Ladder and tire carrier

[Kryptoroxx]

All of my projects have gotten kind of compressed. All of them are basically waiting on hardware from McMaster so I started the last project I will be able to do for a while. I gotta take a break and I also have to save $$. Eventually this will be a flat belly rig with enough armor for what I do but not be really heavy. I'm taking leave for most of September and I am hoping to make pismo still. We will see. The promotion list will determine that. If I'm not on it I have to finish what I have started and shelve the rest. Education and family come before hobbies. Good thing is I was accepted back to my old school with a full ride. Sadly it's in Michigan :(

I am still on the warpath to do a tire carrier and ladder without killing the rear suspension. Tire carrier is going to be a stock 2nd Gen mounted to reinforced panels. I don't think this will be very hard at all. I will fab up the bracket and attach it to the corner support. That along with body panels being nearly 1/8" thick will support the load just fine when open. The latch mounted to the tailgate will provide sufficient additional support. I will be running 255/85 r16 tires but that is it. Way less weight than a lot of other setups.

No on to what I've been cooking up.
So far I'm just cutting metal but soon I will be throwing some sparks. Pretty simple ladder. It's too long in its current configuration but I don't have the tire carrier mounted yet so it is difficult to see how it will fit with the carrier.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/04/cba3c17e4986c118bc59cfcb1686d11b.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/04/3055f11cef1d6909336de183fa1b1456.jpg

The notched angles really make this an easy project that will hold plenty of weight. I went with 1.5" .090 tube. It should match the top rack nicely since the design premise is the same.

This project is kinda out there and hasn't really been done but there's only one way to find out.

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[4x4mike]

Cool. I can't to see what you come up with. I've always like the simplicity of the 2nd gen carriers. I think I remember a long time ago seeing a couple Tacoma guys use those on their trucks. I think one guy slipped some sort of support tube in the rear corner and mounting the swing away to that.

[Kryptoroxx]

Cool. I can't to see what you come up with. I've always like the simplicity of the 2nd gen carriers. I think I remember a long time ago seeing a couple Tacoma guys use those on their trucks. I think one guy slipped some sort of support tube in the rear corner and mounting the swing away to that.
And on the best day to get it. When the junkyard lords declare 50% off!

Oh and Sean I got that part you were after. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/05/e1ad5dead42374ee4c5089107222e832.jpg

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[Seanz0rz]

Awesome! Thank you!

Looks like a good score!

[Kryptoroxx]

Awesome! Thank you!

Looks like a good score!
Very good! I had to ask the lady to repeat the total lol http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/05/100e521dbad6a6a69b23a7ccb2c0f955.jpg

The upper hinge will have to be modified but I am sure that won't be much of a problem. Some boxed 3/16" should make an upper hinge quite well.

It fits pretty tight to the body. I might have to modify the latch as well but I think it will work out quite well. It will take some patience though.

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[Bob98SR5]

Cool. I can't to see what you come up with. I've always like the simplicity of the 2nd gen carriers. I think I remember a long time ago seeing a couple Tacoma guys use those on their trucks. I think one guy slipped some sort of support tube in the rear corner and mounting the swing away to that.

Mike,

I recall seeing that too, but he didn't make any mods to the carrier hinge mechanism. it looked ghetto fabulous. i dont car what anyone says and i get it that "to each his own", but its got to look somewhat decent. do you recall where you saw it?

[Bob98SR5]

john

i posted this on FB for your reference:

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/oem-swing-out-spare-tire-carrier-113705/

[Kryptoroxx]

john

i posted this on FB for your reference:

http://www.yotatech.com/f2/oem-swing-out-spare-tire-carrier-113705/
Thanks! I appreciate it. I have to take a look at it tomorrow on the computer. My phone screen is way too small.

Mike,

I recall seeing that too, but he didn't make any mods to the carrier hinge mechanism. it looked ghetto fabulous. i dont car what anyone says and i get it that "to each his own", but its got to look somewhat decent. do you recall where you saw it?
I've got a couple of ideas to work out on paper to make it look semi professional. I doubt the welds will be pretty but they will hold. I've been lucky enough to meet a certified welder and what helps is he can tell me what I'm doing wrong even if he doesn't see the weld.

So for the mount I need to change I have some 3/16" flat.....a lot of it actually. So I was thinking of remaking that hinge with boxed plate and that way I can place it on the body where it is convienent. Same with the lower actually. I think I can simplify the whole thing just by making the mounts myself.

There will be reinforcement as well. I will make an L bracket off the corner support and bolt or weld in place. I would prefer bolts just because welding melts wires easily lol.

For the tailgate piece I believe that thor has the right idea. It's the only thing I see working and it seems pretty solid. I might try to slip some flat stock on the inside to bolt to with weld washers.

Here's the thread I'm referencing btw. He made a bad choice by not reinforcing it but otherwise it's solid imo. Please I am all ears for suggestions though.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/109910-thread-retro-fitting-2nd-gen-tire-carrier-3rd-gen-4runner.html

What I love about using the stock carrier is the fact that it spreads the load out over the body without having a huge force on the frame. Plus I got the darn thing for 15 bucks. If I can do a tire carrier for say 150 including hardware that's a seious win.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Okie dokie. I've got a plan I think. Hoping I can explain this clearly.

Reinforcement isn't going to be much for the hinges but it will be something. I have to use 1/8" rather than the originally planned 3/16" because of the shaping I have to do as well as the room I have behind the panel. The plate also has to be shaped to the curve of the panel which will be easier with the 1/8". I am going to use some of my spare 1" square tube as a vertical tie in to the holes in the corner support. Since there will be limited contact to the vertical tie in there will be a piece of 3/16" tied in arched to arch the curve.

The corner support to modify.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/e36f43f0a761132c976ca1db51e67f51.jpg

These are the holes I will bolt the tube steel to. They are vertical and sit about 3" forward of the brake lights. Pretty convienent holes.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/d4c5b8a23bc63e92e3d19c486c733696.jpg

Difficult to see in but this is the gap I have to work with lol. It's not much.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/6ec27523aa122b7d9c3c6c8418fd9c6b.jpg

There is nothing thick in the corner. It is all just stamped steel so that leads me to two conclusions. The first being that the reinforcements were likely just brackets tack welded to the back of the body panel and then maybe bolted to another piece of support. The second is that the hinges don't carry that much of the weight although they certainly assist in the carrying.

