A little more progress...new xmember & v/c's

Randyzzz · #1 09-24-2007, 01:09 AM

Well, I got the worst of my leaks fixed this weekend...and got the transfer case working too. Actually I swapped in the smooth shifting one from my Scrambler, with a new adapter to stop the hemorrhage of tranny fluid. Never did like the stock flimsy crossmember, so I built a beefier one. It looks low, but actually it's 1/2" higher than the stock one. I also replaced the valve covers (other leak) with some cast aluminum ones from a turbo V6. Added some "custom touches" before bolting them on. Whadda ya think?

chdorsey · #2 09-24-2007, 06:42 AM

Looks good! Nice work!

Chris

phantom_jeepster · #3 09-24-2007, 08:24 AM

It turned out real nice.

RRich · #4 09-24-2007, 09:28 AM

It's a good start - but -

Look at it from the side - you have a little protection - if you drop straight down on an object, but how often to you do that?
You are usually going over something, everything "hanging down" will "catch" on everything.

You cannot do much about that, but you could put another plate in front - like a ramp, so when an object comes along the ramp lifts you up and over it, rather than banging into it. A smooth transition seldom breaks things.

Same for the rear side - if you are on something, then slide off forward, what does it drop down on? That poor little driveshaft gets bent.

Ease up, ease down.

"Skid, rather than "bang and catch."

Randyzzz · #5 09-25-2007, 01:33 AM

Thanks, guys. I was rather proud of how the valve covers turned out. The crossmember was actually quite easy.

Rrich- I took the pics before reinstalling the factory skid plate. It covers from the front of the trans pan to about 2" behind the transfer case. Although, this is my "trail" wheeler...I doubt it will ever see anything that will truly pose a damage problem.