Goodwrench3 Posted December 22, 2023 Author Share Posted December 22, 2023 Slowly getting all the frame stuff on the right side mocked up before I start lowering the cab -- to make sure there aren't clearance issues with anything. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Chastain Posted December 22, 2023 Share Posted December 22, 2023 The mock-up is so important, allowing you to correct things. Well done. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted December 31, 2023 Author Share Posted December 31, 2023 I got the cab supports lowered. Here are before and after photos. It seems about right now based on 1:1 photos. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted December 31, 2023 Author Share Posted December 31, 2023 After the cab was lowered, I wanted to check to see that there were no clearance issues with the interior tub in. OK -- it clears. Just ! Man that's close ! 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cifenet Posted January 1 Share Posted January 1 Looking good and things are in the right spot! All your engine pipes are connecting well also! I remember building this kit as my first truck and it was difficult for me. When it comes to attaching things onto the frame, the instructions weren't explicit and I had to do many "trial and error" approach to connect all the dots. Interestingly, even with all the problems I faced, I had so much fun building one; I ended up buying another kit so I can build another one in near future! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 3 Author Share Posted January 3 Worked a bit more on the fit of the crossover pipe today and test fit radiator with engine in. Finally attached the fan support bracket to the block! Was sweating that one as it needed to land the fan in the center of the fan shroud. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockford Posted January 3 Share Posted January 3 Looks tidy to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 15 Author Share Posted January 15 A little more work this weekend. Got the front hinges cut down. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Chastain Posted January 15 Share Posted January 15 Top notch building, well done. This is gonna be a good build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 22 Author Share Posted January 22 This weekend I finally got the rear suspension and axles "tacked" in. The molding of the Hendrickson beams and the axles is not great -- loads of "slop" all over the place with these. To try to tighten things up, I had a buddy help me and we drilled the beams and then installed pins through the axle brackets and beams (like the real 1:1 suspension had). Still some "tweaks" to do, but it's progress. It also looks like the front torque rod is a bit long. The forward axle is too "flat" and that makes the inner drive shaft between the axles not long enough. So some correction to do there too I think. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockford Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 You're right about the torque arms, you can see the rear axles are splayed outwards at the top so that the pinion angle is pointing downwards. Not right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 23 Author Share Posted January 23 5 hours ago, Rockford said: You're right about the torque arms, you can see the rear axles are splayed outwards at the top so that the pinion angle is pointing downwards. Not right. I think the rear torque arm is probably OK ? I would expect the rear axle to be "canted" back a bit like it is to make the drive line between the front and rear axle more of a straight line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockford Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 1 hour ago, Goodwrench3 said: I think the rear torque arm is probably OK ? I would expect the rear axle to be "canted" back a bit like it is to make the drive line between the front and rear axle more of a straight line. Yes, it's mainly the front pinion angling down that hurts the trained eye, like looking at a left hand thread, just not comfortable with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 23 Author Share Posted January 23 Just now, Rockford said: Yes, it's mainly the front pinion angling down that hurts the trained eye, like looking at a left hand thread, just not comfortable with it. Agreed. It didn't "smell right" to me. I've been trying to find a 1:1 photo of an Astro 95 with a Hendrickson suspension to try to see angle of the axles and the torque rods, but I haven't been able to find any yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 29 Author Share Posted January 29 This weekend I was able to finally "tack" the hinges in place and make sure the cab tilted with the bumper on and did not have any binding/clearance issues after lowering the cab. Big win ! I will probably need to move the bumper up a bit when it's finally assembled. I also got the front torque rod adjusted so the rear axles are better oriented and the center drive shaft fits right. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Chastain Posted January 29 Share Posted January 29 Noticed that you use V- blocks for your mockups, I do exactly the same and just purchased a new set of 1-2-3 blocks and a set a precision parallels. They really help set up a mock-up. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goodwrench3 Posted January 30 Author Share Posted January 30 8 hours ago, Gary Chastain said: Noticed that you use V- blocks for your mockups, I do exactly the same and just purchased a new set of 1-2-3 blocks and a set a precision parallels. They really help set up a mock-up. Hi -- what are these ? " 1-2-3 blocks and a set a precision parallels. " ?? Can you send me a link for these ? Thanks ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Chastain Posted January 30 Share Posted January 30 I have two sets of 1-2-3 blocks, here I am using them to square the backing plates on a rear axle, the parallels are used to fixture a mockup. You can get these on eBay or Harbor Freight. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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