Deepmud's one-link

[deepmud]

Hey Southerners! :thefinger
I haven't posted up much since I started lurking. Thought I'd share my lastest crazyness. I decided to toss the Samurai trans and tcase - broke too many, and want to turn up the boost and intercool the diesel, so got the ACME Toyota/VW adapter. And then, as long as I was at it, I figured I go Toyota axles. And then, as long as I was going to mod to put Toys under there, why not look at a linking the rig? And then I saw the one-link system - kinda' new, kinda' old school - why not try it out? And then, as long as I am lifting, perhaps I can find some bigger tires? And then :D I cut the body for a longer wheel base and a flatbed. And damn, I am still not done, but here's a pic:

http://www.kyrias.com/deepmud/zukfab10_23_2004%20063small.jpg

http://www.kyrias.com/deepmud/zukfab10_23_2004%20069small.jpg

[MuddMachine]

Fawkin cool, the 1-link looks simple, I like that.

Wonderin bout the wrap thing as your links are mounted above the axle centreline.

Also, what did you use for the single link at the frame end, joint wise ?

[deepmud]

Wrap should be fine - 2" 1/4 wall don't wrap much. The front is trickier, but will have the load spread out more - I will post up more of that when it looks less bootyfab.
I am using 1 1/4 heims. Pretty big. If it wears quickly, I will cough up the $$ for grader ball joints. Humongous, strong. I suspect the heims will be fine - we'll see if I can keep them clean enough to stay tight.

[MuddMachine]

I'll assume you're going to run a panhard bar as well ?

Can you give us a detail shot of the link at the axle ? :D

[deepmud]

nothing to see - just tack welded to the pads. Everything is tack welded until I am sure I like it - so at least a couple weekends out. I may take a night this week and build panhards so it can roll out of my buddies shop ( man, I OWE him big for all work he's done with the plazma letting me leave my junk there for months ) - but my kids miss me, and my wife says I have two girlfriends - Suzy and Dell-a :D - so no work on the rig today, and not much this next week and weekend.

[KAC]

awesome man...But where did the rest of your truck go?? :D keep us informed

[Fullload]

Yeah i am so curious about the "1" link as well. We need detailed pics of the mounts and some dimensions will be good and when the pan hard is done let us see a pic of that as well.
When you get it rolling i would love to see flex pics, of all angles!!!!!!!!! i love that K.I.S.S rule!
Good job.

[Depot]

that 1 link looks more like a 2 link with one point to the frame. Ur gonna need a panhard bar of some sort or the axel will walk on u. Wont that make it a 3 link by the time all is said and done?

D

[deepmud]

Lucky you told me about the panhard - phew, that was close ;)

Ok - that was smartass of me :thefinger . BUT DUH, I didn't name it. You search on link suspensions for a few weeks on the POR and elsewhere, getting ideas, it gets named one-link or wishbone - not two link. And the blah blah about 4 link and 4 link with a panhard goes on and on. And noticing it's a triangle? Still one link (with a panhard or watts) as far as axle motion is concerned, whether it's an A, a V, or a T shape.

I'll still post up if it sucks :D

[deepmud]

awesome man...But where did the rest of your truck go?? :D keep us informed
I hope notice the last 8 inches got tacked back on - I like the look. And it will still keep out the water on deep water crossings. I plan on an aluminum flatbed.

I still need to work out what the 39s and the 2.28 Toy low with 4.88's leave me - am I lower, or taller geared than before? The diesel can pull move it the tires even if it's tall geared - but starting on a steep uphill was requiring a little clutch slipping. I am hoping for a bit lower overall - may have to cough up a Marlin box somehow. The 1:1 high should only help. Damn I love the diesel! Big intercooler, and 3 row Toy radiator to try and get the 1.9 cool at 75mph/10 pounds of boost. Once I get it rolling, I get to turn up the pump even more, now that I know the tranny should hold :D

[szabotage]

are you using the sammi t'case? just wondering if the t'cases offset will interfere with the driveshaft on the link bars when flexing. looking good so far, can't wait to see how it works! :rock:

