Potential short-run fabrication of TB platform off-road item

[Trail X]

Any reason that the hole couldn't be moved lower or the diff hung lower than the oil pan to gain a decent amount of lift up front?

At a certain point you run into the IFS subframe, currently there is a few inches of clearance.

You could maybe go below the IFS subframe, but the front propshaft will have issues getting around the steering rack - if it has that much adjustment available in the first place.

[fishsticks]

They all share the same front differential system. All bolt through the oil pan, V8 and V6. The 2WD has the same oil pan, sans the differential. The hole in the pan is sealed.

Any reason that the hole couldn't be moved lower or the diff hung lower than the oil pan to gain a decent amount of lift up front?

I've looked at doing this very thing. My idea was to make some simple brackets to bring the diff and disconnect down below the oil pan. The problem to me seems to be how to clearance the frame to clear the axles during compression.

Another option is the S10 7.25"... which shares parts with ours but doesn't need to mount to the oil pan... andhas a solid tube for the intermediate shaft.

[HARDTRAILZ]

How big of tires can our steering handle may come into play with large enough tires

[glfredrick]

Any reason that the hole couldn't be moved lower or the diff hung lower than the oil pan to gain a decent amount of lift up front?

At a certain point you run into the IFS subframe, currently there is a few inches of clearance.

You could maybe go below the IFS subframe, but the front propshaft will have issues getting around the steering rack - if it has that much adjustment available in the first place.

With an SAS there won't be a steering rack...

With a dropped stock front end, the rack would need to be lowered as well.

[glfredrick]

How big of tires can our steering handle may come into play with large enough tires

33" max - not that much more than stock.

We've already gone down that road with Rangers, Explorers, and Toyotas. They all blow racks at that point.

We're looking at a new steering system.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Steering is helpful...

I thought some of us were at the limit, but no one has had any real issue it seems. I would perfer to swap steering before there was an issue though.

[glfredrick]

One good rock on a downhill where you are on the edge of sliding and "pop" -- no more steering. It could break the tie rod end, but more often it shatters the rack.

On "expedition" type trail rides, steering will seldom ever be a problem. It is when doing hill or rock work that weakness starts to show up.

[Trail X]

Adjust the knuckles? Move the steering pivot rearward (away from the knuckle's main axis) will reduce the forces in the steering components. You'd just have to weld in a spacer. Granted, that could become the new weak point. A lot easier to replace a tie rod than a Knuckle... and who carries extra knuckles?

[HARDTRAILZ]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=899642

A kit kinda like this set-up for trailvoys would be sweet.

[Trail X]

Why not just get that kit?

[HARDTRAILZ]

it is a thought, but if Guy or his son are thinking of doing something...i would perfer to work with him. I was thinking that it would be nice to be sure that the angles and shape and size of brackets will work with our frame mounting points. He had mentioned a 3 link setup so it seemed that maybe he was thinking of a more trailvoy specific version of that.

[glfredrick]

We're talking...

It would take an available TB and some time to sort out, but no big deal. Frame is a frame, and we've done a ton of them.

Here's the latest one...

40s, no lift...

[HARDTRAILZ]

I should be able to make mine available. I just need to get a couple things sold for some extra cash.

[teebes]

I like the way this thread is leaning - exciting times