whelp, finally time for a decent update. Got my next order of laser parts in, wrong material but I used it anyways. I prefer to work with P&O plate but for some reason the laser shop thought standard A36 black plate was a perfect substitute.
so anyways, I used it all just cleaned it well with a scrubber wheel and alcohol before welding.
Pallet of parts-
all of these parts are rear end parts, so I started with the frame side 4 link brackets.
bent some metal and getting fit up, the aluminum bushing spacers are critcal-
bottom axle saddles bent and fit up. These have shock mounts and sway bar mounts integrated.-
upper bag brackets- also hold bump stops, upper shock mount and sway bar end link. started by bending out all these pieces-
machined the centering pins for the rear axle 4 link/bag brackets out of chromoly rod.
fitting up the axle side brackets-
frame side brackets fitted-
inner stiffeners/gooseneck mounts-
gooseneck crossmembers. I really like how the transition/gussets worked out.
building out the 4-link and panhard. All the tubes are cut, faced flat, weld prepped, and drilled for plug welding. Quite a bit of work. They are tac'd up now, waiting for final welding until I am 100% on lengths.
with the rear end linked and sitting on the airbags, the engine and trans was able to be set back in to keep mocking/measuring and working with the CAD model.
so that's pretty much caught up to current. Just a ton of fab work, but making steady progress.
Will post some more in a few days.