35 IH AKA Project "Riff Raff" build

[powerplant]

Changed the headers from what I had posted before.... (I know... the collector is crooked.... it's not welded on yet...)

 

[Gastrick]

Hey, your collector is crooked. Nice headers.

 

[powerplant]

Headers welded up and painted, floor structure almost done, rear kickup started, started fitting the box.

 

[Gastrick]

Looking good PP. Not sure about that pinion angle though:

 

[powerplant]

Looking good PP. Not sure about that pinion angle though:

Didn't I tell you.... I am going to mount the engine vertical and just run a belt between the tailshaft of the tranny and the rear axle. Wallahh..... no more hump in the floor

 

[powerplant]

Ditched the split lip design "widow maker" rims, found a pair of 16.5 steelies at a local junkyard with like new tires already mounted for cheep. Wire brushed them and painted them with tractor paint. This will save me some $$$ over my previous plan of wide wheels / tires. Some work done on the trans hump and started the floorpans. I also attached the stake holders to the shortened bed. I have them bolted on but plan on riveting them on later.

Last but not least.... I am stuck with a decision on how to construct the rear suspension. I intended to have a 4 link but I want my axle further forward than I originally thought which will make the arms very short (in my opinion). I am worried there will not allow for the axle to move properly. To better explain I am worried if I jack up one of the rear wheels that the other would come right up with it (I believe it is called articulation?). I have been considering running ladder bars with them angled in towards the trans tailshaft to allow the axle to twist/rotate. By looking at my rear kickup does anyone think a 4 link will still work ok?

 

[powerplant]

I figured out what I am doing with the rear suspension. I am changing my plan to a triangulated 4 link. I have a set of coil springs laying around that I can use unless I run across a cheep set of coilovers. Since I can't weld to the cast pumpkin I am going to run a hoop over the pumpkin to allow me to run the short angular bars on top as close to the center of the axle as possible. Through some reading I have learned that the S10 crowd uses this trick quite often. I ordered a kit, should start installing within the next 2 or 3 weeks.

 

[powerplant]

The triangulated 4 link is in. Now I need some coilovers since half the mounts needed are already there now.

 

[bob w]

That looks very well built, powerplant.

 

[maddog]

Nice.
I like what you've done done with it.

 

[Gastrick]

That rear suspension came out nice Powerplant.

 

[powerplant]

Thanks for the compliments. I do plan on installing gusset plates & reinforcements where they are needed. I just wanted to get the basic layout done. I am just to darn impatient to see what it will look like I guess.

 

[50Ford]

It is going to be a sweet truck. Great job.

 

[FlatBroke]

Man that thing looks too cool.

 

[Gasser Dave]

WOW! Cool build!!

 

[Guilty]

Wow the truck is badass looking.

 

[Twisted Minis]

I like it so far.

Your link geometry looks to be a bit off though. It may just be thge pictures, but your instant center appears to be behind the axle.

 

[powerplant]

It is behind the axle somewhat as I didn't want to shorten the upper arms.... is there a huge problem with doing this this way?

 

[Twisted Minis]

Your instant center should be in front fo the axle. The biggest thing you will notice is a lot of squat, and the axle will hop pretty bad if you try to do a burnout, or slam on the brakes.

 

[powerplant]

Hmmm.... that kind of sux then. At this point I am not going to mess with it. If it hampers my burnout ability I will have to take action. I guess I can shorten up the arms and move the hoop to center later on if I have to.

Thanks for letting me know