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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: brlj on August 20, 2005, 01:46:19 PM

Title: Front frame stretch-pics added 8/28
Post by: brlj on August 20, 2005, 01:46:19 PM
Im stretching my frame to use the 2dr 4wd driveshaft (Rockstar influenced).

(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/trackersidecut.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/trackerfrontframe.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/trackertackedframe.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/trackertackedframe2.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/closeweldand gusset.JPG)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/closesidepic.JPG)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/fullsidepic.JPG)

I cut the frame across the top edge. I cut out the front half of the inner wheel well. Then I tack welded on an extension that I cut off of an old frame. Next I tacked the front frame back on top of the new piece. I made sure the driveshaft fit and did the final welding. I gusseted the side welds where the two frame pieces met. I fabbed up some motor mount brackets and was good to go.

A real brief description.

Bill
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: Rhinoman on August 20, 2005, 02:13:24 PM
That looks good. Tidy looking welds too.
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on August 20, 2005, 06:09:22 PM
Im stretching my frame to use the 2dr 4wd driveshaft (Rockstar influenced).
([url]http://www.omghi2.us/april05/closeweldand[/url] gusset.JPG)

Wow where did this come from? Lookin very nice so far. Id like to suggest adding a gusset where the frame horn meets the frame and also adding a strut brace around the front of the radiator. Keep us posted.

Mike

Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: brlj on August 20, 2005, 07:19:53 PM
Im stretching my frame to use the 2dr 4wd driveshaft (Rockstar influenced).
([url]http://www.omghi2.us/april05/closeweldand[/url] gusset.JPG)

Wow where did this come from? Lookin very nice so far. Id like to suggest adding a gusset where the frame horn meets the frame and also adding a strut brace around the front of the radiator. Keep us posted.

Mike




I liked the way Rockstar rode so much, I had to do some modifying!! I will put the gussets you mentioned in, Ive got to get some tubing for it. Ill probably start the toy cv upgrade next weekend (26 spline stuff comming in the mail).

That looks good. Tidy looking welds too.


Thanks Rhino, Im using a little Miller 130. Its perfect for this stuff.

Bill
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: b1pig on August 20, 2005, 09:30:34 PM
Looks better than I first thought it would when I saw the topic. Definitely nice welds.

When I look at it... I think to myself... how clean that thing would look if all the vitals were behind the grill and the framer were "clean". The approach angle would be AWESOME.
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: whitfield on August 21, 2005, 01:46:07 AM
Looking good...  ;)    Can't wait to see the end results.
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: brlj on August 21, 2005, 09:41:46 AM
Looks better than I first thought it would when I saw the topic. Definitely nice welds.

When I look at it... I think to myself... how clean that thing would look if all the vitals were behind the grill and the framer were "clean". The approach angle would be AWESOME.
Looking good... ;) Can't wait to see the end results.

Thanks guys.

The only thing that sticks out is the steering box, but only a little bit. If I wanted I could cut about 4" off the front of the frame and cap it, but I want to use my front bumper. It looks like I can run the stock grill and headlights. Ill have to do some more cutting and welding to make it fit but Im pretty sure I can make it work.

Bill
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: SnoFalls on August 21, 2005, 10:25:01 AM
I like the stretch, but did you also do the "lift" that was done in the rockstar project? To me, the cool thing about that surgery was the 4" or so the gained by dropping the front half.

you should definetly have a killer approach angle!
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: Zukipilot on August 21, 2005, 10:27:08 AM
 :o WOW  :o Looking great. I cant wait to see the final result  8)

Zig
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: brlj on August 21, 2005, 12:12:04 PM
I like the stretch, but did you also do the "lift" that was done in the rockstar project? To me, the cool thing about that surgery was the 4" or so the gained by dropping the front half.

you should definetly have a killer approach angle!

No I didnt do the lift. I already have calmini 3" suspension (Rockstar used stock front springs). With rear fender trimming I can run 35" tires if I want and still keep my center of gravity down.

:o WOW :o Looking great. I cant wait to see the final result 8)

Zig

Thanks Zig
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: jagular7 on August 21, 2005, 07:33:35 PM
You are also running a body lift, correct? Next move is to bring the center frame rails up to eliminate the body lift, eh?

