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logan03CO · #76 09-07-2011

FYI:

Looks like some recent movement from someone over on another site:

EDIT: Link to thread at ExplorerForum is no good anymore...it was deleted since the person wasn't an authorized vendor

Should be an option for people that need the brackets. If nothing else....it's a thread bump!

**ME00Stepside** · #77 09-14-2011

OK guys, I know it's been a long time, and I haven't had much good news, but I have the prototypes almost done. It looks like I'll be going a different route with everything (prototypes, and production). I will be making these with a family member, and he just sent me a pic of the bottom plate after bending.

These will be bent on a die for consistancy. Hopefully this weekend we will get them welded up and test fit.

**99offroadrngr** · #78 09-14-2011

Beef08 · #79 09-15-2011

Subscribed and the coil rate i believe should be 750lb go down to post #28 by TrePaul86 https://www.ranger-forums.com/showth...t=62087&page=2

**ME00Stepside** · #80 09-15-2011

The spring rate is going to be personal preference. I'm actually trying 600lb on mine. If it doesn't work the way I expect, it's not expensive or hard to change them out, but these trucks are light, and I'm going for ride quality, since I put 150 miles a day on it.

**ME00Stepside** · #81 09-16-2011

Update. We finished cutting everything last night, and the upper mounts should be welded up this weekend. I'm going to bolt the plate for the lower mounts in and then get things lined up in an ideal position before welding them. I'll get some pics up soon.

Also, I'll be adding the gussets. I should be able to price out the whole kits soon. I appreciate everyone's patience. This has taken far too long, and I often thought of saying "f**k it", but I know there are guys that want these things. Needless to say, I now no longer deal with the shop I used to deal with.

**99offroadrngr** · #82 09-16-2011

**RLong31** · #83 09-16-2011

Keep us posted... I am dying to get rid of my t-bars.

**morris** · #84 09-16-2011

question. i know im gonna get flamed so i already put my suit on. so here were go.

if i did this swap and wanted to plow with a light weight plow, could i just increase the spring rate from 750 to something like 850 to compensate for the extra weight then when winter was done swap back to the 750 or whatever springs?

**RLong31** · #85 09-16-2011

I'm sure you could if you wanted to do that much work.

logan03CO · #86 09-16-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by morris

... could i just increase the spring rate from 750 to something like 850 to compensate for the extra weight then when winter was done swap back to the 750 or whatever springs?

Yep you sure could. Some of the guys that have done this conversion had winch bumpers on the front so they would go with the heavier 800's or 850's to help prevent sag.

**morris** · #87 09-16-2011

Thanks for the info.

*puts away flame suit*

**Scrambler82** · #88 09-16-2011

Buy a new shock/spring setup, so you have two and install the whole pkg rather than changing springs, easier, faster and both sets will last longer.

Pricey yes but in time alone will be worth it !

**morris** · #89 09-16-2011

would a new alignment be needed every time you swap from 750 springs to 850s?

kanuck15 · #90 09-16-2011

I would say check it at least. One would think a stiffer spring would cause a positive camber but I am sure there is some aspect I am missing that allows it to be changed

korey89 · #91 09-16-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by morris

would a new alignment be needed every time you swap from 750 springs to 850s?

Depends on if the ride height changes when you do it. Your best bet would be to like draw a little reference line along part of both of the LCAs and onto the crossmember, and then adjust the preload on your coilovers to make it match up once you swap.

kanuck15 · #92 09-16-2011

Thats an idea, Could just get a heavier spring but make it shorter by an inch or so. Then adjust it

**Scrambler82** · #93 09-16-2011

IMHO....
Watch the chg in the ride height, if it changes more than 1 inch, maybe 1.5 inches then you may need an alignment but watch the tires for wear.

**ME00Stepside** · #94 09-19-2011

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 8530)

Got a call this evening. The uppers are welded up. Hopefully Thursday I will be installing the uppers, and marking the lowers where the uprights will be welded. Then I should be able to get everything done within the next week.
I'll get pics of the uppers as soon as I have them.

**KLC** · #95 09-19-2011

Glad to hear you are making progress. Hopefully all the time and hassle will prove to be worth it for you.

**ME00Stepside** · #96 09-21-2011

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 8530)

I don't mind the time and effort put into something like this. Worst case scenario, I have my set up done. Best case, I'm still able to offer a kit at a good price for the guys who want it.

**ME00Stepside** · #97 09-21-2011

Just picked up the parts. Don't know if I'll get to do anything tonight, but we'll see.
The bottoms are not welded. That's just a mock-up. Also, I haven't yet drilled the top hole, as I want to make sure it's perfectly lined up with the hole in the shock tower. After these are all fit, welded, and installed, I'll work on the gussets. Those are the easiest part of the project.

I forgot that I'm not going to be around this weekend, but I'm going to see if I can at least get these fit by Friday night and drop them off at the welder before I go away.

I'll post up some more pics as I get to fitting things.

ZWilson07 · #98 09-21-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by ME00Stepside

Just picked up the parts. Don't know if I'll get to do anything tonight, but we'll see.
The bottoms are not welded. That's just a mock-up. Also, I haven't yet drilled the top hole, as I want to make sure it's perfectly lined up with the hole in the shock tower. After these are all fit, welded, and installed, I'll work on the gussets. Those are the easiest part of the project.

I forgot that I'm not going to be around this weekend, but I'm going to see if I can at least get these fit by Friday night and drop them off at the welder before I go away.

I'll post up some more pics as I get to fitting things.

Looks good. Keep up the good work and hopefully you will be able to offer a kit or come up with something for everyone. Goodluck.

**KLC** · #99 09-21-2011

They look nice. Will be interested to see if your holes and tabs are placed right. Bet your excited to finally get it done.

logan03CO · #**100** 09-22-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by KLC

Will be interested to see if your holes and tabs are placed right.

x2

What did you base everything off of? Like your starting measurments and stuff?

Got something planned or worked up already for the top spacer?

Looks like some good quality so far!