The tailgate has some heavier duty stuff in it which is nice. I've taken it apart a couple of times. I might actually have to drop the motor assembly out to do the tailgate easily. It's a good thing I am taking leave soon. This is not going to be a small project. It is however fairly straight forward.

Now I have to brag a little on my find lol. This thing is almost in perfect shape. Only thing wrong with it is the license plate holes are stripped.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/d81f36289bc9be323d1db5ec269aa491.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/a5f50908e4e96745de595c01eedcc41a.jpg

It even has the stock pin for holding it open!
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/6e193ae1dd3aeda176d7e42bb0ff9d34.jpg

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[Kryptoroxx]

Ok so the hardest thing I had to do today was find stuff in the garage that allowed me to set the tire carrier where I wanted it to sit on the vehicle without me having to hold it. Sounds easy right? WRONG.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/ca65307c11896dd8fb1cc67f89b46fe4.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/f04e14e2673821a5f5b8c0801de9084b.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/46cd7f83ecf8dc25174ed1d44c5680f8.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/c79702afc69a62089ca5cadd7811997d.jpg

After everything was mocked up I realized quite a few things that were iffy for securing this thing. One the tire carrier is too wide. Unlike the second gen we have a handle on the outside so naturally the handle being in the center one of the two things would have to give. Thor on T4R only shortened a little bit by spacing the mounts sliding it just enough to the right that you could access the handle with the center latch on the hatch.

Second thing was the mounts were too tall. Granted this spreads the twisting load when the carrier is being opened up but it presents a problem when using the center latch as it ends up being crooked. I do not believe this was addressed in the other build and could easily be why it was torn off.

Third, reinforcing the inside is more than just a little trick. I got started on it today but I want to think on the solution a little more before I commit to a solution. I do have lots of pics of what I did. I tore into the center latch. I am simply going to add some 1/8" plate to the inside and leave it at that with weld nuts. There's not much you can do in there besides simply add a plate. Since it is all behind the license plate adapter I might try to weld a little to the body just to make it more secure.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/60d27cd46454756d1a579e7cd00edc34.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/f91bd013aff06604c42294b52190a01d.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/535579ffa5816a0d52b2daf7b5968baf.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/bcc023ce1ef5e368f92d1571f9775183.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/8b18bd6ad7800f2194598328ea2a69f8.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/5e4da026d3fb77f836d857067afa5ba9.jpg

Ok so now we dive off the deep end. I looked at the swingout from every angle and realized it's not such a simple mount after all. It has little tweaks everywhere. So instead of just being able to cut willy nilly I had to sit down and figure it out mathematically (meaning guess)

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/a476f9272c9e2104335e7fb5c7f3fa2c.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/6c34659a47da706210e5ada9be8fda0c.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/e5f0a82ff211a218ce56eaed8fced007.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/9faf5ea5286b8b26039e9e39a9f2894f.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/6e372a12df48993719f6d5cdf8df0003.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/d191a1a6ea48abbf073b03cfef43aeee.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/1df85cde7dfb2998878beb264d8a3c33.jpg

That's about as far as I got today. I can weld the tubing easily. Its .120 wall so well within my capabilities. It's tacked together but it took a long time to set everything up and get a decent tack weld. I actually had to break one of my tack welds today and re-set the piece but other than that things went well. I am very worn out.

[habanero]

Nice! Hope the carrier works real well and the ladder looks very promising. :) I can't believe the price on your parts or that you actually have access to 4Runners of any years in the yards. That doesn't happen much here. :(

[Kryptoroxx]

Nice! Hope the carrier works real well and the ladder looks very promising. :) I can't believe the price on your parts or that you actually have access to 4Runners of any years in the yards. That doesn't happen much here. :(
That actually doesn't happen very often. The reason I got it is because I had a woman at the register and I called it by the correct part category. Spare tire carrier.

Here's the last couple pics for the night. I moved it back up to make sure I didn't need to adjust the arms anymore and I am pretty sure I got it right the first time!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/3c9e41d79db712f26f33f33f7fdf1a75.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/c780c13eb5339aeee31a15375cd62aff.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/90194846712508f070acee6f6dc231da.jpg

The whole thing will fit even tighter after I do the center mount. I am going to try and make all the bolt holes on the mount work....but honestly if I get 4 with a piece of plate behind it I think I will be doing pretty well.

I am going to make the hinge mounts last since the center will be the weight bearing portion and it is the more crucial of mounts.

The other awesome thing is that it leaves me plenty of room of the other side for the ladder.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/06/1981cf277d347fefc789e2aaaebd6367.jpg

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[4x4mike]

Man it looks like you have your work cut out for you.

I was surprised how thin the sheet metal was when I was poking around back there for my shelf project. Make sure you tie into enough/big enough spots or I think you'll be fighting the project the entire way.

I know it's hard to tell without sitting right in front of it, sweating and holding the carrier to the back but what about cutting into the body a bit. I'm thinking on the side of the body under the window near the crease in the side sheet metal, as far back as needed. Again this is just thinking but what about a pillar type support that hides inside of the body and then slice a small slit in the sheet metal to attach some 1/4 plate or something that you can work off of. The pillar could poke through the bottom of the body and then have an arm that attaches to the side of the frame.

A loaded carrier is going to create a lot of leverage. Having a solid purchase point will reduce ripped sheet metal and keep it nice and straight.

[Kryptoroxx]

Man it looks like you have your work cut out for you.

I was surprised how thin the sheet metal was when I was poking around back there for my shelf project. Make sure you tie into enough/big enough spots or I think you'll be fighting the project the entire way.

I know it's hard to tell without sitting right in front of it, sweating and holding the carrier to the back but what about cutting into the body a bit. I'm thinking on the side of the body under the window near the crease in the side sheet metal, as far back as needed. Again this is just thinking but what about a pillar type support that hides inside of the body and then slice a small slit in the sheet metal to attach some 1/4 plate or something that you can work off of. The pillar could poke through the bottom of the body and then have an arm that attaches to the side of the frame.

A loaded carrier is going to create a lot of leverage. Having a solid purchase point will reduce ripped sheet metal and keep it nice and straight.
That's close to what I'm trying to do. It is really hard to see but what I'm up to with the tube steel and the curved piece of plate but I am filling the gap that exists between the body panel and that support for the roof.

