a lot of my work lately has been on the exhaust and, in particular, getting the DOC to fit, clear the front drive shaft, miss the frame, avoid the footbox, be high enough to not stick down too far for both obstacles and the crossmember (that it needs to be above). I have a load of parts, elbows, Quick Draws DOC Relocation kit… and extra stainless 2.5” exhaust…and after countless hours welding, mock ups, 100,000 times putting on and taking off, I’ve scrapped it all. It’s like watching money and time evaporate… but I’ve owned many rovers so…I’m used to that.
Had a late night thought so I got up, went out the the garage and got out the band saw, MAP torch, cold chisel, and proceeded to set off our fire alarm. I ripped it off the wall and stomped on it until it shut up so I didn’t disturb the wife. Too late. Need to replace that today (the smoke alarm…not the wife). But I can report she is coming along nicely (the wife, not the truck
). Finally got my scenario to work I believe but had to drop it off to a pro welder that has Nickel rods and more skill than I, so more on that soon!
Onward to Steering. With axles installed, needed Drag link and tie rod. Went over to my buddies house who had some DOM stock from his ‘Tracks days of making LR axles parts and finished the other bits on his big machinery while slurping down some wonderful Lafroaig. Never go to a skilled craftsman home empty handed. I walked out with all the components I’d need plus more learned knowledge (he always teaches us proper old school machining techniques) as well as getting to spend time with a close friend. Honestly, those are my favorite days. The difficulty is really just the left hand threaded jam nuts and rod ends. One on each rod so you can adjust them in/out. Beveled the edges of rod and end for weld penetration/surface area.
found a small clamp for roll cages that would fit for the damper (running Disco1 high bar set up) which I’ll weld a tab to today.
then I cranked up the mig, laid some beads and shot some paint.
All installed! (Except the damper attachment… soon enough…)
After 5 months, I finally got aluminum oil pan. Hell, I am going so slow, it didn’t really matter. Sort of the world right now…order early…. I believe it’s worth it. When you take off the plastic one you really see how thin it is with just the BS plastic fins adding illusion of rigidity/stoutness. God forbid something happens, I can always tig aluminum… but hey, I guess I have a spare plastic one if needed…
you’ll need the new dipstick and an additional plug as there is a dip stick hole on both side. there is a third hole next to one of the dipstick holes that I plugged with a o-ringed oil plug from original front cover.
You can see the hole on the right side just to the right of the larger dip stick hole. Cover came with gasket installed. Added some Right stuff to rear t-seal per manual but not front as I had installed a new front cover gasket (also per manual).
Back to garage! More soon enough!
