grinding off brackets on axel

[mikesplumbing]

Hey guys!

I'm moving forward on the project and was thinking about grinding off the factory brackets on the S-10 axel. Is that a smart idea? The reason I ask is because the brackets that are on it could act as a way of helping me center and measure for the new brackets I need to buy and put on. Am I looking at this the right way?

How is it you folks approach this? Do most of you guys build a jig to hold the rear axel as means of squaring it up to put the brackets on?

Mike

 

[RPM]

I cut them off with a torch then grind the area smooth. No jigs needed to weld on a few brackets. Find the center of the rear end housing and mark it. The pinion may not be centered. Work from the center mark to locate the brackets were needed.

 

[donsrods]

That is the right way to do it.

Don

 

[mikesplumbing]

Thanks guys, i'm just a bit nervous!!!:lol:

Hey Ron, do you have the rear brackets for the coil over shocks that mount on the rear of the frame like Youngster has drawn up? If not, whatcha got on the shelf for me........


Mike

 

[RPM]

We have these on the shelf.

We also have these to fit the s-10 rear end housing.

 

[mikesplumbing]

OK, sounds good! What about the upper frame brackets??

Got anything like that?

Mike

 

[Brucer]

Mikesplumbing,
If your getting ready to start fabricating, If you don't own a plasma cutter or torch I suggest you go buy a box of 4 1/2inch cut-off wheels..

Adding this, you can take a couple pieces of angle iron and drill a couple holes in it and bolt one on each axle and turn your axle until they're perpendicular with the ground and frame, it can make it a lil easier on you while your measuring, especially if your flying solo..just make sure the pieces of angle are straight, and you don't bend them when you tighten the lugnuts on them.. You can paint them a bright orange or yellow so you don't rip an arm or leg off on one of them..

 

[RPM]

Yes we have the upper brackets also. Just don't have a picture of them handy.

 

[Youngster]

Mike ... I make up a couple of dummy struts when i set up a rear end for coil overs. Much easier to layout your mounts and you don't risk messing up the shocks.

Ron

 

[mikesplumbing]

Brucer: Great idea, i'm going to do it like you explained!

RPM: Thanks, i'm going to order it from you and not make it!

Youngster: I read that in your plans, i'm going to do that!

I love this forum, once again thanks for the help and advice. Things are getting exciting now that is slowly coming together.

Mike

 

[eafree]

Mike, it sounds like you are off and running. This is were it starts, and then it consumes your every waking moment designing or building. Man do I love it.

Eric

 

[akitagandy]

Be very careful sinse I started mine I get about 4 hours of sleep a night, I just can't stop the wheels from spinning , I am already thinking of the next one and what I will do on it and I'm not thru with this one. I did get my engine together for it

 

[rooster57]

This probably doesnt need to be said BUT if your running a cut off wheel on your hand grinder wear a welding glove on your hand closest to the wheel. When that wheel bites and hits your hand it smarts like crazzzzzy. Also buy good cut off wheels not the discount ones . A grinder spinning 4000 rpm without a guard is dangerious and a good quality wheel wont splinter so bad if it bites. JMHO

 

[mikesplumbing]

Thanks Rooster, that's exactly what i'm doing. My gauntlet gloves for welding work great!!!

 

[estesken]

Hey Mike FYI s-10 tube is thin. I had a student create a little grief on our project. Take your time. Look forward to project pictures.