That corner brace is what I am going to use as the support on the inside.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/08/bccbcc8b145796c144851447871d4eb9.jpg

Right now for fitting and measuring purposes I have a 1x1" square tube and then a small curve cut piece of 1/8" plate that fills the gap to the panel. I will be using a bigger piece of 1/8" plate that butt up directly to the panel and curves with the body to hold weld nuts, act as a seal, and to stiffen the panel. It will be ribbed to further transfer the force into the corner support

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/08/e84f11b655b79bfd8f32c31fe0a98437.jpg

I had to cut into the tube a little to slide it up far enough to get to that crease on the outside

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/08/792feaf0df7c07bd3fda1eac984122f9.jpg

Here's a drawing of what is in my mind. I'm a bad artist though so hopefully you can see it.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/08/c463af2b86352bc59e897af96c230d40.jpg


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[Kryptoroxx]

Figured out the hinges and ordered my parts this week. The only thing that could make this perfect is if I found a place that could bend some 90 deg tube for me. I can make it work without but I think it would look a lot cleaner with the hinges tucked right to the body and the tube bending around the corner of the truck.

The hinges are going to be heim joints. I priced a bunch of options out and I was able to get loaded heim with jam nuts and bungs for 22 apiece. Heims are chromoly with a 9/16" misalignment spacer.

Everything else was all of the hardware I needed for some projects. Wish to hell McMaster wasn't so expensive on shipping....

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[Kryptoroxx]

Well all parts are in. I am booked for this weekend as long as the weather behaves. It's been muggy as can be these past few days.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/10/bfdb6cde2b33bb8e2951e54fdd43cd2d.jpg

I was able to talk my buddy (a certified welder to boot) into coming over and helping/teaching me improve my welds.

Also I am going to break my spot welds as I should have thought of the best way to align all of the joints back up. Best way to make sure they are absolutely straight is to use a sleeve. I have smaller tube that will fit inside fairly snugly. Probably only 1/16 of play.

The bungs fit a little loose as well but I am just going to cut slits in the end of the tube to where the bung ends and then weld them all back up. It seems like it would work just fine. Any reasons why not?



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[4x4mike]

Or a plug weld.

[Seanz0rz]

We use plug welds a lot at work. Very strong!

[Kryptoroxx]

Or a plug weld.


We use plug welds a lot at work. Very strong!
Just read about these. Sounds like a good option as my little hobart is really going to need to crank out some heat for these bungs.

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[Kryptoroxx]

I went and got some tube that fits the bungs exactly. I'm going to try and bend these with sand but it is .090 so it's gonna take some grunt. Good thing I picked up 6 ft of it. I just don't have anything to act as a radius to bend on.

I wonder if the hobby shop has 1.25 dies for their hydro bender. It would be nice if they did.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Lots of work done today and sadly and early halt to it due to a burp in the aircraft remover can. It got on my arm above the glove and I had to do a dance to get it off. Another reason to hate autozone.

Anyway on to progress. I started really early this morning doing something I never thought I would do manually......bend tube. Naturally you can't exactly bend this stuff on my bench. So here's how to bend .120 wall tube.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/92269a6350ecdde166018e2c9b4976e1.jpg

The strap is attached to one of my d rings (very strong btw). At one point I was moving the 4runner. Then I set it in gear. I was able to make 3 successful bend pieces. I tried first with no sand. Bad idea. Definitely fill with sand and tap it before you bend it. The potato bar goes down the end of the tube to give me a bigger handle. The pylon gives me the perfect radius bends of the 4runner.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/ed23d70fecdbb8f4aa98b967fb915ae9.jpg

Those two are identical. The other is sharper but all three didn't kink which is great.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/2ba3021c209e5d2d74e5681c0b9bfbb2.jpg

I went back and sheathed all the tube behind the welds and took my time welding them up. It looks great and it's straight.

So on to fitting the tire carrier latch. Since everything connects to this I started here. I had to remove the license plate surround which is a total pita but patience will win out.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/46b5ca724d8f3e8fe8712f16ed2dedff.jpg

I had to slice out one of the holes because it interfered with the rear latch handle.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/08294553f983ab381c3e4d16bd39ed85.jpg

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http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/4aeca825251b9d15634a6aafd635dfec.jpg

Pics of fitting directly to the rear door.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/57008b7525e003b3bd63963ff85c4cd5.jpg

The reinforcement that will go behind the panel. Sadly it's not very big but the good news is that the metal in the door is curvy all around the attachment points so that should increase the strength of the panel in itself. I will be using the top and bottom holes with a firm rubber bumper and a fender washer on the backside. That will help distribute the load more but it's so tight in there I can't do anything more.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/12/7f6364c677fccdfe69b996fdee5da480.jpg

Going to have to cut this as well. I'm hoping for a really tight fit so it looks like it was meant to be there....but I doubt it will lol.

When I was removing the powder coat from the panel reinforcement is when my accident happened. It really sucker but I will finish the rear door tomorrow so I can have a functioning door back for monday.



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[Kryptoroxx]

Ok so the rear hatch is done. Everything fit miraculously well. It's really sturdy. This is building right now so eventually when I'm on leave I will take it all apart and paint everything pretty and put it back together.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/6052f65f93d3489618e8a3d994f56658.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/a93dec8e1a7a6ea992d930fee4d40c23.jpg

So that's the support plate with the weld nuts on the back. I didn't take a whole lot of care making it nicely but it is solid and it fits well. I just had to cut a small piece out for it to fit flush.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/4f66df0c25553a83e6c3cd088b9ae204.jpg

I have some .25" neoprene rubber cushion that I am using with all of the brackets and it works great. It squished down pretty good but it firms up and doesn't balloon out too badly. Highly recommend something like this when working with painted surfaces. Also provides a pretty good seal and a shock cushion.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/2245f719fb7a0d5364191de3135d4d86.jpg

Initial fit with bolts through the metal on the plate. I wasn't sure where the other bolt holes were going to line up.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/88d3c5d87778b6fea2c3c7fb79fa47e8.jpg

Those are the size washers I used on the holes outside of the plate. There was no way to extend or bend the plate to accommodate those holes.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/a997d0c7b7b946d230108b967f7e7082.jpg

How tight the top hole was. My big fat fingers had to get up in there.

Of course the last obstacle was fitting my license plate in there again.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/13/d138d32c43a0636a0f4a5a98ce9e79bb.jpg

I got tired. I did have a video of me shaking the truck from the strike plate but it keeps failing to upload. It is very sturdy though.


