64 Gladiator Tribute

[BigJ200]

Did I miss the details on your lift kit?

No, it's my fault. This is the show and tell area and I've been posting "build" photos.

I will start a full build thread in the right place.

My apologies...

MB

[ShawnQ]

Did I miss the details on your lift kit?

No, it's my fault. This is the show and tell area and I've been posting "build" photos.

I will start a full build thread in the right place.

My apologies...

MB

You are definitely showing and telling! I'm just curious to know what lift and axle setups you've got under that beast!

[BigJ200]

Ok,

I have a Ford F350 high pinion kingpin Dana 60 in front. It has 35 spline chromoly inner and outer axles, Yukon Super Joints, Detroit Locker, Ballistic Fab high steer arms and Warn Premium locking hubs.

I also had the wheel hubs machined down from 8 lug to 5 on 5 1/2 to match the original Jeep pattern. Then I installed Ford F150 rotors and GM 3/4 ton calipers mounted on my custom caliper brackets. I made a custom 1 1/2" x .25" wall tie rod and drag link with 3/4" Rod ends. The diff cover is made from very thick aluminum. Everything was powder coated black or painted forest green.

The rear axle is also a Dana 60 with double splined 300M 35 spline axle shafts and a Detroit Locker. Like the front, I installed front F350 Dana 60 spindles and hubs. They also got the same treatment with machined down hubs from 8 lug to 5 on 5 1/2. Then I installed Ford F150 rotors and GM 3/4 ton calipers mounted on my custom caliper brackets. Except, in this case, they bolt to custom collars that are pressed on and welded to the axle tubes. Same aluminum diff cover. Both front and rear axles have Stage 8 hub locking systems.

Both front and rear axles are mounted on 3" lift BDS springs. XJ rear and YJ front. I also used my custom designed American Vintage 4x4 shackles. I moved both front and rear springs from the original outboard position to under the frame rails. It is spring over front and rear with a shackle reversal in front.

Some photos in no particular order...

[ShawnQ]

Nice fab work...that truck is a beauty!

Looks like you have access to some nice machinery/tools. I have the ability and the imagination to do this stuff. If only I could afford it, and afford the tools for it!

Thanks for replying. Beautiful truck. I will likely try out those headlights.

Have you considered using a 2nd set of smaller lights where the 'pie-pans' are located? I'd like a 4-light setup...but haven't looked into it too much. I know there are some smoked 5" lights that would likely fit with a little work.

Keep the updates coming!
Shawn

[BigJ200]

I have considered using a set of lights in place of the "pie plates". In fact, I have a set of military lights that bolt right in. But I prefer to keep the plates and mount driving/off-road/fog lights on and in the front bumper.




MB