Frame Restoration: Do's and Don'ts'?

[mudn4rnr]

Hey Guys,

Looks like I'm going to have a frame to start working on here shortly for my 84 Runner. Structurally, I am going to keep it stock as I am building a mud truck, not a specific rock crawler. I value the knowledge that rock crawlers have as it shows in what you have done to/with your rigs. I cannot think of any group next to boggers whom I'd want to ask for help. Please consider helping me so I don't make any "rookie" mistakes, as this is my first frame up rebuild. :Help:

(Goal: Marlin Crossover Steering w/5" lift kit, 84-85 Solid Axle front & V6 IFS Rear w/disc brakes, single shocks on the corners. Single transfer case. Would like to do Howe Hydro-assist up front if streetable.)

Here's what I've brain- :fart: so far...(not necessarily in this order)

1. Knock out all crud from inside frame as possible.

2. Seal up every non essential hole in frame to prevent access by MUD/Water.

3. Remove stock spring hangers front/rear. (Replacing with Marlin's Spring Kit front and rear to run 5 1/2" rear, 5" front)...Should the originial front shock towers be used or would you suggest removing and replacing due to the new springs articulation?

4. Remove stock transfer case crossover, replace with FROR setup w/skid

5. Drill/brace for IFS steering box for crossover conversion.

6. Reinforce front crossmember with FROR weld on brace.

7. Reinforce frame insides along where original rear forward stock springhangers were positioned.

8. Weld on steering damper bracket for crossover steering set up.

9. Weld on small bracket for extended vent line hose both front and rear.

10. Weld (and bolt) tow hooks on all four corners.

11. Seal rear frame openings.

12. Sandblast and repair any pitting that became evident because of it.

Can you think of anything else I forgot, or did I say something I shouldn't do?

Also, would you POR-15 the frame and paint; or would you POR-15 and powdercoat?

Thanks! :bye:


Randy
MUDN4RNR

[toy4x4]

hey, sounds like you're going to have a rlly nice frame. i would just paint it. about the front shock hoop, definetly get an extended one. i haven't gotten one yet and these ****************ty pro comp shocks are limiting my all pro springs alot. ram assist is streetable. i'm about to do it myself. the howe setup is rlly expensive though. i'm sure the howe is better quality but i'm just going to get the 1.5" ram setup from www.rockstomper.com

[Kyron]

3. Remove stock spring hangers front/rear. (Replacing with Marlin's Spring Kit front and rear to run 5 1/2" rear, 5" front)...Should the originial front shock towers be used or would you suggest removing and replacing due to the new springs articulation?



Ford shock towers are cheap ;)




4. Remove stock transfer case crossover, replace with FROR setup w/skid

I like the bud built better....... it has a nicer skid plate IMO


6. Reinforce front crossmember with FROR weld on brace.

Why arnt you using Marlin's hanger??

8. Weld on steering damper bracket for crossover steering set up.


Why?? most people dont use them........




I've never had to deal with rust as bad as your talking about....

[cush007]

hey dude, i live in spotsylvania va. and i just completed my sas on an 86 PU. i made all the brackets and shock hoops myself,but in front i used 2 1/2 dodge leaf springs and 4" rear toy springs w/3" body and i can fit 38's noooo problem, even when i am in full flex. i can e-mail u pics or if u want to see it for yourself, come up to to the shop and i can show u how my set up works. "SEEING IS BELIEVING"

[mudn4rnr]

hey dude, i live in spotsylvania va. and i just completed my sas on an 86 PU. i made all the brackets and shock hoops myself,but in front i used 2 1/2 dodge leaf springs and 4" rear toy springs w/3" body and i can fit 38's noooo problem, even when i am in full flex. i can e-mail u pics or if u want to see it for yourself, come up to to the shop and i can show u how my set up works. "SEEING IS BELIEVING"


Hey Cush,

Where in Spotsylvania are ya? I'm originally a Stafford boy from Ferry Farm Heights. I've been thinking about my frame situation. Which is the better scenario:

84-85 Frame: removing all spring mounts to re-weld Marlin's, remove shock towers to add Fords', remove stock steering, drill & weld IFS steering box

86-89 Frame: removing all IFS to re-weld SAS, remove shock towers to add Fords'.

I know nothing about welding or plasma cutting yet. Taking an adult class in Chesapeake in a few weeks to learn it all. Then I can be the expert around here and answer everyones questions! :yes:

I come up that way often so yes, I'd like to stop by and check your rig out. Sounds real promising!

Thanks for the invite.

Randy
MUDN4RNR :bye:

[toy4x4]

i would go with the solid axle frame because chopping off all the ifs is alot of work.

[cush007]

well randy, to me here are some options:BOTH FRAMES<1> you have to cut off old suspension stuff <2>you have to buy high steer componants<3>make new sas hangers for springs Even though there is alot of cutting on the IFS,after that ,it really isn't bad at all....to me, go with the 86-up and try to the rear axle because it's wider,plus there are some brackets in the front that help to mount your steering stabilizer too.DUDE, I will help you make what ever you need if you like my fab work.It ain't easy-not cheap-but it is WELL worth it. I can cut off an IFS in 2 hrs. with a sawzall and grinder.E-mail me...

[cush007]

Hey Cush,

Where in Spotsylvania are ya? I'm originally a Stafford boy from Ferry Farm Heights. I've been thinking about my frame situation. Which is the better scenario:

84-85 Frame: removing all spring mounts to re-weld Marlin's, remove shock towers to add Fords', remove stock steering, drill & weld IFS steering box

86-89 Frame: removing all IFS to re-weld SAS, remove shock towers to add Fords'.

I know nothing about welding or plasma cutting yet. Taking an adult class in Chesapeake in a few weeks to learn it all. Then I can be the expert around here and answer everyones questions! :yes:

I come up that way often so yes, I'd like to stop by and check your rig out. Sounds real promising!

Thanks for the invite.

Randy
MUDN4RNR :bye:
Thornburg--rt.1 south of massaponax,turn west at WAIT furniture,2 tenths on left.{5 min. off 95 at thornburg exit}

[mudn4rnr]

Thornburg--rt.1 south of massaponax,turn west at WAIT furniture,2 tenths on left.{5 min. off 95 at thornburg exit}

Ahhh,

just down the road from the bus company and the local muddin' / dirtbike hangout. Every wheel there? Any good?

MUD