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[Seanz0rz]

Does your window still go down?

Looking good! Braver man than I!

[Kryptoroxx]

Does your window still go down?

Looking good! Braver man than I!
It clears everything with ease. It was the first thing I tested though lol.

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[Seanz0rz]

I hope you have another option of securing the license plate at a later date. Could attach it to the ladder, but make sure you get a light on it!

I can't wait to see this thing done!

[Kryptoroxx]

I hope you have another option of securing the license plate at a later date. Could attach it to the ladder, but make sure you get a light on it!

I can't wait to see this thing done!
I gotta see where the tire is actually going to sit and stuff. I salvaged the license plate holder from the stock carrier and the brackets too so hopefully I can kinda stick it on somewhere lol.

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[malteserunner]

If you can't make it fit, I could find a home for it on my Cruiser! : )

Your work is lookin' good!!

[4x4mike]

That's coming out great.

Good job on the pipe bending and to be consistent to get multiple bends.

[Kryptoroxx]

That's coming out great.

Good job on the pipe bending and to be consistent to get multiple bends.
Thanks! Bending that .120 wall was harder than I thought. I broke a sweat doing that.

If you can't make it fit, I could find a home for it on my Cruiser! : )

Your work is lookin' good!!
Lol I can't go back now. Got holes everywhere and thanks! Hopefully I get some free time during the week so I can start mocking things up.

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[Kryptoroxx]

So I either did something really right or really wrong lol. I went out to mock stuff up and this is how it went.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/14/02214613e0261bbac50f82a41cb1e4ca.jpg

It holds itself. I didn't plan on that but it's a plus as it let's me see exactly where I sit as far as fitting goes.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/14/003cecdca857cd23a9f751b96418334d.jpg

Really close to the body. Closer than I thought it would be honestly.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/14/ce7b72bf6253174ae41984690e68ba55.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/14/9d4b734b9de4dcf30a98c334a526fb35.jpg

A pic of the piece I picked out for the top bend. It didn't kink but it wasn't far off even with the sand. I think it still has plenty of strength though. I almost cut it too short.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/14/7b6603a1746320c2879c802f2ee76001.jpg

Bottom bend.

Not sure how the differences in the bends (no matter how slight) will effect the swing action so it's good that I have heim joints so I have a bit of adjustment.

Also now sure of how I should go about making the rest of the mounts because I'm not exactly sure where the holes will show up on the inside. They have to be within a certain range but all of the bolts have to be on the plate this time instead of just 4.

Right now I'm gonna go with placing the mounts on the outside exactly where they need to be and then developing support for them on the inside within the general idea of what I drew up.

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[habanero]

Looks great, lots of ingenuity, love the pipe bender! :D

Where did I see a photo of double heim joints on a tire carrier, one of them broken??? Will rack brain...

[Kryptoroxx]

Well this build has taken a turn for the more interesting but I believe I have a solution as long as it can be done.

So even with the narrowing of the mount the hinges still land on the bottom angle and at the top crease thingy. I did everything go I could to raise it but it wasn't enough.

My hinges are gonna be some stout pieces. Initial design is having the hinges mount on the flat of the panel and bend down or up to meet the level needed for the tube to meet center. If I had a hydro bender I would just put a light s bend in and call it a day. As it stands the bend will only be steep to keep the hinge as close to the body as possible.

I am going to box the design of course to increase strength and if possible I will connect the hinge assemblies on one piece of plate. That way I can fully sandwich the panel to maximize force transfer into the corner support. I am sure that's a little overkill....but I don't have the luxury of messing this up either lol.

Clear as mud??



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[habanero]

Some good looking mud....I was doing a search trying to find it and saw some nice usage of heim joints that looked stout and more like your description. Never found what I was looking for. This is one cool project you've got going. Well...two cool projects.

[Kryptoroxx]

Here's the prototype. Pretty sure I might have to increase the angle. I really want to have it tuck really tight to the body. If I can keep it to 1.5" I will be pretty happy with that.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/15/b332902bb1c4bc69bb02a49b8dab6154.jpg

The bigger issue is I have to pound that plate into a slight curve. Pretty sure my welding table will come in handy since the vise would probably be too sharp of an angle.



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[Seanz0rz]

If you need a tighter bend, you can score the inside with a cutoff wheel to reduce the thickness, then weld it up.

[Kryptoroxx]

If you need a tighter bend, you can score the inside with a cutoff wheel to reduce the thickness, then weld it up.
I did not even think about that!! I would love around 75 deg but I wanted a good way to control the bend so it didn't twist. That's perfect! Thanks Sean.

And it makes it easier to bend too. 3/16" takes a pretty good wallop with the ol hammer.

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[Seanz0rz]

Some discussion on that method in the first few pages.

http://www.ultimateyota.com/showthread.php?8020-Seanz0rz-s-rear-bumper-buildup

[Kryptoroxx]

Oh yeah I found something that solves a concern I had about using heim joints for a hinge too.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Seals-It-WS5001-Heim-Joint-Rod-End-Seals-1-2-Inch-Hole-Set-6,33032.html

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[Kryptoroxx]

So a little more progress but I'm not done for the evening. Just had to watch one of the little ones for a while.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/16/0f4b70c4cec80dc8f85f236e891fdd96.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/16/fa7ddc777192127a4be37e452e669a2f.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/16/7a4a109d24e2c14ecf3e4dc01e7ba481.jpg

I also cut out all of the tabs. Haven't cut and bent them yet as I need to figure out how much I need to bend them to get everything in line.

Trying to decide on the process. I feel like I have more flexibility if I place the outside plate and drill the panel. Then place the inside panel reinforcement before I start bending hinges. After the hinges are bent I can work the length of the bends into the hinges with the heim joints.

The outer and inside panel is going just forward of the brake light housing. It's tight back in there but the corner brace is very close by to bolt to. That and the sandwich effect of the two pieces of plate should lend more than enough strength to the carrier even when it is open.

The horrible thing is after I get all of this work completed I have to take it all out, paint it, and put it all back in. Also noticed my top rack getting a little orange in a few spots so I'm going over that as well. Plus I'm checking over my snorkel for paint rub, rusting hardware, and any other premature damage.

Good thing I have leave to burn.