[MuddMachine]

2.28 Toy, may have to cough up a Marlin box somehow.



:D

[szabotage]

gotcha!, too bad :(

[deepmud]

FWIW -- I am putting a one-link up front, and will have to solve the interference problem there. It looks like it will end up with an asymetric triangle - the passenger side will be much shorter, and pass right over the pinion, to a center bar, while the drivers side will run over to the center bar almost at the pivot joint, like the back. I decided I need to move my front crossmember piece, where the front pivot mounts, back to right under the front tcase output - I didn't take into account front driveshaft clearance - so I will be cutting the front apart and redoing it ( it's all tack welded by my friend Trevor, who's shop I am hogging :thefinger ).

[Fullload]

I hate surprises like that don't you!!!! but at least it is fun learning!!!. and i love learning from others!!!
Keep us informed.

[Sj-x]

keep the link on the under side of the axle, then run a skid under your shaft, bending rear d-shafts sucks. whizzy of blackflag 4x4 did this, he loves it

[Canadian_zuk]

Hey deepmud, How's the rig comming? Haven't seen any progress pics. Have you had it out yet? How's it workin for ya?

[Canadian_zuk]

Well.....

[deepmud]

Hey guys. Long time comin'. Still work in progress. Got the rear sorta' finished.

http://www.supermotors.org/getfile/209565/fullsize/zf2005_5_30_small017.jpg

The are a few more pics on here:
http://www.supermotors.org/mygarage/vehicles/content.php?id=7029&sID=25837

It's been a lot longer job than I thought - working in someone else's shop is a lot more of a hassle than I thought it would be, plus all the other usual excuses :D

Since it's summer, I am finally bringing it home tomorrow, so I can work on the " little things " like brakes, clutch operation, etc :thefinger

The front will get more redone/undone( I don't like the way the arms are just stuck on there), I still need the Saginaw box to go with the Scout box I scrounged. A bunch of stuff. I have two weeks before the big Alaska MeetnGreet, then it's another two weeks while we take the kids to see their grandparents in upstate NY - I sure hope I get this done in time to see some mud this summer!

So - an update, finally :D

[deepmud]

http://www.kyrias.com//deepmud/2006_5_29/2006_05_29_035.jpg

you guys should let images show in the threads this clicking stuff is no fun :D

more stuff here and you can see it without clicky
http://www.alaska4x4network.com/showthread.php?t=8144&page=6

[deepmud]

http://media.diywelder.com/erik07/070325-2007_03_25_web14.jpg


http://www.alaska4x4network.com/showthread.php?t=8144&page=12


some video

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/499646/zukon45s.wmv

[Canadian_zuk]

Nice. Are you running stock Toyota axles with those tires?

[deepmud]

so far, in the yard, yes. But I have Longs to install :D

[Loco]

Awesome, that thing looks pretty capable. Love the tractor tires, millions of farmers can't be wrong.:D

[rocktracks]

looks like it will take alot to stop it:D

[SamiFlyer]

Where the hell is that video hosted? I pulled that 6.5mb file down in about 2.5 seconds!

Oh yeah, sweet rig too. :D

[Evolvocane]

Yeah I like that thing alot:)

[deepmud]

Where the hell is that video hosted? I pulled that 6.5mb file down in about 2.5 seconds!

Oh yeah, sweet rig too. :D

Supermotors.net - free, too :D

Thanks :D It's nice to have it moving again. I've kicked myself more than once for breaking down a good running diesel Sammy to make a monstor that has taken 3 YEARS :yike to get going again. But I'll enjoy it.

[deepmud]

check out the fenders

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/509002/fullsize/04-24-07_0807.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/506484/fullsize/2007-04-17-012.jpg

[longy442]

I have the exact same shop as you, vynal. Not near as mess around it as yours is. haha. Wow that thing must be fun.

