stock class rules for ultra4 only allow 35"s

for everyones interest, this build is going to be kinda slow until i get my bmw sold, so bear with me on this, dont expect updates daily.

 

small update for today. I worked a bit on the front axle today and got the axle tube pressed out.
I had to cut the welds out first

then I found out that solid aluminium rods don't work well to press and axle tube out with a 55 ton press (around 8-10 tons when it bent), but it did get it started

so, then i made a new press extension out of 1.75" DOM tube

and it worked, no more short tube!


however, some weld did hang around and scratch the housing wall, but that shouldnt be a problem


Tomorrow, I will hopefully get a chance to pick up some 3" OD 2"ID tube to make the new axle tube. I also need to cut the welds out of the collar on the new short side so I can get the knuckle welded on.

 

More engine build pics, specs and details!!!!.....(Please)......

 

Not so great update for today....
I got some more work done on the 60 today. I pressed the remainder of the axle tube from the inners c's of the axle, so they would be able to slide over the new axle tubes and be welded on.
Then during lunch, I came across some bad news. When planning the budget for the axle builds, I estimated that the 6' of 3"OD DOM steel tube that I would need would be around $100. But when i went to my steel supply people, I found out that the 6' of tube i need for the new axle tube was going to cost almost $300!!!! So, i called around and everyone was around the same cost.

This news has put a huge kink in my plan. I've been looking at the cost of toyota 3rd members and just using the stock rover housings. I was hoping on using a 35 spline set up, but looks like i might be settling on 30 splines. And theres no way a 10"+ ring gear will fit in the stock rover housing. But from what i understand the toyota is 9.5"?? Maybe, someone could confirm that for me? 9.5" wouldnt be the end of the world, its still very stout. And hell, im only running 35's not 42's, so 10'+ is not necessary. Oh well, ill think about it over the weekend. If i ditch the dana 60 idea, ill haul it off to the scrapper and get some money out of it, plus i have 2 cats i need to recycle too. That money will go towards the toyota 3rd members (if i can find them).

Also, this would be some big help, i mentioned earlier in the thread that alot of this project is waiting on me selling my bmw. If anyone is interested let me know.
1995 bmw 530. 111k miles, great condition

Give me some feedback on axle ideas guys! I need to be persuaded, i really dont feel like dropping 300 on a 6' piece of tube. But i would have a custom width dana 60! OR, i could do it the easy and much cheaper way of using toyota guts

 

See post # 2 for the link to rovertracks site - talk to Keith he is the go to guy for rover axle swaps and knows more about it than anybody.

Here is some discussion on pbb about rover/toy stuff Need CV's - Pirate4x4.Com

No matter which way you go it isnt going to be cheap. I run 35's on rovertracks front axles and cvs and ashcroft rear axles with GBR and ashcroft 4:11's and I havent broke anything yet.. and I am pretty hard on my truck

 

Stock class rules say that air suspension is not allowed, unless it came stock. Makes me wonder whether a 93 -95 RR LWB could be the perfect builder to get race style suspension under stock class rules?

 

I'm sure they mean air shocks and not air bags