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[Kryptoroxx]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/16/5b9066bab149d844571d4d1b4cd27194.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/16/38a7e769ba56fdf55382247ff85b1d87.jpg

Gotta chase a few of the holes again with a slightly bigger bit. Since I didn't think and I bent the plates first some of the holes are a little tight. This has got to be a no stress fit.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Got a good amount done today!!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/17/8cfec2ba254e86df9547a967392ae6ef.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/17/66548683097086bd0b803a39253578bf.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/17/31929f5508ab2dd1170673cac114e38f.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/17/c86ea53ed8f74b4042bd11ca3b851295.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/17/515d194758d1dab7f7f56baf7595d3e3.jpg

Everything is ready to hang!!

I need to slice a little off the top carrier side and add a little to the bottom. Then I am welding the bends in before I do the support. Once the support goes in I will figure the hinge tabs out. Everything is looking pretty good though.

Found out I will be leaving the service near the end of the year. I am going back east to finish my education. Also instead of having nothing to fill my leave days we are travelling up to see family I the Seattle area.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Another productive day! Didn't get started till after 1400 but the hinge plate is done!!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/18/1786849d347369e9bd50594bbda1dceb.jpg

Here goes nothin! Wasn't quite sure how to do this precisely.....so I jumped in and adjusted fire as needed.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/18/7879daf78cc885cfb55fc28569e9b4c9.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/18/63fe182a963594f6666f359877e8c7e3.jpg

The lower hinge tacked up. Monstaliner is wonderful at allowing a tack weld.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/18/df3ce8ab4e9783a1502d086a256fc245.jpg

Welding everything up. Taking my time on the beads really helps. The heat rings were pretty well spread out so I am certain I got enough penetration. I also used a sleeve on the inside to both strengthen and align the tubing. Worked like a charm. Flux still sucks to clean up but the welds were solid so I'm good with it.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/18/eef0beb85929880fe471adf85f75aa60.jpg

Tacked up the upper and lower hinge plates. I am fairly certain they are strong. I know it's not the strongest design but it is very solid. I don't see this failing at all. I am going to add a triangle on the inside just to add strength. I should be able to clean this piece up tomorrow and finish the bracing.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/18/6c9f77cb716694aeb9b9c110fd362473.jpg

Finishing the welds and cleaning it all up to make it look purty is gonna take some time. Welds are good though.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/18/392e72c6ff7a7e0fb91e9d687f8dd2fb.jpg

I found these killer little pieces to keep the dirt and junk out of the joint. They were like 12 bucks for 6 and they really do stick tight to the joint without limiting movement.

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[paddlenbike]

Looking good! That hinge plate matches the contours of the side of the 4Runner perfectly--not sure how you managed that!

[Kryptoroxx]

Looking good! That hinge plate matches the contours of the side of the 4Runner perfectly--not sure how you managed that!
A big clamp, another big clamp, a 3lbs hammer, and a bad day.

What was crazy was that it only took 10 minutes to get it done. The hardware also helps a lot but it does fit fairly well without bolts.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Man I thought I had it. Messed up the hinges. Everything else fit well. It just wasn't flush like I wanted it to be.

This is how sure I was that I had it right

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/20/dbf94c45e4f45177971188c593ca47aa.jpg

I just cut the wings so I can weld extensions on at the right spacing.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/20/e551d022c7a8b1084b3bd2fa73a03dbb.jpg

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[Kryptoroxx]

Ok so after further review and a little bit of figuring out the adjustments on the stock tire holder itself (thank you toyota!) I have new measurements so I will be cutting and welding tomorrow after I drill some. This time we are doing this right!!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/20/cca0ffe2c3698b7b314397b0383fabd6.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/20/a2cec70066e79c355bb05f0829d30a73.jpg

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[4x4mike]

Oh man. At least you're still at it. Your work is really coming along.

It looks like you've got some changes and a move ahead of ya. It's good to hear you'll be able to get some schooling finished.

[Kryptoroxx]

Oh man. At least you're still at it. Your work is really coming along.

It looks like you've got some changes and a move ahead of ya. It's good to hear you'll be able to get some schooling finished.
Since I didn't make the mistake of trying to drill the tabs on the plate this time I should be able to get them within spec on the first try. Then I am boxing the front to help with strength since I am doing a butt weld.

I do have a big change coming. It's bittersweet. I am glad to be going back to school...and sad I'm leaving the service.

I'm also going through all my other mods and checking for rust especially near the body panels. I bought a good amount of neoprene rubber and that stuff is amazing at waterproofing!

[Kryptoroxx]

Well I was able to make 2 tabs that match up. The other 2 will have to wait till tomorrow.

I'm in a transitional readiness class right now so my days are longer than usual. I hope to have this particular piece wrapped up and painted by the weekend. I gotta get started on the ladder post haste. Won't have a garage anymore :(

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[Kryptoroxx]

Today everything got glued together. It took a long time for everything to get lined up and I only have the top hinge boxed right now. The bottom one is going to take special planning. It is very close in clearance to the heim and the bolt on the other side. I'm not sure if I can really fit it at the moment. I also have to cut everything down and grind it to make it look nice.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/b8056f7e5a2fb84d3657125a36160225.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/8e3ea1b25021ed89f5ecbb13373de483.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/0d027ab70521b440ddc4e90335057963.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/22/f2639246f84e3c56d0afe031cfbf3dd1.jpg

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[Bob98SR5]

John,

Amazing attention to detail and sheer ingenuity, esp w/ figuring out all the angles and making the metal bending work for you. Can't wait to see it all done!

[Kryptoroxx]

John,

Amazing attention to detail and sheer ingenuity, esp w/ figuring out all the angles and making the metal bending work for you. Can't wait to see it all done!

Thanks! Right now the hinge plate is pretty ugly. I'm hoping I can clean up all the lines and round some stuff off so it doesn't look like Frankenstein made it. I should be done with the plate today unless I don't get any time today.

The last elephant in the room is the interior support. I had to adjust my solution as the rear set of holes lined up precisely on where the support bracket was going to bolt in. Thankfully there's plenty of area in there where I can scoot it to the left and I am in the center of the plate. I would try and take pictures but I know it just wouldn't work. You gotta be here to see it. The support itself is really simple. I will be using some rectangular tubing to fill the space between the plate and the corner support to transfer rhe twisting forces into the support.

I want to have this wrapped up by the end of the weekend with a be a little progress on the ladder.

