Project: Reed's Ride '81 longbed~3RZ swap~

[ryantowry_81]

the 211 should definitely kick your welding capacity up a notch. I have a 252 and had a 251 before that and it has never let me down.

My suggestion for those rear hangers would be to build some side scab plates that transfer some of the stress to the sides of the frame also instead of just near the bottom, i ripped my last spring hanger off that was mounted to just the bottom.  if you want a less steep ramp on the front of the hanger you could even run the scab plate part way up the hanger for extra support if that makes sense.

[HogCanyonHopper]

thanks for the tip. I was already thinking something along those lines. the frame in the back where the bumper was attached previously is a little tweaked and will need some attention. I am thinking of frenching the hangers into the frame 

[ryantowry_81]

thanks for the tip. I was already thinking something along those lines. the frame in the back where the bumper was attached previously is a little tweaked and will need some attention. I am thinking of frenching the hangers into the frame 

i always liked how that looks, defiantly helps keep it lower without making the shackle too short.

[HogCanyonHopper]

i always liked how that looks, defiantly helps keep it lower without making the shackle too short.

I want to keep the rear as low as possible being these 4" Marlin springs are new and will be stiff in comparison to the RUF pack.

Meanwhile, the 211 is all ready to go. Just running flux core for now till I get some gas. I installed a receptacle and made a 25' extension box. Now I just need to practice so I can get used to the new set-up. I bought a new helmet to replace the old cheapy I was using. Hoping to get Reed interested in some welding so I may buy another helmet soon. Anyway, heres a few pics:

[Shamb]

Couldn't remember if I asked but if you guys need rollers/something to get by I've got those 31" km2 I pulled off my jeep.

[HogCanyonHopper]

Thanks for the offer Shayne.

Rear spring hangers are frenched and tacked in place. Looking at the rear of this frame, its pretty tweaked. Contemplating some 3/16" plate back there to tidy things up. What do you guys think?

[Crunchy Taco]

Box it in and throw a square tube across there of somethin along those lines

[Crunchy Taco]

So far everything you've done on the rear part of this truck has been really personalized and unique so now whatever you do I'm expecting something that's different from anybody else's so start scratching your head 

[HogCanyonHopper]

Thanks bud. I'll take that as a compliment but I didn't really plan anything unique I just make chit up as I go along  I thought about boxing in the rear with some 2x3 square tube. Thats always a good idea with these first gen frames especially when they are as tweaked as mine is. Just have to make a trip to the metal supply. I need to make sure I have these rear shackle hangers plenty strong.

[ryantowry_81]

i would definitely add the 2x3 brace across the back. also helps when building the bumper.

looks good so far. how is the learning curve coming with the new welder?

[HogCanyonHopper]

yeah Ryan, I agree. I did that on my truck. Worked out good. I just laid down some nice welds using the autoset on 14ga with .035 wire. Getting the hang of it and am very pleased.

[Crunchy Taco]

Yea it was a compliment. I like the way things have been turning out with the hangers a little frenched in.  Just don't see people do that much I like um better That way.  It's kinda like some guys will hole saw holes in their frame for the tubes on shock hoops to fit in then weld them in I guess it's supposed to be a bit stronger especially if the frame has plating.

[HogCanyonHopper]

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:

[lostbuckaroo]

Still gettin used to that new welder? You'll get her dialed in. 

Lookin good!!

[ryantowry_81]

yeah i would say that ;ast one was a little hot 

looks good though, keep up the good work.

[HogCanyonHopper]

yeah i would say that ;ast one was a little hot 

looks good though, keep up the good work.

LOL!! Ryan- that last one, I dont know what I was thinking, the frame is 14ga and the hanger is 1/4". I had the welder turned up to the 1/4" setting. I was laughing after I did that. Just burned right through like it wasnt even there. I'll fix it. no biggie

[ryantowry_81]

LOL!! Ryan- that last one, I dont know what I was thinking, the frame is 14ga and the hanger is 1/4". I had the welder turned up to the 1/4" setting. I was laughing after I did that. Just burned right through like it wasnt even there. I'll fix it. no biggie

dont feel too bad i did the same thing on a previous truck. but now you know you can crank your welder all the way up and use it to sever cut steel...lol

[1985CRAWLER]

looks good hog! yea u have a torch and welder in one! sweet 

by the looks of it u are probably gonna have to pull a leaf or two from the rear pack for it to sit level with the ruf...but u never know til u have the weight of the truck on it.

[loctupdave]

Very nice read. Frenching in the hangers was the best solution for me too. Side note, you will love that Miller.

[Tungsten Slayer]

You've got some good ideas and taken the steps to make them happen, good job!  Also a piece of advice hopefully this helps you out. 

When you are welding together 2 different metal thickness's like 1/4" to a toyota frame, the way I was taught in school which has served me very well is to set the machine for the thicker of the 2 metals.  With the machine set like this you ensure proper penetration on the thicker metal.  However when doing the actual weld you will have to put most of the heat into the thicker metal.  I do this by starting the bead on the thicker metal and oscillating towards the thinner stuff very quickly(it won't take long to burn through) and then back to the thicker metal.  I always watch the puddle of liquid hot magma touch the thinner metal and wet in and then move on...

Not trying to be a know it all, just something that someone once taught me.

[HogCanyonHopper]

thanks for that tip buddy. it makes perfect sense. I am going to go back to some of those welds and lay another bead or two using your advice.

[Nation]

Looking good hog

[1985CRAWLER]

you should cap the top off of the steering box frame brace with some 1/4" steel. make it a little extra stronger. would be sick!

keep the new pics coming we are getting bored!

[HogCanyonHopper]

waiting on a bunch of parts    should be back at it next week 

[TheChewMaster]

waiting on a bunch of parts    should be back at it next week 

boring!

[HogCanyonHopper]

boring!

I know man. its gotta be rough. But hey, since I don't want you to be bored on my account, here is a cool video to keep you busy for a bit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEOpX8tmiUI

[TheChewMaster]

I know man. its gotta be rough. But hey, since I don't want you to be bored on my account, here is a cool video to keep you busy for a bit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEOpX8tmiUI

Oh ya! nice and busy now

[ryantowry_81]

I know man. its gotta be rough. But hey, since I don't want you to be bored on my account, here is a cool video to keep you busy for a bit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEOpX8tmiUI

hahahaha. what posses people to make this stuff?

[HogCanyonHopper]

 

[Dingman.]

waiting on a bunch of parts    should be back at it next week 

I know how that goes!  Except i still need to buy the parts.