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Discussion starter · #221 ·
@JohnnyJ do you like your ram mount/truss? I've got some 2"x1/4 wall tubing. My initial idea was to do something like you have.

I like what I have so far, it's minimal and feel like it's stout. But I'm open to other ideas.
 
The design looks good, I'd just add some tubing for more support. I've hit my ram mount a lot on big rocks. Would reallllllly suck to bend the mount and screw up the steering.

Take a look through these builds for ideas: Gallery
 
The design looks good, I'd just add some tubing for more support. I've hit my ram mount a lot on big rocks. Would reallllllly suck to bend the mount and screw up the steering.

Take a look through these builds for ideas: Gallery
I bent my ram mount in Utah, which sheared the ram bolts, which sheared the ram hose fittings, which emptied my hyd reservoir, which left me stranded on the mountain. If you think you "might" bend it, reinforce it in advance.
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My previous comment was ignored, but just as important. A truss over the top of the axle does not keep it from bending front/back. I've bent an axle twice front to back and also popped the rosette weld, which allowed my tube to twist. As long as you are making a ram mount, make it a front truss.

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yikes. That would suck hard. I see a lot of builds where its just a 1/4" plate and they are shocked when it bends. That is why I like the DOM that spans knuckle to knuckle to help keep everything inline and hopefully prevent the bending back/forward. I defiantly weld the tubes on all my axles....first thing I ever do before anything.

@xj4life I'd also make sure you full bump the axle to make sure everything clears. I have around 2" before it hits the radiator/grill.
 
yikes. That would suck hard. I see a lot of builds where its just a 1/4" plate and they are shocked when it bends. That is why I like the DOM that spans knuckle to knuckle to help keep everything inline and hopefully prevent the bending back/forward. I defiantly weld the tubes on all my axles....first thing I ever do before anything.

@xj4life I'd also make sure you full bump the axle to make sure everything clears. I have around 2" before it hits the radiator/grill.
Exactly!
 
Discussion starter · #226 ·
My previous comment was ignored, but just as important. A truss over the top of the axle does not keep it from bending front/back. I've bent an axle twice front to back and also popped the rosette weld, which allowed my tube to twist. As long as you are making a ram mount, make it a front truss.
That makes a lot of sense. I'm all for doing things right the first time. I'm putting a lot of resources into this project and want to enjoy it when its done...not breakdown on the trail. I'll see what I can come up with to add a front truss.
 
@JohnnyJ do you like your ram mount/truss? I've got some 2"x1/4 wall tubing. My initial idea was to do something like you have.

I like what I have so far, it's minimal and feel like it's stout. But I'm open to other ideas.
Yes, seems to be holding up well so far. The front bash bar cross piece is 2x0.375 and the sides are 1.5x0.250. The ram mounts to 1/4" plate, and I wanted the bash bar up as high as possible, so I notched out the back side of the tube to make room for the ram mounts. Plans are to add an upper support that ties the bash bar to the truss for reasons white rhino mentions. My thought is to make it dual purpose and create a winch tie down for it. I don't use a winch tie down frequently, but it's nice to have the option.

 
I didn't even think of doing a winching point... hmm. May have to. Can think of a few instances where having that ability to pull the front end down would have helped.
 
Discussion starter · #233 ·
Quick update. Not much been going on as I have been sick for the last five weeks with an unknown illness. Starting to feel better but lost a lot of strength and stamina.

Yesterday I started welding up my high steer arms on the stock knuckles. Decided to pick up some $$$ ERNiFe-Cl mig wire to make sure I got good welds. Took me a bit to figure out how to weld with that wire and end up getting some cracks as it cooled. Don't think I gave them a good enough pre-heat. Going to grind them out and give it another try. If I can't get good welds I've decided I'll drop the coin on some Reid knuckles and bolt-on high steer arms.
 
Keep at it! The truss and ram mount/ front truss look great.
As an aside, how hard/ easy is it to pull the carrier out of the diff with the front truss? I need to come up with something for mine and not having to make it all bolt on would be so much easier.
 
Discussion starter · #236 ·
Keep at it! The truss and ram mount/ front truss look great.
As an aside, how hard/ easy is it to pull the carrier out of the diff with the front truss? I need to come up with something for mine and not having to make it all bolt on would be so much easier.
I appreciate the encouragement. I'm getting close to seven years on this build, definitely not quitting but go through mental slumps at times. Just keep making forward progress every week.

Carrier doesn't go in straight in/out, have to angle it a little but but its not to difficult and there is room to spare. If it ends up being a problem I think I can come up with a way to have a section of the tubing be bolt on.
 
I looked through your thread real quick and saw the before and after pics but no description of what you did. Looks like the plate is bolt in/ out to me?
Yeah, truss's with a big ass hole for the dif are weak as shit. I added a 1045 plate across the whole thing to tie it together. Better pics in my YJ thread than the Willys thread but I did basically the same thing to both.
 
Discussion starter · #240 ·
Yeah, truss's with a big ass hole for the dif are weak as shit. I added a 1045 plate across the whole thing to tie it together. Better pics in my YJ thread than the Willys thread but I did basically the same thing to both.
I agree. Once I get it all in place I'm going to brace the open areas on both sides of the axle. The diff side support will definitely be a bolt on item.
 
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