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[Kryptoroxx]

The moment we have all been waiting for! I mounted it today and tested it with a tire. I wanted to see where the major force was at and I definitely found it but my plates really worked. I really had to push on the tore pretty hard to get it to move while it was closed and when it was open it only flexed when I really pushed down. My plate did not flex at all though which is good.

I cleaned up and cut the top hinge first. Took a while to fit and clean up all the slag.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/7e5776cb9803463fde430a02e8cc4cad.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/18f2d92e6a8ea9e10fd8d0023fcf2850.jpg

Then I welded up the bottom hinge. The clearance on one of the bolts was really close but I managed to fit it right where it needed to go anyway.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/87e087ac93dc6ff876a54aa1d9650ad5.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/f6be1d45e0e8e63c7b96fad8ae922f11.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/6ea7d1f5d074b118849d3a82ffc6f1c8.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/a27b5d187ccf07599e6e8909f4abfdbb.jpg

Pretty happy with the hinge fit although the bottom one could tuck a little nicer. The unintended benefit is that it will close on you if you take your hands off it. I didn't build it to climb on or anything. Just to hold the tire.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/8c6bdd0bee70d31258ce5adbc6baf3fc.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/cdcc306ce9b51a14390de95e4f626721.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/8e4deb17584ebc4607fb8f6486d456a9.jpg

With the tire mounted. Good thing I'm only planning 285/55 r 16s lol. Any wider and I would have serious mounting issues.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/2fd2bc1ebedac6ac907e146fe6c5fb76.jpg

Doesn't really block a whole lot of the rear window but it does some I suppose.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/24cdd72645f19d53ef0d4f6ef6f4bac0.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/23/91a95a0e11ffe0b069e97ae78f46e786.jpg

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[Robinhood4x4]

Very nice, looks clean.

[Kryptoroxx]

Got most of the work needed done tonight. Came out well and fits great. Fits snug as a bug in the gap. Took a little while to fit and weld up right but I very glad I did so. I only wish that making the bolts for the assembly was as easy. I ended up inventing a way to get the nuts on the backside. I am sure it will be a pita to install....but it will be possible.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/24/37f2ce7c76d4f3c45f631d8bed54fbb2.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/24/a2abb40b7feee5015cbc7d0e7fa3dc0c.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/24/19cdf509675020f28c55d8eaa6c7bb97.jpg

Tomorrow I will be doing the final smoothing on the hinge and paint that sucker. Then it will get some neoprene treatment and get sandwiched together. Also the tailgate will come apart for painting. Then that is it for this particular project!!

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[Seanz0rz]

That's how Toyota made the tow hitch bolts!

Looks great!

[Kryptoroxx]

Thanks Sean! I'm really happy with it and when it's all together it is going to be really solid I think. It's already sturdy.

I learned a lot about building on this one. It should help quite a bit on this ladder project.

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[toyotech]

All that work tools and skills. Why didnt you just build a bumper with swing outs??

[Kryptoroxx]

All that work tools and skills. Why didnt you just build a bumper with swing outs??
Weight and safety. My setup probably adds in the neighborhood of 30lbs total where a swingout would add another 150 or so.

The safety aspect comes in the form of attachment points. Mine has 3 supported by multiple anchors across the rear of the vehicle where most bumpers have 2 main attachment points to the frame and then that supports a single attachment point on the bumper.

Plus I haven't seen but this done once and it wasn't even done correctly. I wanted to do it the right way with mostly toyota parts. I didn't quite make it on the toyota parts bit just because it took quite a bit of aftermarket hardware to do this.

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[toyotech]

My buddy added a factory swing out to a tube bumper on his 2nd gen runner.

Also the spindles on my swing outs are the size of a soda can. Not the wimpy trailer spindles everyone else uses.

[Kryptoroxx]

My buddy added a factory swing out to a tube bumper on his 2nd gen runner.

Also the spindles on my swing outs are the size of a soda can. Not the wimpy trailer spindles everyone else uses.
Wow now that's a cool carrier!

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[toyotech]

Wow now that's a cool carrier!

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Slam shut to lock and releases just like the factory since he reused it all from Toyota c

[Kryptoroxx]

Slam shut to lock and releases just like the factory since he reused it all from Toyota c
Yup same here. That's what I love about it.

Everything is complete and painted. Looks great, feels great, and the side panel doesn't even flex. I am very happy with it.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/e2434f240f2dc35bedf757d10c8cf50d.jpg

Bolted in just right

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/f349ba6e606521a2986f42cac2a7208f.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/d6441b8df64ce4308dd6f2288112fcdc.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/a083f9e1381e3afff6adf500a941b2ab.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/dba025985be18a007faff5886d1c5e54.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/25/9d636e0e8d8579ef31a7caa5ea874228.jpg



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[Seanz0rz]

Looks great!

My only addition would be at least some blue loctite on all the bolts. I don't think I would go red, but blue should be good.

[Kryptoroxx]

I have some blue laying around. There's 2 little things I have to do. One is grind down the misalignment washers so I can get the wipers in there and I have to finish my swing stop.

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[4x4mike]

Great job.

[Kryptoroxx]

Thanks mike!

I threw some blue loctite on today and did the grinding for the wiper seals. I took a break after that. There is so much going on I did something different. I took a nap lol. When I woke up 3 hours later I felt a lot better.

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[toyotech]

Sweets now find another factory swing out a reverse it for the driver side !!!

[Kryptoroxx]

Sweets now find another factory swing out a reverse it for the driver side !!!
Whew now that would be some work!

The ladder will barely fit in there as is. Right now I'm on a vacation of sorts but will return soon to start working hard on the ladder. It shouldn't take a long time at all.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Made a swing stop. Didn't think far enough ahead so I welded this up. Gotta smooth it out and paint it. For now it's functional and that's what counts.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/12/3d3cca479ab2abd01db30b815ed4c9d4.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/12/27b0b4e8315ed3ec46c4eb1e404361cf.jpg

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[Kryptoroxx]

Ok so I've done a bit of work on the rear shelf.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/28/814f3fab0ecc535cbf10196a2bee6a78.jpg

And I have a question about my method of construction for the ladder.

So I made a few bends with spare metal and found that I couldn't get a consistent bend. On top of that the more I looked at the area the more ways I thought of to strengthen it.