Think with all that you are doing, you could cut, slice and splice a rear axle to act as a front one? Basically take a rear axle, cut the bearing cups off, trim down the axel tube, reweld the cups back on, get the shafts cut, resplined, and reflanged and voila, a do-it-yourself anvil....
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: whitfield on August 22, 2005, 04:55:26 AM
Will the rear bearing cup match the one for the front CV ???

Passenger side has no bearing cup.  I just aquired a sammy front housing to cut and make this mod to.  Sittting on the scrap pile until details are worked out a little further.
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: brlj on August 22, 2005, 01:44:33 PM
You are also running a body lift, correct? Next move is to bring the center frame rails up to eliminate the body lift, eh?


I cant get rid of my body lift in the rear. I have my gas tank raised. If I wanted to just raise the frame in the middle, I guess I could but I didnt want to get into that just yet.
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: lil_Truck on August 23, 2005, 06:36:35 AM
Great job!  It's looking really good.  I'm looking forward to the finished pictures.

Eric


P.S.  Could you take some pictures of the front?  And the front at angles?  I'm really interested to see how things are matching up.
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: The_Dude on August 27, 2005, 01:37:52 AM
I think there will be alot of Rockstar influences coming out in the near future. I know I am shopping for a suitable builder to start a rockstar project. I think secretly we all want a moon buggy rockcrawler for the crazy stuff.  This is the perfect way of getting close without dropping 50 grand...
Title: Re: Front frame stretch
Post by: brlj on August 27, 2005, 05:32:05 AM
Great job!  It's looking really good.  I'm looking forward to the finished pictures.

Eric


P.S.  Could you take some pictures of the front?  And the front at angles?  I'm really interested to see how things are matching up.

Eric, Ill get some pics for ya soon.

Bill
Title: Re: Front frame stretch-pics added
Post by: brlj on August 28, 2005, 01:12:48 PM
Heres some more (http://www.omghi2.us/april05/capped.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/side.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/frontangle.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/steeringbox.jpg)
(http://www.omghi2.us/april05/front2.jpg)


Bill
Title: Re: Front frame stretch-pics added 8/28
Post by: HotRod on August 28, 2005, 04:45:23 PM
So whats holding the front sheet metel up?
It's looking good tho ;D
Title: Re: Front frame stretch-pics added 8/28
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on August 28, 2005, 07:31:31 PM
So whats holding the front sheet metel up?
It's looking good tho ;D

The hood! ;D Do you still think you can retain the headlights? Looks pretty tight.

Mike
Title: Re: Front frame stretch-pics added 8/28
Post by: Digger on August 28, 2005, 08:18:08 PM
Are there other reasons to stretch the front end like this than just to run the longer driveshaft? I thought one of the reasons these rigs go as good as they do offroad was the short wheelbase...
Title: Re: Front frame stretch-pics added 8/28
Post by: brlj on August 29, 2005, 02:03:31 PM
So whats holding the front sheet metel up?
It's looking good tho ;D

The hood! ;D Do you still think you can retain the headlights? Looks pretty tight.

Mike

I have to get the front tire up on a ramp and see what I have to cut out. Im pretty sure it will work.

Are there other reasons to stretch the front end like this than just to run the longer driveshaft? I thought one of the reasons these rigs go as good as they do offroad was the short wheelbase...

It gives a little more stability on hill climbs. Before my wheels would load and unload going up a hill and thats one reason you will bust the cv's.  If you climb stairsteps you can have your wheels on different steps (maybe someone can explain it a bit better) and climbing at different times.

Bill
Title: Re: Front frame stretch-pics added 8/28
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on August 29, 2005, 08:23:35 PM
Are there other reasons to stretch the front end like this than just to run the longer driveshaft? I thought one of the reasons these rigs go as good as they do offroad was the short wheelbase...

Moving the front forward moves your weight distribution more rearward. This is WAY better for jumping, easier on CVs, and the wheelbase really helps on the steep stuff.

On the downside your breakover is lower and turning radius is reduced a bit.

Build to suit your needs. ;)

Mike
Title: Re: Front frame stretch-pics added 8/28
Post by: kozaz on February 24, 2006, 10:02:58 AM
Do the pictures work, or am I the Red Headed Child?  ;D
Title: Re: Front frame stretch-pics added 8/28
Post by: purpletracker on February 24, 2006, 07:03:05 PM
pitures no work for me  either