I would like to discuss my rear end, maybe show it off a bit, and try to not let it get too dirty.
Just like my front end build was needed to repair damage, the irony is that the same was happening with the rear end. It's a much bigger mechanical job than the bolt-on TC LT front was. It's a task on the order of Sol's and MissFJ's, involving total removal of the rear drivetrain and design and fab of a totally new one.
But why do this?
The DR truck has 54-inch lower links that bracket up under the front doors.
Here's why:
[YOUTUBE]
There are challenges with me as a customer too. First because it's my daily driver, and second, I still want to do the trips I was promising my family all through last year. So we'll pace this build in steps, and use the downtime to plan the next one. Last year I just wanted to go all out, period, and damn the consequences. As we all know now, that's fine if you want to rent a Sentra for 6 months. Plus, Jason and Kim have a business to run which is another reason to plan to the last degree. I do too, and can't live there all day anymore.
My dream is to have this go like Sol's build, and I think it will. A huge undertaking that came out beautifully because all the issues were clearly understood and defined. Mine got crazy because it covered every inch of the car from body to electrical to paint to interior and on and on.
Last night, the noisy rear end finally let go. To me it seems like an end bearing. The most horrible graunchy sounds, and finally, when you roll forward the rear end moves up and down with each wheel revolution. Yeah, real juicy stuff. We'll tear it apart and show the postmortem photos soon.
So this is a radical change in plans. I need a new rear end pronto!
So this is a radical change in plans. I need a new rear end pronto!
Those of us who (have nothing better to do but hang around DeMello's shop) have been following your FJ's development from the first big bulges to the current state of affairs have been waiting to see how you'd handle the rear end issue. My sense is that following on the tracks of Donahoe (a proven design) would be the way to go because it's robust and it works.
The stock rear end wasn't up to the task but I'm still surprised that your rear end is shot. Aren't they new GEARS? What in the name of Sweet Sally have you been doing to the Starship to cause that sort of failure?
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the only good thing is that there is no turning back, and i am 100% sure that you will do an excellent job with you're rig., i haven't been fortunate enough to see you're rig in person.
The stock rear end wasn't up to the task but I'm still surprised that your rear end is shot. Aren't they new GEARS? What in the name of Sweet Sally have you been doing to the Starship to cause that sort of failure?
Well I don't know specifically what it is until we get it apart. As you know it had always been making a noise and we were hoping it would just go away. A bearing noise.
It's possible that this might be a "fix" thing instead of a "replace rear end" thing. But I am guessing that it has chewed up more than the bearing because of the horrible noise and movement. It feels like it is going over little bumps every wheel revolution... really nasty.
Ack, I'm sorry to hear more woes. I guess you might as well do it right and not simply "fix", but redevelope the rear as Sol has already done. He's already done the footwork for what's needed so you won't be treading on new grounds. Like Larry, I'm surprised the new gears has failed so soon! Hope to see your rig up and ready for Spring. Too many places to go yet! I'll be following this thread.
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Sandoo Blue FJ
Walker Evans adj. F&R reservoir shocks. Pro Links. AP F&R bumpers. Demello skid. Mile Marker SE9500C. Viking Trail Line. Super Swamper LTB 34s on Tacoma wheels. 305 MTR on Wheelers wheels. Trail Gear Sliders, Aeroflow, Lightforce Blitz 240, Powertank 10lb, Hi-Lift, Jack Mate, Pull-Pal.
Yeah Tony I am not so sure it is the gears. We'll see on Monday. The way the car physically moves up and down as it rolls tells me that it is towards the end of the housing, like a carrier bearing. It just tears itself apart as it rolls!
Sol has sent me a lot of helpful info recently in this area. Really knows his stuff. Jason is thinking Ford 9-inch. Wyatt likes the new Currie. Sol is staying Toyota.
Whatever it ends up being, the hard part is wife management. This is *really* not going over well after the trials of last year. But our Death Valley trip was phenomenal.
Sol has sent me a lot of helpful info recently in this area. Really knows his stuff. Jason is thinking Ford 9-inch. Wyatt likes the new Currie. Sol is staying Toyota.
Sol seem to have already figured out the electronics so that a huge plus.
Quote:
Whatever it ends up being, the hard part is wife management. This was not the news she needed after the trials of last year. But our Death Valley trip was phenomenal.
I can understand that. She's a special woman for enduring last year. All you limbs seem to be functional still... At least you got a couple of good trips in. Speedy recovery!
__________________
Click for the "Genie" build up
Sandoo Blue FJ
Walker Evans adj. F&R reservoir shocks. Pro Links. AP F&R bumpers. Demello skid. Mile Marker SE9500C. Viking Trail Line. Super Swamper LTB 34s on Tacoma wheels. 305 MTR on Wheelers wheels. Trail Gear Sliders, Aeroflow, Lightforce Blitz 240, Powertank 10lb, Hi-Lift, Jack Mate, Pull-Pal.
Todd, sorry to hear that the rear is having more problems already...I know that you just changed out the rear a couple of months ago. Damn buddy, you haven't had time to really go out and play yet and have this happen so soon. I'm glad your going with a tried and proven design like the DR setup. I agree with Larry, this will be the best way, knowing that it will "Work" and will be able to do what you want the vehicle to do. I'll be interested to hear what Jason says is the problem when he tears the rear end apart. I'll be watching this thread closely.
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The way the car physically moves up and down as it rolls tells me that it is towards the end of the housing, like a carrier bearing. It just tears itself apart as it rolls!
Sol has sent me a lot of helpful info recently in this area. Really knows his stuff. Jason is thinking Ford 9-inch. Wyatt likes the new Currie. Sol is staying Toyota.
IMO Sounds like a drive pinion bearing went south. BTW Jason is a smart man, Ford 9" rears are just about indistructable! Currie make a great set up as well.
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