But first is it OK for me to cut and weld the angle that I need? I figure it would be strong enough if I use 1/8". I can also weld a bead on the inside without making the weld too fat for the gap I think. I've got about 1/2" gap where I want the bracket to be.

The other reason for the cut and weld is so I can drill and utilize the hinge bolts as some extra insurance that the metal will stay exactly where I want it. I think the fold in such a metal would be good enough to hold weight but side to side motion would be the issue.

The bottom bracket will be made of thinner stuff but all it is really doing is holding the ladder to the door.

Another solution to this problem would be attaching the ladder to the top rack, utilizing some hinges and attaching a bracket to the bottom of the door with a second hinge and set of slide bars to account for the different circumference of motion. Not sure how I would figure out the distance but that would be a very sturdy ladder.



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[Seanz0rz]

I'd love to have an insightful comment, but my brain is cooked.

To cut and fold, sure you should be fine. If you are really worried, you can always add a fish plate on the sides to spread the load out a bit through the tube.

Adding a hinge/slider mechanism is going to be WAY more trouble than it's worth. Don't do it!

[4x4mike]

But first is it OK for me to cut and weld the angle that I need? I figure it would be strong enough if I use 1/8". I can also weld a bead on the inside without making the weld too fat for the gap I think. I've got about 1/2" gap where I want the bracket to be.

The other reason for the cut and weld is so I can drill and utilize the hinge bolts as some extra insurance that the metal will stay exactly where I want it. I think the fold in such a metal would be good enough to hold weight but side to side motion would be the issue.



I think my brain is cooked too. I'm having trouble visualizing the above but if Sean says it's okay it will probably work. Is there much out there on existing 3rd gen ladders? I know I've seen a few but never really know if they get much use.

[Seanz0rz]

Is the tube for the ladder round or square? My advise applies to square tube. You might be able to make it work on round tube if you get creative.

[Kryptoroxx]

I'd love to have an insightful comment, but my brain is cooked.

To cut and fold, sure you should be fine. If you are really worried, you can always add a fish plate on the sides to spread the load out a bit through the tube.

Adding a hinge/slider mechanism is going to be WAY more trouble than it's worth. Don't do it!

I knew the sliding mech would be a pita. It would be super cool...but way harder than the bracketry for the swingout.

I'm going to be cutting all the way through and then welding it back up. There isn't a good way to mock things up to drill and cut while it's a flat piece of metal so I am going to work with the bottom piece and then weld the angle to reach the outside. I hope that makes sense.

I think my brain is cooked too. I'm having trouble visualizing the above but if Sean says it's okay it will probably work. Is there much out there on existing 3rd gen ladders? I know I've seen a few but never really know if they get much use.
Nada on ladders. I see the way gobi worked it and I'm making mine better simply by using the hinge bolts to keep everything in one place.


Is the tube for the ladder round or square? My advise applies to square tube. You might be able to make it work on round tube if you get creative.

I already have the ladder laid out and ready to weld!! My fingers have been itching horribly to do it but I want to make sure I get the top plate laid out first so I can work angles and such. Trying really hard to make it look like I know what I'm doing :p;)

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[Kryptoroxx]

Ok a little bit of progress or a lot depending on how you look at it.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/29/51685cf9a64b33605c50d844a517c922.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/29/17ede2f93a0096dcb37b5f36c034e986.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/29/8191134dccea1b9e634fffc7e6e8b28c.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/29/e118e921d0c0b153040c2720509a293b.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/29/90cc4776ace8b3e882cc554006674f85.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/29/bfce14d23b60e23e04f764d8516fea06.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/29/73fc2ea0305b0affc2e68f028219f73b.jpg

I am almost finished with the primary holding bracket. There will be a lip on the rest of it just to assist with the load but I think that will hold fine given it has the strongest part of the door assisting.

Hard parts coming up are bending the steel to curve with the door and getting it all to fit very snugly. It's slow and tedious but fun too.

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[Seanz0rz]

Weld up those over cut lines on your notch, else it will crack there.

Looking good! Looking forward to see further progress.

[Kryptoroxx]

Weld up those over cut lines on your notch, else it will crack there.

Looking good! Looking forward to see further progress.


I will definitely do that. There is going to be a fair amount of stress on this piece. I would love to make these from 3/16 but the cut and fold would end up being as thin as 1/8 so all in all there wouldn't be a strength increase.

The only thing is that it is a total pain to install this bracket. I have to unbolt one side of the hatch and those struts aren't for the weak minded. Whew!

Hopefully I get a little time tomorrow but if not Saturday I'm going to push and try to finish both projects.

In other news I might be removing the limited cladding. Honestly I think the risk of rust is way more dangerous back east than looking cool with plastic fenders lol. If the right price is tossed out its gonna happen and I will weld up all the holes from the backside and grind them smooth before getting a single gallon of Monstaliner and tinting it to the anthracite.

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[Kryptoroxx]

It's not much for progress but a little headway has been made. I had an emergency project of a desk for my wife. I have the frame done so all that is left is the desktop surround, shelf, and support for the desk. Easy day.

On to the pics! They don't show a lot because I don't have enough hands to hold it to the truck and take pics.

Solution to a small issue. I wanted some more weld on the steps and I wanted them to stick out a little more. So I cut half in and half down. It also gives me the option of welding the ends shut.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/10/561b160e62f656f6da684af345704901.jpg

Just a shot of what I did for the wife's desk. It bolts in the center
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/10/8520de2c4afc1d300b830800317c8e8b.jpg

This is the top bracket piece for the outside. It's bent to contour the truck on the bottom and then make it level so I have a platform to weld to.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/10/fb0ef20c969f280573e1342dc88a0983.jpg

Just showing how much bend is in the piece.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/10/b98c2b8e0f6bf3d0dea3c9de902c5207.jpg

My big issue right now is attaching the upper and inner bracket together while ensuring it fits over the door. I haven't proven it won't work but it remains in the back of my mind.

In other news I can't get a steering rack before I move so I bought some napa itr and I ordered the steering rack guide pieces. My rack doesn't leak at all so I'm curious if it isn't just the guide.

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[troyboy162]

you hafta post some wheeling pics next. Your mod/wheeling ratio is way out of wack : )

[Kryptoroxx]

I agree. Seems like every time I might get to go somewhere something happens and I have to back out.

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[Seanz0rz]

Would be fun to find a place to camp and shoot. I have 2 guns now that haven't had a round through them yet.