[deepmud]

I have the exact same shop as you, vynal. Not near as mess around it as yours is. haha. Wow that thing must be fun.


yeah, I have a patient wife. I make a big mess. :D

[deepmud]

Not done but out of the house

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/516776/fullsize/2007-05-16jimcreek-016.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/516778/fullsize/2007-05-16jimcreek-017.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/516780/fullsize/2007-05-16jimcreek-025.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/516788/fullsize/2007-05-16jimcreek-028.jpg

The tranny started making funny noises - and I broke off the tacked-on rear shock mounts (oops, I knew I meant to fix that :D) and it's got a LOT left to do but it was fun to get it out, it climbs well, and rides SO smooth I think my wife may be able to get out wheeling with me again (one of the reasons I started all this was to be able to take her again). I love the way it handles, and I got it up to about 45mph and it sort of rose up on it's travel and floated along - it's a blast and should work even better as I get it dialed in.

[vanbdan]

It looks fantastic. I got to say,I didn't exspect to see that much sand! I thought you would still be in the snowLOL.My daughter couldn't believe it either.Great pics,

[Mudball]

...and I broke off the tacked-on rear shock mounts...

I did that once at a local OVO event and have yet to hear the end of it! :D

Nice pics for sure, those dunes look like an absolute blast to drive on.

[deepmud]

:D spring comes quickly here - we had buds on the trees last week and now it's green everywhere.

The sand is actually loess - the blown silty stuff from glaciers. The Knik glacier is 10 miles as a crow flies up from the dunes at the end of the long flat river bottom.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/518989/fullsize/2007-05-16jimcreek-003.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/518990/fullsize/2007-05-16jimcreek-007.jpg

It's more like one "dune" really, not a series of them like you'd expect - beyond the big dune I was climbing on the silt is captured by the trees and it's just a trail in the woods.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/518992/fullsize/2007-05-16jimcreek-026.jpg

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/518991/fullsize/2007-05-16jimcreek-030.jpg


The area gets a lot of abuse actually - burned cars, trash, shooting, the random, makes all gun owners look stupid kind - the local clubs clean up every year.

Check out the moose-buggies hauling junk :D

http://www.alaska4x4network.com/showthread.php?t=28953

[LedFoot15]

Man those little buggies look pretty sick....what are they actually?

[deepmud]

"Alaska Moose Buggies" are usually built on 1 ton truck or suburban frames - 45" tractor tires, often stacked tcases but not always, and homebuilt bodies that are supposed to save weight over the stock body, and certainly clear the tractor tires easier :D The cheif obstacles are deep rivers and boggy peat - just like western Canada, really. They have to carry hunting/camping gear for 2 or 4 persons and then if you get 2 moose you have to really load up on the way out. Gus(Speedo on a few BBS's like Pirate) takes more than 130 gallons out on a trip.

Back in the 70's the buggies were usually modified 6x6s with just 2 axles and DC3 tires with chains for the float the big aircraft tires gave over the bogs.

[deepmud]

http://i15.tinypic.com/66l5r1x.jpg

http://i11.tinypic.com/6af17uo.jpg


Lots of progress - not many pics - the rear shocks are on again, redone - and the 14's are in back now - so the fronts have the 12's - so they had to be redone - I cut the frame to clear steering when it's on the front bumpstops. I found a point where the left spring pad would hit the frame-side panhard mount at full compression - THAT was that WHAM sound! Much better now

After my last trip with the transmission making bad sounds I found I had not designed the suspension to allow the tranny to be removed! The crossmember holds the suspension AND the transmission - pretty stupid. I made the front link a "take down" link - it has flanges to allow the link to be unbolted - but it takes straps pulling both forward and back to keep the axle in place - the rear I just dropped down out of the way and held up the body on some super tall homebuilt jackstands.

All would have been a lot easier witha twopost lift but this worked.

So it's back together, new trans/tcase - now the starter sounds "grindy"-:rant:

I'll try to take some pics of all the new stuff but it's trail-able now. Just rear bumpstops to finish ( only has one side and no rubber on it now).

I'm happy with the turn radius - I crunched around on my property for about 10 minutes, weaving thru the trees - sometimes I have to make a two or three point turn, but even the old stock Zuk had to do that sometimes.

