More done on the 72'...

[mlheppl]

Todd

Did the frame shop rivet in the front spring mount/cross member? From the pics it looks like it is riveted in, not bolted in. this is an awesome project. Keep up the good work.

[zakt]

it is bolted top and bottom to the frame rails but rivets are still attaching the crossmember to the upper supports in the middle and the actual leaf hanger fronts to the crossmember

[forrestbump]

Todd,

Using the 4WD chassis section as a template was a Great Idea!

I'm also glad to see you're going forward with the 4WD cross member and motor mounts.

Thank You for sharing

[zakt]

used the template and the drivers side is all drilled (note the 2" holesaw ..$100.00 for that bad boy, carbide)


bolted in and hung leaf (note the bottom left hole right by that is the 2wd crossmember hole so might weld that up have to think on that )

[zakt]

Have the front leafs all done and just need the ubolts for the one side then onto swapping out the rear D70 out, sterling 10.25 in. Intersting thing is I have a 2" block only in the back and seems level, the high boy has a 4" block and that would seem to high in the back??? It might even be level with no blocks in the back and the motor weight etc in? F350 springs causing ??



top view, 2wd crossmember still in with the new rear crossmember by the front rear leaf hangers

[BigBlueF250]

I ended up removing the 4 inchers and replacing with some 3 inch blocks to level mine out. Had to shorten the driveline too though. Keep up the good work!! Just think how much extra room you'll have in the garage as this project comes together!!!




Steve

[zakt]

For sure taking up 3 garage stalls, cant wait till its only one

My driveline has to all be redone anyway with the lift and then the transfer case. I have my old 95' F350 crewcab drive line to use but not sure might just get new stuff anyway but saved it in case. I want to use the 95' carrier bearing also but havent looked at that, one or two things at a time

[zakt]

2wd steering gear box frame bracing removed.

[zakt]

The stock 1978 NP205 frame mount piece is all bent up as it is to thin so getting a 3/8 plate made and shouldnt bend, I also didnt like how the stock one was shaped so did my own version

Pro-E:

[zakt]

converting my 10.25 sterling that will be in the 72' to disk brakes, picked up some brackets

ruffstuffspecialties.com


and picked up a pair of brand new 3/4 ton chevy calipers
tsmmfg.com


just need the E350 rotors now.

[BigBlueF250]

What do you end up using for a park brake?

[zakt]

See page 4, the NP205 transfer case driveline brake. I thought about using the eldorado brake everyone use with the ebrake but from what I read they are junk and work half the time...so went with no rear ebrake and a driveline brake (no cables all the way to the back )

another different picture:

[1971ford]

Glad to see some Ruffstuff parts!

Build is looking great!

[zakt]

picked up a billet alluminum shift knob for the NP205

[basketcase0302]

Looking good Todd.
I had a driveline brake on my old style Bronco for many years, you'll be happy with it.