Also, weekends are hard now. Lexi works until Sunday morning, so getaways are probably an early-mid week type thing.

[Kryptoroxx]

You're telling me. I'm fighting to complete the Microsoft specialist certs, finalize everything with the military, find employment long distance, get ready for school in january, finish these last few projects....and like the cherry on top I'm still a platoon sergeant.

I'm dizzy and want a beer....and a hammock.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Ok so between the desk for the wife and the projects I have made a little progress again. I will have a little time tomorrow. I might get the shelf in. Everything fits and the shelf seems like it will be level.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/20/4c273f6e07f28977b7eb1fd9aad83f82.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/20/6f985401c65aa0cc50df931892bca6af.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/20/f8aa352c15b71bc324b9810a9d35cf63.jpg

I decided to cap the open ends. No strength really added here. It was more so I could round the corners and save a few cut fingers in the future.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/20/c1b140790eb2c12d2826987353b20f65.jpg

Tomorrow I should be able to grind everything smooth and get one side of the shelf painted. Then I gotta run off to the mc ball after another coat of urethane on the desk.

More coming sunday. I should have the whole day then.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Some more progress today and a skunk works will be released soon. The upper bracket is proving to be a challenge but I think I have it licked.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/f3cbc0653170d0d6f236a095776e5833.jpg

Got some paint on the rear shelf. After a day of drying and a second coat I will have that finally completed.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/2499381eb6b44a08cce641f922fd9b8d.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/ea3c9fa152101a0745ce58aa57d2a336.jpg

Cleaned up the tire carrier stopper as well.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/23/3a5db5fa251af78fd2e30ea0de4646f0.jpg

Things seem to have gotten pretty quiet around the forum. Everything ok with you guys?

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[troyboy162]

just waiting to wheel this weekend. I'm looking right at you lol

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LkkhHP7j63k/hqdefault.jpg

[habanero]

Things seem to have gotten pretty quiet around the forum. Everything ok with you guys?

Well I'm still here. Been busy with a 'new' 3rd member and fixing my e-locker actuator.

Your set-up is still awesomer and awesomer!

[Kryptoroxx]

just waiting to wheel this weekend. I'm looking right at you lol

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LkkhHP7j63k/hqdefault.jpg
I would love to! I'm stuck till payday though.

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[4x4mike]

Still here. I've had a few little projects here and there but haven't had much time to post let alone take pictures. Most aren't really forum related but fun. Almost done with another solar generator that will power my Christmas lights this year. Getting the house painted which has spurred other little repairs. Half done with a Rotopax mount and lock and maybe another LED yard light or two.

[Kryptoroxx]

Got a lot done today!! No trails yet but I am trying to get out in the desert for a little while or maybe up to big bear around the first. The family is heading back east in advance of me so I will have lots of idle time on my hands.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/24/fad616ce6dcbebd2c553e252c14f6736.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/24/813c865a29daa6a2bc6e95a670f2c4f5.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/24/eadda2b7404fec6b13c7885528724052.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/24/85efb0421990f03935006ce8cc82b81f.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/24/36878d3f61133b64d00a61120e8bf558.jpg

Things are shaping up for the ladder. Tomorrow I will be permanently installing the upper bracket provided I get time to work and then I can see about how the rest of the ladder fits for length and everything. I am considering using some of my expanded metal for the back of the ladder so I don't accidentally break the rear window. I've got lots of scrap laying around so I figure I could make something work. It would be easy to add on now. I have the license plate figured out too but that's to be a surprise lol.

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[Kryptoroxx]

I had to get a buddy to help me out with the install but I think the shelf came out nicely.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/25/ae972ae88eb2cc5b85de17a0fb69df31.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/25/b2161ab30814b0f01729a1a748008705.jpg

Still working on the ladder. The upper bracket clears nicely....but not with the outside padding. I am taking a break till after Thanksgiving.

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[Kryptoroxx]

Well the ladder is going to have to wait till I can get around to fabricating a rear bumper. The upper bracket needs some more tweaking in order for it to fit the body nicely but I think Gobi was foolish to even design it with no lower support for weight. It will hold me and I even tested it but it flexes on the upper door frame too much IMO. A better design that incorporated the bumper is necessary to spread the load out. I think the tricky part will be having something that supports but also something that releases when the door is open will be the difficult part. I am planning a custom rear bumper so maybe that will be the solution.

The ladder looks great and I really am excited to continue this idea however I am not going to rush it and ruin a tailgate over a ladder. Hopefully I can find a place to work on the truck in Michigan but if not I made quite a few modifications that have improved life for me in the truck greatly. I need to go and use it now for a time. I will have pics in a little bit.

[Kryptoroxx]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/27/427e0865a8ab60eb057497efdfac3993.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/27/f96c585da6c43ed7c4645b33da658355.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/27/8dfb33774ed3946619b6e5fd2436aad5.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/27/93ec4ba3f5e9632d5f3afe2c942eea2f.jpg

The good news is I am really happy with the shelf. Bad news us I'm happier with the shelf than I am with the 906 springs. I will be going to an 891 set when able. I don't have 300 lbs of stuff in the back and I am definitely sagging past my comfort level. I'm probably at 200 lbs in the picture and I still have other junk to put in for the move.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/27/93109cbed4461c04414436f4bf7a856c.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/27/70d51d91409c895838c4bd72593aa6e1.jpg

Other good news is that I figured out the mounting for the rocketbox on the roof rack. I now have to use j-bolts like on most truck boxes but they work and they will hold. I have no idea what noise, if any, there is but I doubt it is worth noting.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/27/da13436b35d6d8bcd7b870744db3f490.jpg

That's it for mods for a long time. I'm still hoping to get out into the desert soon just to test out the suspension a little more. Anyone have some 890/891 coils for sale?



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[4x4mike]

I get my coils from Wheelers. I'm currently on the 890's. I had the 906's but they sagged more than I liked. I forget how many miles I had on them but I got $100 locally. I think in the 2 years I had the 906's the price of all the coils increased by about $40/set.

[Kryptoroxx]

I get my coils from Wheelers. I'm currently on the 890's. I had the 906's but they sagged more than I liked. I forget how many miles I had on them but I got $100 locally. I think in the 2 years I had the 906's the price of all the coils increased by about $40/set.
There's a used set that isn't too far but the thing is that gas would eat up most of the savings of buying used. I think I might just have to spring for them new and sell off the 906 springs.

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