Lookin good Mark! Nice job. One of these days i'll get started on mine. I got the D44 axle which is all torn down so i've been prepping that. Not sure when i'll actually put my truck under the torch though.
Thanks! Well at least you've started with the housing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
The frame plating really makes everything look clean. I was thinking of doing the same thing. How come you went with 1/4" on the outside driver's frame rail rather than 3/16? Couldn't you have just not used the plate that came with the steering install kit or was it attached to the pump? What's the reason for the square cut out in the plating toward the rear? Was that just to get more contact w/ the frame for welding or does it serve some functional purpose?
I've seen/heard about enough cracked frames to justify 1/4" (some guys here plate top and bottom also), but you for sure could make your own steering box mount for the inside and outside. The kit uses 3/4" holes on the inside plate for the DOM sleeves to go through the frame. The cutouts in the outer plates is to make clearance for the 'bump' in the Tacoma frame. I guess since you're plating it, those 'bumps' could be cut out completely, but it does give more contact area to the widest section.
What springs are you using and what size are they? Do you have the measurements of the height from ground to the bottom of the frame?
The springs are Alcans. The fronts '85 Toyota spec, 3" lift, center pin spaced 2" forward. The rears are stock Tacoma, 5" lift, with 1.5" of length added to the tail end. I hope it will settle to 25" at the frame on 37" tires.
Will you be putting together a parts list and uploading pictures from the build or are these about all that you have?
I rebuilt the brake calipers and ported the steering box for hydro assist too. Once I see how everything works (or doesn't work <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />) I'll post up reviews, pics, part numbers, and sources. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
