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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Performance / Modify => Topic started by: lepcur on March 21, 2011, 09:19:10 PM

Title: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: lepcur on March 21, 2011, 09:19:10 PM

Has anyone built their own? I just did alot of gearing on the sammy and I need one but can't afford the 200 bucks right now so thought I may try one. If ya got any pics. that would be great as well.  Thanks alot,   Mike

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: ASI H8 on March 22, 2011, 05:23:22 AM

Skyhiranger built a nice Case bucket/cradle.  I'll see if I can dig it up or shoot him a PM.

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: lepcur on March 22, 2011, 08:46:59 AM

Thanks alot, The more ideas the better.   Mike

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: Drone637 on March 23, 2011, 12:23:02 PM

I built a pretty simple one out of a junk skid plate I picked up on the trail, similar to the Mighty Kong.  The main issue after building the plate was putting it back in the SJ, it was a LOT heavier and a pain to get up around the exhaust.

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: lepcur on March 23, 2011, 06:31:59 PM

Funny you mention the added weight, I went to town today and picked up a couple pieces of scrap 3/16 plate to use and I was thinking the same thing. I don't think it will add but maybe 20 pounds top.

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: Skyhiranger on March 23, 2011, 09:56:08 PM

Here is a link to a tcase skid/bucket that I made.
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,34346.0.html (http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,34346.0.html)

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: lepcur on March 24, 2011, 09:56:29 AM

Sky, Thanks for the info and pics. I can't tell in the pics. on the front but I think I'm gonna try to tie in some of those bolts as well as the 3 on the rear. How has this held up for you and what gears are you runing in the t-case.  Thanks again,    Mike

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: Skyhiranger on March 24, 2011, 10:00:11 AM

I didn't tie into any of the front bolts.
I run a kicker 3 type setup (trackick tcase and samurai tcase).  I was running stock gears for a few years, then last year I put 4.16 gears in the samurai tcase.  Everything has held up fine...no issues at all.  Tying the arms together really helps strengthen the tcase.

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: lepcur on March 28, 2011, 07:41:02 AM

Hey Sky, right now I have the arms tied together and strenthed, along with the beefed up mounts on the frame and 2 bottom bolts below the output shafts and I'm thinking it will be a pia to do any more than that and get it all lined up in the bucket. I'm not a crawler but built this for tough hunting conditions, and I have the 6.5-1 gears in it, Do you think this will work as is?    Thanks,   Mike

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: Skyhiranger on March 28, 2011, 07:46:16 AM

Quote from: lepcur on March 28, 2011, 07:41:02 AM

Hey Sky, right now I have the arms tied together and strenthed, along with the beefed up mounts on the frame and 2 bottom bolts below the output shafts and I'm thinking it will be a pia to do any more than that and get it all lined up in the bucket. I'm not a crawler but built this for tough hunting conditions, and I have the 6.5-1 gears in it, Do you think this will work as is?    Thanks,   Mike

I can't say for sure.  The reinforced arms and mounts and tying the arms together will definitely help.  The 6.5 gears put a lot of stress on the tcase and mounts.  I guess if that is all you can do, you can try it to see if it holds up. 

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: Drone637 on March 30, 2011, 03:30:09 PM

Make sure you use lock tight on the bolts holding the transfer case into the cradle.  If those loosen up no matter how solid your cradle is you can break your t-case in twain.  Mine split right along the mounting point on the passenger side.

Title: Re: DIY T-Case Bucket or Cradel
Post by: lepcur on April 02, 2011, 07:49:58 AM

Oh yea, I use it on just about everything on this rattle trap. Thanks for the input guys,   Mike