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Baja or Bust Build Thread

Rustytruck

Bronco Guru
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
10,875
Well looking at your rear brakes, with the wheel cylinders off angle like that their going to be tough to bleed unless maybe put the rear up on ramps. The other issue is the warn hubs on the rear axle friends of mine had real problems with them even with the locking set screws. They ended pulling the Warn locking hubs off and running slugs with caps. At least take some slugs with you they don't take up much space.
 
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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
Yes, that is a good idea. I have two or three extra sets of Warn hubs, and two sets of slugs that I have accumulated for the rear. I have extras for the front as well. I am hoping that the Warn hubs will act as "fuses" before I break anything of more importance.

I had planned on removing the front tires and dropping the front down to level out the rear wheel cylinders and bleed them, jacking the rear up as well if necessary...if that doesn't work I may need to unbolt the backing plates!
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
47,355
If you want that polished look on the tie-rod to last I would spray a clear on it fairly soon (if you haven't already that is). They rust up pretty quick once exposed to much moisture.
You wouldn't think it would be so fast, given the smooth finish, but they do.

I'm still debating keeping the shine on mine, or just painting it some color or another. But it's going to get some kind of thin coating on the bar and threads.

Definitely enjoying see you do all the work from my easy chair way over here!;D

Paul
 
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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
I thought it was stainless! Yes, I will get some paint on it then, thanks!
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
47,355
Hah! Yeah, most do. Or at least think it has some chrome plating on it.
I'm familiar with them but even just bringing mine home last week reminded me of just how "finished" it actually looks. Does not look polished at all. Looks more like the base material or a coating for sure.
I think the cutting implement that's used in the turning process must be VERY sharp to leave that machined finish.

Glad you won't get that rude awakening after it's all finished.

Paul
 
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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
I finally finished buttoning up my transmission and transfer case and they are ready for install and lube.

I'm starting to go around the suspension and chassis with thread locker and a torque wrench. It is nice to finally be crossing off a few details from my list.

Dropped my MSD distributor and push rod guide plates off at the machine shop...engine is almost finished...Dyno soon!
 

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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
Good day today...

I installed my transmission and transfer case. I can see that some modifications will need to be done to my Hurst shifter, I will wait until my seats are back in before I address that...I will need to finish modifying the front tube of my seat mount as well.

Both doors are hung and swinging. I just need to brace the hinge mounts and striker mounts and then I can fine tune the door line adjustments. These stock doors are soooo heavy, but I like having the roll up windows. I have a pair of fiberglass doors I can use if I find myself over weight for my class.
 

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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
Took yesterday and today off to work on the Bronco.

All of the door hinge and striker mounts are gusseted and braced. It is nice to have swinging doors that go "click" when you close them.

I braced the windshield frame to the upper roll cage on both sides. Bolt on, easily adjusted later if necessary.

I fabbed up two simple mounts for the radiator support. I installed the radiator support and both of my old fenders to see how everything will go together. Threw the hood and grille in place for inspiration.

I also registered it today, first time since 1997...
 

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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
This weekend I mocked up my junk radiator to check for clearance. I also started installing the rear shocks...
 

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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
Thanks! A few goodies came today...

Window nets, two of my front shocks (other two on 4 week backorder!) grille repair section from langester...
 

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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
Started mocking up the front shocks to fab upper mounts. Learned the subtle differences between Bronco calipers and T-Bird calipers (on right in photo), especially if you are using Reid Racing knuckles...
 

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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
Painted my valve covers. Started front brakes and brake lines...
 

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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
It has been a while so I thought I would update...

A great big thank you to Tasker for the set of wheels and tires he donated to the cause! I promise to thrash them to within an inch of their lives Tasker!

The floor section for underneath my seats is painted and installed along with the seat brackets, seats and the emergency brake. The tachometer bracket, tachometer and dash pad are mounted.

I finally received the last two of my Bilstein 7100 shocks, so all four corners are installed. The engine is going to the dyno on Monday 8/21. My battery selector / kill switch is mounted so I need to start routing cables soon. Fuel cell vent has been routed, I just need to trim it to length.

I bought a trailer for my tools, spares and sleeping quarters. The Reese hitch receiver is installed.

November is fast approaching!
 

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Swerve

Swerve

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
526
Thanks! Got a little more done today...front and rear bumpers painted and installed. Radiator support repaired and painted. Rear crossmember with taillight housings / corners repaired and painted. Cross support between rear shocks fabricated, painted and installed. Tow shackle mounts painted and installed. Started to fit passenger side quarter panel.
 

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