G's Raptor

[E63]

Bak Flip, Bak-Box repairs

So I don't think I posted this up either, this has to do with the repairs to stuff after the testing run we did after putting on the Heavy Duty National Springs (thats the title of the previous post), anyway when I forgot to strap down the cooler the box that holds the racing jack got loose and got "Tore up", Bac-Box also had damage from previous outings... the last time was due to failure of the crappy Bak-Flip rail clamps.

While I had everything out I also did some other needed repairs. The bak Flip P.O.S. Rail Clamps were each removed one at a time and red Locktight added. I learned that using large Bar Clamps to hold the clamp square when removing or tightening the clamps to avoid the tendency for them to twist off. I was able to get 100Lbs or so of torque slightly deforming the aluminum clamp body.

The Bac-Box was put on the bench and inspected. I noticed a fatigue tear in the side of the aluminum frame. I added some thin aluminum “L” brackets to double the thickness. And fabricated inside braces from unused equipment stand metal legs. The L brackets were JB Welded and clamped overnight. Surface was protected by tape and glue area sanded prior to application of Glue. The inside clamps riveted on the outsides and used self taping hex screws on the inside into the aluminum framework. I also plan on strapping the box down to the bed to eliminate any up or down movement, and have an unused Mac-Tie Down point directly under it. I don’t think the Bac-Box will be giving me any more trouble.

 

[E63]

2nd 37” Spare Tire UNDER BED – Part 1 - Compression tests

Here's another I may not have posted. It is a total Fail, but now I know what I need to do next to make it work.


So we had this idea that by letting out the air of the 37” spare tire we could compress it so that it might fit under the bed. As you can see from these pictures of my 37” KM2 under the bed. The rear frame where the Leaf Shackle mounts are is the limiting factor. Those in and by themselves do not pose a problem as they don’t move.





The 37" tire touches the rear Diff, and that is a problem.


It also touches the stock exhaust, that would seem to be the easiest to solve


The Hitch is really close too, but the 37 misses it by ¼”.


Heavy Duty Mac Tie Down Ratchet Strap with endless loops: Tried both one and two of these massive ratchet straps, with air pressure down to virtually zero. Tire would buckle but circumference stayed the same or bulged elsewhere. This was a fools mission. Oh well.






Got good use of the tie downs when we dis-assembled a heavy duty steel mezzanine - see my post in RPG's thread when Jarrett shredded his finger in a Belt Sander - great short read click here http://www.fordraptorforum.com/f98/dam-near-lost-my-finger-15087/

Anyways, the solution for getting the 37" tire under the bed will be accomplished while we do the bumpers. Rear will be moved back some, hitch likely will be raised and incorporated into the design, the mounts for the rear shackles will be boxed / trimmed and the exhaust will be cut off over the axle. Piece of cake.

Plan is also to do passenger cage, 5 point harnesses, sliders and skids. New lighting will also be added into the bumpers themselves. Not sure if I am going to be able to get this all done before the Day in the Dirt on the 28th, but that was the plan.

 

[Prybar]

Wonder if you could vacuum the air out of it with something? I know we used to use these little venturi devices to get the air out of inner tubes with the shop air compressor. Maybe someone makes a more...uh....sucky version? Hahaha.

 

[E63]

Wonder if you could vacuum the air out of it with something? I know we used to use these little venturi devices to get the air out of inner tubes with the shop air compressor. Maybe someone makes a more...uh....sucky version? Hahaha.

Along those lines - a fools errand. Nope solution lies in new modified rear bumper, dumping exhaust just over rear axle and modifying the shackle mounts for rear leaf springs. Bumper is 80% done!

 

[E63]

Status Update

Got to take a look at some of the prefab work being done on the front and rear bumpers, looking really good. Also went over the other work being staged, Passenger roll hoops (partial cage), 4 point harnesses, sliders, lights and skids. I have yet to have this much work all being done at the same time. mtf

Now all us married guys knows, if you want to play, you have to pay, honey dos that is. For me when negotiating to get my Raptor a list of 5 Projects on the home was the price, that since morphed into about a dozen, so in addition to washing and waxing all 4 vehicles with help from Ian (son #3), Gardening etc, I started layout for new woodwork along stairs



Here is a pic with a test fit of the left side Fireplace (done a couple months ago along with almost all of the other major projects that included replacing the front windows that I did myself, adding a converted antique oil lamp to a vaulted 16 foot ceiling where there was no electrical and another potted rose trellis garden, left to do is the stairs and a new Front door and my debt will be paid!
and Abby showing off the right side:


Here is a before pic with the beast all cleaned up, I took many to compare before and after


And the stable


If the Raptor looks massive compared to all the others, well that is because it is! It makes the 4 WD Suburban look very small in comparison.

Two weekends ago it was drywall repair after breaking a sprinkler in Industrial Suite while disassembling the Mezzanine




Yup, thats me on the lift, strapping the main cross beam


So if that wasn't enough - Got this mess and huge repair bill on rental property



Looking forward to Day in the Dirt on Saturday - Barstow to Vegas!

 

[Cubdriver]

We married guys feel your pain brother.

 

[E63]

Bumper Tease

Here is a preview pic, I hope to have it to show off at Day in the Dirt next Sat. You may notice that the receiver has been relocated higher, still missing the deck plate material, rear lights and license plate lights. The welds are a thing of beauty. This pre-runner style bumper will soon be commercially available. Send me PM if interested.

 

[Raptizzle]

Looks really good. I think we can all guess what sticker you're covering up on the tailgate though!

 

[E63]

Looks really good. I think we can all guess what sticker you're covering up on the tailgate though!

Yeah...someone kind of let a little something slip on another thread or maybe you just have a photographic memory, or then again maybe your psychic? Which is better than being Psychotic... just sayin.



There are those damn peppers again...

 

[Nick@Apollo-Optics]

Well now I'm legitimately curious about what's being covered up on the tailgate.