So the tiregate welding is done! I will put up the pics tomorrow. As with most parts of this project, it proved a touch more challenging than anticipated. Evidently, when they weld together the tiregate, probably in a jig, some of the tubing either expands from the heat, or there is a touch of tension in a few of the bends. When I cut the 4 x 1" sections out of the tubing, the two lower pieces wanted to bend about 1/2" inwards. Well, the short version is that I had to use a high lift jack to slightly spread the top and bottom tubing apart by that 1/2" to get them to realign. It was an unanticipated challenge, but that's nothing new with this project Just one more hurdle overcome!

I just have to grind smooth the plug welds I did to fix the outer tubing to the inner sleeve I added in those cut-and-welded sections, and then I'll post the pics tomorrow.

 

Subscribing...... awesome build and can't wait to see it line x'd

 

OK guys! I'll keep it simple. Tiregate is on, and NO, it isn't even close to a standard install. I think it came out pretty dang nice seeing that I cut nearly every part of it into little pieces!!

I quickly fab'd up a couple Hi-Lift jack brackets, too, right before it got dark.

I had a great little buddy helper with me, too! I couldn't have done it without him!

Oh, and there are a few pics of the NEW baby buddy helper, Chandler Jace!

Enjoy! (click links below for pics)

Inner sleeve added

Assembling it all

Contraption to square it all up

Roughly together

Finally on!!

Another view installed

Loaded up!

High angle loaded

Open view

Little bracket fab

Hi Lift jack in place (lacking lock pins, but holes drilled)

Hi lift bracket welded

The 3 guys taking a rest

Chandler and I, chillin'

The guys, the gate, and the hi lift

 

That's lookin great, Adam! Any idea how long until you get to take it back apart and get it sprayed?

 

Hey, Evan! Thanks, man! The only major thing body-wise left is mounting the front fenders. As soon as that's done, I'm gonna get it sprayed! Suspension is next job to tackle, but I've been in contact with Don Thuren and he's got my business. Bolting on the suspension will be a piece of cake compared with all this fab and stuff I've been doing the last 2 months! I'm gonna try to work on the fenders tomorrow. They should be nothing compared with the PITA the bedsides were. Well, not a pain, but the bedsides were just very labor intensive. I'll keep you updated!!

 

Nice Job!! Wow, all that fab work looks awsome. Can't wait to see what Don Thuren sets up for you! A big Congratulations on your baby boy!!

 

What did you decide to go with on suspension? Are you changing the steering much as well?

 

I foresee a blue and silver remote res shock under that truck.



NAMED KING!

HURRY UP!!!!!! LOL

I love this project

 

Planning on much softer than stock full replacement leafs in the rear, need to discuss with Don whether to do single rate vs progressive front springs. Also I plan on upgraded bumpstops, sway bar endlinks, and adjustable trackbar is a must. Without spilling details, I forsee a prototype new sway bar setup, as well!! Because of my emphasis on reliability, free spin hub conversion and ball joint upgrades are in the immediate future. Carli has a really nice custom fab'd ball joint set that I'm leaning towards.

Don't worry...I won't take shortcuts just to get it drivable sooner. I don't like running those stock ball joints and hubs at all with those 37" tires and less backspacing, so I'm not going to do it for long, if at all.

 

So here I sit in Pediatrics with Chandler. Poor little guy started getting sick this week (thus my lack of project updates) and started getting lethargic today, and eating alot less. His oxygen levels were dropping way low when trying to eat and sleep due to a viral pneumonia. He look so much better now with IV fluids and oxygen, but for a while there he gave us a little scare. He's a tough little one, though!! Please keep him in your prayers... Thanks, guys

Adam

 

entire family is prayers Adam. Family comes first always.

 

Thanks, man. I have a welcome update, too: Chandler is doing immensely better this morning. I stayed up all night with him, stimulating him when his oxygen sat dropped, and he looks like a new child this morning. He's feeding, bright-eyed, and reading DieselPower magazine (haha - kidding). Mom also got some much needed rest after I insisted on being the one to stay up with him last night. So, it's good news all around so far. Thanks again for the prayers.

 

Very glad to hear he's looking better. We'll say a prayer for you guys.



Edit: nice job on the tire gate. I saw you loaded pics but I was on the road and had to view them on my phone. Tiny screens do not do justice to such a project. Good work!

 

Great news on the little one!! Another prayer from Texas to keep the guy on the right path.

Like Chris said, family ALWAYS come before the truck. It will still be there waiting tomorrow and the next week.

 

Chandler is doing great! Thanks for all of your prayers and comments.
On a separate note, I think he mumbled the word "diesel" while he was falling asleep with me today! Smart kid .