[DevilDog]

I was checkin out ur link, nice to C those boyz draggin out the crap trucks, excellent job guys.

The DevilDog

[deepmud]

Hey cool, I can post again.

So last fall, I tore out the transmission again. This is number 2 used trans - I finally figured out that the the noise was due to the offset of the adapter. Jeff was sure he used this same file to make other adapters that were no trouble, but he swapped me out anyway - and when I finally tore down the rig, it was late fall - and when it dropped below zero I stopped working outside. It sat all winter and into the spring. I did get a deal on some 5.29s, in a swap with my 4.88s, and with nearly no cost I got my gearing a little lower.

I plan to ram assist - I have a ram, just need to get some hoses so I can hook it up to my Scout steering box. I plan to use two arms per knuckle - I confirmed it fits.
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/741110/fullsize/_media-card_blackberry_pictures_img00358.jpg

Let's call it 8 bolt knuckle :thefinger

I need the ram for these:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/607387/fullsize/trax-003.jpg

ttfn

Erik

[deepmud]

I'll never get used to how this forum puts up the latest post on the first page - but it really makes sense :D

Update:

I got to put in a few hours of rough trail on Sunday. A "lotsa rocks" trail(not rockcrawling, just a lotta' rocks. You Canadians know what I mean :D) , with some steep STEEP v-shaped eroded dirt and loose rock-ish climbs. No issues, crawls right up.

Except my arms got tired - I keep blowing off the high pressure powersteering line on this thing - I've blamed my tracks before, but this time it was just the 39.5's, locker up front too - I have a thread-on end on the box end of the line - I think the threads in the outer sleeve end up cutting the line - time for a crimped end for both ends? and hydro assist - anybody else use the thread-on style of fitting?

The one-links are working well, it rides pretty soft, feels stable off-camber, climbs the most vertical runs easily, even the somewhat ugly, rocky climbs that get bypassed by the ATV's. My friend Dale said "looks like you are on a marshmellow, the suspension just flexes over everything" - and it does, while not doing the "wallowing wave" from side to side too.

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/756118/fullsize/img_1952.jpg


I also like how my rig on 39's is just a bit taller than AkDale on 33's :d


Nice view from up there. The trails is just a series of climbs :D
http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/756117/fullsize/img_1946.jpg

[fullsizeguy]

i use the thread on type ends on all my hoses except the suction line from my res. there its a crimp on type, i've had no issue with them so far

[deepmud]

Bummer - I keep blowing the thread-on type. Partly, I used a Scout steering box, and the pitman was stooopid long - I cut it down, welded a Toyota end on it so I could toyota rod ends - but it's still too long, and steals any leverage advantage away, making the power steering box work harder - but still shouldn't keep blowing the lines. It occurs to me that a row of 3 or so small hose clamps might be the way to go - the threaded collar seems to be cutting into the hose. I'll take some pics this time when I take it apart.

[fx4matt]

sorry to revive a dead thread, but whats the deal with that sammy on tracks?

[deepmud]

I actually got it out and wheeled it a bit this weekend...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1007/4723167315_94f57c4632_b.jpg

scored most negative on the obstacle course, with a score of -6, so I beat out some beefy rigs. pretty sweet :D

tracks are bolt on for winter

[deepmud]

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k50/deepmud/deepmud1.jpg


http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k50/deepmud/DSCN1013.jpg


http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k50/deepmud/DSCN1014.jpg

[Depot]

Looks Sweet Mang :beer:

D

[deepmud]

Why , thank you :D

I was near ready to dump the thing again - it sat since last fall - then I got to run it against some REALLY well set-up rigs - and with a little luck, outperformed them all ..... it really felt like a vindication of all the work, and the crazy ideas, that it came together and made the obstacle course a walk in the park. ****s on 33's or 35's? No comparison. Ak Moose Buggy on 45" tractor tire? just a little too big, too slow to keep up. V8 Juggy on 53" tires with Rockwells? too heavy, not quite the tire-to-rig-ratio that I have.

And the one-links - worked GREAT.