KS]

Meh, Al...they are pretty light.

[6.72:1]

Well, regardless, they look sturdy!

[CTENG in KS]

F-in friggin stupid damn dern engine...booooooooogersssssss...

[6.72:1]

Well, don't get discouraged. Has to be something fairly simple if it was running pretty good before.

[CTENG in KS]

As you can see, I need to make a small geometric adjustment as I am leaving dale ernhardt donuts on the sway bar arms...no worries, I HAVE A PLAN!

[CTENG in KS]

Here is Cteng_rig tryin to look all dark and ominous

[DTB]

Here is Cteng_rig tryin to look all dark and ominous

u care if i draw a picture?